This novel seems to be more character driven rather than plot driven which is fine, however the character driven aspect was kind of slow. I felt that sometimes it was hard to discern what Amy was really thinking at times. Also note that the book is hard to get into at first, however later on the book does pick up. Not a one click read but still glad i read this book. The mental health side of this book was very well done. I've read a lot of books were manic depression/suicidal thoughts and tendencies are glamorized and this novel does not do that. Instead it shows you what it is, its ugly side and what its like to live with it. I look forward to reading more by the author in the future as I think they can easily climb the charts if a few skill are tweaked.

3.5/5 Stars

**I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I really wanted to like this book. As it is I have a lot of mixed emotions after finishing it. I wish the diary entries were mixed in a bit more. I feel they added so much to Amy's story that would have helped the reader connect with her earlier. The mom mentions Julia at one point during a fight with the dad and you have no clue who she is until Eric's chapter close to the end. I think depression, self harm, and suicide are such important topics, I wish they would have gotten into that a bit more, and maybe covered more in terms of getting help. Or just more about what Amy was thinking and or feeling rather then just continually saying she was depressed. I know one cant always pinpoint what is causing their depression, but maybe some conversation around the helplessness aspect of it would have helped.

Amy's father was a horrible person, that much was clear, however, her mom was just as bad by continuing to let him come back and for not sticking up for Amy. When your child has tried to kill themselves you do whatever you have to do to get them the help they need. She infuriated me by not standing up to him more, especially after what he had put her through.

I did feel things were a bit disjointed throughout the story. It ended up all making sense later but at the time of reading it seemed random and all over the place. Even at the end I still feel there were some chapters that weren't necessary.

I was given an advanced copy of this book in return of an honest review.

@netgalley #partner

Thank you to #NetGalley for the review copy of #22Scars. All opinions are my own.

22 Scars was an okay book. It wasn't amazing, but it definitely wasn't bad at all. Most of the story follows Amy as she battles her depression after losing a couple of her friends. It's a pretty decent representation of self-harm and depression.

There are also chapters mixed in from another person's perspective. This character reminds unnamed but you do eventually realize who it is.

I liked the idea of this story, but the way it was laid out was confusing. It was hard to know where chapters started and stopped, who's perspective we were seeing, the chronoligy of the story, etc. In fact, the ending really should have been toward the beginning, in my opinion.

Overall, 3 stars. I liked it, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it either.

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Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read & review this novel. Most of the characters are well-developed; however, the father is painted mostly as a one-dimensional villain. Not having an insight into his angry outbursts makes the character almost a caricature. Additionally, having two narratives was a little confusing & it was somewhat jarring to go from one plot to another. Overall, the novel was well-written, but the open ending was disappointing. I followed the protagonist's pain & would have preferred finality.