What a heartbreaking book! I don't have words to express the anguish Laurie Halse Anderson is able to articulate in this novel. Poor Melinda. Not only did she endure a horrible ordeal, but she was chastised and ridiculed for her misunderstood actions following. At times I got angry with her for not making up SOME excuse for the shambles her life was in, but mostly, I just felt gut-wrenching sympathy for her. Excellent book that deserves every award and accolade it had received...