White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler

Wow, I have been gone a long time! Real life is busy and gets in the way blocking blogging efforts. My New Year's resolution this year was to be much better with my daily blogging. I do believe that I failed. Oy vey! Maybe 2015 will be better.

I just finished a book by author Pavarti K. Tyler that has brought me back in. White Chalk is a classic example of why I love indie books and authors so much. This book goes where modern day traditional publishing would be terrified to go.

Book: White Chalk
 
Author: Pavarti K. Tyler
 
Narrator (if applicable):N/A

Release date (if applicable): Published

Synopsis: Ms. Tyler takes readers into the world of 14 year old Michelle "Chelle" Whitney. Chelle has an alcoholic father and a co-dependent mother, both of whom don't have time nor energy for Chelle to interfere with their dysfunctional relationship. This leaves Chelle open to victimization from many fronts including bullying by her classmates and sexual molestation by her teacher, Mr. Harris. Enter schoolmate sixteen year old Troy Christiansen. When he shows interest in Chelle, she knows it must be romantic. Has she finally found someone to love her? Will he finally be the salvation she craves? 

My rating: A book that is able to have me as emotionally involved as it did is nothing but a 5 Star read for me.

My opinion: This book was a tough read. Probably my toughest read of 2014 so far. On that note, White Chalk is an excellent read. Again, probably the best book I have read all year.This 250 page book is hauntingly disturbing in its storyline and, as a mother, was a very painful read. I found myself wanting to take Chelle in my arms and tell her that everything would be ok. I had moments of anger, particularly at her parents, followed by moments of somberness and sadness in reflecting back to my teen years and seeing some aspects of myself in her.

The characters in this book were superbly developed and Ms. Pavarti's ability to dissect the dynamics of an alcoholic dysfunctional family unit and the roles each member takes on were superb.  I have counseled numerous girls like Chelle.  

Source: Sisterhood of the Traveling Book on Goodreads author donated book.

       

Would I recommend? : This book is a Sisterhood of the Traveling Book selection.
 
Stand Alone or Part of a Series: Stand Alone

WARNING: This book is not a young adult selection. Aside from the descriptive sexual exploitation that happens to Chelle, this book deals with very adult topics. I would never say to ban a book, but as a parent and a former counselor, one better make damned sure that their teen could emotionally handle the topics within its storyline. Other than that, I would say New Adult and up.