Review: Highly Recommended: An intense novel that explores homophobia, self-abuse, love, healing and acceptance.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 8, 2013
A well-deserved 5-star rating for Aaron Smibert's SCRATCHES ON THE SURFACE. Aaron has done an excellent job of adding a 3-dimensional view to bashing, self-mutilation, spiritual abuse and the difficulty teenagers’ face in accepting their uniqueness and resolving past abuse and neglect.  This story isn't about heroes and villains or right versus wrong.  It is about growing up and learning that all of us have challenges. It is how we resolve or not resolve those challenges that shapes our character.I highly recommend this story to readers who are not afraid to experience violence, pain and the despair along with the characters as Aaron brings the reader so deeply into the story that it is often difficult to read. The story is not sensationalized, but rather naked in its presentation allowing the reader to evaluate for his/herself what is taking place.Personally, I was amazed at how well this story was put together. The style of writing is explicit without being sensationalized. I found it difficult to put the book down and other times I had to walk away for a bit to absorb the significance of what I just read. Aaron's insights into the psychology of the characters are amazing. Aaron has either had experience or has done a great deal of research to write such a compelling story.  It is one of the most worthwhile books I have read. It is right up there with J.D. Salinger's, CATCHER IN THE RYE.