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Pretty Face
I don't speak the language. I don't like meeting new people. And I have no idea where Umbria is. Who cares?! I'm going to Italy!Hayley is overweight, and she's never felt happy in her own skin. But this summer everything is going to change. She's off to Italy, where she'll discover what real pizza tastes like, what real beauty looks like, and maybe even what true amore can be.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2008
49 people are currently reading
2017 people want to read
About the author
Mary Hogan
65 books236 followersThough an Okie by birth, I grew up in Southern California in the era of baby oil tans. Except mine. My youth was filled with sunburns and other red-faced events. Now, I live in the blessed shade of skyscrapers. New York City. Where I was meant to be all along.
At the risk of sounding bigheaded, I love GOOD books. I like to read writers who inspire me to read their sentences over and over just for the joy of it. You know that feeling? Like, wow, how did she think of that phrasing?
That said, I joined Goodreads because I'd become a genre snob. There are good Sci-fi novels, right? Historical? To my delight, I've found that to be true. As in life, when you open up, the world opens with you. Or so said Oprah. Before she abandoned us. :)
On a personal note, I am married to the man of my dreams. We share our home with the lovely Lucy, a Catahoula rescue dog who, frankly, isn't that into us. In another life, she was Greta Garbo. When I smother her with kisses she literally rolls her doggy eyes.
Professionally, I'm the author of ten novels. Seven Young Adult novels (HarperCollins), one bestselling mainstream book (TWO SISTERS) an historical novel called THE WOMAN IN THE PHOTO (William Morrow) and the upcoming love story, LEFT (Morrow). Goodreads helped me open up to WRITING in new genres, too. Thank you!!
Both LEFT and TWO SISTERS are personal novels for me. TWO SISTERS was inspired by my own sister, Diane, who passed away in 2010. The fictional story emerged as I struggled to understand why my sister died the way she did. It's a story about secrets and how they can disintegrate a family.
LEFT is a love story with a twist. It tells the tale of a woman who develops a fantasy life to cope with her husband's descent into dementia. Alzheimer's and other dementias run in my family. This novel is for the current--and future--caretakers who inspire me every day.
For another VERY personal story, I wrote an article about my mom's last days for Woman's Day magazine. If you've gone through your mom's passing, or soon will, you may relate. (If you feel like reading it, I posted the link on my website maryhogan.com)
I swear it's all true.
At the risk of sounding bigheaded, I love GOOD books. I like to read writers who inspire me to read their sentences over and over just for the joy of it. You know that feeling? Like, wow, how did she think of that phrasing?
That said, I joined Goodreads because I'd become a genre snob. There are good Sci-fi novels, right? Historical? To my delight, I've found that to be true. As in life, when you open up, the world opens with you. Or so said Oprah. Before she abandoned us. :)
On a personal note, I am married to the man of my dreams. We share our home with the lovely Lucy, a Catahoula rescue dog who, frankly, isn't that into us. In another life, she was Greta Garbo. When I smother her with kisses she literally rolls her doggy eyes.
Professionally, I'm the author of ten novels. Seven Young Adult novels (HarperCollins), one bestselling mainstream book (TWO SISTERS) an historical novel called THE WOMAN IN THE PHOTO (William Morrow) and the upcoming love story, LEFT (Morrow). Goodreads helped me open up to WRITING in new genres, too. Thank you!!
Both LEFT and TWO SISTERS are personal novels for me. TWO SISTERS was inspired by my own sister, Diane, who passed away in 2010. The fictional story emerged as I struggled to understand why my sister died the way she did. It's a story about secrets and how they can disintegrate a family.
LEFT is a love story with a twist. It tells the tale of a woman who develops a fantasy life to cope with her husband's descent into dementia. Alzheimer's and other dementias run in my family. This novel is for the current--and future--caretakers who inspire me every day.
For another VERY personal story, I wrote an article about my mom's last days for Woman's Day magazine. If you've gone through your mom's passing, or soon will, you may relate. (If you feel like reading it, I posted the link on my website maryhogan.com)
I swear it's all true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
September 7, 2016
Honestly, this story started off with basically describing my relationship with my mother... It is just so relatable to many young ladies out there in our generation, that my heart hit home the instant the mother and daughter relationship started off. Then, came the reality of the main character, Hayley to hit home as well about her love life. At first, because of the synopsis, I was thinking she would actually stay and be happily with the guy named Drew who she has had a crush on for a while now. But when the story took its turn of events to her secretly planned trip from her parents, my heart instantly sank deeply with the love story she carried with Enzo, aka Lorenzo.
This story is a contemporary love story, that doesn't have the usual love scenes that I am accustomed to, but it was sure a true romantic story that made me cry in every lovely possible way.
This story is a contemporary love story, that doesn't have the usual love scenes that I am accustomed to, but it was sure a true romantic story that made me cry in every lovely possible way.
November 10, 2011
This book was wonderful... I laughed, wanted to slap the hell out of the mother, and cried all within the couple of hours that I read this book.
This book was like reading a story of my life.. just change Claifornia to Florida, a BFF with brown hair to blonde hair, and a Summer in Italy to a summer soccer camp and we're like twins..lol.. but really,
Pretty Face is the story of a young girl whom is having a hard time dealing with the situations of being a 16 yr old girl. She cant get any help from her mother, because her mother is one of those problems. Finally, after she freaks out and runs off from her mother, her parents decide to send her to Italy for the summer to get her away for a while.. per a therapist. Once she gets there she learns to really live life and to like herself for who she is. She found herself.. the real her.. in a little town in Italy.
I Really liked this book... what I didnt like.... THE MOTHER.. that woman made me so angry.. I understand that your daughter is a little overweight but leave her the hell alone.. harping on her is just going to make her hide things and be sneaky.. and when Haley tells her mom in passing how she is working at walking all the way up the hill by the end of the summer.. just normal conversation for a normal mother and daughter.. her mother starts drilling her about how far she got today.. does so-an-so have a scale.. can you weigh yourself... SHUT THE HELL UP MOM is what I was yelling at my e-reader..lol.. and when she gets home her mother tells her that she lost weight and that their plan worked.. what the hell does that mean.. I thought they sent her to Italy to take the stress off her and help her find her way.. not so that her stupid pain in the ass mom could manipulate her into doing exactly what she wanted her to do in the first place.
What I took from this book..... Live your life being happy with who you are, actually live it.. dont just putter through... and even if you are poor in money you can be rich in family.
Two Thumbs WAY UP!!!!!
This book was like reading a story of my life.. just change Claifornia to Florida, a BFF with brown hair to blonde hair, and a Summer in Italy to a summer soccer camp and we're like twins..lol.. but really,
Pretty Face is the story of a young girl whom is having a hard time dealing with the situations of being a 16 yr old girl. She cant get any help from her mother, because her mother is one of those problems. Finally, after she freaks out and runs off from her mother, her parents decide to send her to Italy for the summer to get her away for a while.. per a therapist. Once she gets there she learns to really live life and to like herself for who she is. She found herself.. the real her.. in a little town in Italy.
I Really liked this book... what I didnt like.... THE MOTHER.. that woman made me so angry.. I understand that your daughter is a little overweight but leave her the hell alone.. harping on her is just going to make her hide things and be sneaky.. and when Haley tells her mom in passing how she is working at walking all the way up the hill by the end of the summer.. just normal conversation for a normal mother and daughter.. her mother starts drilling her about how far she got today.. does so-an-so have a scale.. can you weigh yourself... SHUT THE HELL UP MOM is what I was yelling at my e-reader..lol.. and when she gets home her mother tells her that she lost weight and that their plan worked.. what the hell does that mean.. I thought they sent her to Italy to take the stress off her and help her find her way.. not so that her stupid pain in the ass mom could manipulate her into doing exactly what she wanted her to do in the first place.
What I took from this book..... Live your life being happy with who you are, actually live it.. dont just putter through... and even if you are poor in money you can be rich in family.
Two Thumbs WAY UP!!!!!
July 31, 2010
Originally posted at One More Page
I used to be fat. I won't sugarcoat it: I was fat. I wasn't obese, but I was about 40 lbs overweight. If you don't believe me, see for yourself.
