Carolyn Wilhelm's review of Kellcey , Midwest Book Review. "this book had a powerful impact on me"

Kellcey, by Kacey Kells

Part beautifully described travel book (Victoria, Vancouver, and London), part the emotional life of a teenage girl, and also part informational italicized text that explains what is happening to the heroine - right through her rape, therapy, and long-lasting effects, this book had a powerful impact on me.

Kellcey takes place over the heroine's high school years and start of college. She is a gorgeous teen who is bright, happy, doing well in school, and seems to have a nice boyfriend. With a strong teen voice detailing her daily life, we get to know Kacey and enjoy how she explains her life where many things are of paramount importance! Thoughts of her first kiss, make-up, fashion, and prom are her main concerns.

Meanwhile, in italics, we see a broader understanding of girls, dating, and the responsibilities women have in sexual relationships due to their biology. Since we know what is coming (and why I put off reading this book for weeks), we notice the subtle warnings that foreshadow the event.

Previously, her sister passed away, leading to parental discord. Her parents get a divorce at the time she graduates from high school. The mother plans a move to London. Her father has moved away already. At first, Kacey is not going to move from Canada. She cannot leave her friends and boyfriend. However, the terrible event causes her to change her mind, and she agrees to move. She doesn't even tell her mother until two days before the international move, although her behavior reveals how much she is suffering. In a new country, she must face individual and group therapy. Quickly! Before college begins!

Kellcey dreams of a world where trust, confidence, fears would be nonexistent, and girls would be respected and treated the same as boys. The book ends:

"It should be obvious to all and each of us that a balanced and strong society cannot rely 'only' on those among us who are supposedly stronger."

I feel the book should be required high school reading for all teens, boys, and girls, to understand what is involved in sexual relationships and why they must be respectful. Sex ed classes often have students babysit an egg for two weeks between two students. This book has so much more to offer in the way of real understanding.

Carolyn Wilhelm , The Midwest Book Review, Oct. 2020 https://www.midwestbookreview.com/index.html