Let's Face It

by Jodi R. Moore

We’ve all seen the commercials – a pretty pop star promises your skin will be clear if you just . . . For fifteen-year-old Kaylin Bidwell, it doesn’t matter what they say. She knows the truth. Those products won't clear up her acne. She even proved it for a science fair project, hoping to win a spot at science camp with the guy she’s had a crush on for 20% of her life. But the only kind of spot she may end up with this summer are the ones on her face. Kaylin is determined to find a solution, even if it means interning for a company that makes acne products that never work. Could Kaylin help make something better? What she really wants is something better than better – a cure. Ages 12 and up.

Genres: Young Adult, Drama

226 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2012

About the author

Jodi R. Moore (jodirmoore.com) writes about teens going after their dreams and making them happen, including a science enthusiast’s quest to cure acne in Let’s Face It (letsfaceitbook.com) and a fictional YouTube singer’s rise to fame in Dallas Lalone: In Our Words (DallasLalone.com). She draws from her experiences in the entertainment industry with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Dualstar Entertainment Group, Universal Music Group, and The Walt Disney Company. A graduate of Stanford University, Jodi currently lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Jeepster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway...many thanks to Goodreads and the author, Jodi R. Moore for this opportunity. I have won 2 previous books and this is the first time an author sent me a personal message after I won the book. It made me feel important and I really looked forward to reading a book that the author actually cares what I think!

Onto the book!
I gave Let's Face It 3.5 stars but since GR does not have 1/2 stars, I will gladly round it up to a 4.
The story itself is appropriate content for it's target audience. It's a book that I wouldn't mind recommending to any teenage girl. I found it easy to relate to. Who has never had acne? It's totally embarrassing! All the characters were likable...even the ones I probably shouldn't have liked. It was a nice balance. The story progression was predictable but I was still pleased with it.

The things I didn't really care for:
*the over-share of Kaylin's zits. On page 81, I really could have done without the very detailed descriptions. It was very much on the gross side.
*the scientific thing. I get that science is the basis of the whole book. I just don't know any 15 year old girls who are *that* obsessed with science. I found it slightly redundant.

Overall:
This book was a good, light read. It was fun. It didn't challenge me any but I didn't expect that out of this book. I thought it uplifting in a "girl power" kind of way and I was rooting the whole time for Kaylin.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acne! The bane of just about every teen's existence! (a few adults as well...)

I always hated being told I'll "outgrow" this - and sympathized hugely with the acne-prone main character. Especially since I never DID quite outgrow it...

While I was worried initially about her being so hung up on her appearance, I was pleased to see how quickly the story turned around and we find a love of science, a spirit of activism, and quite a bit more depth to this girl. She didn't accept the answers given but instead went out and DID something about the problem. I liked her a lot. Add in a nice little dose of romance and you've got a fun story that taught me a whole lot that I didn't know about acne and how companies test new products and place them on the market.

Some things stretched belief a bit - being able to intern on this project so quickly and how everyone she needed to meet happened to be right there in her hometown. But hey, I was willing to let that slide because the story was fun to read. Besides, you never got bogged down by the science (or her skin condition) to be distracted from the relationships or the action. Besides, I really like to think that with enough gumption you really CAN make a difference.

Yes, I'd definitely recommend this book.

** A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review **

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the review posted on Amazon by Yana Rodgers of Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children: "...This novel does a nice job in combining teen angst and romance with a clever story wrapped around a number of economic concepts, especially entrepreneurship, family-owned businesses, production decisions, marketing, and jobs. Middle-grade readers looking for substantive material with a light-hearted touch will enjoy this new work by Jodi Moore."

[Suzie Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started out a little weak for me because the main character was a little whinny and self centered. I tried to remember that's just how some teenagers are, I'm sure I was like that too, so that flaw the author gave the main character (whinny/self centered) is probably a realistic one. However, the main character does grew; her self centered tendency grows to a true concern for all acne suffers. She also kills it at the science presented in the book, which I liked. The book also does a good job explaining clinical research, scientific method, the science of acne, and running a business. The explanations would give someone who's not familiar with those worlds insight and knowledge of those subjects. Most of the explanations are naturally woven into the story, a couple of times it felt a little forced (like with the Vlogs), but overall they were woven in nicely. Also nicely done was the portrayal of an internship. The internship felt realistic enough (although I felt it was more of what a college level intern would do) that it would give someone who's about to perform their first internship some understanding of what to expect. Overall this book is a fun read for the MG-YA crowd that includes some actual STEM, which I highly appreciate it.