I tried not to mind my being overweight, and try to follow those "love yourself" mantras to make me feel good about myself. No one exactly called me fat to my face, but people joked about it at times, and I often laughed it off. But I knew for myself that I wasn't thin, and I hated shopping for clothes because I knew I would always have to ask for Large or Extra Large and not all the clothes I want look good on me. I didn't hate myself for it, but I hated that I wasn't doing anything about it, at least up until July 2009. That was when I joined the gym, paid a lot for my training fees, and finally started to lose weight properly, through diet and exercise.
The weight and self-esteem angle was one reason why I picked up Pretty Face. I always liked books that helped protagonists discover their true beauty, just like North of Beautiful. I thought Pretty Face would be like this, but I was kind of disappointed.
People always say Hayley had a pretty face, but it was all they tell her. Hayley knew she was fat, and it didn't help that her mother kept on giving her grief about her weight after losing much of her own. It also didn't help that she found out who her crush Drew Wyler really liked and it wasn't her. After one bad day joining her mother at a weight-loss specialist (?) office, her parents told her that they'd be sending her to Italy for the summer to have some time off. In Italy, Hayley finds an entirely different lifestyle that she gets used to, and she finds herself loving food, herself and even finding a guy who loves her for who she is.
I really wanted to like this novel, but I ended up having too many issues with the story, and how Hayley's insecurities were dealt with. Spoiler warning starts here.
First off, Italy. It's not that sending Hayley off to a foreign place is bad -- it's a good way to shake things up in the novel. I was willing to forgive the fact that her parents approved of her going on her own for an entire summer -- suspension of disbelief -- even if she was only sixteen, seventeen? I didn't like how the entire Italian experience was treated towards the end of the novel. It's like Hayley's trip to Italy was her Biggest Loser moment. Once there, it was easy to change herself, to change what she thought, to exercise, to feel good about herself. But in the end, Italy is not her real world, and she would have to go back to Santa Monica and start making positive changes for herself, because of what she learned in Italy. I didn't see that. More accurately, I didn't see that much because the last few chapters didn't give me a chance to see how the changes in Italy affected Hayley's life when she got home, because Hayley was more focused on the things she missed from the place. I understood that she missed the place -- I would, too -- but dwelling on that alone shouldn't be the point of the story. Which brings me to the next issue...
Enzo. Don't get me wrong -- I like the idea of meeting a hot Italian guy and the idea of romance. Plus Enzo seemed really sweet and nice. But I wonder why it took so darn long for Hayley to see Enzo again after the first encounter. It took what, thirty chapters to get them talking to each other? And after they saw each other, and hung out once or twice, Hayley knew she was in love and she goes and have sex with him? My values were screaming "No no no no no no!!!" as I was reading. I know their culture is different from mine, but how do you know that Enzo is not some kind of psycho? Instead of focusing on the changes that Hayley could do for her life at the end of the novel, it focused on missing Enzo, and long distance relationships and all that. I'm confused. I thought this was a novel about self-image?
End spoiler warning.
In the end, this novel just didn't work for me. I know how it felt to be fat, and I know how it feels to be frustrated that no one likes you. I could identify with Hayley for a while, but I just don't agree with the plot and the resolution of the story. The only saving grace of this novel is the descriptions of Italy, and Hayley's quips which were funny and witty. Aside from that, Pretty Face pretty much fell short.
I used to be fat. I won't sugarcoat it: I was fat. I wasn't obese, but I was about 40 lbs overweight. If you don't believe me, see for yourself.
I tried not to mind my being overweight, and try to follow those "love yourself" mantras to make me feel good about myself. No one exactly called me fat to my face, but people joked about it at times, and I often laughed it off. But I knew for myself that I wasn't thin, and I hated shopping for clothes because I knew I would always have to ask for Large or Extra Large and not all the clothes I want look good on me. I didn't hate myself for it, but I hated that I wasn't doing anything about it, at least up until July 2009. That was when I joined the gym, paid a lot for my training fees, and finally started to lose weight properly, through diet and exercise.
The weight and self-esteem angle was one reason why I picked up Pretty Face. I always liked books that helped protagonists discover their true beauty, just like North of Beautiful. I thought Pretty Face would be like this, but I was kind of disappointed.
People always say Hayley had a pretty face, but it was all they tell her. Hayley knew she was fat, and it didn't help that her mother kept on giving her grief about her weight after losing much of her own. It also didn't help that she found out who her crush Drew Wyler really liked and it wasn't her. After one bad day joining her mother at a weight-loss specialist (?) office, her parents told her that they'd be sending her to Italy for the summer to have some time off. In Italy, Hayley finds an entirely different lifestyle that she gets used to, and she finds herself loving food, herself and even finding a guy who loves her for who she is.
I really wanted to like this novel, but I ended up having too many issues with the story, and how Hayley's insecurities were dealt with. Spoiler warning starts here.
First off, Italy. It's not that sending Hayley off to a foreign place is bad -- it's a good way to shake things up in the novel. I was willing to forgive the fact that her parents approved of her going on her own for an entire summer -- suspension of disbelief -- even if she was only sixteen, seventeen? I didn't like how the entire Italian experience was treated towards the end of the novel. It's like Hayley's trip to Italy was her Biggest Loser moment. Once there, it was easy to change herself, to change what she thought, to exercise, to feel good about herself. But in the end, Italy is not her real world, and she would have to go back to Santa Monica and start making positive changes for herself, because of what she learned in Italy. I didn't see that. More accurately, I didn't see that much because the last few chapters didn't give me a chance to see how the changes in Italy affected Hayley's life when she got home, because Hayley was more focused on the things she missed from the place. I understood that she missed the place -- I would, too -- but dwelling on that alone shouldn't be the point of the story. Which brings me to the next issue...
Enzo. Don't get me wrong -- I like the idea of meeting a hot Italian guy and the idea of romance. Plus Enzo seemed really sweet and nice. But I wonder why it took so darn long for Hayley to see Enzo again after the first encounter. It took what, thirty chapters to get them talking to each other? And after they saw each other, and hung out once or twice, Hayley knew she was in love and she goes and have sex with him? My values were screaming "No no no no no no!!!" as I was reading. I know their culture is different from mine, but how do you know that Enzo is not some kind of psycho? Instead of focusing on the changes that Hayley could do for her life at the end of the novel, it focused on missing Enzo, and long distance relationships and all that. I'm confused. I thought this was a novel about self-image?
End spoiler warning.
In the end, this novel just didn't work for me. I know how it felt to be fat, and I know how it feels to be frustrated that no one likes you. I could identify with Hayley for a while, but I just don't agree with the plot and the resolution of the story. The only saving grace of this novel is the descriptions of Italy, and Hayley's quips which were funny and witty. Aside from that, Pretty Face pretty much fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2010
That's what I am.
A funny girl.
A friend.
Nobody's girlfriend.
The girl with the pretty FACE.
Hayley wishes she could love living in Santa Monica, blocks from the beach, where every day—and everybody—is beautiful and sunny. But she just doesn't fit in with all the blond, superskinny Southern California girls who have their plastic surgeons on speed dial. Hayley is smart and witty and has such a pretty . . . face. Translation: Don't even think about putting on a bikini, much less dating superhot Drew Wyler. A bikini will never be flattering, and Drew will never think of her as more than a friend.
Just when Hayley feels doomed to live her life in the fat lane, her parents decide to send her to Italy for the summer—not for school, not for fat camp, just for fun. It's there, under the Italian sun, that Hayley's vision of herself starts to change. She's curvy, not fat. Pizza isn't evil. And life is so much more than one-size-fits-all. Who knows? Once Hayley sees herself in a new light, maybe the girl with the pretty face will finally find true amore. From MaryHogan.com
I can't tell you just how sweet this book is! This really is such an amazing book! It's quick, it's light, and it's completely uplifting!
As the blurb suggests, Hayley is overweight, and unhappy about it. Her mother is pretty obsessive about Hayley losing weight, and kind of nasty with it - to the point where I wanted to strangle her. Hayley battles all the comments, and her own thoughts, with witty, hilarious comebacks. Her humour almost seems to be a shield she hides behind, which is so sad, but just so funny! Really, I was cracking up for most of the book.
