Mystery Scars: a Story of Love and Healing

Mystery Scars: a Story of Love and Healing

A week ago, Jewel Jacob’s biggest worry was making it into the high-stakes Teen Arts Fest. Now, all the winning paintings lie in tatters while she lies in a hospital bed, her arms throbbing and absolutely no recollection of trying to kill herself. When a caring therapist helps her unearth buried memories, she must maneuver between her old life as a smart, talented, "normal" freshman and her new reality of whispers, stares, and a misfit support group with other kids who attempted to end their lives. In a journey far deeper than the scars on her wrists, Jewel finds that friendship, love, and quirky humor can bring you back from the darkest places. “Mystery Scars is a compelling young adult novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Through heart-wrenching twists and turns, it explores the power of resilience, the importance of [teen] mental health, and the beauty of finding hope in unexpected places. Merry Brennan brings compassion and empathy to a complex subject. I cannot recommend her work highly enough.” Midwest Book Review WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: “I could not put the book down. It made me weep, laugh, and feel grateful for this kind of story to offer hope to those suffering and their families.” “Riveting and intense... a tale that needs to be told. Dr. Halen is a wonderfully compassionate character whose conversations with the members of the group are insightful for all of us.” "I loved how the story ended… it sheds a light on today’s struggles and encourages teens to seek help early on. With help and reaching out to others, life can get better.” OFFERING HELP: With today's youth experiencing mental health issues in unprecedented numbers, Mystery Scars is a timely YA novel that may help individuals who are suffering, as well as those who love and support them. "Riveting and intense... a tale that needs to be told. Dr. Halen is a wonderfully compassionate character whose conversations with the members of the group are insightful for all of us." "I could not put the book down. It made me weep, laugh, and feel grateful for this kind of story to offer hope to those suffering and their families." "I loved how the story ended... it sheds a light on today's struggles and encourages teens to seek help early on. With help and reaching out to others, life can get better." Merry Brennan is an author, artist, and adventurer who loves to explore our world through words, images, and joyful footsteps. Her writing has appeared in numerous consumer and Fortune 500 publications, and her Earthways Art has been featured in galleries, magazines, calendars and other print/online venues. Along with Mystery Scars, she is the author of Peace Pilgrim: Walking Her Talk Against Hate, and Eye Rolls & Awe: a National Parks Road Trip with Teens. Learn more at www.merrybrennan.com