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Dare to be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Transform Our World
Born with a rare genetic condition, Lizzie Velasquez always knew she was different, but it wasn't until she was older that she understood what that meant to herself and others.
In this daring, inspirational book, Lizzie reveals the hidden forces that give rise to self-doubt and empowers us to unlock empathy and kindness for ourselves and others. Through her own battles with anxiety and depression she demonstrates how we can overcome obstacles and move forward with greater positivity and hope.
Dare to Be Kind offers the path to self-acceptance, love, and tolerance, and provides a framework for living with confidence and resilience, and ultimately, forging a radically compassionate world.
208 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2019
91 people are currently reading
1866 people want to read
About the author
Lizzie Velásquez
6 books187 followersThe eldest of three children born to Rita and Guadalupe Velásquez.
Lizzie was born four weeks prematurely, her birth weight was only 2 pounds 11 ounces (1,219 grams).
Her age was reported as 23 in September 2012, a time when she was nearing graduation from Texas State University majoring in communication studies.
She is a Roman Catholic and she has spoken out in terms of her belief in God who has "blessed me with the greatest blessing of my life, which is my syndrome".
Velazquez has a condition that is so rare that only two other people are known to have it. She has zero percent body fat, and has never weighed more than 60 pounds (27 kg). Although not anorexic, she is unable to gain weight.
Her first published work was her co-authored and self-published autobiography released in 2010 in English and Spanish.
Her second book, Be Beautiful, Be You (2012), advocates informing people that appearance doesn't matter, and that one should love oneself for what one is.
Lizzie was born four weeks prematurely, her birth weight was only 2 pounds 11 ounces (1,219 grams).
Her age was reported as 23 in September 2012, a time when she was nearing graduation from Texas State University majoring in communication studies.
She is a Roman Catholic and she has spoken out in terms of her belief in God who has "blessed me with the greatest blessing of my life, which is my syndrome".
Velazquez has a condition that is so rare that only two other people are known to have it. She has zero percent body fat, and has never weighed more than 60 pounds (27 kg). Although not anorexic, she is unable to gain weight.
Her first published work was her co-authored and self-published autobiography released in 2010 in English and Spanish.
Her second book, Be Beautiful, Be You (2012), advocates informing people that appearance doesn't matter, and that one should love oneself for what one is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 14, 2017
I really wanted to like this book, I mean, how can you not like Lizzie? However I felt that the writing was rather weak and repetitive and that it did not address, or live up to, the title of the book. I was looking for an entirely different book, one that would inspire kindness from me and maybe give me some ideas, instead of a study of Lizzie and her motivational speaking career. (She did address this at the end, though it appeared to be an afterthought to justify the title.) I wish her all the best in life and continuing success at what she does, and I intend to look up some of her videos, but I don't think I'll be reading another one of her books.
February 2, 2018
Let me clarify something. I never read nonfiction. I know some people love it and prefer it over any type of novel, short story, or whatever writing form you can think of, but I’m not one of them. I just need a good plot to keep me engaged and passing one page after another wanting to find the answers to an amazingly concocted story. Or at least, that’s what I expect every time I pick a new book. However, I had to make an exception with this one.
I’m a big fan of Lizzie Velasquez and I consider her one of the bravest, most beautiful women in the world. In case you don’t know who she is, Lizzie is an American author and motivational speaker who, at the age of 17, was labeled by Internet bullies as “The World’s Ugliest Woman”, due to a very rare and only recently diagnosed syndrome she was born with, that doesn’t allow her to gain weight and only a few other people in the world have. You can find her talks online, she has several in which she explains her syndrome and tells her story, and she also has her personal YouTube channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/user/lizzitac..., if you want to take a look. But my favorite is her TEDx AustinWomen talk, that truly left me speechless and gave me a lot to think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzPbY...
In this book, Lizzie tells us her story and her memories, not only on bullying, but also about the circumstances of her birth, how her syndrome affects her life, and how it doesn’t define who she is. She talks about her family and friends, and although I don’t know them, I can relate to the feelings and situations she went through, especially around finding friends who are truly worth keeping. And also, I could relate around chapter 8, when she talks about her dog, Ollie. I can truly understand what she means when she says that the puppy saved her life, as my own dog, a beautiful, loving black giant named Loki, came one day, and since then my home is a different place, for the better. I didn’t really know how dogs could be, as I never had one that lasted long, but now I see that they are little angels sent to teach us about unconditional love, loyalty and friendship. Everything she says about Ollie is true, and if you don’t have a dog, I sincerely encourage you to adopt one. You will have found your best friend.
The reason why I grabbed this book is because, recently, I’ve been hearing of a lot of bullying cases, in the news, and online, that, sadly, end with kids or teenagers attempting to take their own lives, due to their suffering at the hands of their peers. I myself, back when I was a kid, had to go through many years of non-stop bullying, and although I thank God that I never suffered physical violence, the truth is that words and attitudes can cut as deeply as the sharpest knife, and scars take an eternity to fade, if they ever do. So as Lizzie shared her story and her darkest moments in her book, I want to share some of mine, to all of you out there who think that there’s no case like yours, that this is never going to end. Your situation, if you are bullied, are a lot more relatable than you think, and let me tell you, it’s not an endless darkness. I know it, because I’ve been there, and I got out. Of course, I know that things were different back then. Every time I look back when I was 8, 9, 10 years-old, I feel grateful that we didn’t have social media back then, or things could have gone out of hand very easily. When I was a kid, bullying didn’t have a name. It was just something kids do in school, that it’s normal, because it’s just a part of it. But the truth is that is not that easy, and Lizzie explains adults’ attitude towards it in the clearest terms, that I saw with my own eyes:
“Some people believe bullying is a normal part of childhood—so normal, in fact, that they might not even consider certain behaviors to be bullying at all.”
