Hopeless to Hopeful

Chloe Doe 
Suzan Philips 
Review by Emely Lopez 

Authentic, endearing and inspiring.

Chloe is not only faced with many hardships throughout her life, but amazingly overcomes them.

Her journey first begins at the age of 17 at Madeline Parker Institute for Girls. Chloe has been on the streets for quite a while now. She is a hard headed, independent character. Her therapist, Dr. Dearborn slowly chips away at her reluctant exterior, gradually exposing her weaknesses and secrets— along with dark memories. Chloe's extensive journey from her so called “home” to Madeline Parker was very much contributed by her toxic mother with a long list of boyfriends and stepfather who got a little too close to her sister; ultimately leading to her decision to run away and have to become a prostitute in order to make ends meet. Throughout the book, the reader is able to see the vulnerability and toughness of the young teen through her thoughts and emotions. Although the reason as to why Chloe separated from home is not revealed until the end, the book is an authentic and exciting read.

Within every chapter, all I could think about was how much of a deep, twisted and intriguing novel this is. What really grabbed my attention was how Phillips was able to incorporate such intense, sensitive subjects into Chloe's life and bring light to them. For instance, prostitution--the reason Chloe is where she is now. Prostitution in the eyes of normal civilians is something that we don't quite understand; and is quite normal for it to be seen in a negative way. Phillips is able to give a different perspective on this topic. In Chloe's life, being only 17 on her own, she needs a way to provide for herself. In the novel, Chloe is seen having to pleasure someone in exchange for food. While the outside reader may have other opinions on this act, they are still able to understand the hardship and how desperate someone in this situation would be. Truly spreading awareness. Chloe says,“Like my sister always said, it's a matter of survival”(90). Everything Chloe did was only for a matter of survival. Chloe felt as if she wasn't good enough for her mother, or even her school or to actually have a normal life. Later in another event, when she is in a session with her therapist he says “‘Don't stop now,’”(167). Phillips uses the therapist here as a push towards progress for Chloe-- to be able to express and address her feelings.

Also, something that spoke to me was that Phillips ends the novel by having Chloe say “I have courage.”(188). Phillips uses her to show that the past life isn't what defines us, nor is it what we’re meant to do for the rest of our lives. Chloe shows that there in fact is light at the end of the tunnel. Chloe gave me reassurance that there is always more to my life and I am the one that controls it.

I also really enjoyed how Phillips used this novel to represent the feelings of loneliness and isolation of many teens by using Chloe and her journey to overcoming it.

Overall, I really recommend the book Chloe Doe by Suzanne Phillips. In my opinion, this novel is suitable for mature audiences, typically 15 years of age and above, because of the sensitive subjects. I enjoyed this read because of the perseverance and hope it entails.

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