REVIEW for Dear Nobody, The True Diary of Mary Rose

TITLE:                 Dear Diary, The True Diary of Mary Rose

EDITED BY:       Gillian McCain and Legs McNeil

GENRE:              YA

RATING:            

I have read many, many "diary" books written by YA - about social issues and I have to admit that this one was one of the more harrowing and raw reads.

I think what freaked me out the most was that Mary Rose seems to go from 0 to 100 in only a few pages.  She starts off being a relatively normal teenager, with regular worries and suddenly seems to hurl herself into a complete world of debauchery.  What amazed me was that she seemed almost clueless about the harmful effects of her choices.

She rarely questions why she does something, in fact, she seems to look forward to doing more.  She never seems to have any qualms or worries about her choices, which progress into drugs, sex and other acts.  

I also question the role the adults in her life play.  Granted this is her diary but very rarely are her parents mentioned and when they are, they simply also seem clueless.  I am left to wonder - where these all clueless people?  Really?

The entries are mesmerizing, especially those concerning her health.  The progression of her addiction is obvious and she certainly fits the description of an addict.  

I am not a prude and I understand addiction, but it felt to me, at times, as though something was missing here - I think it was a voice of reason SOMEWHERE in this poor girl's life.

It must be horrible to be a YA in today's world and even more difficult to be a parent.  However, books like these are very important and this one does not shy away from the reality of what poor choices can bring.

It seems to be, throughout this entire book, that Mary Rose desperately needed to feel loved - this was a common thread throughout her entries - my heart goes out to her.