Just as Lizzie, I have a few stories of my own. As a kid, in middle and high school, I did what all of us do: try to fit. Needless to say, it didn’t fully work. I had friends, yes, but not a best friend, not someone I could talk to, and share everything I loved. Since forever I’m a reader and a writer, I love fantasy and romance, but in school, I was just the “book swallower”, the nerdy, unremarkable girl that no one noticed, except when there was a test, or a book we had to read and they didn’t understand it. I was laughed at, and called names, on a daily basis, and more than once I heard insults towards my family. I got asked why I was that fat, when I really wasn’t. I once was called “uglier than a bat”, by this guy who said he would take me to the field trip we were going to, so I could scare bats away with just my face. Another time, I fell into a sewer, as I was so angry with my bullies I didn’t watch my step, and as I clung to the sidewalk to get out, they just laughed and pointed at me, instead of helping me. I spent one PE class after another, as teams were being formed, left sitting there, humiliated as the last one, as I watched the captains looking at each other to decide which team would take me, as none of them wanted me, and I came home crying my eyes out, and wondering why I just kept going to school.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For the sake of brevity, and my own heart, I won’t delve deeper. So, what’s the point of that bunch of bad memories? Not to make you feel sorry for myself, because I don’t want that. Just to tell you that I get it. I know what bullying means, I know what it is not wanting to go back to school, and repress your anger as tears go down your cheeks. And I also know how it is to defend yourself, and having adults take the bullies’ side, when your life is a living hell. Even now, sitting here, a new memory comes to me, when a teacher yelled at me as I was standing in front of the entire class, for everyone to see, because I had failed an exam on verb conjugations. I was 12 years old. My heart still aches a little bit when I remember that, proving that teachers are as capable of being bullies as kids are, and in a worse kind of way, because they are supposed to be the mature adult in the situation. But I power through all these memories, because as Lizzie says, they are not going to win. They don’t define me.
Have you ever looked for a book’s genre? When you come to GoodReads you can see them listed in each book’s individual page, so you can know if it is fantasy, romance, mystery or whatever genre you can think of. But, did you notice that, when you read that book, that little word didn’t truly cover it, that the book was far more complex than just a fantasy, or a romance, that it had many subplots and a ton of characters, each deeper than the other? The same happens with us. When we are bullied, names are applied to us, and hurtful things are said about us. But the truth is that, just like those books, that doesn’t describe us. We are far, far, more complex than whatever name we are called by, and it is our responsibility to make our story shine. Now, I’m not saying that we are books, or intend to compare people to them. But I do like to say that we are all writers in some way. We, and no one else, is in charge of writing our own story, and NO ONE is allowed to stop us. I decided, a long time ago, even when things were really tough, that I am the only one in charge of my story. Lizzie even says this in her book:
“Wherever you are right now, you’ve gotten there because of your own remarkable qualities and experiences. You are the person who led the way to where you are today. The good choices you’ve made and the bad ones, the positive experiences you’ve had and the negative ones—all of it is your story.”
You, my friend, that you are reading this, and can relate to what I’ve told you, need to know that you are more than just the bullied boy or girl, and that everything is about choices. You choose to let the bullies win, or not. Please, don’t sink into silence. Speak up. Ask for help, and don’t be afraid. Just as Lizzie says, you decide if your path is going to be good or bad, and I believe that all of us were born for a reason, among the trillion possibilities of coming to this world being who we are, with the body type, the eye color, the personality and character we have. Even when we don’t notice at first, and the bullies’ voices and opinions fill our head and seem to be louder than a thunder, they are just that. Noise. An annoying cacophony that you can shut up with your personality and qualities, your talents, and the fulfilling of your goals. You can fight back by not letting them define you, just as Lizzie says in her TEDx talk, and remarks in her book:
“I am here to tell you: It is fine to be who you are. It is a good thing not to be just like everybody else. What makes you unique is what makes you beautiful, because it’s what makes you you. And the world needs you, exactly as you are. That’s the truth, plain and simple.”
I spent years of my life bullied by classmates and even college professors for what I liked, and especially because I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Stories are my passion, my best way to communicate with people, but some college professors literally laughed at my face and didn’t take me seriously when I said it, convinced that I was in the wrong place, that because they couldn’t teach me how to do that, it was a delusional thing, a fleeting dream in the head of a naïve teenager, and that I would eventually give up. But, just like Lizzie says and explains, the best revenge are your accomplishments, and a happy life. My work was never good for them, because it was too “literary” for their taste, and they gave me every reason not to try. But they never, and I mean, NEVER, could slap the pen out my hand, because that’s my decision, and they don’t have a say in the matter. It wasn’t until years later, when I chose a different course of studies, when I truly found a voice. The voice of the storyteller I never stopped being, and although at first I was overly shy, and scared of being laughed at again, I found people who truly saw me, the real me, and for the first time I was told, as I was close to tears, that “if they don’t or won’t listen, it’s their loss.” And now, I say the same thing to you. Your voice is worth to be heard. You were born unique. Your talents and virtues do not have a match out there, and no matter what, you are a full human being for who there’s no barriers if there’s determination enough. And I tell you what, the world is depending on whatever purpose you are meant to achieve. Get rid of all those thoughts that eat away your brain, because nothing, and I mean NOTHING they say or do, is worth your life. I don’t know your story, but I know mine, and I finally come to understand that I’m more than that bullied little girl, and that if I don’t move forward because of those jerks, they would be winning a match that only should be my victory. Have things hurt? Yes. There were dark times? Yes. But they didn’t, and won’t, define me. The world would be a very different place if we just replace three of every five hurtful words with a kind one. Just as Lizzie wants to tell us in her book, something as simple as kindness can save us, and change the world around us.
Also, what Lizzie tries to tell us with every word, is that true beauty comes from within, and that's what we all need to understand and remember every single day. This world is too demanding in terms of physical perfection, and the standards are unattainable, so I won't waste the only life I've got trying to fit them. The only people in our lives that are worth keeping around are those brave enough to look past all of our physical imperfections (because everyone has them), to the person we really are, because all of us are worthy of love, and love creates beauty.
Finally, one more thing. Adults, especially teachers, DON’T IGNORE BULLYING. Don’t pretend it’s not there, just because you think you can’t handle it. Step forward, and take the bullied person’s side. Take action, because this is literally costing lives. Stop what you are doing, and listen. LISTEN. Pay attention. Do your job as a grown up and look for the roots of the problem to take it out. Use your place as an educator, as a mature person, to spread kindness and respect, from whatever position you are in. If we unite, and for once we do not respond with curt language, cuss words, insults, or even physical violence, this world would be one step closer to be a better place.
