The Pain Eater

She hadn’t told anyone. Not a single soul. Not one word about that night and what had been done to her had ever passed Maddy Malone’s lips. She’d thought about it at first - had been desperate, even frantic, to tell. But then had come the shame, and the intimidation from the boys who raped her - and the one who held her down. Now it’s the beginning of a new school year and Maddy is hoping that she can continue to hide, making herself as quiet and small as possible. She is consumed with keeping the memories at bay, forcing them down through small cuts and the burn from the end of a cigarette. But when her English class is given the assignment of writing a collaborative novel about a fifteen-year-old girl, The Pain Eater, fact and fiction begin to meet up. When the boys spread rumors about Maddy, she realizes that continuing to hide the truth will only give them more control, and she slowly gains the courage to confront them.

"Powerfully written, this is not just a story about trauma, but also one of healing." - Kirkus Reviews [Starred Review]

"Goobie beautifully orchestrates the evolution of Farang’s fictional tale with Maddy’s uneven healing process... Readers may note the parallels between Maddy’s story and Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak (1999). These excellent novels complement each other, as each realistically portrays the extended repercussions of sexual assault, as well as the healing power of art." - Booklist [Starred Review]

"I was propelled through the novel by its emotional intensity. I desperately wanted to know what happened to Maddy.... Classic Goobie." - CM: Canadian Review of Materials [Starred Review]

"...Goobie approaches the topic of rape with sensitivity and care. Her depiction of peer pressure, teenage angst, and bullying brings to light serious issues that fuel high school students' choices.... Surfacing an important problem that is too often overlooked, the author succeeds in making readers think deeply about the implications of malicious teenage actions and the suffering of victims." - School Library Journal

"While Goobie has the ability to tear her characters and readers apart with harrowing events, she thankfully also has the considerable skill to build them back up again, offering hope and unique healing in a dark situation."

- The National Reading Campaign

"This is just the kind of book young adults need... [The Pain Eater] will resonate with a great many readers because there are so many untold stories out there. One may even be in your home." - Saskatoon StarPhoenix

"This novel is an exceptional narrative which addresses some very difficult issues including rape, gender stereotypes and cyberbullying... Beth Goobie has written an excellent novel which should be read by males and females alike because of its honest portrayal of important gender issues in today’s world." - Resource Links