Cut is a 2000 novel by Patricia McCormick, targeted at young adults. It is considered a cult classic among teens .

Plot introduction

Fifteen-year-old Callie is confined to a mental hospital (Sea Pines, also nicknamed "Sick Minds") after the nurse at her school sees her scars in an attempt to take her pulse. Although Callie refuses to speak, she does make several friends among her fellow patients: Sydney and Tiffany, who are recovering drug addicts; Becca, Tara, and Debbie, who suffer from weight issues, and Amanda, who also cuts herself. Over the course of the story, the reasons for Callie's self-harm and subsequent incarceration are slowly revealed through therapy sessions. In conclusion this book is a recommended book for young adult readers.

Patients

Guests with Behavioral Issues

Callie-cutting; Callie is the main character and refuses to talk throughout most of the book.; Level 1
Amanda-cutting; Amanda is introduced as a care-free and frank girl that cuts for decoration in the second chapter.; Level 1

Guests with Food Issues

Becca-anorexia and bulimia; Becca is one of the original and main characters in the group, but she is later transferred to Hammacher, nicknamed "Humdinger," after she suffers a heart-attack from refusing "treatment."; Level 2
Tara-anorexia; Tara is a kind-hearted and soft-spoken person that tries to reach out to Callie from an understanding point of view.; Level 2
Debbie-compulsive eating; Debbie is an extremely overweight person that is mainly friends with Becca. Amanda states that she's "co-dependent" and that Debbie feels the need that she has to take care of Becca.; Level 3

Guests with Substance Abuse Issues

Sydney-addictions with every drug ever tried; Sydney is Callie's "closest" friend and roommate at Sick Minds. She constantly reaches out to Callie by treating her like a normal person and making jokes and looking after her.; Level 2
Tiffany-crack; Tiffany is at Sick Minds instead of going to jail and has a little bit of a temper.; Level 2

Patients from Other Groups

Ruth-escorts Callie to Study Hall and "You"'s office; Level 3 (graduates)
the "Ghost"-a patient at "Humdinger"

Other People at Sick Minds

"You" (real name is never given)-Callie's therapist.
Rochelle-the night-time bathroom monitor
Cynthia-the study hall attendant
Ruby-one of the workers in the reception room, likes Callie and tries to help her

Callie's Family

Callie's Mom-Callie's mother doesn't seem to be very involved, however, she is concerned but "always tired," as Callie puts it.
Callie's Dad-Callie's dad is equally uninvolved and works to pay for Callie's "treatment" at Sick Minds, which requires almost constant work. Seems to care more than her mother, and rescues her at the end of the book.
Sam- Callie's younger brother. He seems to care the most about Callie, but is not aware of what is going on and why Callie is at Sick Minds in the first place. He has very bad asthma, and is always sick. Callie blames herself for his illness.In chapter 1 Callie tries to talk to sam but sam understands her.

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