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My Life in Black and White
What if you lost the thing that made you who you are?
Lexi has always been stunning. Her butter-colored hair and perfect features have helped her attract friends, a boyfriend, and the attention of a modeling scout. But everything changes the night Lexi's face goes through a windshield. Now she's not sure what's the scars she'll have to live with forever, or what she saw going on between her best friend and her boyfriend right before the accident. With the help of her trombone-playing, defiantly uncool older sister and a guy at school recovering from his own recent trauma, Lexi learns she's much more than just a pretty face.
Lexi has always been stunning. Her butter-colored hair and perfect features have helped her attract friends, a boyfriend, and the attention of a modeling scout. But everything changes the night Lexi's face goes through a windshield. Now she's not sure what's the scars she'll have to live with forever, or what she saw going on between her best friend and her boyfriend right before the accident. With the help of her trombone-playing, defiantly uncool older sister and a guy at school recovering from his own recent trauma, Lexi learns she's much more than just a pretty face.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2012
84 people are currently reading
5586 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Friend
18 books542 followersNatasha Friend is the award-winning author of Perfect, Lush, Bounce, For Keeps, My Life in Black and White, Where You'll Find Me, The Other F-Word, How We Roll, and The Wolves Are Waiting. Natasha lives on the Connecticut shoreline with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
April 30, 2013
GET.IT.NOW! I am not kidding please put this on your TBR's if you want an awesome read that will leave you reeling! This book left me speechless and that does NOT happen! I have had such a hard time writing this review because this book was amazing and no words will do it the justice it needs!
I fell in love immediately with Lexi, no lie she is an amazing character who goes through some crazy shit but still comes out strong and confident and at times she isn't, and at those times I don't blame her! Through this book you will read about love, betrayal, loss, healing and forgiveness and it may be in some weird ways but holy crap it is totally worth it. This book made me want to jump into the pages meet Lexi and just hug her! She is going through so much herself she is forgetting about her friends and family, punishing them without realizing it until she gets a reality check from her sister. The sister she thought was a major geek, that was no where in her realm and through this book you see how much she really has hurt the people she loves most!
You will not be let down by the book , at least I hope not. I could not put this book down! I brought it to the gym with me, brought it home curled up until it was finished and I was an emotional puddle. As I sat and thought about this book I had to pick it up and reread it AGAIN! I loved it and it makes you think about what you have in life! I cannot say how much I loved this book and recommend it to everyone and I mean everyone!
<3 <3
I fell in love immediately with Lexi, no lie she is an amazing character who goes through some crazy shit but still comes out strong and confident and at times she isn't, and at those times I don't blame her! Through this book you will read about love, betrayal, loss, healing and forgiveness and it may be in some weird ways but holy crap it is totally worth it. This book made me want to jump into the pages meet Lexi and just hug her! She is going through so much herself she is forgetting about her friends and family, punishing them without realizing it until she gets a reality check from her sister. The sister she thought was a major geek, that was no where in her realm and through this book you see how much she really has hurt the people she loves most!
You will not be let down by the book , at least I hope not. I could not put this book down! I brought it to the gym with me, brought it home curled up until it was finished and I was an emotional puddle. As I sat and thought about this book I had to pick it up and reread it AGAIN! I loved it and it makes you think about what you have in life! I cannot say how much I loved this book and recommend it to everyone and I mean everyone!
<3 <3
August 25, 2022
honestly i really liked this. everyone and i mean EVERYONE had character development, or some sort of ‘ah-ha’ moment that made their character arc improve. it was amazinggg!!!
and the struggles we see alexa or lexi go through? so well written. i love how she changes her thoughts on herself and how she became sure of herself as a person.
i liked the romance with theo, he seemed really cute and good for her. however, i didn’t like that he was a senior and she was a sophomore… it wouldn’t have hurt the plot if he was a junior. but overall this was an enjoyable book!!!
and the struggles we see alexa or lexi go through? so well written. i love how she changes her thoughts on herself and how she became sure of herself as a person.
i liked the romance with theo, he seemed really cute and good for her. however, i didn’t like that he was a senior and she was a sophomore… it wouldn’t have hurt the plot if he was a junior. but overall this was an enjoyable book!!!
March 17, 2013
This book...How do I even begin to explain this book?
This book is about a girl named Alexa(or Lexi) who's extremely beautiful and she and everyone around her is aware of it, she's got a great boyfriend who she loves, a best friend who she's known since she was little. Her whole life is almost perfect....Until her face goes through a windshield.
Now Lexi has to go through life as a new her.
She looses her friends, her boyfriend, her beauty, her popularity.
I loved this book so freaking much. This was a very touching and believable story.
The characters were completely flawed. I read a few reviews where people complained about Alexa's character saying she was whiny and complained to much. Which okay, I give you that. But that's a thing I liked about her. Alexa was not perfect in any way shape or form. She whined and she complained a lot to the point where she stayed home for two weeks and pigged out and did things she normally wouldn't do. She's a teenager. And she is convinced her whole life is ruined. But she got over that. And she learned from her mistakes. And her true friends loved her despite her accident and change in attitude. That's what I love about this book. Every single character in here was extremely human and had their own set of flaws that made them unique. There are so many books out there with Mary Sue characters and it is so great to see a book that proves that flaws make you who you are and you should not be ashamed of them.
Also I loved Theo not only because of personality but because my crush is a photographer with black hair like him. :)
All in all this is a fabulous book that I recommend to anyone looking for a quick read that will keep you thinking long after you finish.
This book is about a girl named Alexa(or Lexi) who's extremely beautiful and she and everyone around her is aware of it, she's got a great boyfriend who she loves, a best friend who she's known since she was little. Her whole life is almost perfect....Until her face goes through a windshield.
Now Lexi has to go through life as a new her.
She looses her friends, her boyfriend, her beauty, her popularity.
I loved this book so freaking much. This was a very touching and believable story.
The characters were completely flawed. I read a few reviews where people complained about Alexa's character saying she was whiny and complained to much. Which okay, I give you that. But that's a thing I liked about her. Alexa was not perfect in any way shape or form. She whined and she complained a lot to the point where she stayed home for two weeks and pigged out and did things she normally wouldn't do. She's a teenager. And she is convinced her whole life is ruined. But she got over that. And she learned from her mistakes. And her true friends loved her despite her accident and change in attitude. That's what I love about this book. Every single character in here was extremely human and had their own set of flaws that made them unique. There are so many books out there with Mary Sue characters and it is so great to see a book that proves that flaws make you who you are and you should not be ashamed of them.
Also I loved Theo not only because of personality but because my crush is a photographer with black hair like him. :)
All in all this is a fabulous book that I recommend to anyone looking for a quick read that will keep you thinking long after you finish.
June 15, 2019
4.5 STARS
Alexa’s beauty defines her. Then she catches her BFF hooking up with her boyfriend, takes a ride home from best friend’s brother and smashes through the car window. Hurt, angry and feeling sorry for herself, Lexi Shute everyone out, refusing to hear anyone’s apologies or see other perspectives until her sister, a boy and a girl make her see some tough truths.
Lexi never thought of herself as stuck up or a mean girl. She didn’t name call or actively exclude; she just stood by and silently approving while others did. Alexa looked down on her band geek sister, assuming Ruthie had to be jealous, because wasn’t everyone envious of popular girls and jocks? Alexa comes by her superficiality from her mother’s constant reinforcement of her beauty and her need to stay slim and gorgeous. At fifteen, she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know, and it’s not even mostly her fault. Even after her accident, she doesn’t get it right away, which sets up a beautiful path for growth and redemption.
Parts of MY LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE felt somewhat clichéd, shallow popular kids and deeper brainy nerds but most of the characters had more depth than they seem in the beginning of the book, which helps Alexa develop insight and grow.
MY LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE, unlike most of Natasha Friend’s MG books, is more appropriate for mature middle graders and the younger end of YA due, though most middle graders will already know (and probably have read about) the infrequent mature references.
Alexa’s beauty defines her. Then she catches her BFF hooking up with her boyfriend, takes a ride home from best friend’s brother and smashes through the car window. Hurt, angry and feeling sorry for herself, Lexi Shute everyone out, refusing to hear anyone’s apologies or see other perspectives until her sister, a boy and a girl make her see some tough truths.
Lexi never thought of herself as stuck up or a mean girl. She didn’t name call or actively exclude; she just stood by and silently approving while others did. Alexa looked down on her band geek sister, assuming Ruthie had to be jealous, because wasn’t everyone envious of popular girls and jocks? Alexa comes by her superficiality from her mother’s constant reinforcement of her beauty and her need to stay slim and gorgeous. At fifteen, she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know, and it’s not even mostly her fault. Even after her accident, she doesn’t get it right away, which sets up a beautiful path for growth and redemption.
