I remember seeing Cut in the library as a young teen and thinking that it might be a bit too dark for me. Lately I’ve become more open to reading darker contemporary stories, so when a review offer for Cut showed up in my inbox, I figured it was time to finally give it a try. Although the length may not make it look like much, I found Cut to be a moving and relatable story.When we meet Callie, she is in Sea Pines (or Sick Minds) because she cuts herself. I thought the plot progression in this story worked really well. McCormick gives the reader closure, but doesn’t tie up the story so neatly that it’s unbelievable.Callie’s narrative voice has just a hint of snark, but I also loved how sympathetic she was. As I turned the pages, I found myself thinking of times when I had felt emotions similar to Callie’s. However, I think McCormick makes Callie realistic without sensationalizing or diminishing her tough subject matter. I love that this book is in part about learning to cope with negative emotions, because that is a major part of growing up.I admit that I was a little unsure of Cut going in because I wasn’t sure if I’d feel any connection with the character. McCormick expertly blends universal themes into an honest story and a likable main character. I’d definitely recommend this one to those looking for a tough but ultimately uplifting contemporary read.