CUT

In this extraordinary first novel, Patricia McCormick gives us a painful glimpse into adolescent mental illness. Callie is a 15-year-old "guest" at Sea Pines, a residential treatment facility that has neither sea nor pines. She is there because she cuts herself. The other residents are an assortment of girls with food, drug, and anger management issues. Clea Lewis gives a remarkable performance. Her truthful, simple narration allows us to understand and empathize with Callie's terrible self-destructive impulse. Her youthful voice is never overstated or overly sentimental. Lewis manages to suggest adults who are flawed, yet believable and caring. While the ending is a little too pat, McCormick's exploration of the sense of power-lessness felt by many young women today is sensitive and wise. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]