Parts of MY LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE felt somewhat clichéd, shallow popular kids and deeper brainy nerds but most of the characters had more depth than they seem in the beginning of the book, which helps Alexa develop insight and grow.
MY LIFE IN BLACK AND WHITE, unlike most of Natasha Friend’s MG books, is more appropriate for mature middle graders and the younger end of YA due, though most middle graders will already know (and probably have read about) the infrequent mature references.
July 10, 2017
Read more of my reviews at Nick's Book Blog
Lately, I've been going through a phase, an "intense books" phase. I keep wanting to read books that tackle difficult and mind-opening subject matters. While searching for such books, I came across My Life In Black and White. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I was in for an emotional ride. Turns out, I was right!
My Life in Black and White tells the story of beautiful and almost perfect, Alexa, whose perfect life is tossed upside down when an accident leaves half of her face disfigured. Now, Lexi must learn to accept who she has become and try to let go her past.
Characters like Lexi are hard to like for the simple reason that they are just so perfect with them being the prettiest girls at school with great boyfriends, a loving families and great cliques of friends, that you can't help but think that they are shallow and vain. At least, that's what I thought at first. After the accident that devastated Lexi, I realized that she didn't exactly have the perfect life that she projected. She was a lot more messed up on the inside and even she wasn't aware of that. To pre-accident Alexa, life was about being gorgeous. She was the sort of girl who gave a lot of importance to her physical appearance, partly due to her mother who constantly breathed down her neck telling her to "watch her diet" and partly due to everyone swarming around her without missing a chance to let her know how beautiful she was. When Alexa first came out of her accident, she acted very bitter towards everyone. I could, figuratively, see her blood boiling inside of her veins. Full of self-hatred, she abandoned everything and stayed closed inside her bedroom the entire day. I found it unnerving initially, then when I really gave it some thought, I started to understand the agonizing experience she was going through. I really liked seeing Lexi grow as a character, becoming stronger and more mature than she ever was. Her sister, Ruthie, was my favorite character in the book. Witty, smart and very protective, she was a role-model to her younger sister. Theo with his cuteness and baggage, was yet another character I cherished. However, I was a teensy bit disappointed that he didn’t really appear until the last quarter of the book.
The plot of the book was fairly basic. It was the story of a girl coming to terms with the fact that she’s no longer looks like she was before and learning to forgive others. I thought the author did a fabulous job at really encompassing Lexi’s growth throughout the story. The ups and downs of her life felt genuine and palpable because Natasha Friend’s writing style is poignant and beautiful. One aspect that I enjoyed in the book was the relationship Lexi had with her beauty-queen mother. It wasn’t the kind of relationship that was always sunny. In fact, it had peaks and valleys, especially with Lexi’s mother not coming to terms with the fact that her daughter would never become a model. The book deals with other sensitive subjects such as cheating, broken friendships, figure consciousness and taking photographs of drunk unconscious naked girls , as well.
All in all, I thought My Life In Black and White was a captivating and meaningful read, that undoubtedly evoked all sorts of feelings from me. Because of the issues that it deals with, I truly think the book is worth reading!
January 2, 2016
Such an uplifting book. I knew from the start I was going to enjoy every second of it. Now I want to read the rest of Friend's work.
Well deserved 4 stars.
Well deserved 4 stars.
September 15, 2012
A great teen book about overcoming diversity. Lexi, is the "it" girl, pretty, smart and popular. She had it all, or at least what everyone wishes they had. Taylor and her have been best friends since kindergarten, and are inseparable. It's the summer before high school and the two are staying active to make sure they make the varsity girls field hockey team, but also making sure to get their tan on to make all the guys jealous, especially Jarrod's friends, Taylor's older brother who is captain of the football team and a senior. Taylor's parents happen to be away one summer evening so Jarrod decides to have a party, invite a few friends, well a friends with kegs, and before long a party has started and everyone is getting drunk. Lexi and Taylor lose each other in the chaos and Lexi goes in search of her only to find Heidi, a friend of the girls, standing guard outside Taylor's parents room, Lexi barges in to find Taylor and Ryan, Lexi's boyfriend, doing something they shouldn't be doing. Lexi goes crazy, so upset that they would do this to her. She chugs a beer then asks Jarrod to drive her home, though he is quiet drunk as well. Next thing Lexi knows she is in the hospital in intense pain. It so happens that Jarrod crashed the car, but why it happened Lexi is not willing to tell. Lexi's beautiful face is now a mess and she has to have skin graphs taken from her butt to help with the reconstruction. Lexi is devastated and doesn't know now how to react or act now that she is "ugly". Lexi hides out at home from everyone, eats her face off and gains weight, doesn't talk to any of her "so-called" friends. Nothing she stays in bed. School starts and she refuses to go, two weeks in her sister Ruthie has had enough and drags her out for some fun and a change. Finally Lexi goes back to school, but still is unsure about everything and doesn't know how to act around her friends. She goes through the motions at school, but doesn't want to be there and ends up skipping more classes. Getting in trouble from her father Lexi decides to change everything about herself, but she still has a hard time doing this considering she was the old Lexi for so long. Lexi meets Theo, a nice guy who she knows nothing about, he takes her boxing one day after school to let her punch something. Before long the two build a friendship and are able to relate to each other due to loss in their lives that they have both had to deal with. Taylor gets into trouble and Lexi tries to help, but things between then turn from bad to worse and Lexi doesn't know what to do as she thought she was trying to help. Lexi feels lost and alone, all of her old friends are not there for her any longer and they also don't know how to act or talk to her. Lexi finally realizes she wants things to go back to how they were before the accident, this after finally having a real talk with Heidi, the tag-along as she is classified in the group of friends. Lexi finally understands why Heidi is the way she is and why she acts and says what she does. Heidi says that the fat jokes actually do hurt her and she just wants to be accepted. With this information and the tragedy that happened to Taylor, Lexi decided to change everything. To apologize to Taylor and figure out what really happened, to make amends with Heidi and to change who she is as well, to not be so selfish. Things do work out, but Lexi realizes there is still a long road ahead. She has changed and so has everyone else over the last few months, but this is not to say that it is a bad thing. People do change as they grow older and certain events can cause more change in a person than realized at first, but the key is to accept the changes and work with them, which is what Lexi, Taylor, Lexi's mom, Ruthie, and all of Lexi's friends are realizing.
I loved this book. At first I was unsure about the premise of the book or where it was heading, but I was intrigued to find out where it ended. I loved reading about the transformation of Lexi after accident. Sometimes it truly does take something tragic to happen to someone to make them realize and wake to the fact that they are not perfect and that the world does not revolve around them. Teens go through more than we give them credit for a lot of the time. School now a days is getting harder and harder to fit in, to not be pressured into doing certain, to keep the grades up, to just keep going some days. It is hard. This book clearly defines the struggles of being a teen in today's society and how hard it is to know one's self and those around them. A great book. A high recommendation for teens and adults alike.
I loved this book. At first I was unsure about the premise of the book or where it was heading, but I was intrigued to find out where it ended. I loved reading about the transformation of Lexi after accident. Sometimes it truly does take something tragic to happen to someone to make them realize and wake to the fact that they are not perfect and that the world does not revolve around them. Teens go through more than we give them credit for a lot of the time. School now a days is getting harder and harder to fit in, to not be pressured into doing certain, to keep the grades up, to just keep going some days. It is hard. This book clearly defines the struggles of being a teen in today's society and how hard it is to know one's self and those around them. A great book. A high recommendation for teens and adults alike.
December 23, 2012
My Life in Black and White is a perfect example of a well-meaning, bad book.
Lexi Mayer has always been beautiful, and even though it's very obvious, Lexi refuses to admit that her best friend Taylor has always been jealous of her. One night, at a party, Taylor betrays Lexi, things spiral out of control, and Lexi ends up in a car accident that "ruins" her flawless face.
I can't believe the author of one of my favorite teen novels, For Keeps, wrote My Life in Black and White. Not one person in this novel is likable. Well, Lexi's sister, Ruthie, is pretty cool, but she's also useless in the please-tell-Lexi-what-to-do department. (I usually like my characters to figure out what to do on their own, but I was so sick of Lexi, I just wanted a scene in which Ruthie sat her down and told her to hold her head high and ignore the losers around her - make new friends, study, return to sports, wear her scar like she's proud of it because it reminds her not to hang out with assholes, etc., etc.) And I guess we're supposed to love Theo, but he enters the picture way too late, and he seems more like a paint-by-numbers dreamboat because he's serious and tragic and has a lovable Italian dad who boxes.
