At thirteen years of age Cassandra Romanelli's world had turned out to be everything she hated! Cassie lived in a big Italian family with lots of complex relationships. Dealing not only with the rules and regulations of a strict, abusive father, Cassie also struggled with bulimia and had to overcome the taunts and bullying from her classmates, plus peer pressure and a struggle to be accepted. Although pretty, Cassie just saw herself as a chubby Italian girl who was in love with the one guy she couldn't have -- her best friend's boyfriend. Following physical interference by a family member and betrayal by her best friend, Cassie's self-esteem plunged to an all time low. The pressures she endured led her to listen to an inner voice that directed her to do a most shameful thing to her body -- Purge! In her own mind Cassie felt that she was wise beyond her years. She had seen too much, experienced too many beatings and felt too many bruises, and yet. . . Cassie had no idea what was in store for her her real misfortune was just about to begin! This book, for young people, is a window into real life -- and for adults, it is an insight into the world of today's children and the issues they have to face every day.