But Pretty Face is also heartbreaking. Hayley is the girl with the pretty face, the comment always sounding as if that's supposed to be a consolation for her weight. Hayley feels so bad about the way she looks, and what that means for her socially and with guys really gets her down. Which leads to comfort eating, gorging when she's feeling down, yet ashamed of what she's doing.
'Flipping open my phone, I pretend to make a call. I wait for my pretend friends to pretend to pick up.
"Hi," I say into my dead phone. "I'm at the pizza place. What kind do you want?"' (p41)
It's just so heartbreaking! But then Hayley goes to Italy and is changed by the lifestyle there. The easy living, the culture, the buildings, the beauty. She slows right down, and discovers what really matters. The descriptions of the buildings, the landscape and the food are just awesome! You really feel like you're there with her, and it's just gorgeous!
'Something is happening to me. I'm accepting myself more. Maybe it's seeing the ruins of Rome and realising how briefly we're on this planet. Or maybe it's just Italy itself. From here, Southern California seems like a mirage. Why have I spent so many years obsessing over fitting into a mirage?' (144)
Then she meets a boy, Enzo. One of the great things I love about this book is that it's a book about body image that includes a romance, rather than a romance that covers issues of body image. Hayley already started to change her atitude and start to accept herself before Enzo came along, and I think it's brilliant of Mary to write the story this way; Hayley's issues are mental, it's her attitude and opinion that need to change, and she does this herself, without the positive opinion of others sparking the change. But Enzo's opinion of Hayley is a nice bonus, and the romance is just the sweetest thing ever! Really, this sweet young boy with his broken English had me sinking into my sofa, "aww"-ing.
'"Vespa?" I ask.
"Little motorcycle."
"How little?" I ask. "I have a Harley-sized butt."
You idiot! I scream in my head. No jokes!
Laughing, Enzo says, "You're funny," and my heart sinks. Here we go again. How could I have slipped back into being my old self?!
Reaching up to run one finger along my warm cheek, Enzo quietly says, "You have beautiful body of woman."
My eyes instantly flood with tears.
"I sorry," he says. "I say wrong thing?"
I shake my head no. For the first time, a boy's words are exactl right.' (p165)
'When I nervously asked if my body was okay, he answered, "No. It is perfect because it is the only house of you."' (p190)
Swoon-worthy or what? Pretty Face really is the sweetest story! It's just so cute, and just perfect in that Hayley's realisation comes about because of her own change in attitude. She sees herself differently through her own making, an it's just wonderful to see the change in her, and makes me hope this can happen for other other teenagers too. It's sweet and lovely, and at 202 pages it's a quick read everyone should pick up!
From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog.
A funny girl.
A friend.
Nobody's girlfriend.
The girl with the pretty FACE.
Hayley wishes she could love living in Santa Monica, blocks from the beach, where every day—and everybody—is beautiful and sunny. But she just doesn't fit in with all the blond, superskinny Southern California girls who have their plastic surgeons on speed dial. Hayley is smart and witty and has such a pretty . . . face. Translation: Don't even think about putting on a bikini, much less dating superhot Drew Wyler. A bikini will never be flattering, and Drew will never think of her as more than a friend.
Just when Hayley feels doomed to live her life in the fat lane, her parents decide to send her to Italy for the summer—not for school, not for fat camp, just for fun. It's there, under the Italian sun, that Hayley's vision of herself starts to change. She's curvy, not fat. Pizza isn't evil. And life is so much more than one-size-fits-all. Who knows? Once Hayley sees herself in a new light, maybe the girl with the pretty face will finally find true amore. From MaryHogan.com
I can't tell you just how sweet this book is! This really is such an amazing book! It's quick, it's light, and it's completely uplifting!
As the blurb suggests, Hayley is overweight, and unhappy about it. Her mother is pretty obsessive about Hayley losing weight, and kind of nasty with it - to the point where I wanted to strangle her. Hayley battles all the comments, and her own thoughts, with witty, hilarious comebacks. Her humour almost seems to be a shield she hides behind, which is so sad, but just so funny! Really, I was cracking up for most of the book.
But Pretty Face is also heartbreaking. Hayley is the girl with the pretty face, the comment always sounding as if that's supposed to be a consolation for her weight. Hayley feels so bad about the way she looks, and what that means for her socially and with guys really gets her down. Which leads to comfort eating, gorging when she's feeling down, yet ashamed of what she's doing.
'Flipping open my phone, I pretend to make a call. I wait for my pretend friends to pretend to pick up.
"Hi," I say into my dead phone. "I'm at the pizza place. What kind do you want?"' (p41)
It's just so heartbreaking! But then Hayley goes to Italy and is changed by the lifestyle there. The easy living, the culture, the buildings, the beauty. She slows right down, and discovers what really matters. The descriptions of the buildings, the landscape and the food are just awesome! You really feel like you're there with her, and it's just gorgeous!
'Something is happening to me. I'm accepting myself more. Maybe it's seeing the ruins of Rome and realising how briefly we're on this planet. Or maybe it's just Italy itself. From here, Southern California seems like a mirage. Why have I spent so many years obsessing over fitting into a mirage?' (144)
Then she meets a boy, Enzo. One of the great things I love about this book is that it's a book about body image that includes a romance, rather than a romance that covers issues of body image. Hayley already started to change her atitude and start to accept herself before Enzo came along, and I think it's brilliant of Mary to write the story this way; Hayley's issues are mental, it's her attitude and opinion that need to change, and she does this herself, without the positive opinion of others sparking the change. But Enzo's opinion of Hayley is a nice bonus, and the romance is just the sweetest thing ever! Really, this sweet young boy with his broken English had me sinking into my sofa, "aww"-ing.
'"Vespa?" I ask.
"Little motorcycle."
"How little?" I ask. "I have a Harley-sized butt."
You idiot! I scream in my head. No jokes!
Laughing, Enzo says, "You're funny," and my heart sinks. Here we go again. How could I have slipped back into being my old self?!
Reaching up to run one finger along my warm cheek, Enzo quietly says, "You have beautiful body of woman."
My eyes instantly flood with tears.
"I sorry," he says. "I say wrong thing?"
I shake my head no. For the first time, a boy's words are exactl right.' (p165)
'When I nervously asked if my body was okay, he answered, "No. It is perfect because it is the only house of you."' (p190)
Swoon-worthy or what? Pretty Face really is the sweetest story! It's just so cute, and just perfect in that Hayley's realisation comes about because of her own change in attitude. She sees herself differently through her own making, an it's just wonderful to see the change in her, and makes me hope this can happen for other other teenagers too. It's sweet and lovely, and at 202 pages it's a quick read everyone should pick up!
From Once Upon a Bookcase - YA book blog.
January 25, 2025
De repente, lo entiendo. Me doy cuenta de qué quiere mi mamá para mí. Antes de que sea muy tarde, quiere que su hija se sienta una vez como ella se sintió: invencible. El espíritu de una chica. No la conservadora de un secreto íntimo. No una chica que odia la playa y las camisetas y Abercrombie and Fitch. Mamá quiere que me sienta libre. La manera en que ella se sintió tiempo atrás. (...) De repente veo dónde está su corazón. Incluso en sinceras fotografías alrededor del campus, con mamá ocupando una sudadera por debajo del hombro, vaqueros lavados, está claro que mamá se siente completa. Su cuerpo está conectado a su alma. Es una persona. No un trasero enorme, o muslos de jamón o brazos sin definición. Es tan solo... ella. La manera en que quiere que su hija se sienta.
Es muy lindo 🥲🥲
August 10, 2009
While I enjoyed Pretty Face, I didn't like the people all that much. Yes, of course I loved Hayley and Jackie and the Italians, but why is Hayley's dad such a do-nothing? And Hayley's mom is toxic! She refuses to see how she is damaging her daughter. And frankly, I really disliked that Hayley's hard-won self confidence is so intertwined with a boy's attention. What's going to happen back in Santa Monica where she is still curvy and still living with her obsessed mom?
February 28, 2018
Este libro siempre me dejará con una sonrisa en los labios y un suspiro de satisfacción.