Please. Take the brave decision. Love and forgiveness are ALWAYS the right choice. For the sake of the world, Dare to Be Kind.
I’m a big fan of Lizzie Velasquez and I consider her one of the bravest, most beautiful women in the world. In case you don’t know who she is, Lizzie is an American author and motivational speaker who, at the age of 17, was labeled by Internet bullies as “The World’s Ugliest Woman”, due to a very rare and only recently diagnosed syndrome she was born with, that doesn’t allow her to gain weight and only a few other people in the world have. You can find her talks online, she has several in which she explains her syndrome and tells her story, and she also has her personal YouTube channel, here: https://www.youtube.com/user/lizzitac..., if you want to take a look. But my favorite is her TEDx AustinWomen talk, that truly left me speechless and gave me a lot to think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzPbY...
In this book, Lizzie tells us her story and her memories, not only on bullying, but also about the circumstances of her birth, how her syndrome affects her life, and how it doesn’t define who she is. She talks about her family and friends, and although I don’t know them, I can relate to the feelings and situations she went through, especially around finding friends who are truly worth keeping. And also, I could relate around chapter 8, when she talks about her dog, Ollie. I can truly understand what she means when she says that the puppy saved her life, as my own dog, a beautiful, loving black giant named Loki, came one day, and since then my home is a different place, for the better. I didn’t really know how dogs could be, as I never had one that lasted long, but now I see that they are little angels sent to teach us about unconditional love, loyalty and friendship. Everything she says about Ollie is true, and if you don’t have a dog, I sincerely encourage you to adopt one. You will have found your best friend.
The reason why I grabbed this book is because, recently, I’ve been hearing of a lot of bullying cases, in the news, and online, that, sadly, end with kids or teenagers attempting to take their own lives, due to their suffering at the hands of their peers. I myself, back when I was a kid, had to go through many years of non-stop bullying, and although I thank God that I never suffered physical violence, the truth is that words and attitudes can cut as deeply as the sharpest knife, and scars take an eternity to fade, if they ever do. So as Lizzie shared her story and her darkest moments in her book, I want to share some of mine, to all of you out there who think that there’s no case like yours, that this is never going to end. Your situation, if you are bullied, are a lot more relatable than you think, and let me tell you, it’s not an endless darkness. I know it, because I’ve been there, and I got out. Of course, I know that things were different back then. Every time I look back when I was 8, 9, 10 years-old, I feel grateful that we didn’t have social media back then, or things could have gone out of hand very easily. When I was a kid, bullying didn’t have a name. It was just something kids do in school, that it’s normal, because it’s just a part of it. But the truth is that is not that easy, and Lizzie explains adults’ attitude towards it in the clearest terms, that I saw with my own eyes:
“Some people believe bullying is a normal part of childhood—so normal, in fact, that they might not even consider certain behaviors to be bullying at all.”
Just as Lizzie, I have a few stories of my own. As a kid, in middle and high school, I did what all of us do: try to fit. Needless to say, it didn’t fully work. I had friends, yes, but not a best friend, not someone I could talk to, and share everything I loved. Since forever I’m a reader and a writer, I love fantasy and romance, but in school, I was just the “book swallower”, the nerdy, unremarkable girl that no one noticed, except when there was a test, or a book we had to read and they didn’t understand it. I was laughed at, and called names, on a daily basis, and more than once I heard insults towards my family. I got asked why I was that fat, when I really wasn’t. I once was called “uglier than a bat”, by this guy who said he would take me to the field trip we were going to, so I could scare bats away with just my face. Another time, I fell into a sewer, as I was so angry with my bullies I didn’t watch my step, and as I clung to the sidewalk to get out, they just laughed and pointed at me, instead of helping me. I spent one PE class after another, as teams were being formed, left sitting there, humiliated as the last one, as I watched the captains looking at each other to decide which team would take me, as none of them wanted me, and I came home crying my eyes out, and wondering why I just kept going to school.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For the sake of brevity, and my own heart, I won’t delve deeper. So, what’s the point of that bunch of bad memories? Not to make you feel sorry for myself, because I don’t want that. Just to tell you that I get it. I know what bullying means, I know what it is not wanting to go back to school, and repress your anger as tears go down your cheeks. And I also know how it is to defend yourself, and having adults take the bullies’ side, when your life is a living hell. Even now, sitting here, a new memory comes to me, when a teacher yelled at me as I was standing in front of the entire class, for everyone to see, because I had failed an exam on verb conjugations. I was 12 years old. My heart still aches a little bit when I remember that, proving that teachers are as capable of being bullies as kids are, and in a worse kind of way, because they are supposed to be the mature adult in the situation. But I power through all these memories, because as Lizzie says, they are not going to win. They don’t define me.
Have you ever looked for a book’s genre? When you come to GoodReads you can see them listed in each book’s individual page, so you can know if it is fantasy, romance, mystery or whatever genre you can think of. But, did you notice that, when you read that book, that little word didn’t truly cover it, that the book was far more complex than just a fantasy, or a romance, that it had many subplots and a ton of characters, each deeper than the other? The same happens with us. When we are bullied, names are applied to us, and hurtful things are said about us. But the truth is that, just like those books, that doesn’t describe us. We are far, far, more complex than whatever name we are called by, and it is our responsibility to make our story shine. Now, I’m not saying that we are books, or intend to compare people to them. But I do like to say that we are all writers in some way. We, and no one else, is in charge of writing our own story, and NO ONE is allowed to stop us. I decided, a long time ago, even when things were really tough, that I am the only one in charge of my story. Lizzie even says this in her book:
“Wherever you are right now, you’ve gotten there because of your own remarkable qualities and experiences. You are the person who led the way to where you are today. The good choices you’ve made and the bad ones, the positive experiences you’ve had and the negative ones—all of it is your story.”
