You Won't Know Her Name

by Shanti Hershenson

[Book Zone Reviews]

A heart wrenching story told through poetry in verse format that moves you to tears.

I did not know what to expect when I began this book and I was so glad that I got the opportunity to read it.

Shanti Hershenson is gifted and wise beyond her years, from the title of the book to the flow of her verse, her poetry gives you a clear picture of the angst experienced vs the apathy of the powers that be.

It reminded me of my short-lived experience off attempted bullying when I first arrived from Trinidad and Tobago at age thirteen and stood to address the teacher and spoke with an accent.

I say attempted because I understood that it was ignorance and I tried to wait them out. When I saw that they were really trying to keep it going, I cornered the leader of the pack one day in the gym locker room and acted menacing and crazy like my dad and threatened to whup the daylights out of her if she and her gang didn't quit.

She reported me to the principal but since there were no witnesses and I was a model student, she ended up in trouble and was too scared to attempt retribution.

What she didn't know was that it was all a bluff. I grew up watching my dad play pyschological games and doling out abuse on my mother, my brother and older sisters, so she and her group were truly child's play.

What I liked

- The chapter headings
- Clear trigger warnings before chapters
- The flow of her writing style
- Real emotion that brought me into the story being told. I felt fourteen again and that no one hears me.
- The empowering aspect and the resources listed at the end.

What gave me pause.

Not a thing!

I recommend for teachers, families and youth groups.

I received a free digital copy of this book via Lolasblogtours and I am leaving this review voluntarily.