| Ellie begins her life with two loving parents and a happy home. Her secure lifestyle comes to a dramatic end when she witnesses the death of her mother, and a year later at age 8, she loses her father as well. Her life continues to go from bad to worse as she and her siblings are shuffled around between caregivers, many of whom are abusive. She is separated from her brother, and sees her aunt attempt to stab her sister. However, it's when Ellie enters her teens that her life becomes even worse. Psychologically and sexually tormented by her uncle, kept a virtual prisoner in her home, she attempts suicide as an escape. Finally, at age 18, she is allowed to get a job and uses this as an opportunity to escape. She spends a year as a homeless runaway before making a decision to live a better life. In the last chapter, she candidly shares the long term effects of her childhood, as well as updates on her family. | ||
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Plot & Themes Kids growing up/acting up? Yes Kids: - molestation--unpleasant gift from Daddy Family, hate Yes Struggle with: - Uncle The difficult family member - is a molester (ick!) Period of greatest activity? - 1950+ Subject of Biography Gender - Female Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 () United States Yes The US: - Midwest Century: - 1960's-1970's Writing Style Book makes you feel? - thoughtful Graphic sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - rape/molest If this is a kid's book: - Age 16-Adult Pictures/Illustrations? - None How much dialogue in bio? - little dialog |
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