You, my friend, that you are reading this, and can relate to what I’ve told you, need to know that you are more than just the bullied boy or girl, and that everything is about choices. You choose to let the bullies win, or not. Please, don’t sink into silence. Speak up. Ask for help, and don’t be afraid. Just as Lizzie says, you decide if your path is going to be good or bad, and I believe that all of us were born for a reason, among the trillion possibilities of coming to this world being who we are, with the body type, the eye color, the personality and character we have. Even when we don’t notice at first, and the bullies’ voices and opinions fill our head and seem to be louder than a thunder, they are just that. Noise. An annoying cacophony that you can shut up with your personality and qualities, your talents, and the fulfilling of your goals. You can fight back by not letting them define you, just as Lizzie says in her TEDx talk, and remarks in her book:
“I am here to tell you: It is fine to be who you are. It is a good thing not to be just like everybody else. What makes you unique is what makes you beautiful, because it’s what makes you you. And the world needs you, exactly as you are. That’s the truth, plain and simple.”
I spent years of my life bullied by classmates and even college professors for what I liked, and especially because I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Stories are my passion, my best way to communicate with people, but some college professors literally laughed at my face and didn’t take me seriously when I said it, convinced that I was in the wrong place, that because they couldn’t teach me how to do that, it was a delusional thing, a fleeting dream in the head of a naïve teenager, and that I would eventually give up. But, just like Lizzie says and explains, the best revenge are your accomplishments, and a happy life. My work was never good for them, because it was too “literary” for their taste, and they gave me every reason not to try. But they never, and I mean, NEVER, could slap the pen out my hand, because that’s my decision, and they don’t have a say in the matter. It wasn’t until years later, when I chose a different course of studies, when I truly found a voice. The voice of the storyteller I never stopped being, and although at first I was overly shy, and scared of being laughed at again, I found people who truly saw me, the real me, and for the first time I was told, as I was close to tears, that “if they don’t or won’t listen, it’s their loss.” And now, I say the same thing to you. Your voice is worth to be heard. You were born unique. Your talents and virtues do not have a match out there, and no matter what, you are a full human being for who there’s no barriers if there’s determination enough. And I tell you what, the world is depending on whatever purpose you are meant to achieve. Get rid of all those thoughts that eat away your brain, because nothing, and I mean NOTHING they say or do, is worth your life. I don’t know your story, but I know mine, and I finally come to understand that I’m more than that bullied little girl, and that if I don’t move forward because of those jerks, they would be winning a match that only should be my victory. Have things hurt? Yes. There were dark times? Yes. But they didn’t, and won’t, define me. The world would be a very different place if we just replace three of every five hurtful words with a kind one. Just as Lizzie wants to tell us in her book, something as simple as kindness can save us, and change the world around us.
Also, what Lizzie tries to tell us with every word, is that true beauty comes from within, and that's what we all need to understand and remember every single day. This world is too demanding in terms of physical perfection, and the standards are unattainable, so I won't waste the only life I've got trying to fit them. The only people in our lives that are worth keeping around are those brave enough to look past all of our physical imperfections (because everyone has them), to the person we really are, because all of us are worthy of love, and love creates beauty.
Finally, one more thing. Adults, especially teachers, DON’T IGNORE BULLYING. Don’t pretend it’s not there, just because you think you can’t handle it. Step forward, and take the bullied person’s side. Take action, because this is literally costing lives. Stop what you are doing, and listen. LISTEN. Pay attention. Do your job as a grown up and look for the roots of the problem to take it out. Use your place as an educator, as a mature person, to spread kindness and respect, from whatever position you are in. If we unite, and for once we do not respond with curt language, cuss words, insults, or even physical violence, this world would be one step closer to be a better place.
Please. Take the brave decision. Love and forgiveness are ALWAYS the right choice. For the sake of the world, Dare to Be Kind.
April 3, 2017
The latest installment in "One librarian's struggle to read all the books she brought home from ALA Midwinter 2017." Hatchette was actually kind enough to send this one to me special delivery when they didn't have it at their booth and I knew I HAD to read it immediately. Dare to Be Kind is the deeply personal and inspirational look at Lizzie Velasquez's work as a motivational speaker and anti-bullying advocate. I would never have guessed just how grueling her schedule can be from the upbeat positivity she always seems to present! In this book she takes a daring look at how compassion can transform our relationships with family, friends, ourselves, and with bullies, too; it may even save the world! A definite must-read.
February 10, 2018
I am quite conflicted on what I want to write about "Dare to Be Kind" by Lizzie Velasquez. I suppose I need to break this into two parts. Lizzie as a human, her story--from troubles to triumph--and her crusade to rid the world of bullies is a wonderful concept. Because of who she is, I gave her a few stars.
Why I couldn't give this book more than two:
The writing is atrocious. It is concerning when not just the author, but the coauthor/consultant/writing coach Catherine Avril Morris allowed this to happen. There is little coherence. It's part autobiographical, part... I think it's supposed to be self-help/inspirational/encouraging. It felt flat in both aspects for me.
Truth be told, I probably should have stopped 25 pages in when I began openly admitting to how poorly it was written. I had the same conversation at page 35 and 50, etc until the end of the book.
I am sure Lizzie is a wonderful person. I am sure her community and her YouTube channel and her live speeches are great. Unfortunately, this book wasn't. I simply cannot recommend this to anyone. In fact, go read just about anything else. This was not my cup of tea.
If you choose to venture into this book (or into another), Happy Reading! I wish you well.
Why I couldn't give this book more than two:
The writing is atrocious. It is concerning when not just the author, but the coauthor/consultant/writing coach Catherine Avril Morris allowed this to happen. There is little coherence. It's part autobiographical, part... I think it's supposed to be self-help/inspirational/encouraging. It felt flat in both aspects for me.
Truth be told, I probably should have stopped 25 pages in when I began openly admitting to how poorly it was written. I had the same conversation at page 35 and 50, etc until the end of the book.
I am sure Lizzie is a wonderful person. I am sure her community and her YouTube channel and her live speeches are great. Unfortunately, this book wasn't. I simply cannot recommend this to anyone. In fact, go read just about anything else. This was not my cup of tea.
If you choose to venture into this book (or into another), Happy Reading! I wish you well.
February 3, 2017
We just got the ARC for this in yesterday and I immediately started reading it - and since I worked last night and this morning and I still finished it today, that says something. Lizzie's story is powerful and she writes beautifully about the power of compassion. Lovely book!