~This book will always leave me with a smile on my lips and a sigh of satisfaction.
~This book will always leave me with a smile on my lips and a sigh of satisfaction.
April 21, 2009
Plot Sketch: Hayley is thirty pounds overweight. Her mom is a gung-ho member of Waist Watchers and rides Hayley constantly about going to the Doctor about her weight. She even buys her a talking scale. People always tell her what a pretty face she has, but never tell her she's pretty. Hayley has been crushing on Drew Wyler for a while, but when the opportunity to go to Italy for the summer arises, she snaps it up. The only bad thing is leaving Jackie, her best friend, behind. While in Italy, she finds a different lifestyle, embraces it, and finds a new Hayley in the process.
Verdict: I Heart IT!! Great read. Seriously great read. It deals with issues that teens find it hard to deal with in a practical, real manner. Heads up to the moms out there, there is some sex in this book, but it's not graphic, not at all, you just know its there. That said, I would recommend this to every high-school-aged teen girl I know. It's wonderful! I literally laughed out loud at least 15 different times over the course of 224 pages.
The Gauntlet:
At what location does most of the story take place?
Santa Monica, California, USA and Asissi, Umbria, Italy
What is the main character's name?
Hayley
Does I Heart Monster like the main character?
Yes. She's funny, smart, and down-to-earth.
How long did it take I Heart Monster to finish the book?
4 hours
Did I Heart Monster get stuck at any points in the book? If so, why?
Nope. Great book.
Is this a good read for Monster?
Nope, this is chicklit. YA chicklit.
What, if anything, would I Heart Monster change to make the book more interesting?
Nuffin, muffins.
Does the author have a website?
Yes, she does. http://www.maryhogan.com/
Stats:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: March 24, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060841133
Acquire It:
Softcover
Notes:
* My favorite line: Hayley says to a snooty A&F worker: "Oh, I'm sorry. My mistake. This must be Abercrombie and Bitch."
* Pretty Face also got a haiku during the Read-a-Thon.
* I wrote a letter to Hayley during one of the mini challenges as well.
View more at http://www.iheartmonster.com.
Verdict: I Heart IT!! Great read. Seriously great read. It deals with issues that teens find it hard to deal with in a practical, real manner. Heads up to the moms out there, there is some sex in this book, but it's not graphic, not at all, you just know its there. That said, I would recommend this to every high-school-aged teen girl I know. It's wonderful! I literally laughed out loud at least 15 different times over the course of 224 pages.
The Gauntlet:
At what location does most of the story take place?
Santa Monica, California, USA and Asissi, Umbria, Italy
What is the main character's name?
Hayley
Does I Heart Monster like the main character?
Yes. She's funny, smart, and down-to-earth.
How long did it take I Heart Monster to finish the book?
4 hours
Did I Heart Monster get stuck at any points in the book? If so, why?
Nope. Great book.
Is this a good read for Monster?
Nope, this is chicklit. YA chicklit.
What, if anything, would I Heart Monster change to make the book more interesting?
Nuffin, muffins.
Does the author have a website?
Yes, she does. http://www.maryhogan.com/
Stats:
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: March 24, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060841133
Acquire It:
Softcover
Notes:
* My favorite line: Hayley says to a snooty A&F worker: "Oh, I'm sorry. My mistake. This must be Abercrombie and Bitch."
* Pretty Face also got a haiku during the Read-a-Thon.
* I wrote a letter to Hayley during one of the mini challenges as well.
View more at http://www.iheartmonster.com.
June 18, 2014
Este libro me engancho. Lo empece ayer y ayer lo termine, por ahí de las 12:30 am. Es una lectura muy ligera y bonita, la verdad me encanto!
Creo que este libro tiene muchos mensajes, aparte de que la autora describe Italia de una forma que sientes que estas ahí con Hayley, subiendo aquellas calles empinadas, viendo y viviendo todo lo que ella hace, aparte de que siempre he querido visitar Asís! .
Me gusto el personaje de Hayley y como va subiendo su estima personal, al grado de que al final ella se siente plena consigo misma y ya no se siente mal por su peso, aunque también logra llegar a su peso meta!
Enzo, lo ame! (y no por ser el interés romántico y uno de mis tantos book boyfriends jaja) creo que el nos enseña que a veces las personas lo tienen todo y se sienten vacías, la felicidad es algo que se lleva dentro. Una frase que el le dice a Hayley se me quedo muy grabada.
"Mi familia es pobre en euros, pero rica en amor"
Aparte me encanta como le dice a Hayley que no le importa su cuerpo pues es un "hermoso cuerpo de mujer" asdfgjklñ!! tan lindow :3 jajaja, aunque algo que no me gusto fue que su romance fuera tannn deprisa, y por deprisa me refiero al sexo. Ok, creo que besos y un poco mas hubiera estado bien, pero maaaas... creo que fue algo precipitado. Lo se, somos adolescentes, las hormonas están a mil jaja, pero aun así, siento que fue muy apresurado (al menos para mi).
El final esta bien. .
La mama de Hayley a veces me desesperaba, pero creo que la entiendo un poco. Quería que su hija se sintiera bien consigo misma y aparte por todas las cosas negativas que puede traer la gordura. Aunque ella exageraba, sentí que basaba la felicidad de Hayley en su peso y tampoco es así la cosa :)
Creo que este libro tiene muchos mensajes, aparte de que la autora describe Italia de una forma que sientes que estas ahí con Hayley, subiendo aquellas calles empinadas, viendo y viviendo todo lo que ella hace, aparte de que siempre he querido visitar Asís! .
Me gusto el personaje de Hayley y como va subiendo su estima personal, al grado de que al final ella se siente plena consigo misma y ya no se siente mal por su peso, aunque también logra llegar a su peso meta!
Enzo, lo ame! (y no por ser el interés romántico y uno de mis tantos book boyfriends jaja) creo que el nos enseña que a veces las personas lo tienen todo y se sienten vacías, la felicidad es algo que se lleva dentro. Una frase que el le dice a Hayley se me quedo muy grabada.
"Mi familia es pobre en euros, pero rica en amor"
Aparte me encanta como le dice a Hayley que no le importa su cuerpo pues es un "hermoso cuerpo de mujer" asdfgjklñ!! tan lindow :3 jajaja, aunque algo que no me gusto fue que su romance fuera tannn deprisa, y por deprisa me refiero al sexo. Ok, creo que besos y un poco mas hubiera estado bien, pero maaaas... creo que fue algo precipitado. Lo se, somos adolescentes, las hormonas están a mil jaja, pero aun así, siento que fue muy apresurado (al menos para mi).
El final esta bien. .
La mama de Hayley a veces me desesperaba, pero creo que la entiendo un poco. Quería que su hija se sintiera bien consigo misma y aparte por todas las cosas negativas que puede traer la gordura. Aunque ella exageraba, sentí que basaba la felicidad de Hayley en su peso y tampoco es así la cosa :)
June 26, 2016
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
Hayley is 16. Everyone has always told her that she is funny and a great friend, you know, the girl with the pretty face. There's just one problem, Hayley is overweight and very unhappy about it. Her mother is a member of Waist Watchers, a local weight loss group, and is very adamant about Hayley losing at least 30 pounds. When the opportunity to travel to Italy for an entire summer arises, Hayley gobbles it up. The only negative thing she sees is having to leave her best friend, Jackie behind. On her trip Hayley finds love, friendship and a brand new self.
This book was an okay read. It went by very quickly and I loved Hayley's wit and sense of humour. I found some parts of the book a tad boring and I found myself just skimming instead of actually reading. I loved the overall idea of the book that you must come to love yourself and not care what others think of you, but what I didn't like is that it seemed that Hayley only discovered this when she met a boy. WE NEED SOME GENUINE GIRL POWER UP IN HERE! HAYLEY DOESN'T NEED NO MAN! (Even though Enzo was TOTALLY swoon-worthy.)
Overall, a cute, easy read. :)
Hayley is 16. Everyone has always told her that she is funny and a great friend, you know, the girl with the pretty face. There's just one problem, Hayley is overweight and very unhappy about it. Her mother is a member of Waist Watchers, a local weight loss group, and is very adamant about Hayley losing at least 30 pounds. When the opportunity to travel to Italy for an entire summer arises, Hayley gobbles it up. The only negative thing she sees is having to leave her best friend, Jackie behind. On her trip Hayley finds love, friendship and a brand new self.
