Pictures in the Dark

Pictures in the dark is about two girls named Charlie and Sarah that have a horrible mother. They don't eat regularly, take showers regularly they can't even go to the bathroom at night because the flushing of the toilet will wake their mom up. Charlie has a boyfriend named Jesse who she really loves. Sarah is afraid that Charlie will run off with Jesse and leave her with her nasty mother. Then, something dramatic happens to Charlie and Sarah, and their lives are never the same. I would definitely recommend this book; it was awesome. The way its written makes you want to keep reading and reading. I'm not a big reader but this book captured me. You will also love this book if you have read A Child Called It. They're about kids going through a tough time in their lives.

I am a firm believer that some books are lifesavers. This is one. Patricia McCord's "Pictures in the Dark" is an unsentimental, but moving depiction of how two sisters, one twelve, the other fifteen, endure their mother's madness. Set in the 1950s, when mental illness was more stigmatized and misunderstood, this is about a family that keeps bad secrets. The writing is spare and taut and the suspense will keep older children and teenagers turning the pages. This is a courageous and daring book that deserves a wide readership.

This thoughtfully written story tells of the pains of growing up with a family that has a problem they are not willing to face, having a mother that needs mental assisitance. However, sisters Sarah and Carlie manage to make their lives bearable. But when their mother beats Carlie for trying on her dress, and she runs away, Sarah realizes she needs to release the truth to her father and the people she loves. Make sure you don't miss out on this remarkable story!!