Review: A riveting story of abuse and stolen youth
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 7, 2013
I'm struggling not to turn this review into a rant, but which woman wouldn't be seething after reading Damaged Girls? Is Janice Ross' character Stevie selfish, sick, spoiled, shallow, just plain stupid, or a combination of all? Whatever Stevie's problem, he manages to wreak havoc in the lives of his two young victims whose lives become hell because of their dysfunctional relationships with him. Not that these girls weren't already dysfunctional when they succumbed to the charms of a man almost twice their age. Their parents had primed them for abuse.The story is told by Morgan, a friend of Stevie's who is disturbed by his penchant for teenage girls and does her best to set him straight. Unfortunately, Morgan's advice and warnings fall on deaf ears. Stevie is addicted to young girls. He can't help himself. And it seems Jillian and Jessica, the girls he interchanges at whim, can't help accepting the mental abuse he heaps on them. Despite being warned of the dire outcome of this unhealthy triangle, they're caught on a vicious treadmill they mistake for love. Each girl "loves" Stevie. Each is convinced she's the one he really "loves" and she will end up the winner. Except no one can be a winner in this game.I admit I felt critical of Stevie's friend Morgan for allowing herself to get caught up in the drama, yet wasn't I? I was completely mesmerized by this soap opera and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. With a few editorial tweaks, this book could be a diamond. Not only is the story engaging, but the author's portrayal of the culture of abuse is outstanding.Read Damaged Girls. You may or may not feel like shaking sense into the heads of the characters like I did, but they'll certainly keep you turning the pages. Terrific job, Ms. Ross! You got me so hooked I'm now reading the sequel.