This book was an okay read. It went by very quickly and I loved Hayley's wit and sense of humour. I found some parts of the book a tad boring and I found myself just skimming instead of actually reading. I loved the overall idea of the book that you must come to love yourself and not care what others think of you, but what I didn't like is that it seemed that Hayley only discovered this when she met a boy. WE NEED SOME GENUINE GIRL POWER UP IN HERE! HAYLEY DOESN'T NEED NO MAN! (Even though Enzo was TOTALLY swoon-worthy.)
Overall, a cute, easy read. :)
November 24, 2008
A quick YA read for a rainy Sunday morning. Hayley lives in Southern California - and does not fit the ideal of a blonde beach babe. Both she and her mother struggle with weight issues and after her crush asks her to see if her best friend will go out with him, Hayley stuffs her emotions by stuffing a large pepperoni pizza in her mouth. The next day is is forced to attend weight watchers type session with her mother, which she runs out of. Upon returning home her parents have decided to send her to live in Italy for the summer with her mother’s college roommate. Not terribly realistic to me - but ok.
So Hayley is off to Italy where in true YA novel fashion she finds herself and falls in love. The descriptions of Rome and the Italian countryside were excellent and I thought Hayley was a well-drawn character. However, the ending and her romance with Enzo, left much to be desired.
So Hayley is off to Italy where in true YA novel fashion she finds herself and falls in love. The descriptions of Rome and the Italian countryside were excellent and I thought Hayley was a well-drawn character. However, the ending and her romance with Enzo, left much to be desired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2008
I enjoyed Mary Hogan's book The Serious Kiss, but I wasn't wild about it. I enjoyed Pretty Face much more, even though it deals with some of the same issues (specifically: weight).
In Pretty Face, Hayley is overweight and the boys she likes just want to be friends. Yes, she's got a pretty face, but if they could just look past her weight, they'd see she has a lovely personality too. But they don't. And neither does her mother. Having conquered a weight problem of her own, Hayley's mother is determined to help her daughter with her own issues, but she's going about it all wrong (so wrong, in fact, that I wanted to beat her
To read the rest of this review (and more!), please visit Trashionista
In Pretty Face, Hayley is overweight and the boys she likes just want to be friends. Yes, she's got a pretty face, but if they could just look past her weight, they'd see she has a lovely personality too. But they don't. And neither does her mother. Having conquered a weight problem of her own, Hayley's mother is determined to help her daughter with her own issues, but she's going about it all wrong (so wrong, in fact, that I wanted to beat her
To read the rest of this review (and more!), please visit Trashionista
July 8, 2020
The first thing I noticed was that Hayley acts a lot older than sixteen, but I guess you would be more mature if your self-esteem was constantly being drilled to the ground. Maybe if her mom reassured her that no matter her size she was still valued and loved then the poor girl wouldn't have to be carted off across the ocean to find peace. Drew was an ass though if he wanted Jackie he didn't have to go through Hayley and break her heart but then again men can be so oblivious at times.
August 26, 2018
Luin tämän edellisen kerran joskus teininä, piti ottaa uusintakierros kun tuli vastaan kirjaston poistohyllystä. Edelleen ihan sinänsä toimiva kirja ulkonäköpaineiden kanssa kamppaileville teineille, mutta aikuiselle ja kehopositiivisuuteen paremmin perehtyneelle ihmiselle ei enää oikein mennyt läpi. Ihan söpö tarina kuitenkin.
November 10, 2011
For my quarter one reading assignment I decided to read a book I wouldn’t normally read in my spare time. I chose the book, Pretty Face, by Mary Hogan. The description of this book described a young girl with weight issues who is sent to Italy for the summer alone. The description seemed boring and unrealistic to me, since she was only sixteen or seventeen but I decided to read it anyways. Hayley, the main character, has body image issues and is not comfortable in her own skin, the description hinted that her views of herself would change and she would see herself in a whole new light. In this novel I got to see Hayley’s views of herself, love and the world in general change dramatically in one short summer.
In Mary Hogan’s book, Pretty Face, the novel starts in Hayley’s hometown, Santa Monica. Everyone living there is obsessed with their body image, but Hayley doesn’t fit in. She is funny, quirky and overweight which makes her feel horrible about herself. Her mother decides to send her away to Italy for the summer to stay with some relatives. Hayley was more than excited to go somewhere besides Santa Monica, where all the skinny girls in her town will be at the beach while she stays inside, insecure about her body. When she arrives in Italy she learns to love herself and the different culture brings out the best in her. She becomes more confident and has a more positive upbeat attitude.
In this novel many different topics are brought into Hayley’s storyline. While she travels to Italy she not only battles her issues with her body but she experiences romance, learns how to live her life in a healthy, happy way, and becomes an overall more mature person. When she returns back home to her family in America she knows how to handle her problems for herself and is more confident in her own body. This book, although it seemed boring, did keep me entertained throughout the whole novel. It went by very quickly but so many issues in Hayley’s life were discussed. The Author did a good job of describing the scenes in Italy and in California. Mary Hogan also did a good job comparing and Contrasting Hayley’s hometown and Umbria, Italy.
I would recommend this book to a friend. It is entertaining, light and funny. Hayley’s character is a character that anyone can relate to and by the end of the novel you feel as if you know her on a personal level. This book is good for anyone who loves books that have a deep meaning to them and aren’t just about teenage summer romances. Mary Hogan really goes deep into Hayley’s thoughts and expresses her emotions clearly about how she hates her body. Although this book kept me entertained, the ending was expected and reminded me of a “Happily ever after” novel, there were no suprises and Hayley, obviously, returned home happy with herself and a changed woman. I stated before, I would recommend this because it is a fast read, but so many events in such a short time of one summer!
In conclusion, I loved this book for many reasons. Mary Hogan made Hayley into a character that even I could relate to and loved. I would have never chosen a book like this because it seems so cliché but I am happy I chose it. Although the ending was expected and the book did not have me on the edge of my seat, I think everybody can learn something from Hayley. She not only teaches girl to love themselves but also to have confidence, and ignore negativity in your life.
In Mary Hogan’s book, Pretty Face, the novel starts in Hayley’s hometown, Santa Monica. Everyone living there is obsessed with their body image, but Hayley doesn’t fit in. She is funny, quirky and overweight which makes her feel horrible about herself. Her mother decides to send her away to Italy for the summer to stay with some relatives. Hayley was more than excited to go somewhere besides Santa Monica, where all the skinny girls in her town will be at the beach while she stays inside, insecure about her body. When she arrives in Italy she learns to love herself and the different culture brings out the best in her. She becomes more confident and has a more positive upbeat attitude.
In this novel many different topics are brought into Hayley’s storyline. While she travels to Italy she not only battles her issues with her body but she experiences romance, learns how to live her life in a healthy, happy way, and becomes an overall more mature person. When she returns back home to her family in America she knows how to handle her problems for herself and is more confident in her own body. This book, although it seemed boring, did keep me entertained throughout the whole novel. It went by very quickly but so many issues in Hayley’s life were discussed. The Author did a good job of describing the scenes in Italy and in California. Mary Hogan also did a good job comparing and Contrasting Hayley’s hometown and Umbria, Italy.
I would recommend this book to a friend. It is entertaining, light and funny. Hayley’s character is a character that anyone can relate to and by the end of the novel you feel as if you know her on a personal level. This book is good for anyone who loves books that have a deep meaning to them and aren’t just about teenage summer romances. Mary Hogan really goes deep into Hayley’s thoughts and expresses her emotions clearly about how she hates her body. Although this book kept me entertained, the ending was expected and reminded me of a “Happily ever after” novel, there were no suprises and Hayley, obviously, returned home happy with herself and a changed woman. I stated before, I would recommend this because it is a fast read, but so many events in such a short time of one summer!
