Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Full of anger at her father, an alcoholic who abuses her mother, Pattyn begins to question her Mormon religion and her preordained, subservient role within it. She is confused by her mother's acceptance of the brutal abuse, and although she is furious at and terrified of her father, she still longs for his love and approval. As the consequences of her anger become more dramatic, her parents send her to spend the summer with her aunt on a Nevada ranch. There she finds the love and acceptance she craves, both from her aunt and from a college-age neighbor, Ethan.

I started this book when we got here to Colorado. I read during my free time (which translates into when Ashton was swimming at night or during stolen moments right before bed).

Before I get into the story and if I liked it or not, I must first tell you how unique this author and her writing style is. The story itself is not the only wealth that this book (and all her other books) offer. She writes in a style that looks like poetry or art on the page, but it tells the story at the same time.

For example...when she is writing about love, the words will form a heart on the page...


Or when she is talking about things going down or sad emotions, the words seem to fall down the page too...


It was truly an experience to read in this style of writing.

So, when I first borrowed this book from my friend, I was afraid that the story wouldn't be as developed as the stylized writing...but man, was I wrong. This story had every emotion, but in such a simple way. I cannot wait to get my hands on her other books. Reading this story was such an interesting experience and one that I would do again.