There could have been a great story here, but Lexi was one of those characters I just can't take. She is beautiful and knows it, but she surrounds herself with jealous, shallow "friends" who clearly don't have her best interest in mind and finds ways to defend them. She spends most of this book miserable, hiding her face, making bad decisions about how to react to people and letting all these creeps get the best of her. I had a huge problem with the fact that she didn't tell her mother what happened the night of the accident because she felt her mother wouldn't be able to deal with it, but spent so much time feeling miserable because her mother didn't understand why she was angry with Taylor, etc. (Don't get me wrong, Lexi's mother is awful and shallow, but Lexi's reasons for keeping the truth from her are lame. Once again, she's protecting her undeserving friends. I understand Lexi is 15, but how will real-life 15 years olds learn to be strong if they're only reading about girls doing the same idiotic things we do at that age? What's the point of fiction?)
And then, out of nowhere, Lexi meets Theo and learns to box. As if I even care whether Lexi learns self acceptance and self-respect by page 212. I disliked her, and nearly everyone in the novel, so much at this point, I just wanted it to end. And why boxing? Why couldn't she return to field hockey, or whatever sport she was so fabulous in before the accident?
The end felt rushed and amateurish.
Not recommended.
Lexi Mayer has always been beautiful, and even though it's very obvious, Lexi refuses to admit that her best friend Taylor has always been jealous of her. One night, at a party, Taylor betrays Lexi, things spiral out of control, and Lexi ends up in a car accident that "ruins" her flawless face.
I can't believe the author of one of my favorite teen novels, For Keeps, wrote My Life in Black and White. Not one person in this novel is likable. Well, Lexi's sister, Ruthie, is pretty cool, but she's also useless in the please-tell-Lexi-what-to-do department. (I usually like my characters to figure out what to do on their own, but I was so sick of Lexi, I just wanted a scene in which Ruthie sat her down and told her to hold her head high and ignore the losers around her - make new friends, study, return to sports, wear her scar like she's proud of it because it reminds her not to hang out with assholes, etc., etc.) And I guess we're supposed to love Theo, but he enters the picture way too late, and he seems more like a paint-by-numbers dreamboat because he's serious and tragic and has a lovable Italian dad who boxes.
There could have been a great story here, but Lexi was one of those characters I just can't take. She is beautiful and knows it, but she surrounds herself with jealous, shallow "friends" who clearly don't have her best interest in mind and finds ways to defend them. She spends most of this book miserable, hiding her face, making bad decisions about how to react to people and letting all these creeps get the best of her. I had a huge problem with the fact that she didn't tell her mother what happened the night of the accident because she felt her mother wouldn't be able to deal with it, but spent so much time feeling miserable because her mother didn't understand why she was angry with Taylor, etc. (Don't get me wrong, Lexi's mother is awful and shallow, but Lexi's reasons for keeping the truth from her are lame. Once again, she's protecting her undeserving friends. I understand Lexi is 15, but how will real-life 15 years olds learn to be strong if they're only reading about girls doing the same idiotic things we do at that age? What's the point of fiction?)
And then, out of nowhere, Lexi meets Theo and learns to box. As if I even care whether Lexi learns self acceptance and self-respect by page 212. I disliked her, and nearly everyone in the novel, so much at this point, I just wanted it to end. And why boxing? Why couldn't she return to field hockey, or whatever sport she was so fabulous in before the accident?
The end felt rushed and amateurish.
Not recommended.
June 15, 2012
MY LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE ended up on the bottom of my June pile because neither the title nor the cover caught my eye. Then I opened the book, read the blurb, and fell in love with the premise. Lexi has always judged herself and been judged based on her beauty. Then her face goes through a windshield. Multiple facial reconstructive surgeries later, Lexi doesn't know who she is or who her friends are.
Lexi's journey is a powerful one. I think I would feel that way even if I wasn't a fan of character-driven books. She's clueless at the beginning, and often self-centered, but never annoying. And she has good qualities from the beginning. She has a strong sense of loyalty to her friends, defending them to her family when they call them shallow and back-stabbing. At first it seems like her family was right all along. After all, Lexi wouldn't have even been in that car if her best friend and boyfriend hadn't betrayed her. It's fascinating to see her go from despair to holding her head high to not worrying about if people are looking.
But MY LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE's greatest strength is the complexity of the characters. Despite the title, this is a book that lives in shades of grey. No one is all good or all bad. Characters might make mistakes, act petty, or otherwise misbehave, but they often own up to their behavior or do something totally unrelated that's valiant. (Be warned that there are some scenes of sexual assault - not rape - and one perpetrator gets away with it.) Sometimes it's just Lexi's perception changing. I loved the moment when she finally realizes that her older sister Ruthie is super cool - something the reader could tell from the beginning.
The romance between Theo and Lexi is well done. It builds slowly, through interaction and shared interests. Many books would just redeem Ryan (the ex) and have him and Lexi get back together. Instead, Natasha Friend both gives Ryan more depth and creates a second love interest who fits better with the more introspective Lexi.
If you're looking for a moving, intelligent contemporary YA, look no further than MY LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE. It's a keeper.
Lexi's journey is a powerful one. I think I would feel that way even if I wasn't a fan of character-driven books. She's clueless at the beginning, and often self-centered, but never annoying. And she has good qualities from the beginning. She has a strong sense of loyalty to her friends, defending them to her family when they call them shallow and back-stabbing. At first it seems like her family was right all along. After all, Lexi wouldn't have even been in that car if her best friend and boyfriend hadn't betrayed her. It's fascinating to see her go from despair to holding her head high to not worrying about if people are looking.
But MY LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE's greatest strength is the complexity of the characters. Despite the title, this is a book that lives in shades of grey. No one is all good or all bad. Characters might make mistakes, act petty, or otherwise misbehave, but they often own up to their behavior or do something totally unrelated that's valiant. (Be warned that there are some scenes of sexual assault - not rape - and one perpetrator gets away with it.) Sometimes it's just Lexi's perception changing. I loved the moment when she finally realizes that her older sister Ruthie is super cool - something the reader could tell from the beginning.
The romance between Theo and Lexi is well done. It builds slowly, through interaction and shared interests. Many books would just redeem Ryan (the ex) and have him and Lexi get back together. Instead, Natasha Friend both gives Ryan more depth and creates a second love interest who fits better with the more introspective Lexi.
If you're looking for a moving, intelligent contemporary YA, look no further than MY LIFE IN BLACK & WHITE. It's a keeper.
January 18, 2013
Read this review on Reading Robyn!
"My life is over. It's the kind of pronouncement teenage girls make every day. They say it after such traumatic events as, say, farting out loud in gym class, or discovering they've gained three pounds at Christmas and can't fit in their winter formal dress. Oh my God, you guys! My life is over! Then they bawl to their girlfriends, eat a bunch of Oreos and move on. But this was different." - ARC page 14
Lexi has everything she could ever want. Great beauty, a great best friend, a great boyfriend, and a great social life. But when she wakes up in the hospital after a terrible car crash Lexi not only has to face the reality of the life she doesn't think she can return to, she also has to face her face.
Initially, although the description of My Life in Black & White sounded interesting, I wasn't completely sold. This is a transformation book. It's a bit different then your average coming-of-age story because it's more about a complete change in perception. This sort of story can easily go wrong, especially when the main character is a popular girl. Popular girls don't have the best track record in fiction. There is a certain amount of tedium in asking me to have sympathy towards a person who I'm jealous of. I'm fully willing to admit that I would have loved to have Lexi's life at her age and it bothers me in the fictional world (in the same way it bothers me in the real world) when people have humble-brag complaints. Thankfully, in My Life in Black & White things are different.
What saves it is that Lexi is a well written character. You can see her motivations and you can tell exactly how why she has her personality within her family dynamic and within her friend group. She feels realistic, instead of the exaggerated popular girls we're so used to seeing. She's not bitchy, she's not bragging, she's a perfectly average girl who just happens to have a social life. It's unfortunate that her friend group didn't fare as well in dodging the stereotypes of popularity, but the developments with the character Heidi makes me more willing to forgive that it all worked within the story.
But this is more then just a book about high school. The story is really about Lexi's emotional struggle after she needs facial re-constructive surgery and feels betrayed by her best friend. Through this the book discusses the complexity of friendship and family, as well as beauty. I was impressed by the emphasis on relationships and how they evolve when you're thrown a curve ball, or in Lexi's case, thrown through a windshield.
