After being severely mauled by a grizzly bear in the Rocky Mountains, seventeen-year-old Abby Hughes's facial disfigurement sends young children screaming into their mothers' arms. Returning to high school, that most intensely judgmental of places, Abby is forced to combat rejection, bullying and betrayal. In order to accept herself and ask others to do the same, she too must learn to dig below the surface to see people for who they really are. Her love of acting and her return to drama class may be the key, or it may be the disaster that drives her from high school (and society) altogether.
This is such a beautiful book. I didn't expect to like it quite this much. Right from the start, it's kind of like Wonder
but then it gets a bit If I Stay in some ways
And then it turns inside out or around so much that it's all about Abby putting up a fight to get her self and her life back. And all you can feel deep down is
Leanne Baugh's writing is either intentionally or not but a bit stoic, which reads so fantastically appropriate for a YA narrator.
I can't say there were any real twists in this story. I mean, her friends are all above hideous from the very start so you kind of expect for the plot to lead you to an explanation behind your dislike.
I would absolutely recommend this to any parents who struggle with a self-conscious teenager, or any YA readers who for any reasons think they're irrevocably unique in a bad way. This book will open a whole new world of magic and gumption for you!
Thank you Netgalley so much for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
J'ai bien aimé cette histoire dans laquelle on aborde la confiance en soi par le biais de la différence (et je parle ici d'une grande, grande différence). Même si ce qu'a vécu la protagoniste n'arrive qu'à peu d'ados, on se reconnait en elle, en son manque de confiance en soi, ses questionnements par rapport à l'apparence. Ceux-ci sont également présents chez d'autres personnages, en faisant ainsi un thème fort du roman. On y aborde aussi d'autres thématiques qui y sont liées comme l'intimidation.
Thank you #NetGalley for the review copy of The Story of My Face. All opinions are my own.
Seventeen year old Abby used to love hiking in the mountains with her friends. But one day last summer, she was attacked by a grizzly bear, leaving her face severely scarred. She's now back at school finishing out her senior year. Her friends have moved on without her. Her ex-boyfriend hates her and is doing everything he can to make her life miserable and her boyfriend during the attack won't even look at her. Abby needs to learn how to accept herself and her situation, despite rejection and betrayal from others.
The Story of My Face is a great story of acceptance. Abby is on a journey to learn to love who she is, scars and all. In high school, that's not so easy. The author made us fall in love with Abby and really hope for her to make it through the difficult times and figure out who she wants to be. I hated some of her classmates before I even knew why and then found out there was good reason for it. The author had a great way of crafting the story to keep you interested and I finished the book in less than two days.
This book does have some adult language, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to kids, but I would definitely recommend it to any readers 16/17+.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book.
.....
I loved this book. A cleverly written novel about self-love, self-acceptance, and self-growth.
I enjoyed reading about Abby’s character in the book, and she was a very likeable character. It was enjoyable reading about Abby’s path to her self discovery, as she learned to love herself and be kind to herself, despite the many obstacles she faces on a daily basis. She is ridiculed, bullied, and embarrassed upon her return to her high school after the grizzly bear attack, and those who she thought were her friends have seemingly turned their backs on her. Her character was relatable, as she is faced with the many struggles that teenagers face in today’s society.
She is faced with many trials and tribulations after the bear attack, and she has to overcome them all to make herself a stronger person. A beautiful path of self-discovery and one’s ability to dig deep within yourself to be the best that you can be.
The Story of My Face was a brilliant read from beginning to end, and I loved this book. Be sure to check this book out, I am sure you will love it as much as I did!
J’ai vraiment aimé découvrir cette histoire qui s’ancre dans un quotidien canadien que je ne connais pas, celui des ados qui vivent près des rocheuses et s’y rendent très souvent pour des trekkings malgré la faune pour le moins sauvage qui y demeure. L’ambiance scolaire fait un peu clichée au départ, avec ses bandes et les différents niveaux de popularité, mais ça place le décor et le retour d’Abby vient bousculer les habitudes, alors que la jeune fille a « perdu des échelons » et se cherche une nouvelle place malgré la solitude, l’incompréhension et les attaques extérieures, qui ne sont pas des plus douces. J’ai relevé justement la cruauté des coups dans Stella, que fais-tu là ? et je remarque la même chose ici, mais rassurez-vous, pas pour m’en plaindre. On a beau parfois vouloir croire que l’adolescence est douce, mais ce n’est pas toujours le cas et le personnage de l’ex, profondément blessé, ne fait pas dans la dentelle quand il s’agit de se venger.
I really liked this book! Abby is a very believable, fully developed protagonist. The narrative lets us get close to her thoughts and feelings throughout. I found myself really rooting for Abby as she worked through her stages of self-acceptance and navigated her changing relationships with friends. I also enjoyed the sense of place—even if I’d never been to the area, I would have a clear picture of it from the story, which is firmly rooted in the Alberta mountain setting without being weighed down by description. Nothing weighs the story down! Leanne Baugh’s writing is crisp and uncluttered, letting the story and character development take the stage.
