** spoiler alert ** 
 I first read this in my freshman year of high school when I was 14 as a required reading in my English class. Back then, I knew this book was important but it was difficult for me to form a connection with the main character due to the subject matter of the novel. Nevertheless I enjoyed it, and it stuck with me. 
 6 years later I am twenty and have experienced the same trauma our main character Melinda experiences and it was much more hard-hitting reading her experiences and understanding her behavior because it is behavior that I also related with. 
 This book is short, I read it in one sitting; but just because it is short does not make it any less groundbreaking, poignant, or important. Laurie Halse Anderson did an incredible job telling this story and making it one that will stick with you forever. I highly recommend it not only for survivors of trauma but for those with loved ones that experiences trauma who require a better understanding of how those loved ones may be feelings. I wish I could give more than 5 stars on this brilliant novel.