I quickly became very invested in Lexi. When she has to deal with feeling like she's no longer the person she used to be she is faced with a crisis. The story is about how she bounces back from this. When it comes to her "deformity" it's not as extreme as I thought it was going to be. She seems to have faired pretty well with her injuries, but the most notable thing for her is a skin graft on her cheek. They had to take skin from her butt in order to reconstruct her face, giving her the benefit of having a "butt face".
However, I wish Natasha Friend had taken the extent of Lexi's physical transformation a little bit further. There is a lot of talk about her skin graft, but from as far as I can tell it is not the deformity she makes it out to be. Lexi's reconstruction is never described with enough detail to give me a good picture of what has changed in her appearance. Whenever doctors are telling her what happened Lexi just tunes them out. This saves our author from having to write a lot of boring medical jargon, but I never got a good understand of what happened. After her swelling and bruising has reduced the only person her injury seemed to bother is her. This doesn't lessen any of her emotional distress, but it does make her come off as a bit of a moaner.
This brings me to my central complaint with the book. It felt like it was missing something while other parts felt unnecessary.
Lexi very well could have died, but that fact is never examined. Lexi doesn't seriously think about it, at all. I feel like that is not only a missed opportunity, but a grave error in the emotional process. I was looking for more introspection and less of her thinking about her ex-boyfriend.
After her accident Lexi has to readjust to life as she knows it, there's a lot for her to possibly confront, and then BAM cute boy enters stage left. I was pretty into Theo when he's first introduced, but soon after he appears the story seems to take a detour in order to accommodate him and give him a "meaningful" role. Up till that point Lexi had been progressing in a nice arc, but then she ends up going in a seemingly random direction. I couldn't help but ask myself what the point of it was. Theo's appearance and subsequence story line involving his sister completely overshadowed the amazing potential of the already in motion storylines of both Heidi and Lexi's BFF, Taylor.
“Well, you're not [fat]. You have, like, the ideal balance of fat and muscle. ...If I were a cannibal, I'd eat you.”
My Life in Black & White fell short for me in many respects, but I do think this is a good book. I can complain about misused potential, but the story that Natasha Friend delivers is interesting and engaging just as it is. I had low expectations coming into this, but I'm happy with how things turned out. As far as transformative YA goes My Life in Black & White is a winner.
"My life is over. It's the kind of pronouncement teenage girls make every day. They say it after such traumatic events as, say, farting out loud in gym class, or discovering they've gained three pounds at Christmas and can't fit in their winter formal dress. Oh my God, you guys! My life is over! Then they bawl to their girlfriends, eat a bunch of Oreos and move on. But this was different." - ARC page 14
Lexi has everything she could ever want. Great beauty, a great best friend, a great boyfriend, and a great social life. But when she wakes up in the hospital after a terrible car crash Lexi not only has to face the reality of the life she doesn't think she can return to, she also has to face her face.
Initially, although the description of My Life in Black & White sounded interesting, I wasn't completely sold. This is a transformation book. It's a bit different then your average coming-of-age story because it's more about a complete change in perception. This sort of story can easily go wrong, especially when the main character is a popular girl. Popular girls don't have the best track record in fiction. There is a certain amount of tedium in asking me to have sympathy towards a person who I'm jealous of. I'm fully willing to admit that I would have loved to have Lexi's life at her age and it bothers me in the fictional world (in the same way it bothers me in the real world) when people have humble-brag complaints. Thankfully, in My Life in Black & White things are different.
What saves it is that Lexi is a well written character. You can see her motivations and you can tell exactly how why she has her personality within her family dynamic and within her friend group. She feels realistic, instead of the exaggerated popular girls we're so used to seeing. She's not bitchy, she's not bragging, she's a perfectly average girl who just happens to have a social life. It's unfortunate that her friend group didn't fare as well in dodging the stereotypes of popularity, but the developments with the character Heidi makes me more willing to forgive that it all worked within the story.
But this is more then just a book about high school. The story is really about Lexi's emotional struggle after she needs facial re-constructive surgery and feels betrayed by her best friend. Through this the book discusses the complexity of friendship and family, as well as beauty. I was impressed by the emphasis on relationships and how they evolve when you're thrown a curve ball, or in Lexi's case, thrown through a windshield.
I quickly became very invested in Lexi. When she has to deal with feeling like she's no longer the person she used to be she is faced with a crisis. The story is about how she bounces back from this. When it comes to her "deformity" it's not as extreme as I thought it was going to be. She seems to have faired pretty well with her injuries, but the most notable thing for her is a skin graft on her cheek. They had to take skin from her butt in order to reconstruct her face, giving her the benefit of having a "butt face".
However, I wish Natasha Friend had taken the extent of Lexi's physical transformation a little bit further. There is a lot of talk about her skin graft, but from as far as I can tell it is not the deformity she makes it out to be. Lexi's reconstruction is never described with enough detail to give me a good picture of what has changed in her appearance. Whenever doctors are telling her what happened Lexi just tunes them out. This saves our author from having to write a lot of boring medical jargon, but I never got a good understand of what happened. After her swelling and bruising has reduced the only person her injury seemed to bother is her. This doesn't lessen any of her emotional distress, but it does make her come off as a bit of a moaner.
This brings me to my central complaint with the book. It felt like it was missing something while other parts felt unnecessary.
Lexi very well could have died, but that fact is never examined. Lexi doesn't seriously think about it, at all. I feel like that is not only a missed opportunity, but a grave error in the emotional process. I was looking for more introspection and less of her thinking about her ex-boyfriend.
After her accident Lexi has to readjust to life as she knows it, there's a lot for her to possibly confront, and then BAM cute boy enters stage left. I was pretty into Theo when he's first introduced, but soon after he appears the story seems to take a detour in order to accommodate him and give him a "meaningful" role. Up till that point Lexi had been progressing in a nice arc, but then she ends up going in a seemingly random direction. I couldn't help but ask myself what the point of it was. Theo's appearance and subsequence story line involving his sister completely overshadowed the amazing potential of the already in motion storylines of both Heidi and Lexi's BFF, Taylor.
“Well, you're not [fat]. You have, like, the ideal balance of fat and muscle. ...If I were a cannibal, I'd eat you.”
My Life in Black & White fell short for me in many respects, but I do think this is a good book. I can complain about misused potential, but the story that Natasha Friend delivers is interesting and engaging just as it is. I had low expectations coming into this, but I'm happy with how things turned out. As far as transformative YA goes My Life in Black & White is a winner.
May 30, 2012
This is the sort of book that reminds me that I really must expand my reading horizons, that I shouldn't always go directly to paranormal/ fantasy reads, that every now and again I should veer off and pick up a contemporary read.
While there was many things that I enjoyed about this book, a unique and gripping storyline, a storyline that plays on the emotions of its readers and the likes of, my most favourite part was Lexi herself. I find that in the vast majority of books I read the main characters never learn, they constantly make the same mistake over and over again, they are stubborn and pigheaded through and through, however I didn't find that the case with Lexi whatsoever- she actually grew throughout the book, becoming a much better person than she had been before her accident. And as result I think that she is a true role model and someone that you can learn a lot from. I can admit with no problem that she is a much better person than myself- I doubt that had I been in her circumstances that I would have been so forgiving.
Furthermore, I thought that Lexi's sister, Ruthie, was one of the best secondary characters I have read of in a very long time. Unlike the vast majority of secondary characters I have read of, who are mere fillers, Ruthie actually made a difference/ impacted the storyline (plus, her personality totally rocked and reminds me of a lot of my close friends).
That being said, I wasn't entirely satisfied by this book, I was a but disappointed with the ending- I didn't find that it was quite as strong as the first 3/4 of the book. I found that it was a tad rushed and I thought that the epilogue was extremely flat (which I find surprising as I am the sort of person who NEEDS an epilogue). Furthermore, I wish that Theo had played a larger role in the book (seriously, I would take Theo over Ryan any day of the week).
All in all, I think that this is a wonderful coming-of-age/ recovering-from-a-traumatic-event type of story and a story that appeals to all YA readers no matter their genre preference. I am very curious to see what Natasha has in store for us next (and whether she intends for this to be a series).
While there was many things that I enjoyed about this book, a unique and gripping storyline, a storyline that plays on the emotions of its readers and the likes of, my most favourite part was Lexi herself. I find that in the vast majority of books I read the main characters never learn, they constantly make the same mistake over and over again, they are stubborn and pigheaded through and through, however I didn't find that the case with Lexi whatsoever- she actually grew throughout the book, becoming a much better person than she had been before her accident. And as result I think that she is a true role model and someone that you can learn a lot from. I can admit with no problem that she is a much better person than myself- I doubt that had I been in her circumstances that I would have been so forgiving.