June 21, 2022
I was inspired to read this book after seeing it advertised online. I figured it would be an interesting and insightful autobiography, however unfortunately this book seemed more like an elongated pep talk. I did like how positive the author is in spite of her adversities and appreciated her honesty about some of her difficulties. However I felt like a lot of the true details of her life were left out, i.e in regards to her relationships and the journey she had with her medical condition and childhood experiences. It would have been nicer to have more candid detail I suppose. I also think there was a lot of information about various star studded events that regular folk can't really relate to. I also found it strange that the author seemed candid about her faith in certain areas, but then didn't commit to it, deviating between calling the bigger events called by God, and brought about by 'the universe.' A lot of ideas were brought up with an almost immediate, 'easier said than done'. Unfortunately I found the book to be quite trite and sugary in places, even though the message was an important one. Ironically, the people who need this book are unlikely to be reading it, and that's a difficult problem to remedy.
It's an ok read, but it wasn't really for me. I prefer the grittier stuff but well done to the author for deciding to be so strong and inspirational in spite of her difficulties.
It's an ok read, but it wasn't really for me. I prefer the grittier stuff but well done to the author for deciding to be so strong and inspirational in spite of her difficulties.
August 30, 2017
I must admit I am struggling to write a review.
On the one hand you have to admire her courage to show the world she is more than her condition. She does work very hard to try to eliminate bullying behaviour, and for that she has to be admired. I can only imagine one of her talks would be very inspiring.
Having said that, I have identified three things that I believe make this book a little harder to read:
1. The complete overuse of the exclamation point. Seems a trivial thing, I know, but wait until you have read a few chapters;
2. The belief that American is the only country in the world, and the assumption that only Americans will read the book; and
3. Repetitive.
While I do get that for a message to be sunk in it needs to be repeated, I did find it a bit too repetitive.
I wish her well and she comes across as someone amazing.
On the one hand you have to admire her courage to show the world she is more than her condition. She does work very hard to try to eliminate bullying behaviour, and for that she has to be admired. I can only imagine one of her talks would be very inspiring.
Having said that, I have identified three things that I believe make this book a little harder to read:
1. The complete overuse of the exclamation point. Seems a trivial thing, I know, but wait until you have read a few chapters;
2. The belief that American is the only country in the world, and the assumption that only Americans will read the book; and
3. Repetitive.
While I do get that for a message to be sunk in it needs to be repeated, I did find it a bit too repetitive.
I wish her well and she comes across as someone amazing.
June 28, 2017
There is no doubt that Ms. Velasquez knows more than her fair share about bullying, and dealing with chronic and serious illnesses, yet she finds a way to rise above her "issues" and become a beacon of kindness and positivity. What an inspiration she is!! And what a great reminder that we are all, in our imperfections, perfect, and can be of great use to this world, just as, or because of, how we are! Every life has value and Ms. Velasquez has done us all a favor by sharing hers with us.
Many thanks to Goodreads and Hachette Books for this inspirational read.
Many thanks to Goodreads and Hachette Books for this inspirational read.
December 5, 2017
A book that will make you tear up more than once. 💕
May 24, 2018
Lizzie Velasquez est une américaine qui aurait pu voir sa vie ruinée de bien des façons. Déjà, il faut savoir que son existence tout entière est déjà perturbée par des soucis de santé depuis sa naissance. Elle souffre d’un syndrome rare qui ne fut identifié qu’après de longues années et qui transforme son apparence physique puisqu’il l’empêche entre autre chose de stocker le moindre gras. Les moqueries et les regards furent lourds à porter dès son plus jeune âge (enfin depuis sa scolarisation car jamais dans sa famille, elle ne fut traitée différemment), mais le pire est survenu alors qu’elle était au lycée. Une très courte vidéo sur elle a fait le buzz à son insu avec un titre qui veut tout dire : « La femme la plus laide au monde ». Elle fut une victime de harcèlement au niveau mondial et c’est devenu son cheval de bataille : la lutte contre le cyber-harcèlement avec maintenant d’autres cordes à son arc.
Ce livre n’est pas son premier, mais il me semble que pour nous si. Les deux autres n’ayant pas été traduits, ni publiés en France.
La méchanceté aurait très bien pu la détruire. Beaucoup de victimes de harcèlement mettent fin à leurs jours. Lizzie Velasquez a beaucoup souffert, mais elle a été plus forte car bien entourée. Elle le souligne souvent au fil des pages et sans l’amour des siens, de ses amis, jamais elle n’aurait pu se construire une personnalité aussi solide.
Elle nous raconte dans ce titre pourquoi la bienveillance est en réalité la seule véritable bonne alternative à son sens. C’est elle seule qui peut faire que la méchanceté ne triomphe pas. J’ai conscience que formulé ainsi, on pourrait se croire dans un film de Disney, mais force est de reconnaître que dans son cas et dans bien d’autres, cela fonctionne vraiment.
Evidemment, il ne s’agit pas d’être simplement sympa, mais surtout honnête, soi-même sans jamais vouloir blesser quiconque. C’est aussi en cela, même si je trouve que le livre, le discours reste trop politiquement correct, trop policé, trop lisse sans doute et indéniablement très américain dans la façon de faire, que toute la démarche de Lizzie Velasquez force le respect. On peut trouver que c’est un peu trop ou pas assez, chacun peut penser ce qu’il veut, mais quand même, quelle force de caractère, quel courage, quelle personne c’est Lizzie Velasquez !
Elle est comme nous. Sa différence est aussi sa chance comme elle aime le croire.
Je pense qu’elle a raison. Sans elle, elle serait noyée dans une masse trop compacte et se faire entendre serait plus compliqué à mon sens. Mais nous sommes tous différents, nous avons tous des forces et des faiblesses. A nous de les exploiter, de les surmonter et si possible avec bienveillance. Elle nous donne des pistes, des idées, elle nous guide sur le chemin sans jamais dénigrer la moindre action car même les plus insignifiants des gestes/paroles ont un pouvoir énorme.
