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As a re-read for me, I didn't expect this one to be so difficult to rate. Burned focuses on the struggles of Patty Von Stratten as she navigates being a teenager while growing up in a strict and often abusive religious home. Please note that I have read reviews of individuals who support the representation of the Mormon faith in this book and those who do not. Through my read, I don't think Hopkins was attempting to focus so much on religion as she was attempting to discuss how the ways in which people are raised can negatively and positively impact their lives.

Like all of Hopkins books, this was extremely heartbreaking and difficult to read. Patty grows up in an abusive, restrictive household and is a part of a religious group that restricts her from exploring her identity. After certain events, she is sent to live with her aunt as a way to help her reform her behavior. However, it is at her aunts, that Patty understands what it's like to really be loved by people and what it's like to be accepted. She attempts to go back home and readjust with her newly found confidence and immediately runs into issues with her family. What happens as a result is probably one of the most heartbreaking conclusions to a YA book that I've ever in my lifetime.

This isn't an easy book to review, but the emotional intensity of it will leave many readers feeling heartbroken and speechless. It tackles extremely tough topics including abuse. As with all of Hopkins' books, this was written in verse. Even with such short sections, the raw emotions that are captured on each page are impactful. Like other reviewers, I will state that the ending is not a happily ever after so I wouldn't go in with that expectation. There is a sequel called Smoke which I will be checking out and hopefully there is some resolution to Patty's story.