A review by naika
Anybody's Daughter by Pamela Samuels Young

5.0

A well-written, yet utterly gut-wrenching story. From start to end I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride. I experienced anger, frustration, sadness, helplessness, rage - all while being at the edge of my seat wondering how Dre is going to pull off what seems to be impossible: find his missing niece.  This may be a work of fiction, but for too many "Anybody's Daughter" hits way too close to home. I am thankful the story ended on a promising note, despite knowing that the sickening reality is that many girls in Brianna's circumstance meet a far worse fate. I have not personally experienced child sexual exploitation, but from my perspective as a therapist who has worked with those who have experienced sexual trauma, I felt the author handled the topic well. (But I of course defer to reviewers who have this lived experience as to whether the topic was handled sensitively). In fact, I find this to be the author's best written story (I've read 9 other titles from this name, as well as 2 other titles from her pen name). I believe this won an award - and deservingly so.