Pour compléter cette lecture, tentez de visionner le documentaire qu’elle a réalisé sur sa vie : « A brave heart ». On arrive à le trouver sur le réseau et s’il n’est disponible qu’en VO (anglais), les images restent très parlantes d’elles-mêmes ainsi que les expressions des intervenants. Vous comprendrez d’autant plus sa démarche.
Ce livre n’est pas son premier, mais il me semble que pour nous si. Les deux autres n’ayant pas été traduits, ni publiés en France.
La méchanceté aurait très bien pu la détruire. Beaucoup de victimes de harcèlement mettent fin à leurs jours. Lizzie Velasquez a beaucoup souffert, mais elle a été plus forte car bien entourée. Elle le souligne souvent au fil des pages et sans l’amour des siens, de ses amis, jamais elle n’aurait pu se construire une personnalité aussi solide.
Elle nous raconte dans ce titre pourquoi la bienveillance est en réalité la seule véritable bonne alternative à son sens. C’est elle seule qui peut faire que la méchanceté ne triomphe pas. J’ai conscience que formulé ainsi, on pourrait se croire dans un film de Disney, mais force est de reconnaître que dans son cas et dans bien d’autres, cela fonctionne vraiment.
Evidemment, il ne s’agit pas d’être simplement sympa, mais surtout honnête, soi-même sans jamais vouloir blesser quiconque. C’est aussi en cela, même si je trouve que le livre, le discours reste trop politiquement correct, trop policé, trop lisse sans doute et indéniablement très américain dans la façon de faire, que toute la démarche de Lizzie Velasquez force le respect. On peut trouver que c’est un peu trop ou pas assez, chacun peut penser ce qu’il veut, mais quand même, quelle force de caractère, quel courage, quelle personne c’est Lizzie Velasquez !
Elle est comme nous. Sa différence est aussi sa chance comme elle aime le croire.
Je pense qu’elle a raison. Sans elle, elle serait noyée dans une masse trop compacte et se faire entendre serait plus compliqué à mon sens. Mais nous sommes tous différents, nous avons tous des forces et des faiblesses. A nous de les exploiter, de les surmonter et si possible avec bienveillance. Elle nous donne des pistes, des idées, elle nous guide sur le chemin sans jamais dénigrer la moindre action car même les plus insignifiants des gestes/paroles ont un pouvoir énorme.
Pour compléter cette lecture, tentez de visionner le documentaire qu’elle a réalisé sur sa vie : « A brave heart ». On arrive à le trouver sur le réseau et s’il n’est disponible qu’en VO (anglais), les images restent très parlantes d’elles-mêmes ainsi que les expressions des intervenants. Vous comprendrez d’autant plus sa démarche.
October 7, 2019
I'm giving this book three stars but that does not mean I didn't like it. I first became aware of the author when most people did, after a very mean social media post about her went viral and acquired nasty, mean, and cruel remarks. This could have made the author bitter, but it didn't. She has decided to fight fire with water, to treat people with kindness. Since that first post, she has become well known for her fight against bullyism and for kindness.
That makes this book worth listening to. However, I think it is best for younger people. The writing, although uplifting, informative, and inspiring, can be a bit simplistic. She is not a natural-born narrator so it does sound like she is reading her book. Of course she is, but professional narrators make you forget you are being read to. Most of the book is built around her personal life and how she has met its unique challenges.
Nevertheless, there is much good to be found here, and even for those that are older, a reminder of being kind is always a good thing.
I borrowed the audio edition of this book from my local library.
That makes this book worth listening to. However, I think it is best for younger people. The writing, although uplifting, informative, and inspiring, can be a bit simplistic. She is not a natural-born narrator so it does sound like she is reading her book. Of course she is, but professional narrators make you forget you are being read to. Most of the book is built around her personal life and how she has met its unique challenges.
Nevertheless, there is much good to be found here, and even for those that are older, a reminder of being kind is always a good thing.
I borrowed the audio edition of this book from my local library.
March 31, 2023
“It is fine to be who you are. It is a good thing not to be just like everybody else. What makes you unique is what makes you beautiful, because it’s what makes you you. And the world needs you, exactly as you are. That’s the truth, plain and simple.“
“We don’t have to allow ourselves to be defined by the labels imposed on us. We get to define ourselves.“
July 15, 2023
I’ve always admired Lizzie and I believe we can learn so much from her story. She truly is someone to look up to and there was so much in this book that will stay with me. She talks a lot about her medical condition but also her struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and other feelings, a lot of things I relate to and want to change as she did. I’m grateful for her story. 💙
January 3, 2018
3.5
Lizzie is for sure an inspirational person. I just found the book to be repetitive and lackluster at times and this wasn't the style she was going for but I have a personal preference for more humorous memoirs.
Lizzie is for sure an inspirational person. I just found the book to be repetitive and lackluster at times and this wasn't the style she was going for but I have a personal preference for more humorous memoirs.
Read
March 6, 2020I thought it was an interesting read, but I thought it would be more of a biography and less self-help. I also didn't enjoy the religious chapters. She's an inspiring person and has a good message, but the execution wasn't the greatest.
May 4, 2020
I read a few pages years ago, and restarted recently. Now, I know why I paused back then. The way the story was told did not resound to me at all. I believed in the message, but it really felt flat. It lacked connection. I kept thinking how a different (first) autobiography I read made me feel, this book was nowhere near that. It was an easy read, but it has to be more than that given the message it wants to deliver.
June 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would. It's not a genre I usually go for, but I was intrigued by Lizzie's story, and wanted to hear what she had to say.
Essentially: Love, compassion, and kindness -- to everyone, not only the people who we tend to think "deserve it," and to ourselves as much as anyone -- will change the world. I agree.
Essentially: Love, compassion, and kindness -- to everyone, not only the people who we tend to think "deserve it," and to ourselves as much as anyone -- will change the world. I agree.
January 17, 2019
Firstly, I admire Lizzie Velásquez and her career choice. What she does, and how she chooses to live her life, is truly inspiring (as she would like it to be!).
With that said... this book did not seem well put together, and I'm left wondering what the editor was thinking when they helped produce the end result. Furthermore, this is more of an autobiography of sorts, which is fine, but it does make the title more than a /little/ misleading.
