I read this book in two days; I couldn't stop, I had to finish reading it. Thanks to NetGalley who gave me the chance to read this (wonderful) book before its release.
The story follows two characters: Cassie, who runs away from her adoptive parents' home at eighteen to build a new life, away from her adoptive father's abuses, and Ronnie, a kind and introverted man, who is afraid of using the elevators alone. this is how their story begins.

-- "Any chance you might ride the elevator with me? I'm sort of afraid to ride alone." --

Slowly the two characters begin to get to know each other and bond more and more to each other, each with its scars and fears (of the past and for the future).

-- "Well, I think I know what you meant," Ronnie said. "Because I feel that too."
They both looked at each other, smiling. In Ronnie's expression, Cassie could see nothing but goodness, and understanding, and patience. --

I loved the way the author dealt with heavy topics like child abuse, shame, guilt, mental health, ...
The book in fact has chapters not only on the two protagonists but also on Cassie's adoptive and biological parents and on Ronnie's mother; this gives the opportunity to have a broader view of the story and to see how each character copes with with the consequences of their actions.

-- How many lifetimes can I live in one life? --

I think the ending is not fictional but realistic, perfect for this book. The scars (which we call home) do not disappear (they cannot); what we have to do is learning is to accept them, to live with them because they are the ones who make us the people we are.

5 stars

Another excellent story by Milan Gupta!

The story chronicles the lives of Cassie and Ronnie, 2 characters with mental health issues who meet by chance at an elevator.

We learn of the childhood trauma that caused Cassie's problem and about Ronnie's undiagnosed schizophrenia. The readers get a glimpse into their therapy sessions and into their lives.

It is an unconventional love story that left me waiting for a follow up novel.

I was happy to receive an advance copy of this book. I enjoyed reading it very much and even though it deals with mental illness and abuse, it was written in a way that didn't leave you feeling sad or depressed; instead it was quite a page turner and extremely hard to put down. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you Milan.

I loved Gupta's first book, "The Mariner's Grandson" and his new story met the expectations he set the first time around! "These Scars Called Home" was in many ways a page turner (I read it in two nights), but not meant to be a thriller. Rather it's a roller coaster ride through the lives and trials of its main characters, with plenty of plot development and guessing what comes next. I felt fully invested in the lives of Cassie and Ronnie by the end, and appreciated the conclusion, although I felt it could have been a little more impactful if set up further in the future. You may disagree - read the book and decide :)

This novel grabbed me from the first page. I couldn't stop reading it and didn't until I got to the end. Both Cassie and Ronnie are multidimensional characters that you just feel for. I was rooting for them so much. For her to overcome her past and for him to make a future. The novel tackles issues of mental health and abuse. That's not always easy to read.
The POVs jump around a lot which I'm not usually a fan of but it didn't bother me here. I was just too into the story to care. I highly recommend this book. It's short, too, so it can be read in an afternoon! If you're like me, you will want to do so.

Book Description - Meet Cassie Martinez – intelligent, fierce, and independent. Her life, and her heart, are a strict no-enter zone for others. Mastering the art of survival at a young age, Cassie keeps her secrets close, and everyone else at bay. Looking out for herself, no matter what the cost. But then enters Ronnie Service. An introverted, socially-awkward man who gets nervous riding elevators alone. Asking Cassie to join him for an elevator ride, and here their journey begins.

Cassie and Ronnie come from entirely different worlds, both carrying hidden scars from their past. Scars that resurface as they discover each other, and themselves. As their pasts catch up to them, can they unlock the door to healing through friendship and love?

These Scars Called Home explores the burden of personal trauma, mental health, and emotional scars that can either threaten or secure a relationship. Is it truly possible to find hope far from home?