Andrew F. (Ravensworth) reviewed Not what I expected on 4/2/2009 + 12 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 5

I had heard of this book when it first came out and read some very good reviews. They must have read something different then what I read. I was prepared to be impressed by this book. I was underwhelmed by the "Total Story" but as you will see I came away with an understanding of what the author was truly writing about.

The prose is extremely well written in places. The problem lies in the disjointed nature of the story. It is a sporadic diary and at times leaves issues completely unresolved or resolved with no explanation at all. Understanding that diaries can of course do this I don't fault it as a diary.

The tale itself is painful depiction of teenage girl without confidence or real affection in her life. She is a washrag passed around to various abusers. She at times claims she made the choice herself but in each situation it is to justify the shame she feels toward herself. I unlike most others do not think this is a tale so much about the girl as it is about the people that abuse her. She exposes not the victim but the abusers. In some cases the abuser is Melissa herself.

Focusing the spotlight on the abusers is difficult without making them theatrical and a bit less repulsive. This is not a book that focuses the spotlight brightly at an individual but rather exposes many of them to a broad sunlight that makes them appear all the more grotesque. I think it is a cautionary tale for young men and women if read in that light. Brilliantly done.

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