While I disagree with Lizzie on how to treat bullies (her view seems far too black and white imo, although in the latter half of the book, she does give more analysis on bullying), I certainly found myself relating with her experiences of receiving a not-so-positive medical diagnosis, and her downward spiral she fell into after learning the news. This happened to me recently, and as a result, I spent most of last fall in a very, very depressed state of mind, with suicidal thoughts that hounded me. She worked her way out of the darkness, and I've been pushing myself to do the same for the last month, too.
I also found myself disagreeing with viewing trials/tribulations/serious medical conditions as gifts/fate. While this thought might help her, it strays far too close to the mentality that chronically ill people are only sick because 'they're strong enough to handle it' or 'they're here to teach lessons to others.' The suffering of those who are chronically ill--whatever their diagnosis is--should not be invalidated or otherwise dismissed because people who aren't sick have decided that they exist only as a lesson to others.
I know, I know, I'm on my soapbox again. I certainly would not tell Lizzie that she shouldn't feel that way about her own diagnosis--I only want to point out that this narrative is one that is often forced upon those who are chronically ill. I'm sure if someone actively /chooses/ to feel this way, then it could be for the better, and all the more power to them.
In the end, while I don't think I'll read another book by her, I would gladly go to one of her speeches. (One of the reasons I kept pushing through with the audiobook is that she is just so darn cheerful and friendly in relating her life events, and I felt that it would be rude to stop listening!)
With that said... this book did not seem well put together, and I'm left wondering what the editor was thinking when they helped produce the end result. Furthermore, this is more of an autobiography of sorts, which is fine, but it does make the title more than a /little/ misleading.
While I disagree with Lizzie on how to treat bullies (her view seems far too black and white imo, although in the latter half of the book, she does give more analysis on bullying), I certainly found myself relating with her experiences of receiving a not-so-positive medical diagnosis, and her downward spiral she fell into after learning the news. This happened to me recently, and as a result, I spent most of last fall in a very, very depressed state of mind, with suicidal thoughts that hounded me. She worked her way out of the darkness, and I've been pushing myself to do the same for the last month, too.
I also found myself disagreeing with viewing trials/tribulations/serious medical conditions as gifts/fate. While this thought might help her, it strays far too close to the mentality that chronically ill people are only sick because 'they're strong enough to handle it' or 'they're here to teach lessons to others.' The suffering of those who are chronically ill--whatever their diagnosis is--should not be invalidated or otherwise dismissed because people who aren't sick have decided that they exist only as a lesson to others.
I know, I know, I'm on my soapbox again. I certainly would not tell Lizzie that she shouldn't feel that way about her own diagnosis--I only want to point out that this narrative is one that is often forced upon those who are chronically ill. I'm sure if someone actively /chooses/ to feel this way, then it could be for the better, and all the more power to them.
In the end, while I don't think I'll read another book by her, I would gladly go to one of her speeches. (One of the reasons I kept pushing through with the audiobook is that she is just so darn cheerful and friendly in relating her life events, and I felt that it would be rude to stop listening!)
July 10, 2018
I'm sorry I'm only giving your book 3 stars, Lizzie! I usually have more issues with nonfiction than fiction. I really think you are an amazing and genuine person and I'm certainly a fan now. I'll try reading more of your books later.
Like some other people, I thought there was going to be a more mind-blowing "How to be truly kind" guide. Honestly, I watched "How Do YOU Define Yourself" right before I read this book, and if I watched a few more of your videos I'd probably get the whole gist of this book. It's great that you give random people compliments or that people buy complete strangers coffee or tires. (That's not sarcasm--it really is wonderful!) But there are so many things we define as kindness. What kind of kindness should we always show to strangers? How do we always be kind to strangers without coming off as creepy?
Bullying was touched on throughout the book, but I have a major caveat. Velasquez tries to simplify bullying too much, explaining most bullies hurt others because they've been hurt. But that's not always so. I certainly thought so for a long time growing up, but that's a common misconception. In fact, American SPCC identifies 10 different things that can cause bullying. Perhaps about half of them you could water down to "see, they're being hurt" but that doesn't work in every case. And even if you're nice to a bully, that might not keep them from going and bullying someone else. It's not just the issue of whether or not you're being kind, but if you can convince the bully to be kind.
Also, the writing wasn't very good, and sometimes the ideas and chapters felt rather disjointed. The last 4-5 chapters were the strongest; they seemed to build off one another and delve into deeper questions. But still, the focus seemed to be on Lizzie's personal story and beliefs more than anything else.
All in all, I still really enjoyed this book. As someone who believes love and kindness is going to save the world, I definitely find Lizzie a kindred spirit. Her personal stories were gripping, sometimes hilarious, sometimes painful, but overall beautiful. We'll just have to keep on working to change the world.
Like some other people, I thought there was going to be a more mind-blowing "How to be truly kind" guide. Honestly, I watched "How Do YOU Define Yourself" right before I read this book, and if I watched a few more of your videos I'd probably get the whole gist of this book. It's great that you give random people compliments or that people buy complete strangers coffee or tires. (That's not sarcasm--it really is wonderful!) But there are so many things we define as kindness. What kind of kindness should we always show to strangers? How do we always be kind to strangers without coming off as creepy?
Bullying was touched on throughout the book, but I have a major caveat. Velasquez tries to simplify bullying too much, explaining most bullies hurt others because they've been hurt. But that's not always so. I certainly thought so for a long time growing up, but that's a common misconception. In fact, American SPCC identifies 10 different things that can cause bullying. Perhaps about half of them you could water down to "see, they're being hurt" but that doesn't work in every case. And even if you're nice to a bully, that might not keep them from going and bullying someone else. It's not just the issue of whether or not you're being kind, but if you can convince the bully to be kind.
Also, the writing wasn't very good, and sometimes the ideas and chapters felt rather disjointed. The last 4-5 chapters were the strongest; they seemed to build off one another and delve into deeper questions. But still, the focus seemed to be on Lizzie's personal story and beliefs more than anything else.
All in all, I still really enjoyed this book. As someone who believes love and kindness is going to save the world, I definitely find Lizzie a kindred spirit. Her personal stories were gripping, sometimes hilarious, sometimes painful, but overall beautiful. We'll just have to keep on working to change the world.