Furthermore, I thought that Lexi's sister, Ruthie, was one of the best secondary characters I have read of in a very long time. Unlike the vast majority of secondary characters I have read of, who are mere fillers, Ruthie actually made a difference/ impacted the storyline (plus, her personality totally rocked and reminds me of a lot of my close friends).
That being said, I wasn't entirely satisfied by this book, I was a but disappointed with the ending- I didn't find that it was quite as strong as the first 3/4 of the book. I found that it was a tad rushed and I thought that the epilogue was extremely flat (which I find surprising as I am the sort of person who NEEDS an epilogue). Furthermore, I wish that Theo had played a larger role in the book (seriously, I would take Theo over Ryan any day of the week).
All in all, I think that this is a wonderful coming-of-age/ recovering-from-a-traumatic-event type of story and a story that appeals to all YA readers no matter their genre preference. I am very curious to see what Natasha has in store for us next (and whether she intends for this to be a series).
August 16, 2012
This novel has a pretty dramatic synopsis. Before I read it, I geared myself up for a novel that is filled with pointless drama, and a melodramatic protagonist. I didn't think that I would like it very much, from what I could gather from the synopsis. When I started reading it though, it was much different than what I thought it would be.
Reasons to Read:
1.Good portrayal of true friendship
The novel's main focus is the friendship between protagonist and her best friend. Flashbacks are written so that we get to see how their friendship was before the accident. These two are as close as sisters. They don't have a perfect relationship, but the way that it has lasted so long shows us just how much they care about each other. Even after the accident, it is clear that the two still do care about each other; although neither of them will admit it. I liked how the question of whether or not you can still reconcile with a friend even after a betrayal was brought up.
2.Lexi's character change
At the beginning of the novel, lexi is the typical spoiled, popular snob. The accident takes its toll on her by basically taking away everything that made her popular. This forces lexi to change; for both good and bad. Her development as a character flows beautifully with the pacing of the novel. When the end of the novel comes, you can really tell that she has changed a lot as a person through the circumstances that she is put in.
Although I did really like this novel, I had two problems with it. Firstly, I found the back-and-forth switch between past and present to be really confusing. I was glad when that stopped later on.
Secondly, lexi could be so whiny and annoying at times. She whined about the smallest things. She just expected the world to fall at her feet, though I think she was purposely written that way to show her change in character and emphasize what she had lost. Despite these problems, I did like this book and recommend it to contemporary fans.
ARC received from Penguin Canada for my honest review; no other compensation was received.
Reasons to Read:
1.Good portrayal of true friendship
The novel's main focus is the friendship between protagonist and her best friend. Flashbacks are written so that we get to see how their friendship was before the accident. These two are as close as sisters. They don't have a perfect relationship, but the way that it has lasted so long shows us just how much they care about each other. Even after the accident, it is clear that the two still do care about each other; although neither of them will admit it. I liked how the question of whether or not you can still reconcile with a friend even after a betrayal was brought up.
2.Lexi's character change
At the beginning of the novel, lexi is the typical spoiled, popular snob. The accident takes its toll on her by basically taking away everything that made her popular. This forces lexi to change; for both good and bad. Her development as a character flows beautifully with the pacing of the novel. When the end of the novel comes, you can really tell that she has changed a lot as a person through the circumstances that she is put in.
Although I did really like this novel, I had two problems with it. Firstly, I found the back-and-forth switch between past and present to be really confusing. I was glad when that stopped later on.
Secondly, lexi could be so whiny and annoying at times. She whined about the smallest things. She just expected the world to fall at her feet, though I think she was purposely written that way to show her change in character and emphasize what she had lost. Despite these problems, I did like this book and recommend it to contemporary fans.
ARC received from Penguin Canada for my honest review; no other compensation was received.
April 20, 2017
Hmm.
This is the kind of YA book that really isn't meant for adults to read. It's goes by quickly enough that you might not notice at the time, but for all that its heart is in the right place, there's a lot of problematic nonsense involved.
The premise--a beautiful girl with a powerful best friend loses her looks in a scandalous car crash and has to reassess her sense of self--is a good one. And yet for a book that sets itself up to show how wrong it is to value someone (including yourself) for their looks, it sure is obsessed with looks.
There's the whole offensive "Annoying girl's main annoying trait is that she's fat, but then she loses weight and becomes less annoying" thing. There's the "I thought my sister was a loser because she totally does her own thing, but actually, she's so cool that she's hooking up with the super hot guy" subplot. Because of course, sister has no value for being an interesting and confident person unless it's validated by a hot guy. And of course the "I thought I was no longer worthy of the male gaze because my face is disfigured but a BETTER guy came along AFTER the accident, and anyway, I'm not actually disfigured, I just have a tiny patch on my cheek that only I would really care about, and I still have princess hair and a smokin' hot bod."
Okay, the more I think about it, the more I'm having problems with this. I'm not saying teenagers don't obsess about things like where they sit in the cafeteria and how their mom reacts to their food choices, but why would I want to read about it?
This is the kind of YA book that really isn't meant for adults to read. It's goes by quickly enough that you might not notice at the time, but for all that its heart is in the right place, there's a lot of problematic nonsense involved.
The premise--a beautiful girl with a powerful best friend loses her looks in a scandalous car crash and has to reassess her sense of self--is a good one. And yet for a book that sets itself up to show how wrong it is to value someone (including yourself) for their looks, it sure is obsessed with looks.
There's the whole offensive "Annoying girl's main annoying trait is that she's fat, but then she loses weight and becomes less annoying" thing. There's the "I thought my sister was a loser because she totally does her own thing, but actually, she's so cool that she's hooking up with the super hot guy" subplot. Because of course, sister has no value for being an interesting and confident person unless it's validated by a hot guy. And of course the "I thought I was no longer worthy of the male gaze because my face is disfigured but a BETTER guy came along AFTER the accident, and anyway, I'm not actually disfigured, I just have a tiny patch on my cheek that only I would really care about, and I still have princess hair and a smokin' hot bod."
Okay, the more I think about it, the more I'm having problems with this. I'm not saying teenagers don't obsess about things like where they sit in the cafeteria and how their mom reacts to their food choices, but why would I want to read about it?
November 16, 2014
It only took me few hours to finish "My Life in Black and White".
Natasha Friend created honest, even painful story about beauty and influence of it on teenagers.
she also focused on friendship.
I don't know exactly what to say abou main character, did I like her, or rather did I dislike her attidute? It's really hard for me to anwser this.
Usually I hate girls who "have it all" - model look, rich best friend, handsome, popular boyfriend and are self-centered, but this time I saw change, dynamic change of character, and I think that pulled me so hard into the story.
What will do popular, pretty girl when her face will be shattared? When her only advantage (appearance) will be gone? What if she lose everything she loved?
Natasha Friend created honest, even painful story about beauty and influence of it on teenagers.
she also focused on friendship.
I don't know exactly what to say abou main character, did I like her, or rather did I dislike her attidute? It's really hard for me to anwser this.
Usually I hate girls who "have it all" - model look, rich best friend, handsome, popular boyfriend and are self-centered, but this time I saw change, dynamic change of character, and I think that pulled me so hard into the story.
What will do popular, pretty girl when her face will be shattared? When her only advantage (appearance) will be gone? What if she lose everything she loved?
July 28, 2015
Hmm, I was hoping for a bit more with this book. The first half felt so strong and I thought I would absolutely love this book but the second half felt weaker in my opinion. Because of the weaker second half, I decided to rate this one 3 stars. I did still enjoy it but I didn't think it deserved a four star.
February 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book because it showed the true reality of how people feel and how she feels.
June 4, 2012
Lexi has always been known as beautiful, gorgeous, and hot. She is in love with her boyfriend Ryan, has a great best friend Taylor, and is about to start 10th grade which is high school where she lives. The summer before high school begins, she attends a party at her best friend Taylor's house. She can't find Taylor and she gets worried she might be too drunk and could need help so she searches the house and finds her friend Heidi guarding the door. At this point in the book my heart was already beating super fast and I was feeling nauseous. Nothing worse than the betrayal of a close friend. Lexi opens the door and finds her best friend of ten years with her boyfriend. Lexi gets Taylor's brother, Jarrod, to drive her home and they get into a car crash.
