UGLY

by Alan Nayes

A novella.

A poignant story about a young boy born without a nose who befriends a young chimpanzee with a severe congenital facial deformity.

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2018

About the author

Alan Nayes is the author of numerous novels and short stories. He resides in Southern California.

Reviews

[Ina Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of 3 friends, Josh was born without a nose, Rosa is hearing impaired, and a chimp, names Cyclops, born with only half a face. The boy and girl form a strong friendship and spend much of their time with the Chimp who resides at the girl's aunt roadside zoo. The girl teaches the Cyclops sign language and Josh also learns how to communicate with the chimp. Josh and the Cyclops develop a strong bond due to their facial deformities. Over the years, the three spend many hours together and their bond only deepens. Then, Josh is finally old enough to have the surgery that will give him the nose that he has never had. The operation is a success and Josh finds his life to become "normal" for the first time. Josh becomes popular and is busy with sports and his new friends. He and Rosa drift apart but the emotional attachment to Cyclops keeps pulling Josh back. But, college takes him away and a new girl friend as well as an opportunity for a once in a life time job threatens to keep him away from his home town and Cyclops. When he gets word that Cyclops is very ill and most likely will die...he must make a decision. One that will change his life forever.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I thoroughly enjoy reading these type of children books, for they always teach my children an important life lesson in a simple and easy way that they can understand. It's important for children today to have morals, and the only way that they will obtain them is if they are taught from a young age.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Josh is born with a severe facial deformity that leaves him without a nose. A visit to the local zoo introduces him to Rose, a girl his age with hearing problems, and Cyclops, a chimpanzee with similar facial deformities to Josh. The 3 form an unlikely friendship that gets Josh through his childhood.

This book is short and sweet. I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The second half and the ending especially fell flat for me. I couldn't understand why Josh was acting the way he was and the ending seemed so rushed and convenient that I was left disappointed. I'd still recommend this book for others to read because of how cute it is in the first half.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching story. As a parent, something like this could tear a family apart but I'm glad they stayed together & supported each other while trying their best to give Josh a great life. After his last surgery, Josh became ugly on the inside and I was really disappointed in his behavior. Hopefully, he learns what really matters before it's too late.

[Jane(Janelba) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about two children with disabilities. Rosie is hearing impaired and Josh was born missing a nose. They become friends at the local zoo where they meet Cyclops a chimpanzee born with only half a face. Rosie and her aunt are teaching Cyclops sign language and she teaches Josh too. Cyclops becomes great friends with Josh due to his facial disfiguration. A really great read.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

It really drew me in and I could sympathize with the character's. Made me rush throughout to get to the end of the story. While it ended sad it showed how people come together in the end.

[Mari Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Told

Lived it. The story of two hideously deformed beings, the friendship, love and understanding as the two grow. You will truly enjoy this book.