Review: Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose edited by Gillian McCain

Publish date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Synopsis: Go Ask Alice was a hoax. But Dear Nobody is a true teen diary so raw and so edgy its authenticity rings off every page.
"I am a freak."
The words and drawings of Mary Rose present a gritty, powerful, no-holds-barred true experience of a teen girl so desperate to be loved, so eager to fit in that she'll go to extremes that could cost her her life.
This is not a story about addiction. Or sexual promiscuity. Or cystic fibrosis. It's the story of a young woman with a powerful will to live, who more than anything wants to be heard...and loved.
This compelling, emotional account ensures her voice will not be forgotten.

Review: This book is hard for me to review. I mean really, who am I to judge someone's real words/feelings/emotions?  But alas, I must review! I usually like true story, diary type stories. Raw emotions, thoughts, and judgements- I usually eat those up. In this books case...I guess I can say this is 50% true.

I had a hard time finishing this book. Reading this, I could not believe everything that Mary Rose was putting herself through all of these detrimental events and activities!! What I couldn't believe more was that no one was really trying to stop her! Where is mom? It tore at  my heart that Mary Rose had no friends that were looking in her best interest. All these people she so desperately craved approval and friendship from were toxic to her. Through all of it, I just wanted to yell at her, ask her what she thinks she is doing and tell her she needs to take care of herself!

Keep in mind that I am familiar with the Cystic Fibrosis population. Not to generalize (I'm not meaning to offend, I'm just speaking from personal experience), but these individuals tend to be somewhat rebellious and strive to have control of some aspect of their lives as they have no control over their condition. I saw so much of this in Mary Rose.

So as a wrap up, this book was very raw and real. Might be too real for some to really relate and get attached. But like I said, I'm not here to judge this girl and her feelings.

Recommended For: Contemporary fans. Those that like non-fiction, diary type novels.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.