Book Review: Scars from a Memoir by Marni Mann

Scars from a Memoir (Young Adult Edition)

by Marni Mann

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Libertary Company (October 26, 2012)
• Purchase Link: Amazon

Book Description

"I could make up a story to cover the last eight years, but the scars on my arms told the truth. So did my ankles, the skin between my toes, even the veins that had burst on my breasts. Did my battle wounds really prove I was a survivor? Or was I too damaged to be glued back together?"

This Young Adult edition of Marni Mann's sequel to Memoirs Aren't Fairytales picks up with Nicole having only one skyline to remind her of the freedom she'd lost--a tattoo of inked buildings dotting the skies of Boston, crisscrossed by scars. Heroin had owned her, replaced everyone and everything she'd once loved.

Two men want her; one fills a void, and the other gives her hope of a future. Is she too far gone to find love? And because her past refuses to stay buried, will life allow her to sing a lullaby to addiction, or will her scars be her final good-bye?

WARNING: While intended for young adults, this book does contain drug use, strong language and graphic imagery. Reader discretion is advised.

My Review

After I finished reading Memoirs Aren’t Fairytales, I was eager to jump into the follow-up novel, Scars From A Memoir, where Nicole’s story of addiction and recovery continues. While in a sober living environment, Nicole attempts to restore balance in her life, and quickly meets Asher, a young man who wants to love and protect her. When light begins to fill the darkness, people from her past creep in and disrupt the peace that Nicole has worked very hard to attain.

Determined to make her brother Michael proud, especially after he lost his life trying to save her, Nicole listens as his voice of reason fills her head during the bleak and lonely times. She winds up in a confusing love triangle and makes an effort to stay safe when violence from her past life erupts.

Marni Mann has given us an excellent continuation of Nicole’s life. In her first novel, Mann did a superb job in detailing the life of an addict, but now, in Scars from a Memoir, we see the aftermath from the destruction of that lifestyle. Despite the progress being made, there are always cravings and demons that an addict must battle to pursue a clean and healthy life.

Again, Marni Mann has written an enticing story and the character development is wonderful. I really found myself adoring Nicole throughout her intense journey. She turned out to be a phenomenal young lady. This book is intense, has multiple surprise twists, and an ending that will shock you.

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