That's a really well written but difficult account to read. It's difficult because of the subject matter and because there is no redemption in such things. Everyone just leaves a situation like that hurt and damaged. It's amazing what a false acquisition can do, I'm careful never to assume guilt in these types of matters. I'm off to read more from Kathleen Hale. I dig her style.
I agree. Tough read but there is an insane amount of truth in the words. I'm curious if you, thenewgreen, are as taken with the truth behind the words as the words themselves. Or, is the fact I can relate to some of her emotions, is playing a larger role in why I'm taken by this piece. I also really love the way she writes. Maybe it's the writing. Maybe it puts me back to my struggles and confusion as a 14 year old girl. It's just so fucking true. The weird sexual arousal and completely confusing times. The jealously of people you should never be jealous of. The overwhelming self-consciousness. _refugee_ - From what I know about you, as well as your love of words, I think you'll really enjoy this piece. I would love to know your thoughts.I knew she was anorexic and bulimic, which, when you’re fourteen, are sort of valorized ailments.
where I struggled with feelings of arousal while pouring over phrases like, “made me lick her wet crotch.”
I cut off the collar to make it less “fancy.” I was more self-conscious at this age than I have ever been in my life.
When I heard this, I felt confused and vaguely jealous; I had tried to lighten my own hair with hydrogen peroxide many times, but it had never worked.
It was an interesting read. Unfortunately, it kind of made me feel like the author was still overly obsessed with what had happened. I mean, you can't help that, necessarily, and she's trying to mine her experiences for material and it sure is a unique, probably permanently scarring experience. However, I would have liked to see more of the author getting over it, as opposed to still fixating on it to the point where she names and almost-identifies (by way of profession) the woman who, a very long time ago, screwed up her life very badly. I can relate to some of this, for sure. Putting people on your IM list just to see their away messages? Yup, definitely. I think a lot of this is very true. I think maybe the author is missing some of the point of her experiences though. I looked at her blog. She writes like she is still pretty young. Maybe that is it. She does capture accurately the confusion and irrationality of the age she's describing. Also, for the record, I think the author had a beautiful, beautiful mugshot. Then again maybe I am weak for them. I have always loved this photo.
Hi insom - This is a pretty compelling read overall. I don't know what goes on in small towns but that Lori could get a police officer to knock on Kathleen's door (for harassment presumably) because she wrote this: Yeah, age 14 is an intense time. What's good about bad memories is they can be worked out in stories.I’m sorry for calling you fat.
seems almost unbelievable -- but given the desire for revenge, I can see it.