Lexi's face will never be the same. She also has no friends to support her. That was the most heartbreaking part of this story for me. Not just that Lexi has to go through surgeries and identity issues but that she has no one to help her through it. No one to stand beside her as she enters high school. I thought all her friends were awful even before the cheating and accident. She definitely shouldn't forgive them. But if I had made such a horrible mistake, I would have been at her house everyday with presents begging for forgiveness. I would have sent letters and did everything I could. I felt like Taylor didn't even make a good effort. She texted and left some voice messages. Big fricken whoop after what she did. Personally it is just something I would never forgive period but even her other friends should have been more supportive. Taylor's brother, Jarrod, never even apologized! And the crash was his fault basically.
Lexi goes through so many emotions and I felt them all right along with her. I was so angry myself I wanted to jump in the book and just get revenge on everyone. lol Lexi is angry, sad, depressed. She doesn't want to leave the house or let anyone see her. She has a lot of freak outs. Eventually she realizes that her evil ex best friend and ex boyfriend are at high school living their lives and that she should be out there. She should not be the one suffering while they are happy. I definitely understood and agreed. Everyone else did wrong but Lexi suffered the most. Lexi gathers up the strength to face high school all alone. She has to deal with all the fake smiles, gossip, and Ryan still trying to talk to her. Lexi ignores him and Taylor as she should and tries to redefine herself. Everything is changed so she might as well change.
Lexi used to enjoy school spirit, football games, and things like that. Now she just can't be the same person. She goes through wardrobe and attitude adjustments. Her older, more geeky, sister helps along the way. I was very sad watching Lexi struggle. The book is not romance heavy which I did like. Lexi works hard on her own to overcome her differences. I hate when a boy swopes in the just makes everything better. It doesn't happen like that. Lexi had to work through things on her own first. Then when she is doing better she meets a nice boy named Theo. He understands beauty is more than skin deep after losing a sister to an eating disorder. He is a good listener and introduces Lexi to boxing to get her anger out.
I don't think she should have ever forgave her friends. During all the flashbacks it seemed like Taylor was never a good friend. Taylor and Heidi were both so jealous, which is understandable, but the way they treated their friend was not okay. But Lexi is definitely a way better person than Taylor or me even. When Taylor goes through a traumatic crisis, instead of ditching her the way Taylor ditched her, she steps up and tries to help. I never would have. Lexi was a very strong character. Even though at times she had freak outs and had plans of revenge she always did the right thing. I teared up quite a bit during the book. I was easily able to connect and feel all of the anguish Lexi went through.
"While my mother cried, I had one nauseating, hysterical thought. I'll be a butt-face! Literally!"
"Sometimes a girl needs to squirt butter on people...or throw ice cream at the wall or a plate across the room...and it's not that she's proud of this behavior...it's just...well, she needs to flip out once in a while. To relieve the pressure."
"My point is...okay, there's this term in boxing, kissing the canvas. It's when someone get knocked down face-first. After Becks died, that was me. I could barely get out of bed. But you...kissed the canvas and got up."
Lexi's face will never be the same. She also has no friends to support her. That was the most heartbreaking part of this story for me. Not just that Lexi has to go through surgeries and identity issues but that she has no one to help her through it. No one to stand beside her as she enters high school. I thought all her friends were awful even before the cheating and accident. She definitely shouldn't forgive them. But if I had made such a horrible mistake, I would have been at her house everyday with presents begging for forgiveness. I would have sent letters and did everything I could. I felt like Taylor didn't even make a good effort. She texted and left some voice messages. Big fricken whoop after what she did. Personally it is just something I would never forgive period but even her other friends should have been more supportive. Taylor's brother, Jarrod, never even apologized! And the crash was his fault basically.
Lexi goes through so many emotions and I felt them all right along with her. I was so angry myself I wanted to jump in the book and just get revenge on everyone. lol Lexi is angry, sad, depressed. She doesn't want to leave the house or let anyone see her. She has a lot of freak outs. Eventually she realizes that her evil ex best friend and ex boyfriend are at high school living their lives and that she should be out there. She should not be the one suffering while they are happy. I definitely understood and agreed. Everyone else did wrong but Lexi suffered the most. Lexi gathers up the strength to face high school all alone. She has to deal with all the fake smiles, gossip, and Ryan still trying to talk to her. Lexi ignores him and Taylor as she should and tries to redefine herself. Everything is changed so she might as well change.
Lexi used to enjoy school spirit, football games, and things like that. Now she just can't be the same person. She goes through wardrobe and attitude adjustments. Her older, more geeky, sister helps along the way. I was very sad watching Lexi struggle. The book is not romance heavy which I did like. Lexi works hard on her own to overcome her differences. I hate when a boy swopes in the just makes everything better. It doesn't happen like that. Lexi had to work through things on her own first. Then when she is doing better she meets a nice boy named Theo. He understands beauty is more than skin deep after losing a sister to an eating disorder. He is a good listener and introduces Lexi to boxing to get her anger out.
I don't think she should have ever forgave her friends. During all the flashbacks it seemed like Taylor was never a good friend. Taylor and Heidi were both so jealous, which is understandable, but the way they treated their friend was not okay. But Lexi is definitely a way better person than Taylor or me even. When Taylor goes through a traumatic crisis, instead of ditching her the way Taylor ditched her, she steps up and tries to help. I never would have. Lexi was a very strong character. Even though at times she had freak outs and had plans of revenge she always did the right thing. I teared up quite a bit during the book. I was easily able to connect and feel all of the anguish Lexi went through.
"While my mother cried, I had one nauseating, hysterical thought. I'll be a butt-face! Literally!"
"Sometimes a girl needs to squirt butter on people...or throw ice cream at the wall or a plate across the room...and it's not that she's proud of this behavior...it's just...well, she needs to flip out once in a while. To relieve the pressure."
"My point is...okay, there's this term in boxing, kissing the canvas. It's when someone get knocked down face-first. After Becks died, that was me. I could barely get out of bed. But you...kissed the canvas and got up."
August 4, 2012
Summary:
Alexa is beautiful. She's been told that since before the time should could understand. After seeing something awful occur between her BFF and BF, her face catapults through the windshield. Without her beauty, Alexa can barely even define herself. Luckily, she finds that she has a kickass sister, a few new friends, and a guy she never spared a glance to help her out.
Review:
If you look at my bookshelves, you'll see that I thought there was a complete turn in this book.
Unfortunately, I would have to say that it was a turn for the worst. I mean, this was another book with an amazing concept. A girl who was defined by her beauty loses it all in a matter of minutes. Beautiful right? Nope. Friend decided that the girl would not even be capable of reflecting on her past or changing until the last chapter. Terrific. What a letdown.
Another thing, this girl complained WAY to much. Don't get me wrong, I understand why this was so traumatic for her. Especially considering that she was so unbelievably HAWT that random strangers in the street would stop and gush to her mother just how unbelievably KEE-UTE her little blond baby is (when she was little).
But really, I wish she didn't have to dwell on it so much. For example:
'“I hate you,” I said to my reflection. “I hate you so much.”' (Gotta love self-hatred!)
'“No, no. I want to be normal. I want to be just like everybody else.”' (Hail to the conformity!)
'“I hate my life!”' (Cue eye roll. Though I loved her sister's reply, "So get a new one.")
"I didn’t care who else was in here. I was just happy not to be seen." (I got nothin')
"Now I had no one. No one but myself." (All cuz she lost her pretty face)
“Maybe he’s writing an article. ‘Butt-Faced Girl Goes Incognito at School Dance.’” (She can't even accept that a guy might like her 'cause she's so "disfigured.")
"I feel like I’ve lost everything...and I used to be beautiful.” (Yeah, but you're not dead. You haven't lost everything. Can't you just be happy for life? No? You'd rather die pretty than live ugly? Oh, I see now. You're crazy.)
Her constant whining aside, i did like two characters in this book.
Ruth Ann (Ruthie)-
Ruthie was an awesome sister. I don't have one so I really wouldn't know. Whenever Alexa came to complain, she would tolerate it and offer advice. I'd probably charge her to talk if all she wanted to do was gripe about how TERRIBLE her life was.
One of my favorite parts was when Alexa called Ruthie to pick her up and then Ruthie got frustrated with her and told her off. I was like, "YES! FINALLY!" She told her that it wasn't fair that she had to drop everything to help out Alexa and how Alexa never cared about what happened in her life unless it was to her benefit. And she was totally right! The only time Alexa real inquired about her life was when she was trying to get details on Theo. I mean, honestly! Which reminds me....
Taddeo (Theo)-
Theo was a pretty awesome character. I mean, he managed to tolerate Alex's b****ing which is a major accomplishment in my book. (Though this may have to do with his long-time crush on her.)
Anyway, he was super duper supportive and managed to offer some insight when Alexa needed it so that was cool.
