I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I just finished reading it, after not being able to put it down, and it left me speechless, not to mention the goose bumps it gave me. At first I wasn't sure where this story was headed since I hadn't heard anything about it prior to seeing it on PBS but I have to say that this story packs one heck of a punch. Quite the surprise ending. This is definitely a book I will recommend to my friends. It's going on my "Keeper" shelf.

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I am so glad I finally got this out of the tbr pile! What a wonderful read!! If you are easily turned off by somewhat dark stories like say, oh, The Lovely Bones, along those lines, you might not like this book. But Flock does an excellent job at telling the story through a child's voice and I've got to tell you, I did not see the ending coming at all, even though I was sure I knew what it would be. I've got to love a book that can do that to me! 5 stars all the way!!

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This book was breathtaking and astonishing, this was an amazing & gripping story. One of the best books I have read in years, very emotional, I can not recall crying so much while reading a book.

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I bought this book at a local Drugstore , i was in between books and just needed a "filler",, I got HOOKED into this book the whole way thru! It was sooo sad throughout and made me mad at how parents can treat their own children.
I am hardly ever totally surprised by an ending!! This one TOTALLY surprised me!
This is a great read!

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Wow. I read this book in a day, because I had to see what was going to happen. I don't want to be a spoiler by revealing too much about the plot, but this is one of those books you'll want to skim again after you finish it the first time. It may help other readers to know that the book deals with domestic abuse but does not, in my opinion, become gratuitously graphic.

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Great read, didn't want to put it down.

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What a sad life Emma and her sister live. The stepdad is an abusive drunk. The mother is distant and obviously doesn't want kids around, especially Emma. But the sisters take care of one another. astounding ending shows how far they will go to save each other,and their mother.

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This book just tore my heart up! You really have no idea what is happening at the very end and it makes you so sad...as well as ANGRY! If you don't like sad endings then don't read this one!

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I loved this book! Once I started I couldn't put it down! Written from an 8yr olds point of view it is well written and very gripping!

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Spoiler is predictable from the beginning. With that being said, it was an ok read, but the content was tough to stomach. Quick read, but mostly went through it to get through it.

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Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

The first of two books, which kept me confused to the bitter end. Caroline Parker is growing up in a rough home with both parents creating a hostile environment and from the start I cringed reading about the abuse that she had to endure at such a young age. Throughout the book she has her sister by her side, Emma and without her she would be utterly alone in this sad situation.

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enjoyed the book. intense at times

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An amazing story told from the point of view of Carrie, a semi-neglected, abused child. She talks in a matter-of-fact voice and takes a matter-of-fact approach to handling the situations in her life, figuring out what to do if a parent doesn't come home or shows up very drunk. She tries to take care of her younger sister, Emma, even running away from home with her to try and find a better life. (They don't make it very far.) I developed deep affection for Carrie and wanted to see her hopes and wishes come true. She's memorable.

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