In conclusion, I loved this book for many reasons. Mary Hogan made Hayley into a character that even I could relate to and loved. I would have never chosen a book like this because it seems so cliché but I am happy I chose it. Although the ending was expected and the book did not have me on the edge of my seat, I think everybody can learn something from Hayley. She not only teaches girl to love themselves but also to have confidence, and ignore negativity in your life.
September 13, 2016
Well, pretty likable protagonist here. Hayley's overweight and would like to lose weight, but it's not her top priority, and anyway, regardless of whether or not she loses weight, she'd like to keep a handle on who she is. When her parents offer to send her to Italy to stay with a family friend for the summer (pretty much the entire reason I read this), she jumps at the chance to get away from pressure (mostly her mother's pressure) to conform.
So...I liked that Hayley's transformation was more about figuring out what would make her happy, and finding moderation, than it was about losing weight. I liked that she and her best friend were able to acknowledge jealousy and then move past it (and that they were able to resolve boy-disputes pretty easily, and that they both put friendship ahead of boys). I like that the book treats it as perfectly normal for teenagers to have hormones (and sometimes sex). I have next to zero interest in the True Wuv storyline, but I'll have to take that as par for the course for YA fiction.
I'm less enthused about Hayley's family—I barely got a read on her father, and her mother was pretty one-dimensional. Her priority is Hayley's health and happiness, but she really only ever shows this by prodding Hayley about her weight. And then...Hayley manages a lot of internal development while she's in Italy, but how much is really likely to change when she's home? She goes right back to Santa Monica, with her same weight-obsessed mother and uninspiring father and brother and...now with a long-distance boyfriend she's not likely to see again for a long, long time. It's easy to change habits when you're in an unfamiliar environment—but the book ends waaaay before we get a chance to see if things will change in the longer term; other than a bit of perspective, I'm not sure Hayley really has any of the tools she'd need to effect that change. (A hard task for any teenager!) And I don't mean weight—I mean hanging on to that more balanced perspective and maintaining habits (etc.) that will keep her more...positive, I guess. Easy read with some good themes; not particularly memorable.
So...I liked that Hayley's transformation was more about figuring out what would make her happy, and finding moderation, than it was about losing weight. I liked that she and her best friend were able to acknowledge jealousy and then move past it (and that they were able to resolve boy-disputes pretty easily, and that they both put friendship ahead of boys). I like that the book treats it as perfectly normal for teenagers to have hormones (and sometimes sex). I have next to zero interest in the True Wuv storyline, but I'll have to take that as par for the course for YA fiction.
I'm less enthused about Hayley's family—I barely got a read on her father, and her mother was pretty one-dimensional. Her priority is Hayley's health and happiness, but she really only ever shows this by prodding Hayley about her weight. And then...Hayley manages a lot of internal development while she's in Italy, but how much is really likely to change when she's home? She goes right back to Santa Monica, with her same weight-obsessed mother and uninspiring father and brother and...now with a long-distance boyfriend she's not likely to see again for a long, long time. It's easy to change habits when you're in an unfamiliar environment—but the book ends waaaay before we get a chance to see if things will change in the longer term; other than a bit of perspective, I'm not sure Hayley really has any of the tools she'd need to effect that change. (A hard task for any teenager!) And I don't mean weight—I mean hanging on to that more balanced perspective and maintaining habits (etc.) that will keep her more...positive, I guess. Easy read with some good themes; not particularly memorable.
February 17, 2017
El comienzo lo odie, aunque si soy sincera odie mas el libro que amarlo. Ya que siento que dejo mucha cosa suelta como porque no mejoro la relacion con su padre cuando regreso a California; a final si acepto su cuerpo tal como es, pero aun para mi hubo mucha cosa que tuvo que ampliarse y mejorar. Pero sin duda alguna que disfrute los ultimos capitulos, mejor dicho lo mejor del libro fue Italia
November 28, 2009
First of all, this book is about a teenage girl named Hayley who has a problem with eating. She is overweight, and she goes on eating binges when she is stressed or upset. One major problem is that she has a crush on a guy who sees her as just a friend. What's more, he wants to ask out Hayley's best friend.
Hayley's mother, who is extremely concerned with Hayley's weight, decides to send her to Italy for the summer to stay with a friend of the family. Hayley is shocked, but happy. Who wouldn't want to spend a summer in Italy? Hayley, in Italy, becomes adjusted to the Italian mindset of relaxation and ease. She does a lot of walking, and does start losing weight, all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Italy. She meets a boy who she falls for, and he makes her feel beautiful, confident, and more self-confident about her weight. Then Hayley goes back home, and in the end, it is implied that she stays in a long-distance relationship with her Italian boyfriend.
This book had a pretty strong protagonist with a spunky voice, and her insecurities about her weight are easy to relate to. However, the last quarter of the book was not as good for me. I did not like the way that Hayley so easily fell in love with someone she hardly knew. Also, some of her newfound self-confidence seemed to hinge on the boy's acceptance of her. Then, she goes back home, and I had a hard time seeing how much she had changed and become a better person after her new outlook gained from her summer in Italy. Overall, I give it 3.5 stars. I didn't love it.
Hayley's mother, who is extremely concerned with Hayley's weight, decides to send her to Italy for the summer to stay with a friend of the family. Hayley is shocked, but happy. Who wouldn't want to spend a summer in Italy? Hayley, in Italy, becomes adjusted to the Italian mindset of relaxation and ease. She does a lot of walking, and does start losing weight, all the while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Italy. She meets a boy who she falls for, and he makes her feel beautiful, confident, and more self-confident about her weight. Then Hayley goes back home, and in the end, it is implied that she stays in a long-distance relationship with her Italian boyfriend.
This book had a pretty strong protagonist with a spunky voice, and her insecurities about her weight are easy to relate to. However, the last quarter of the book was not as good for me. I did not like the way that Hayley so easily fell in love with someone she hardly knew. Also, some of her newfound self-confidence seemed to hinge on the boy's acceptance of her. Then, she goes back home, and I had a hard time seeing how much she had changed and become a better person after her new outlook gained from her summer in Italy. Overall, I give it 3.5 stars. I didn't love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2011
hayley-main character
jackie-hayley's bff
drew wyler-a dude that likes jackie, one of hayleys friends,hayleys use-to-be crush
ty-jackies brother
Quinn-hayleys younger brother
john-hayleys dad
gwen-hayleys mom
patrice-hayleys moms friend
Gino-patrice's husband
gianna-patrice and ginos daughter
taddeo-patrice and ginos son
peggy-random person
edinburgh-random person
colleen-one of gwens friends
romy-gianna's bff
mario-guy that works at internet cafe
enzo-a dude that hayley falls in love with when they meet in italy
carmina-anzo's mom
this book is about hayley-this fat girl with the pretty face, and she thought her life was going to be over with a sad ending...but that was before she went to italy! who thought 10 weeks cant change your life forever?well, this book proved us wrong....in italy hayley tastes awesome food, goes to one of the most awesome past places in life, and meets a boy that she immediately falls in love with throughout the book.
i think this book is alright, everythings good but not excilent.the reason i gave it a three is because she just states every detail in the book... like i like him and i kissed him or i think im in love with him, if the arthour adds more details and describes things in the book, then it would be close to excilent!(:
ENDING:hayley went back to where she lives(across the ocean from italy) and hayley+enzo has their long-distance relationships....saying that one day they would be together again
jackie-hayley's bff
drew wyler-a dude that likes jackie, one of hayleys friends,hayleys use-to-be crush
ty-jackies brother
Quinn-hayleys younger brother
john-hayleys dad
gwen-hayleys mom
patrice-hayleys moms friend
Gino-patrice's husband
gianna-patrice and ginos daughter
taddeo-patrice and ginos son
peggy-random person
edinburgh-random person
colleen-one of gwens friends
romy-gianna's bff
mario-guy that works at internet cafe
enzo-a dude that hayley falls in love with when they meet in italy
carmina-anzo's mom
this book is about hayley-this fat girl with the pretty face, and she thought her life was going to be over with a sad ending...but that was before she went to italy! who thought 10 weeks cant change your life forever?well, this book proved us wrong....in italy hayley tastes awesome food, goes to one of the most awesome past places in life, and meets a boy that she immediately falls in love with throughout the book.
i think this book is alright, everythings good but not excilent.the reason i gave it a three is because she just states every detail in the book... like i like him and i kissed him or i think im in love with him, if the arthour adds more details and describes things in the book, then it would be close to excilent!(:
ENDING:hayley went back to where she lives(across the ocean from italy) and hayley+enzo has their long-distance relationships....saying that one day they would be together again
September 22, 2011
I am torn on this book. The overall idea that everyone is beautiful in their own way and we have to, at some point in life, come to an understanding with ourselves that we are who we are and there is nothing wrong with that is a wonderful thought. It is an idea that every girl should learn and fast! But, for Hayley's self esteem to be so tired to boys liking her is so not what I would ever teach my child. Sending her to Italy was the best thing that her parents could have done for her and I wish that someone would send me there for the summer, but the lessons she learns (and every girl reading the book should learn also) are then thwarted again when she decides to have sexual relations with a boy in Italy that makes her feel good about herself. The girl is 16 for crying out loud! The author could have made her point and not involved sex at any point.
