Gemma is easily one of the most difficult books I have ever read. Even harder because I was actually listening to it on a audiobook. You can't skip paragraphs or lines easily on an audiobook so I had to sit there and listen to every word.

I've watched a fair amount of Law & Order SVU and do consider myself not used to but not shocked by most things on this topic. This book gives me a run for my money. I don't think I could recommend it to anyone and I never see myself re-reading it. But it's a good book. Just not one I want to experience again. ( )

[My review from April 2010. I borked my account, so I'm reposting the review]

This book was extremely difficult to read at times. As a young woman I wanted to shout and shake Gemma—to tell her she is worth more than she s been raised to believe, to tell her she deserves better. Gemma's voice came off very authentic, and as difficult as it was to read, I m really glad I did.

It was also difficult to read Hazen's thoughts about Gemma and his view of the world. He is so self-obsessed and a dirty pedophile. His part is written in what seems like third-person omniscient, but at times it felt like it was first person and he just liked to hear his own name instead of thinking "I" or "me". I don't know but it just came off extra creepy. Even Meg Tilly, has said how difficult it was to write: "I got to page fifteen and I thought that's it, that's it, that's all I can do! I hate being in this guy s skin! I don't want to write a book from here, I just don't."

Meg Tilly wrote from a place she knew, as a victim of rape and physical abuse. When I learned this I was so proud of her for writing this book and so outraged at the same time. It's really difficult for me to imagine and fathom. After I finished the book, I felt two things: I was overwhelmingly happy that Gemma came out the other side and also I realized was how fortunate I was not to have to go through anything like that.

NOTE: This book is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 15.

Read my full review: http://www.monniblog.com/2010/04/gemma-by-meg-tilly/" ( )

This book rated up there with "A child called It." I was so moved by this story and the courage that Gemma had. The writing style was a little different from other books that cover this subject as most don't give us the perspective of the pedophiles side. I have got to say every time the book shifted to his view, I wanted to reach through the book and commit a crime of my own. Disturbing..YES...uncomfortable..YES..heartbreaking..YES...one of the best books I have ever read...YES!! YES!! YES!! ( )

I was incredibly excited to receive this book but it was a bit difficult to read as it was so... vibrantly depicted! After the first few chapters I didn't think I would be able to finish, but I made myself. This is only a book and to think that there are things like this happening to poor girls in the world.. the least I could do was read it. This poor girl went through a lot and Ms. Tilly never lost sight or focus in her story; she never left any small detail vague.

It's a dark but powerful story to tell and Ms. Tilly certainly did very well! ( )

I saw this book on the early reviewers list a few months back, and it really intrigued me. I didn't get the book in the luck of the draw, so I went to the library to find it.

It is an incredibly sad story. I almost stopped reading after the first chapter, but I had to find out what happened to Gemma. Her life is tragic, but she still manages to find love, compassion and imagination in her heart.

I really enjoyed this book and read it compulsively over a span of a weekend. I hope that children like Gemma find the hope and support they need to get through their trauma and heartache. ( )