As a whole, this book was pretty awful. Buuuuuuuut, it did have a few redeeming qualities. So my actual review of the book is 2.5 stars.
Alexa is beautiful. She's been told that since before the time should could understand. After seeing something awful occur between her BFF and BF, her face catapults through the windshield. Without her beauty, Alexa can barely even define herself. Luckily, she finds that she has a kickass sister, a few new friends, and a guy she never spared a glance to help her out.
Review:
If you look at my bookshelves, you'll see that I thought there was a complete turn in this book.
Unfortunately, I would have to say that it was a turn for the worst. I mean, this was another book with an amazing concept. A girl who was defined by her beauty loses it all in a matter of minutes. Beautiful right? Nope. Friend decided that the girl would not even be capable of reflecting on her past or changing until the last chapter. Terrific. What a letdown.
Another thing, this girl complained WAY to much. Don't get me wrong, I understand why this was so traumatic for her. Especially considering that she was so unbelievably HAWT that random strangers in the street would stop and gush to her mother just how unbelievably KEE-UTE her little blond baby is (when she was little).
But really, I wish she didn't have to dwell on it so much. For example:
'“I hate you,” I said to my reflection. “I hate you so much.”' (Gotta love self-hatred!)
'“No, no. I want to be normal. I want to be just like everybody else.”' (Hail to the conformity!)
'“I hate my life!”' (Cue eye roll. Though I loved her sister's reply, "So get a new one.")
"I didn’t care who else was in here. I was just happy not to be seen." (I got nothin')
"Now I had no one. No one but myself." (All cuz she lost her pretty face)
“Maybe he’s writing an article. ‘Butt-Faced Girl Goes Incognito at School Dance.’” (She can't even accept that a guy might like her 'cause she's so "disfigured.")
"I feel like I’ve lost everything...and I used to be beautiful.” (Yeah, but you're not dead. You haven't lost everything. Can't you just be happy for life? No? You'd rather die pretty than live ugly? Oh, I see now. You're crazy.)
Her constant whining aside, i did like two characters in this book.
Ruth Ann (Ruthie)-
Ruthie was an awesome sister. I don't have one so I really wouldn't know. Whenever Alexa came to complain, she would tolerate it and offer advice. I'd probably charge her to talk if all she wanted to do was gripe about how TERRIBLE her life was.
One of my favorite parts was when Alexa called Ruthie to pick her up and then Ruthie got frustrated with her and told her off. I was like, "YES! FINALLY!" She told her that it wasn't fair that she had to drop everything to help out Alexa and how Alexa never cared about what happened in her life unless it was to her benefit. And she was totally right! The only time Alexa real inquired about her life was when she was trying to get details on Theo. I mean, honestly! Which reminds me....
Taddeo (Theo)-
Theo was a pretty awesome character. I mean, he managed to tolerate Alex's b****ing which is a major accomplishment in my book. (Though this may have to do with his long-time crush on her.)
Anyway, he was super duper supportive and managed to offer some insight when Alexa needed it so that was cool.
As a whole, this book was pretty awful. Buuuuuuuut, it did have a few redeeming qualities. So my actual review of the book is 2.5 stars.
June 28, 2012
I have never had that problem, you know? Being beautiful, I mean, so at the beginning of the novel, I wasn’t too sure how I’d relate to the main character. But I worried needlessly because, as has become characteristic of all the contemporary novels I have read and loved, Lexi is one of those girls that anyone can relate to despite not having a single thing in common. She has a frank, disarming voice that makes you warm to her immediately – even when she’s not behaving in an exactly admirable manner. I haven’t read anything by Friend before so I was a bit hesitant going in but her writing flows smoothly and while there are no poetic gems as in John Green’s books, there are several genius scenes that simply express a whole ton of complicated things. The subtlety is well done. I especially loved how Friend managed to tell a tale that has a moral in it without being preachy or even seeming to be preachy. Friend narrates a story that is plausible, real and is comic as well as heart breaking.
I accompanied Lexie as she learns some hard truths about herself, about her friends and about her family. As she comes to terms with the life that she lived and the girl she was and tries to compromise them to the girl she becomes and the life she has now. Also, the manner in which Friend engages in themes of beauty, superficial versus inner was impressive as it does not alienate the beautiful nor does it push away the girls who are more insecure about their physical looks. I also appreciated how romance is secondary to the main aspect of the story which is friendship and acceptance not just of your own self but of other people. Acceptance of differences in philosophy. There are no extremities here, no “black and white” (I appreciated the subtlety of the title) and Friend celebrates the grey areas in lives and in people.
On the whole, My Life in Black and White is a very satisfying read. It made me feel good. About the world, about my friends and family and perhaps, most importantly, about myself. If you want something witty, charming, funny and a bit heart breaking, this is for you. Have fun reading.
I accompanied Lexie as she learns some hard truths about herself, about her friends and about her family. As she comes to terms with the life that she lived and the girl she was and tries to compromise them to the girl she becomes and the life she has now. Also, the manner in which Friend engages in themes of beauty, superficial versus inner was impressive as it does not alienate the beautiful nor does it push away the girls who are more insecure about their physical looks. I also appreciated how romance is secondary to the main aspect of the story which is friendship and acceptance not just of your own self but of other people. Acceptance of differences in philosophy. There are no extremities here, no “black and white” (I appreciated the subtlety of the title) and Friend celebrates the grey areas in lives and in people.
On the whole, My Life in Black and White is a very satisfying read. It made me feel good. About the world, about my friends and family and perhaps, most importantly, about myself. If you want something witty, charming, funny and a bit heart breaking, this is for you. Have fun reading.
January 5, 2017
The premise of the story sounded interesting, young girl whose life gets thrown upside down because of an accident, and the plot itself lived up to what I was expecting. There were, at times, where I felt bad for Alexa, or Lex, because of the pain and suffereing she was going through. That's all that I felt for her though. Other than that, I did not like her at all.
The author was definitely going for a character who was not the most likable at the beginning, who you get to see change throughout the story, which she did a good job doing. My problem was that there was almost no redeemable quality, in my opinion, about her at the beginning, and by the end of the story, I just didn't really care. For me, I like to feel some connection to the main character at the beginning of the story, or I typically never connect, even when the character does get better, like she did in this story.
Besides that issue with Lex that I had, the book was really interesting. There were a few things I didn't really like throughout the story, but not enough that the plot wasn't good. It was also slow, which is another thing that I typically don't like when reading. I'm all about pace and keeping things moving, but in My Life in Black and White, the slower pace fits.
The author was definitely going for a character who was not the most likable at the beginning, who you get to see change throughout the story, which she did a good job doing. My problem was that there was almost no redeemable quality, in my opinion, about her at the beginning, and by the end of the story, I just didn't really care. For me, I like to feel some connection to the main character at the beginning of the story, or I typically never connect, even when the character does get better, like she did in this story.
Besides that issue with Lex that I had, the book was really interesting. There were a few things I didn't really like throughout the story, but not enough that the plot wasn't good. It was also slow, which is another thing that I typically don't like when reading. I'm all about pace and keeping things moving, but in My Life in Black and White, the slower pace fits.
July 23, 2012
It was good, but Lexi complained a bit too much throughout the book. I don't expect her to be positive and "it could be worse.." because really, it's normal for anyone to act like she did when not only did said person have to 1) walk in on her boyfriend getting a blow job by her best friend, 2) getting man handled by said best friend's brother when he went to take her home, and 3) Having her head go through a windshield. You can only take so much whiny-ness though. Practically 3/4 of the book was her whining about how hard it was for her and how no one likes her and how she'll never be able to live like a normal person. Her sister countless times told her that she wasn't ugly, and that she needed to stop being so self centered and shallow. You would think that by the hundredth time she's said it it would actually click into her thoughts, and she'd listen.
But she didn't.
She also caused me some second hand embarrassment when she dressed up as cat woman and acted on her 'revenge', and tried to give Taylor's crush a hand job. What on Earth makes you think that would be a good idea?
But she didn't.
She also caused me some second hand embarrassment when she dressed up as cat woman and acted on her 'revenge', and tried to give Taylor's crush a hand job. What on Earth makes you think that would be a good idea?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2015
Pretty people with pretty problems.
That might sound heartless but I honestly don’t mean that in a bad way. Personally, I like reading books about pretty people with pretty problems. I like not having to think too hard or feel emotionally drained after reading a book. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that I don’t like books with substance. I do. And I’m not saying that books about pretty problems don’t have substance but they are easy reads and this book was no exception to that.