J'ai bien aimé le livre. Il y avait beaucoup de scènes et de sujets qui faisaient réfléchir. Par contre, à la fin du livre, on a de la misère à trouver la "morale de l'histoire". Il a peu de péripéties et la fin de l'histoire m'a légèrement déçue. C'est un bon roman psychologique.
What a wonderful book about coming to terms with one's looks, thoughts and feelings. The heroine Abby, at a tender young age of 18, shows us how she must work through what life has thrown at her in order to find some peace and joy in her youthful and difficult journey. Abby was fortunate to have caring family, friends, teachers and counsellors to help her and this reinforced in my mind what we as adults in society must ensure for all children and youth. Although many scenes touched me deeply I found the bullying and violence towards Abby at the hands of an ex-boyfriend particularly poignant in these times of instant news. Just this past week, the disturbing disclosure by women such as Professor Blasey Ford and President Trump's callous treatment of female reporter Cecilia Vega made my heart ache for Abby and all the women out there who experience bullying and violence. I would recommend this book to anyone, at any age, to read as it will certainly stir you in some way.
What a memorable and believable protagonist! Leanne Baugh has set a new standard when it comes to exploring the themes of self-esteem and self-acceptance in a genuine and compelling fashion. This book takes a real risk: a sensitive subject that's rarely tackled this honestly, while inviting the reader inside Abby's head as she braves what has become her "new normal". A terrific read...
Book Review: The Story of My Face by Leanne Baugh Read courtesy of Netgalley Publication date: September 10, 2018
LOVED THIS BOOK!
It had the potential to become preachy, and it WASN'T.
Baugh let the full story of the lead character's encounter with a bear build throughout the story without hiding the reader from the fact that the bear attack is what caused Abby's disfigurement. This paralleled the early shock of the attack and the physical affects with the more slowly evolving emotional healing.
Baugh included many characters and skillfully gave them depth and purpose. The author used the different storylines of the different characters' lives to ebb and flow with the pieces of knowing that we all have similar experiences and reactions in spite of our differences. Empathy came through without lecturing the reader. Real life sympathy showed through the varied characters' actions and reactions to Abby's new reality.
One of the greatest achievements an author might accomplish, Baugh did. She made me thoughtful and introspective rather than just being an observer. I related to the experiences about which I read rather than simply reading a story. I've never done, nor will probably ever do, the things that put Abby and her friends in their situations, but Baugh craftily made that irrelevant to my enjoyment. She created a universal experience through her characters' thoughts and actions, regardless of setting. Bravo!
I cannot wait to get this for my high school library!
Abby had an accident last year that has left her scarred—inside and out. As she tries to go back to school for her senior year and figure out how to put back the pieces of her life, insurmountable obstacles seem to come around every corner. How can Abby move forward when she doesn’t even know which path is safe to walk?
Aside from the crudeness that came up frequently through this book, I enjoyed reading the journey Abby takes and helps readers to take with her. Her story is about the struggle of knowing who you are amid the pressures of who you should be and who you want to be. Abby shows those readers who may also struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence—which is most of us—that there is help and support from different avenues waiting to cheer you on if you will look for them and allow them to help. You have what you need to move forward so just take a courageous step.
Review copy provided by Second Story Press via Netgalley.
This is a difficult book to review, because it tackles an extremely difficult topic head on and really makes you feel for the character. It felt raw and honest the whole way through. As a healthcare professional, I was especially happy to see both the doctor's appointment and the support group meetings featured in the story. Everything was real and honest.
I took one star off because I feel that just as Abby's journey to self-acceptance was handled sensitively and in detail, there were other issues that deserved more time and depth in the story. The bullying, the abandon by her friends (am I the only one asking what about Simon makes him a best friend?)...
Overall, this was a profoundly moving story that tackles a difficult topic with a lot of sensitivity and skill.
Wow I loved this book. Fans of dumpling by Julie Murphy or wonder will love this. Story is about a highschool girl readjusting back into life after she has been viciously attacked by a bear whilst hiking with friends. All the things she overcomes from bullying, old boyfriends and friends to accepting her face will never be the same even after reconstructive surgery and realising she didn't like the old her along the journey. I really could relate as I have a severe chronic condition from a young age and realising your life will never be what it was, but going through the grieving accepting stage is so so real. The character was so brave although I don't think I could of been as strong as she was. Five stars from me
*I received this book from NetGalley in return for a honest review*
This was such a thoughtful, honest book that I didn't want to put down. While not many people can relate to being mauled by a grizzly bear, everyone knows what it is like to feel different and left out in high school. I felt for Abby as she tries to navigate coming back to a place that seems like no one accepts her and I just wanted her to be happy. I also enjoyed that Abby wasn't a perfect person as it made her seem more real. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the characters throughout it.
