Review: A story that will capture your attention ....
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 25, 2013
Fifteen year old Tiara, raised in a dysfunctional family, and a former child beauty queen, goes into a rage at a Vancouver Starbucks, and repeatedly stabs a customer.Tiara is transported to prison, a Youth Custody Center. A Psychologist is assigned to her case to find out if she is fit to stand trial or not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder. And the story unfolds ----The story is revealed through Tiara's memories of past birthdays. These memories are written in a journal. Tiara is surprisingly very articulate and highly intelligent for having very little education. But, she was very defensive and unwilling to disclose details about herself. She appeared to be consciously suppressing her emotions. The journal becomes her lifeline as she struggles to uncover the trauma she has suffered as a child.Tiara's mother, and her Aunt Gracie are very manipulative and care only for their own well being. They submit Tiara, as a toddler, to beauty pageants for their own selfish reasons. They made her into a mini seductress - a toy temptress. Tiara was told that she needed to do this if they were to survive.The long buried truth finally surfaces, a past that reveals pedophilia and child exploitation. One negative comment - I felt the dialogue and storyline moved too slowly at times. But, the book had compelling characters, a satisfying conclusion, and a dark storyline that will capture your attention. Absolutely heartwrenching!  I highly recommend and my rating is 4 stars.