[Jillian (Peapod Historical Bookery) · Rating 3 out of 5]

{ Review originally posted on my blog, PidginPea's Book Nook. }


Confession: I had acne before the other kids in my class even knew what acne was. Even now in my late 20s, I still have it, and I'm still waiting to grow out of it.

So I related to this book on a pretty personal level. Some of the things Kaylin deals with because of her acne (like comparing herself to other girls, and wondering if boys don't like her because of her or because of her face) were things that I dealt with growing up too. She has an honest, straightforward voice that makes her quite an endearing narrator.

Kaylin's passion for science was a big part of the book. It leads her from her school science fair, to a summer internship at a company that makes acne products, to meeting with a real scientist who's on her way to developing a vaccine for acne. Any readers who are into science would definitely enjoy reading about Kaylin's experiments and adventures. However, readers who aren't so into it may find Let's Face It a little hard to get through, as science is such a major element of both the plot and Kaylin's personality.

In addition to struggling with acne, Kaylin also has boy troubles. She's crushing on Sean, a guy who will barely give her the time of day. While I was on her friends' side and wanted to help get her over this loser as soon as possible, I still felt for her, because I did the same thing when I was younger. Does any girl make it through middle or high school without falling helplessly in love (or in "love," but it feels like serious love at the time) with at least one guy who treats them like dirt?

But then there's Charlie. I loved how their relationship developed really slowly, and how Kaylin was pretty much oblivious to his feelings for her. The little hints Charlie dropped that she never picked up on were precious. I think my favorite was the trip to get ice for the party. :)  Charlie is a great guy; whenever Kaylin's feeling discouraged, whether in her scientific pursuits or in her pursuit of Sean, Charlie is right there to help pick her spirits back up.

I wasn't crazy about was the book's unrealistic ending, which was just a little too neat and tidy for my tastes. Companies that make a mint off of acne products that don't work aren't going to suddenly decide to get on the straight and narrow and focus their efforts on donating megabucks to research for a cure. Sad, but true. However, when I was younger I wouldn't have wanted to read a realistic ending. I would have wanted to read a happy, hopeful ending, which is just what Moore delivers.

Let's Face It is a smoothly paced read with a subtle girl power message. Kaylin pursues her dreams, and when she's thrown off track a bit, she just finds another way to get where she wants to be. Her friends are with her every step of the way, and she finds a little romance along the way too. Older YA readers may find Let's Face It a little on the juvenile side, but it's definitely a great book for younger readers who could look up to Kaylin.

[Megan (The Book Babe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Other reviews like this at thebookbabesreads.blogspot.com

This book is just so darn cute. The characters are cute, the story is cute, the entire book is cute. It was the perfect read for me right now. Less hardcore, more cute. I really liked the character of Kaylin, even though I don't understand her like of science, because I always hated science. But even though she talked about science all the time, she did it in a very easy to understand way, not in a 'Haha, I'm smarter than you and I know all about science' way, which trust me, was a plus. My favorite thing about Kaylin though, was her drive. She was driven to cure acne. One of the most impossible ventures in the world, and she was all about doing it. No fear.

The author wrote it in a way that it was believable, but also very hard sounding, with you never knowing whether she will succeed or not. It's just one of those things, you won't know if you don't try. I thought that Kaylin and Charlie's friendship was just adorable, and that it made the story better. Charlie was so willing to just be there for Kaylin, and to be a great friend for her, when her other friends maybe weren't.

I liked the research that Kaylin did about acne medications and acne washes, and how all of them can't possibly work for everyone. Nothing works for everybody, and Kaylin communicates that very well. I've never actually thought about interning at a science company, (hello, where would I find one in Po-Dunk, Arkansas?) but even if I had the chance, I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't.

Yet again, I admire Kaylin's drive. I also admire the way that she grew in this story. She really grew into a nicer, sweeter girl. She stopped worrying about all of her problems, and more about the world's problems. (Even if the world's problem, in this case, was acne.)

So, all in all, I definitely enjoyed it, and I recommend it for younger girls especially. :)
♠♠♠♠
Favorite Quote:
That's why I liked talking to Charlie. He always made me feel better. Like he was on my side. Rooting for me. Wanting me to be happy.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review, and many more, can be read at my blog, http://funsmartreviews.blogspot.com/

First off, I would like to thank Jodi R. Moore, for sending me a copy of Let's Face It to honestly review. I love getting these kind of opportunities! Now, about the book...