So, all in all, the last 1/3 of the book is her sneaking around with an Italian boy and having sex while she "discovers" who she is. All I have to say is, remember who you are and what you stand for girls! Get the main point of the book, which is you are beautiful and other's opinions don't matter, but please understand that boys do NOT make that happen and life does not revolve around having a boy around.
I would not recommend this to my teenager just for the sex involved, but I did like the story. So, huh? 3 stars I guess.
So, all in all, the last 1/3 of the book is her sneaking around with an Italian boy and having sex while she "discovers" who she is. All I have to say is, remember who you are and what you stand for girls! Get the main point of the book, which is you are beautiful and other's opinions don't matter, but please understand that boys do NOT make that happen and life does not revolve around having a boy around.
I would not recommend this to my teenager just for the sex involved, but I did like the story. So, huh? 3 stars I guess.
February 27, 2010
This book was written to be a "coming to terms with your appearance and learning to love yourself as you are" book, and that element is definitely there. Hayley has the misfortune to be a curvy girl in the "land of the L.A. lollipops," and her vegetarian fitness-crazed mother is constantly on her back to lose weight. But for me, this book is a travel fantasy. Hayley also has the great good fortune to have a family friend with a rustic home in Umbria, and an invitation to spend her summer in Italy.
The weight loss issue was handled well, never getting preachy but also making itself clear. (Hayley gives up on eating nothing but undressed salad and instead learns to savor the pasta she loves, rather than gulping it down, and to add long country walks and hikes onto her list of favorite activities.) She loses a bit of weight and feels great about that, but also decides that being curvy rather suits her. The descriptions of Umbria are fantastic, and I still find myself irrationally jealous of this girl, who was able to spend ten weeks living in a private apartment in Umbria, sharing delicious Italian meals with an Italian family, and spending her days wandering the Umbrian countryside. There's also a romantic substory, but it felt a bit tacked on and unfinished to me. Read this one for Italy.
The weight loss issue was handled well, never getting preachy but also making itself clear. (Hayley gives up on eating nothing but undressed salad and instead learns to savor the pasta she loves, rather than gulping it down, and to add long country walks and hikes onto her list of favorite activities.) She loses a bit of weight and feels great about that, but also decides that being curvy rather suits her. The descriptions of Umbria are fantastic, and I still find myself irrationally jealous of this girl, who was able to spend ten weeks living in a private apartment in Umbria, sharing delicious Italian meals with an Italian family, and spending her days wandering the Umbrian countryside. There's also a romantic substory, but it felt a bit tacked on and unfinished to me. Read this one for Italy.
December 8, 2010
This book was very good in my opinion. It's about how you shouldn't put yourself down because of how you look on the outside. Hayley learns that while also having the experience of a life time.
Hayley was the just the funny girl with a "pretty face" and wanted to be more for her "lover" Drew, but when she finds out that he likes her best friend she's heartbroken. She immediately goes to comfort herself by getting a large pizza and a liter of soda. Her mother sees how she's gaining more weight than she already has and sends her to Italy to stay with her mother's friend for the summer. While in Italy Hayley discovers what real beauty is. She notices the elegance of the art that surrounds the city, and the love people have for their food and for their family. There are no words that can describe how much more beautiful it is to her than California is. Hayley learns that you have to savuor the food you are blessed with and not pay any attention to time, but to enjoy what you are doing. On this journey Hayley loses some weight and discovers confidence which wasn't there before. She also find love with an Italian boy who is just what she wants in a boy and forgets about her heart-breaker Drew. Unfortunately Hayley has to go back to CAlifonia and cant see him anymore but they still write to each other.
Hayley was the just the funny girl with a "pretty face" and wanted to be more for her "lover" Drew, but when she finds out that he likes her best friend she's heartbroken. She immediately goes to comfort herself by getting a large pizza and a liter of soda. Her mother sees how she's gaining more weight than she already has and sends her to Italy to stay with her mother's friend for the summer. While in Italy Hayley discovers what real beauty is. She notices the elegance of the art that surrounds the city, and the love people have for their food and for their family. There are no words that can describe how much more beautiful it is to her than California is. Hayley learns that you have to savuor the food you are blessed with and not pay any attention to time, but to enjoy what you are doing. On this journey Hayley loses some weight and discovers confidence which wasn't there before. She also find love with an Italian boy who is just what she wants in a boy and forgets about her heart-breaker Drew. Unfortunately Hayley has to go back to CAlifonia and cant see him anymore but they still write to each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
Hayleyn elämä ei ole helppoa. Jonkin verran ylipainoisena hän kokee olevansa pelkästään tyttö, jota pojat voivat parhaimmillaankin ajatella vain ja ainoastaan ihan kivana kaverina, mutta eivät koskaan tyttöystävänä. Lisäpaineita elämään tuovat kasvisruoan ja liikunnan nimiin vannova äiti sekä koulukaverit, joiden taskusta löytyy todennäköisemmin "kanta-asiakaskortti kuntosalille kuin kirjastoon". Kesämatka Italiaan ja tutustuminen paikallisiin elämäntapoihin muuttaa kuitenkin kaiken.
Mary Hoganin "Ihan kivat kasvot" (Karisto, 2009) on hieman ennalta-arvattava nuortenromaani. Suurta draamaa ei tarinasta löydy, mutta se onkin enemmän hyviä ja kannatettavia ajatuksia sisältävä kasvukertomus, jotka hyvässä lykyssä saattavat lievittää hieman ulkonäköpaineiden kynsissä kamppailevien teini-ikäisten tyttöjen tuskaa. On ihan virkistävää lukea kirja, jossa painotetaan ensisijaisesti sisäistä kasvua, ei niinkään tyypillistä muuntautumista rumasta ankanpoikasesta kauniiksi joutseneksi (a lá amerikkalaiset teinileffat).
Italia näyttelee nähtävyyksineen, ihmisineen ja ennen kaikkia ruokineen suurta roolia, ja romaania voi suositella myös kaikille saapasmaan ystäville.
Mutta kuka kirjoittaisi samanlaisen kirjan pojille, sillä ”jos meitä pistää emmekö vuoda verta?"
Mary Hoganin "Ihan kivat kasvot" (Karisto, 2009) on hieman ennalta-arvattava nuortenromaani. Suurta draamaa ei tarinasta löydy, mutta se onkin enemmän hyviä ja kannatettavia ajatuksia sisältävä kasvukertomus, jotka hyvässä lykyssä saattavat lievittää hieman ulkonäköpaineiden kynsissä kamppailevien teini-ikäisten tyttöjen tuskaa. On ihan virkistävää lukea kirja, jossa painotetaan ensisijaisesti sisäistä kasvua, ei niinkään tyypillistä muuntautumista rumasta ankanpoikasesta kauniiksi joutseneksi (a lá amerikkalaiset teinileffat).
Italia näyttelee nähtävyyksineen, ihmisineen ja ennen kaikkia ruokineen suurta roolia, ja romaania voi suositella myös kaikille saapasmaan ystäville.
Mutta kuka kirjoittaisi samanlaisen kirjan pojille, sillä ”jos meitä pistää emmekö vuoda verta?"
