"We have to look," I say. "We have to see what happened, so we can tell the truth about it."

I knew what this book was about going into it, and I knew it would be difficult to read, but I also knew it would be important. I was right on both accounts.

This is a book about what happens when a small town turns against a rape victim, choosing instead to take the side of her attackers. This book is something that happens way too often. This book is about something that happened to me.

I have never read a more accurate account of how vicious and damaging victim blaming can be. This is the first book that has ever made me cry. it's the first book I've ever considered not finishing because it was just too painful. I'm so glad I finished it though, and even though it's a very difficult book to read, I think it should be required reading for highschool students, actually it should be required reading for everyone.

Read this book, and then remember this book when you want to tell everyone how your friend "wouldn't hurt a fly" after he's been accused of rape. Remember this book when you think to yourself "she's always been a slut, no one would need to rape her." Remember this book when you want to blame the victim for dressing provocatively or drinking too much.

Or better yet, read this book and remember it. And never, ever do any of those things. This book has the power to change someone's life. I'm sure it would have changed mine, had it been written 5 years ago.

Please read it.