Let's Face It is a humorous, inspiring story about teenage Kaylin, whose had enough of empty promises of "smooth, even-toned" skin from many facial cleansing products on the market. She's tired of products that might hide blemishes for a while, but don't stop new ones from popping up overnight. All she wants is a cure, and a permanent one. Kaylin feels so strongly about this that she is even willing to work a few weeks at Tomlin & Tomlin, a company that has come out with so many products that she knows first-hand don't work. All the while she's left wondering how Sean, her long time crush, actually feels about her, but is he actually worth it? Or is there someone else that will appreciate her more for who she is?

This novel is surely like no other, and from the first page, you won't want to put it down. With so many paranormal books out there (which are still awesome, just common), this book is really something different. It is realistic, and that's what makes it so compelling. It's what makes you want to join Kaylin, and help her reach the cure with her. And also, it's what keeps you rooting for her till the end. For me, well, it's what made me stay up all night reading it to find out if Kaylin reached her goal.

If you want a book that will encourage you, inspire you, and provoke so much emotion while staying quick and light, read Let's Face It, and discover how much you can achieve.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book! As an adult female, I've struggled with skin care too! Since I was a teen. C'mon, it's something most of us have struggled with.

Kaylin knows what it's like too! Those little comments, that worry when you wake up in the morning and can't believe you have MORE skin problems!

But, that isn't all Kaylin is. She is also headstrong, determined and a little stubborn. She's found something she cares about and it strikes a cord in all of us! But she's not perfect, and I love that about her too! She's a 15 year old that lets her emotions make her say things she normally wouldn't! Who doesn't struggle with that too!?

I love that this book went a little in to the realm of romance, but not too deep. And there's no swearing, drugs, underage drinking or many of the other things that just distract from a great storyline (no three way love triangle! Yay!).

I think many girls will find something within Kaylin to identify with - but I think she's also a heroine! Someone to look up to and feel motivated to be like.

Kaylin reminds everyone that with enough motivation and determination, we can all make great change - even if you are just 15 year old girl fighting for clear skin!

I have a mother/daughter teenage book club and I will be passing this one around for them to enjoy!

Thank you, Jodi R. Moore, for giving teens an average girl who is amazing and worthy of looking up to!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Moore’s book even though the story was clearly intended for a much younger audience than me.

Kaylin, the main character, is relatable and has just the right amount of naivety. The interactions between the characters, particularly Kaylin with her group of friends and her boy crushes, are very realistic.

One of the highlights of Let’s Face It was the focus on scientific research and the Human Microbiome Project, which is relevant to modern biology and was portrayed by Moore in an accurate yet understandable way.

I am often irritated by young adult novels in which the author seems to write down to a lower level just because the audience is assumed to be young, but I am pleased to say this book is well-written and fairly compelling. The does-my-crush-like-me-back plot was developed enough without overshadowing the main plot at all.

My only criticism is the pacing of the novel. The beginning starts out a bit slow, and you don’t reach the main plot line until almost 75 percent of the way through the book. Because of this, the ending felt a bit rushed, as both the scientific research plot and the summer crush storyline had to be tied up quickly and a little too neatly.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a very interesting topic for me, I usually wouldn't read a book of this topic, but it turns out the it is okay. This book at first glance looks like it is about a girl who has bad acne. When you acutely read it it turns out that it's about a girl who just wants to help people, mostly teens with their acne problem. It is very interesting to see how the internet can move things so fast and if people actually care about something it will happen. It has a slight romantic theme , but not in a gross or dramatic way, it is just their. This book would be good for someone who likes ambitious girl books like the hunger games. It could be considered a little scientific, but it would also be a good book for people who are going through puberty.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of how much I loved reading.

"Let's face it" feels exactly like you're having a conversation with a teenager. Most YA authors struggle with acquiring a realistic teen voice. Jodi, however, has no problem. She tackles this YA like a pro, and really dives into what it's like to be a teen with acne. Which everyone knows, being a teen with acne is the end of the world.

Great read! So good, in fact, I read it start to finish in one sitting.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clean, fun, smart, and last but not least inspirational story for teens! I really enjoyed how the story centers around the personality of the characters, they are presented clearly and thoughtfully. While there is teen romance, it goes beyond that and shows you that teenage girls are not just texting, and boy crazy! I received this book as a gift!

[Dot Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Good reads and was delighted with it. What teen girl doesn't know what it feels like to have some kind of body issue they strive to overcome. Then throw in the hormones and budding new romance and well you got a great story to read.

[Kristen Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion this book was really good. I liked how teens can relate to the challenges about acne that the main character faces.

I would also like to thank both good reads and the author for sending me an advanced copy of this book.