Black-Eyed Suzie

Twelve-year-old Suzie has just been dropped off at St. Dorothy's mental hospital after she stops walking, sleeping, or speaking. The only time she feels safe is when she is inside her 'box,' and that's usually how she stays all day long, sitting in a chair with her knees up to her chin, unmoving. Her Uncle Elliot, disturbed by her ever-worsening behavior, initiates her eventual stay at the hospital. There are already several summaries up for this book, so I think there really isn't a need for me to give another one; plus, I don't want to spoil anyone. I do want to say that Susan Shaw's debut novel is a very beautiful, sweet, and sad story that follows Suzie's struggle to distance herself from the world as she has been doing, and the eventual revealing, through her, of what happened and why she has become the way she is. I was very drawn into the story and her relationships; from her mother, a former singer, her father, her sister Deanna, Karen, a girl in the institution, her uncle Elliot, aides: Marie, Stella, and Bill, and Moses and Joshua, two other children in the institution. The story was moving and powerful, with moments of quiet as Suzie gained a new view of her world and shattering revelations, with characters to care about and hope the best for. I think this is a wonderful story, not to be missed. It is one of the best books I have read all year long.

Suzie is in a safe-box, in her most comfortable position, the fetal position. She won't talk, eat, walk or anything. Her mother is so mad yet won't get her any help. She refuses to acknowledge anything being the matter with her daughter. Suzie's older sister tries to help but she isn't much help at all. Uncle Elliot stops by and forces the family to take action. He forces them to take Suzie to the hospital. In that hospital, a history of abuse starts to take shape and everyone starts to learn of Suzie's past and what is going on in her life. Only then, can they start to heal.This book is a very easy read. I would recommend this to 7th grade and above. It will get the attention of everyone reading it from the first page to the last. It is very hard to put down; you always want to know what happens to Suzie that has put her in this state of mentality.Gripping!! You become attached to Suzie and can't help but live her past through her eyes as everything takes shape. You will definitely want some tissues for this book!

Susan Shaw's story drew me in on the very first page. I'm not usually a fan of "problem novels," but Suzie's voice was hard to ignore. The short "chapters" moved the story along quickly and I found I could not put it down. Suzie's problems were revealed gradually, with great care and detail. It made me wonder if the author knew someone like her or had worked with young people struggling with similar psychological problems. I also agree that this book would appeal to both mid-grade and older readers. Highly recommended!

This book may be targeted for young adolescent girls, but is compelling reading for adults as well. Although it is fiction, I believe that it could be useful in cases where abuse is suspected by a teacher or other authority figure. When Suzie learns that she can tell the truth and begin to get well, it opens the door of hope for others. I believe this could be true not just for the other characters in the book, but for those in real life.