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Title: Running With Scissors
Review: As a teacher of young children, some of whom have suffered from severe neglect and abuse, I found this book offensive. Trivializing traumatic events in the lives of the most vulnerable among us disturbs me. It is only an optimistic nature that propelled me through this book, hoping for some relief from the constant betrayal this boy endured. The dispassionate description of the atrocities and neglect in this boy's life is frightening. If this guy really lived this life, I am astounded neighbors did not report the whole menagerie to CPS, the police, the medical licensing board, the truancy officer, and anyone I've not mentioned who represents the well being of children and mentally ill adults in this society. This is no laugh riot; this is the story of a child who disassociated himself from the pain of abandonment and abuse. I hope writing this was therapeutic for him, but it didn't do me any good.
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