What is a Girl Worth?

Reviewed by:

Taylor Phillips from Dorr, MI, a student at Taylor University in Upland, IN.

Title:

What is a Girl Worth?

Author:

Rachael Denhollander

Publisher:

Tyndale Momentum

Publication Date:

2019

Format:

Print book

Length:

323 pages

Overview

Community is a powerful thing, so when a community stood behind Larry Nassar, hundreds of girls were drawn to silence. Rachael Denhollander, once an aspiring gymnast, was the first to publicly speak out against the sexual abuse perpetrated by Nassar, an athletics doctor with strong associations to Michigan State University and the USA Gymnastics team. It took sixteen years before she did so, prompted by the release of a similar testimony, but before she found her voice, she lived with the trauma.

Deeply passionate about her sport and maintaining goals for the future, Denhollander sought help for a back injury at the age of 15. She was referred to Nassar, well known and respected in the community, only to be repeatedly molested under the pretense of medical treatment. In fear, she kept quiet for years, questioning the legitimacy of the emotional impacts and asking herself continually what she was worth. It wasn’t until she was believed, until the story gained national traction, that she was able to flip the question and ask a nation how it would protect its children.

Assessment

Rating: 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Though it assumes an optimistic tone, the content explores more mature issues. It will most appeal to females age 16 and older.

Christian Impact

What is a Girl Worth? is a challenging book to read. It deals with sexual abuse in multiple contexts, including an incident within the church. The details of Denhollander’s abuse are described and the information is continually referenced in the process of her attempts to speak out. Faith is a large part of the lives of the main characters, described in a positive light as they rely on the support of their churches throughout the course of their legal battle and define the difference between good and evil by biblical standards.