What a beautiful story! I loved following our heroine’s journey to self love and healing. The premise of her backstory was so plausible and so terrifyingly real that I felt for her right from the beginning. I could not put this book down, cheering her on as she discovered what does and does not matter about a person. I strongly recommend this book to teens, both male and female, and to fans of YA. The story is ageless and beautiful.
i received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very empowering novel about overcoming the physical and emotional aftermath of a mauling incident. Abby is a strong young woman and faces cruelty with dignity. I love the unexpected ending--it is a very powerful statement for young women about the emotional burdens faced with regard to appearance and worthiness.
Abby and her boyfriend Liam hike one summer day in Canada. Abby is attacked by a grizzly. Liam is also attached, but not to the same extent. After months of recovery, Abby returns to school. Nothing is the same, but she finds comfort in her best friend Simon, her dad and sister and a support group. This YA novel deals with bullying, cyber bullying, transgender, and self awareness and acceptance. I was given this ePub in exchange for my fair and honest review. Thanks NetGalley and publisher.
A very interesting story that illustrates some very real troubling social issues - beauty, bullying and self image. Abby's struggle to find a return to a somewhat "normal" life and accepting her physical changes after being attacked by a grizzly bear is the main issue here but I like the way the author also addressed the impact on her boyfriend, Liam, and how that ties in with Abby although we don't learn of this until quite a way in. There is also her friend, Serena, whose superficial mother is pressuring her about her body image and losing weight. She does have a few friends who are trying to offer the best support they can. The bullying by a jealous ex-boyfriend set my teeth on edge ( I wanted to punch him in the face) but it also illustrated how Abby should have made the school and police aware of the cyber and real time bullying before it escalated to the point that it did.
This and other stories like it should be required reading and discussed in high schools everywhere. Something serious has to be done to curb the various types of bullying that are so prevalent today. I don't feel that school boards and Ministries take this seriously enough...
Language: R (115 swears, 17 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG13 Abby had an accident last year that has left her scarred—inside and out. As she tries to go back to school for her senior year and figure out how to put back the pieces of her life, insurmountable obstacles seem to come around every corner. How can Abby move forward when she doesn’t even know which path is safe to walk? Aside from the crudeness that came up frequently through this book, I enjoyed reading the journey Abby takes and helps readers to take with her. Her story is about the struggle of knowing who you are amid the pressures of who you should be and who you want to be. Abby shows those readers who may also struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence—which is most of us—that there is help and support from different avenues waiting to cheer you on if you will look for them and allow them to help. You have what you need to move forward so just take a courageous step. Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
**I received a physical copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Wow, this book. I honestly did not expect to love it as much as I did. For fans of Wonder, this one should definitely be added to your TBR pile! Abby was such a strong, courageous main character. She was forced to overcome so much and learn to love herself all over again after her tragic accident. She was so inspiring. The writing was absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend this to any that worries over their "differences" no matter how big or small they may be.
This is a great read! We are quickly included in Abby's most difficult journey and intimately understand her fears, frustration and sadness along the way. We pull for Abby, we fear the bullies and we are hurt by others' reactions to Abby's disfigurement, just as she is.
Leanne Baugh has made this a very believable journey through teenage angst, and makes it easy for the reader to stay engaged throughout the story. Abby's story is one of courage and determination - and we root for her as she learns and lives self-acceptance. Thanks for the wonderful journey, Ms. Baugh!
I'm actually very glad I found this book in the library. While it only got three stars, it's a story that's going to stick with me for a long time. I think Leanne did an amazing job with bringing in the emotions that would come with such a traumatic experience. I love reading about things that can actually happen and getting into the main characters head was a great experience. PS: Screw Mason. He should've been mauled by a bear. Honestly.
I loved this contemporary young adult novel. Leanne creates a complex and interesting world, and once you get sucked in you don't want to leave. The struggles the main character, Abby goes through are very relatable, despite the unusual challenges she faces. The story leaves you feeling uplifted and empowered by Abby's strength and resiliency.
As a former resident of Alberta who spent a lot of time in the Canadian Rockies, I loved the setting of The Story of my Face. Leanne Baugh captures the beauty of this area and the main character's love for the landscape while still keeping the story relevant to todays's teens, many of whom face bullying and acceptance Highly recommended
My Q&A with author Leanne Baugh will be up on Book Time in May. It was a fast read with a lot going on besides Abby Hughes going back to high school after being mauled by a grizzley bear and surviving multiple surgeries. There is extreme bullying, particularly from a former boyfriend.
Ahhhh Abby!!! Je l'ai aimé du début à la fin , sa personnalité , sa reconstruction d'elle même , sa façon de voir la vie , c'était beau ! J’ai aimé la voir évoluer à travers le roman , son texte danser avec un ours m'a fait verser quelques larmes !!