Sold by Patricia McCormick

      Although this weeks author study consisted of novels which discuss sensitive topics, I enjoyed both Sold and Purple Heart. Out of the two, I would have to say that Sold was my favorite...clearly I have developed an interest in free-verse poetry! Like Libby, Patricia McCormick's efforts to bring light to sensitive topics such as human trafficking, have sparked my interest. I think this is mainly due to the fact that I know little about the subject matter and reading about it in a novel seems far less intimidating and disturbing to me. Maybe this is because of the fact that the information is not directly linked to a true story? Yes, McCormick did use her visit to the Himalayas as inspiration for her novel, but it is not blatantly clear to readers how much is fictitious or not.
       With that being said, I still found myself in awe of Lakshmi's experience as a victim of sexual slavery. How could things like this occur around the world? I cannot begin to wrap my head around the fact that sexual slavery is something that continues to exist, often without anyone knowing.  Lakshmi was simply a young and naive girl who wanted to ensure that her family had means of survival (food, shelter, money, etc.). It broke my heart when she unknowingly was sold into this lifestyle. At the tender age of thirteen, Lakshmi did not fully understand what was happening to her and why. All she knew was that her life would never be the same.
         One page of this book which really stood out to me and sent an ache in my heart can be found on page 125:

HURT

I hurt. 

I am torn and bleeding where the men have been.

I pray to the gods to make the hurting go away.

To make the burning and the aching and the bleeding stop.

Music and laughter come from the room next door.

Horns and shouting come from the street below.

No one can hear me,

Not even the gods.

I think this poem captivates the essence of how all victims of sexual slavery feel.There is a constant sense of physical and emotional pain that they must deal with. Although Lakshmi is describing the physical pain that she endured, I think the last 4 stanzas reflect the pain of knowing that no one can hear her or save her from this lifestyle that she wants to get out of so badly. As I was reading this page,  a visual immediately came to my head. I could picture Lakshmi in a vulnerable state, knowing that no one was there to protect her. It amazes me to think that Lakshmi's experience can reflect the feelings of so many children who are victims of sexual slavery. After reading this page, I wondered if the people she heard outside would have helped her if they had known what was happening.