Lexi is 15 years old, about to enter her sophomore year of high school with her BFF Taylor, and ready to take on everything the world has to offer her...except a seat belt. After a car accident turns half of her pretty face into a pretty gruesome catastrophe, she is shunned from her friends (or so she thinks) and forced to take a pretty good look at how her life has been and the choices she’s made.
This is her story about figuring out who she is, who she wants to be, and who she will become. And, of course, there’s a handsome unexpected guy to help her along the way.
I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because we all need a little pretty in our life now and then.
That might sound heartless but I honestly don’t mean that in a bad way. Personally, I like reading books about pretty people with pretty problems. I like not having to think too hard or feel emotionally drained after reading a book. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that I don’t like books with substance. I do. And I’m not saying that books about pretty problems don’t have substance but they are easy reads and this book was no exception to that.
Lexi is 15 years old, about to enter her sophomore year of high school with her BFF Taylor, and ready to take on everything the world has to offer her...except a seat belt. After a car accident turns half of her pretty face into a pretty gruesome catastrophe, she is shunned from her friends (or so she thinks) and forced to take a pretty good look at how her life has been and the choices she’s made.
This is her story about figuring out who she is, who she wants to be, and who she will become. And, of course, there’s a handsome unexpected guy to help her along the way.
I give it 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because we all need a little pretty in our life now and then.
January 1, 2013
Lexi has come through a very harrowing, very scary part of her life. She survived a car crash that sent her face first through a windshield. This is a game changer.
She was known as the beautiful girl, the lovely girl - everyone knew her by her easy, stunning beauty. But her facial reconstruction has changed that all for her. NOW, she's doesn't feel like the pretty girl anymore.
Now, she doesn't know who she is anymore.
This is a daring story that Natasha Friend tells with an almost flawless execution. Lexi finds love, loss, fear and heartache. But, she also finds courage, a voice, new relationships even with old friends - and an amazing girl hiding under all those horribly shallow ideas.
and what we find is truly a beautiful person, and it has nothing to do with her face ;)
She was known as the beautiful girl, the lovely girl - everyone knew her by her easy, stunning beauty. But her facial reconstruction has changed that all for her. NOW, she's doesn't feel like the pretty girl anymore.
Now, she doesn't know who she is anymore.
This is a daring story that Natasha Friend tells with an almost flawless execution. Lexi finds love, loss, fear and heartache. But, she also finds courage, a voice, new relationships even with old friends - and an amazing girl hiding under all those horribly shallow ideas.
and what we find is truly a beautiful person, and it has nothing to do with her face ;)
June 22, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this novel the plot was pretty interesting.Alexa recently got into a car accident and she ended up getting surgery for her face. Getting this operation done completely change her life. Before she was considered the prettiest girl in the world, and now she is know as the girl with the messed up face.Now Lexi must get through life without her looks. She comes to realize that her looks aren't what define her. She must deal with what she saw at the party and she is able to bond with her older sister Ruth. And there is a guy Theo who help her.I wish that Theo had played a larger role in the book...this is the reason why I give four stars in this book
May 4, 2016
This book was not what I was expecting. My sister was the one who recommended it to me. About half way through I was about ready to give up. It was pretty depressing. The main character, Lexi, was so full of self-pity and all of her friends were so fake. However, my sister reassured me that the ending was really good. And it was. The message was really neat. Beauty isn't everything. Eventually Lexi comes to understand this and moves forward.
June 24, 2012
"If only Ryan were wearing flip-flops right now: I would stab him in the foot. Which wouldn’t be nearly as bad as getting stabbed in the back, but still. You had to start somewhere...."hahahahaha!!!!AWESOME!!!!
More like a 3,5 stars...
More like a 3,5 stars...
May 6, 2021
Lex was very strong, stronger than I expected. She fought hard battles, and I learned a lot.
September 11, 2017
After reading My Life In Black and White it really made me realize what girls go through and how they struggle with confidence. Some girls always struggle with not being pretty enough or skinny enough and its sad that society has become this way. This is what Taylor felt every day of her life. She never really saw herself as the pretty one she was alway the funny one out of Lexi and her. Lexi was the one with the pretty face that everyone loved. Until one day she got in an accident and that went away. The way she saw herself as was sad and unbelievable a girl would say something that horrible about herself and put herself down, even though people may see her another way.
I relate this to society today and girls all over. I know even as myself its hard to except yourself and your flaws. This book also focuses on the love and support from friends. Having friends and a good support system is import in life. Friends are always going to help someone through a hard time and also help them see the true beauty in their friend that they may not see. My friends for me are always there to boost my confidence and support me.In this case that is what Taylor is there for Lexi well she is going through the hard change.
This book is realistic fiction because it is not a true story so thats why its fiction. But the reason it is realistic because this is how our society is today. This reminds we a lot of the middle school age where girls are going through a big change in their life. This is when drama starts and clicks. Sadly some of this is starting at the elementary level but middle school is where I experienced it.
I relate this to society today and girls all over. I know even as myself its hard to except yourself and your flaws. This book also focuses on the love and support from friends. Having friends and a good support system is import in life. Friends are always going to help someone through a hard time and also help them see the true beauty in their friend that they may not see. My friends for me are always there to boost my confidence and support me.In this case that is what Taylor is there for Lexi well she is going through the hard change.
This book is realistic fiction because it is not a true story so thats why its fiction. But the reason it is realistic because this is how our society is today. This reminds we a lot of the middle school age where girls are going through a big change in their life. This is when drama starts and clicks. Sadly some of this is starting at the elementary level but middle school is where I experienced it.
September 15, 2017
My Life In Black and White by Natasha Friend, tackles big issues throughout her novel for all teens. This chosen novel was a thrilling dramatic realistic fiction book which portrays young readers towards self-discovery. The true meaning of this novel is to find self-worth and physical attractiveness within yourself. As many know finding self-worth and the true beauty within the person you are can seem nearly impossible for teenagers. The main character, Alexa demonstrates self-discovery and self-definition through overcoming her own tragedies with the out come of the discovering her true beauty.
The night that Alexa’s world changed, she received a ride home from a party from Taylor’s brother, Jarrod. Jarrod was not focused on the road, as he was more focused on the beauty of Alexa. The lack of Jarrod’s focus lead to a horrible accident that left Alexa’s face permanently distorted. Her world went from white to black. After her accident she struggled to find a new and confident place which lies in between “pretty Alexa” and “ugly Alexa”. Alexa went through different stages of self-discovery and self-definition to find beauty within her permanently distorted face.
I enjoyed reading My Life In Black and White by Natasha Friend because this novel portrays relatable life lessons for all teenagers. Throughout the novel, the reader builds self-awareness due to the main character, Alexa. The author makes it difficult for the reader not to be cheering for Alexa as she creates her own path towards discovering her true self-worth. After personally connecting with Alexa, I consider her a hero. Throughout the novel Alexa overcame the effects of the horrible accident and excepts her permanently disfigured face as naturally beautiful.
The night that Alexa’s world changed, she received a ride home from a party from Taylor’s brother, Jarrod. Jarrod was not focused on the road, as he was more focused on the beauty of Alexa. The lack of Jarrod’s focus lead to a horrible accident that left Alexa’s face permanently distorted. Her world went from white to black. After her accident she struggled to find a new and confident place which lies in between “pretty Alexa” and “ugly Alexa”. Alexa went through different stages of self-discovery and self-definition to find beauty within her permanently distorted face.
I enjoyed reading My Life In Black and White by Natasha Friend because this novel portrays relatable life lessons for all teenagers. Throughout the novel, the reader builds self-awareness due to the main character, Alexa. The author makes it difficult for the reader not to be cheering for Alexa as she creates her own path towards discovering her true self-worth. After personally connecting with Alexa, I consider her a hero. Throughout the novel Alexa overcame the effects of the horrible accident and excepts her permanently disfigured face as naturally beautiful.
January 31, 2017
I truly loved this book!
It reminded me of the high school atmosphere, and even though that wasn't a great memory, it kept me interested the whole time.
To me, knowing that Lexi's mother was so concerned about her looks was sad to me. One of my friends in high school had a mother that was the same way, so I was able to make a connection there.
I like books like this because it keeps me entertained. I read all of the girly Laura's Conrad books, and I loved all of them. I am terrible at reading books like Harry Potter though!
It reminded me of the high school atmosphere, and even though that wasn't a great memory, it kept me interested the whole time.
To me, knowing that Lexi's mother was so concerned about her looks was sad to me. One of my friends in high school had a mother that was the same way, so I was able to make a connection there.
I like books like this because it keeps me entertained. I read all of the girly Laura's Conrad books, and I loved all of them. I am terrible at reading books like Harry Potter though!
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