May 15, 2011
Pretty Face by Mary Hogan is about a fat girl with a pretty face named Hayley. She hates her body and is jealous of her best friend Jackie because she is skinny and everybody likes her. When Hayley's crush likes Jackie, she was devastated. Hayley's mom suggests Hayley to go to Rome to visit her mom's side of the family. Hayley quickly agreed to it because she wants a new beginning in life and plans to lose weight.
When she was in Italy she experience life and enjoy every moment of it. She meet a guy she likes and falls in love with him.
My favorite character is Jackie and Hayley. Jackie is one of my favorite character because in most scenarios, the popular skinny girl hangs around the popular section. But instead, Jackie hangs out with her best friend Hayley who is not popular nor skinny. I like how Jackie is not like the rest of the other popular girls I read in other books. She also didn't plan on going out with Hayley's ex-crush. Hayley is a funny girl and that is what I like about her. What I don't like about her is that she seems desperate for love because she falls in love fast knowing the consequences.
When she was in Italy she experience life and enjoy every moment of it. She meet a guy she likes and falls in love with him.
My favorite character is Jackie and Hayley. Jackie is one of my favorite character because in most scenarios, the popular skinny girl hangs around the popular section. But instead, Jackie hangs out with her best friend Hayley who is not popular nor skinny. I like how Jackie is not like the rest of the other popular girls I read in other books. She also didn't plan on going out with Hayley's ex-crush. Hayley is a funny girl and that is what I like about her. What I don't like about her is that she seems desperate for love because she falls in love fast knowing the consequences.
April 17, 2010
Easy read about a girl who is known for her pretty face, and her less than model thin body. Hayley, the main character, is constantly bombarded by her mother telling her to lose weight, so it is no surprise that she is obsessed with her weight too. The solution: go to Italy. After walking up hills in Assisi and falling in love, Hayley is transformed. The one thing I did love about this book is that Hayley finally changes her perspective (see quote below). What I did not like is the idea that all answers are packed in a boyfriend, who you find in the hills of Assisi in Italy. As much as I would love to think this is true--merely so I could have an excuse to hop on a plane to Italy--it is a little unrealistic. So, if you are looking for a escape into a predictable vacation romance fantasy, pick this one up; if not, this book may not be for you.
Good quote from the book:
" My perspective is changing. Obsessing over four pounds seems ridiculous when women were once executed on the Hill of Hell just because people thought they were witches." (pg. 133)
Good quote from the book:
" My perspective is changing. Obsessing over four pounds seems ridiculous when women were once executed on the Hill of Hell just because people thought they were witches." (pg. 133)
March 11, 2011
Insecurities eats us up. We've wasted so much time, dwelling on our own insecurities, where else we should learn to embrace it, instead of living in constant self-denial and loath. That's what Pretty Face taught me.
Unlike any other characters in books, she is flawed, yet perfect. In other books, those characters are hot, cute, pretty, handsome, but being Hayley, she's fat, and that is a huge cause for her low self-esteem. It's not that she is emo or something like that, it's just that, she can't accept.
I really had a superb time reading it, although the story plot sounded cliche, trust me, it's not. This is a story about how a fat girl overcame her own insecurities, accept herself for who she really is and finding true love in the process. I could really feel her twirling emotions as I did cry when she was comparing herself with Jackie. I know it's typical, and how sometimes I hated dramas, but I just couldn't help it, sensitive me....haha....
I love the personalities developed by the characters and it had enlightened me to accept myself for who I really am. Praises!
Unlike any other characters in books, she is flawed, yet perfect. In other books, those characters are hot, cute, pretty, handsome, but being Hayley, she's fat, and that is a huge cause for her low self-esteem. It's not that she is emo or something like that, it's just that, she can't accept.
I really had a superb time reading it, although the story plot sounded cliche, trust me, it's not. This is a story about how a fat girl overcame her own insecurities, accept herself for who she really is and finding true love in the process. I could really feel her twirling emotions as I did cry when she was comparing herself with Jackie. I know it's typical, and how sometimes I hated dramas, but I just couldn't help it, sensitive me....haha....
I love the personalities developed by the characters and it had enlightened me to accept myself for who I really am. Praises!
January 30, 2010
This book is about a girl name Hayley, who at first think pretty refers to body size. She lives in California, a state with an influential media that defines perfection and beauty. Furthermore, her mother has a thin body that checks and controls Hayley's diet. Under all these pressure, Hayley felt different and self-conscious. Hayley uses her humor to attract a charming boy from school however their relationship ends in a disaster. Her mother decided to let Hayley leave to Italy and stay over at her old college roommate for a break. There Hayley found the meaning of true love, happiness and confidence in herself when she’s away from the media and living in a place with peace and beautiful landscape. I like the author’s humorous sense and the descriptive scenery of Italy which really makes me want to visit one day. One thing that I don’t like about this book is its too predictable therefore it’s hard for me to concentrate.
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August 31, 2010Regardless of how she accepted the fact that she doesn't "fit in" with the "normal" girls in South Carolina, Hayley, our protagonist still shows the disappointment that she is only a girl with a "pretty face". The term "pretty face" is like taboo for Hayley because she knows there isn't any other way you can compliment her. Besides that fact, her mother also consistently complains about her weight. Hayley knows for the truth that she isn't especially pretty or skinny, but the pressure that was put on her was just too much to ignore. Because of this pressure her weight and self conscience, her mother decided to send her off to Italy for the summer. This is the turning point of her life because this is where her pace of her life change. not only she gets to eat all the fat stuff without her mother's complaint she can also have things her way. Italy is place where true beauty lies and it is in Italy where she discovers her true beauty.
June 28, 2011
Mary Hogan gives us a refreshing read in “Pretty Face.”
The novel centers around the main character Hayley, who lives in Santa Monica and can’t stand it. Being fat makes her an outcast in California, in school, at the beach — even in her own home. Her mom urges her to fight the fat, but Hayley can’t seem to commit and doesn’t really know if she wants to.
Failing at fighting the bulge and at boys, Hayley pretty much gives up until her parents decide to send her to Italy. While there, Hayley tries to find herself.
A funny, witty fat teen in the lead — a character that you don’t run into enough — captivated me. I was pulling for her. I wanted her to win, to succeed, to find herself and be happy. I felt that I could really relate to Hayley and what she was going through. Her plight comes across very honest and raw.
Won’t you find out if Hayley gets her happy ending?
Final say: Fun, quick read.
The novel centers around the main character Hayley, who lives in Santa Monica and can’t stand it. Being fat makes her an outcast in California, in school, at the beach — even in her own home. Her mom urges her to fight the fat, but Hayley can’t seem to commit and doesn’t really know if she wants to.
Failing at fighting the bulge and at boys, Hayley pretty much gives up until her parents decide to send her to Italy. While there, Hayley tries to find herself.
A funny, witty fat teen in the lead — a character that you don’t run into enough — captivated me. I was pulling for her. I wanted her to win, to succeed, to find herself and be happy. I felt that I could really relate to Hayley and what she was going through. Her plight comes across very honest and raw.
Won’t you find out if Hayley gets her happy ending?
Final say: Fun, quick read.
May 10, 2010
It's a really good read for me. I fell in love with Italy and Rome and I wanted to go there if I ever had the chance. I felt envious of Hayley and I can really relate to her dilemma, having been called "fat" as well. I like how the book tells about self-acceptance and liking yourself for who you are, I've learned a lot from this. This book is worth reading!
I don't like Hayley's mom though. I understand how she wants her daughter to live the way she was when she was still thin, but the way she pushes Hayley into dieting and eating healthy isn't really helping her. And her father doesn't seem to do anything about it. Why have a father like that?
After reading the book, I felt like I wanted to have my own Enzo, who would love me for who I am and not just because the scale doesn't tip over every time I step on it. Guys like him are hard to find in today's world.
I don't like Hayley's mom though. I understand how she wants her daughter to live the way she was when she was still thin, but the way she pushes Hayley into dieting and eating healthy isn't really helping her. And her father doesn't seem to do anything about it. Why have a father like that?
After reading the book, I felt like I wanted to have my own Enzo, who would love me for who I am and not just because the scale doesn't tip over every time I step on it. Guys like him are hard to find in today's world.
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