July 1, 2017
This book is very inspirational! Until I received this book I had not heard of Lizzie Velasquez, and now I am a fan. Not only have I read this book, but I have also searched her online and watched some of her youtube videos. I found the book to have a lot of well-thought out advice. It was also filled with hope.I like the writing style found in this well-written book. I recommend this book to everyone.
February 3, 2018
In all honesty I am still a little undecided about this book. I mean I sort of enjoyed it and it had some really good points/advice however I found some of it very basic and brief/just wanting to write something. Overall it was an okay read I can really see the benefits for those who can relate to the situation.
July 30, 2018
I remember that video in Youtube but I didn't expect it that the writer of this book is her. Although I've learned some few things from Lizzie's story, I'm just a tiny bit disappointed, I thought it's motivational book.
February 8, 2018
***Coming Soon***
P.S. I know that I have some coming soon reviews, but life is busy.
P.S. I know that I have some coming soon reviews, but life is busy.
March 10, 2019
Very Inspirational, Very Wise young woman. Full of great ideas on how to stop the cycle of bullying..
July 30, 2017
Lovely book! I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Lizzie Velasquez was born with a rare syndrome that has caused her to experience much bullying. I despise the phrasing of the video's title, but she came to fame when someone took a brief video of her without her permission, then uploaded it to Youtube, titled "The World's Ugliest Woman." She has seen the worst of humanity, and some of the best.
The book is a memoir that describes Lizzie's life with her syndrome, her anti-bullying efforts, and the problems that have come with having an unknown health condition. She shares the story of when she finally found a name for her condition and the aftermath. She talks about her experiences with celebrities (Kylie Jenner), her insecurities, and how she works through them to live life to the fullest. She doesn't shy away from the less-than-glowing experiences she has had, such as her spiral into anti-anxiety medications. She discusses her love life and what it's like to have her own Youtube channel, following, giving talks about bullying, and going to Congress to share her story to try to pass anti-bullying legislation.
It's a lovely book full of inspiration. It reads in a conversational tone; I feel like I'm having a conversation with Lizzie and can even hear her giggle in my mind! I want to go back through the book and highlight portions of it.
Lizzie calls on all of us to remember self-care, and just as importantly, to dare to be kind. Dare to be compassionate. I am inspired by the love and compassion in her words, even as she speaks about the people who are cruel to her. She wants us to start a revolution, a compassion revolution. I agree with Lizzie; it's time.
Lizzie Velasquez was born with a rare syndrome that has caused her to experience much bullying. I despise the phrasing of the video's title, but she came to fame when someone took a brief video of her without her permission, then uploaded it to Youtube, titled "The World's Ugliest Woman." She has seen the worst of humanity, and some of the best.
The book is a memoir that describes Lizzie's life with her syndrome, her anti-bullying efforts, and the problems that have come with having an unknown health condition. She shares the story of when she finally found a name for her condition and the aftermath. She talks about her experiences with celebrities (Kylie Jenner), her insecurities, and how she works through them to live life to the fullest. She doesn't shy away from the less-than-glowing experiences she has had, such as her spiral into anti-anxiety medications. She discusses her love life and what it's like to have her own Youtube channel, following, giving talks about bullying, and going to Congress to share her story to try to pass anti-bullying legislation.
It's a lovely book full of inspiration. It reads in a conversational tone; I feel like I'm having a conversation with Lizzie and can even hear her giggle in my mind! I want to go back through the book and highlight portions of it.
Lizzie calls on all of us to remember self-care, and just as importantly, to dare to be kind. Dare to be compassionate. I am inspired by the love and compassion in her words, even as she speaks about the people who are cruel to her. She wants us to start a revolution, a compassion revolution. I agree with Lizzie; it's time.
August 2, 2017
Wow where do I even begin with this book? I'd heard of Lizzy before but never really engaged with her,until the last 24 ( more like 10) hours after a stressful 8 hour shift at work with horrible co workers who treat me like I'm weird because they are very cliquey horrible people. Seeing this book while looking for another book shined at me like a beacon and I knew I just had to get it, the first 40 pages had me tearing up while on a train going home for I identified with Lizzy so much with her experiences with being bullied and shamed in public by people and being treated weirdly for being simply kind. It definitely has changed me and left me with new strength and resilience with some personal issues I've had that I've already started sorting out and I definitely think this is a book that will change people and is able to be read and teach anyone and everyone with its insight and the way it touches a whole age range of people and how it's a book you want other people you know or family to read because of how much of a inspiring book it is.
January 6, 2021
Lizzie has a rare condition that makes it hard for her to gain weight and affects her appearance (not to mention health) in numberous other ways. For years she didn't even have a diagnosis for her condition. But that didn't matter to the bullies. She was largely treated with kindness by those closest to her, but of course there are always people who will stare and gawk at someone who looks so different from the norm. Lizzie decided to push all that aside, including a terrible YouTube video someone posted calling her the worlds ugliest woman. She chooses to look on the bright side and focus on the positive. She chooses to fight bullying with kindness and realizes that someone being a bully has far more to do with themselves than it does with her. Bullies have been bullied.
She is now a motivational speaker, traveling the world spreading her messages of antibullying and joy. One quote I loved was, "I want every person reading this book to know this: You play an important role in cocreating a kinder future. We can't do it alone; it takes every one of us, working together.
She is now a motivational speaker, traveling the world spreading her messages of antibullying and joy. One quote I loved was, "I want every person reading this book to know this: You play an important role in cocreating a kinder future. We can't do it alone; it takes every one of us, working together.
March 28, 2021
When I picked up this book, my expectation was that it would offer some self-help advice on kindness. It wasn’t exactly that. This is more of a Ted Talk book, a meant-to-be-inspirational piece rather than a book of tips and suggestions. That’s not a negative thing; it just wasn’t what I expected. It’s a simple book, plainly written, with a heartfelt message about making the best with what you have and respecting others no matter what you see on the surface. It’s a gentle reminder not to be a bully. This is an easy read and Lizzie’s voice is sweet and nonjudgmental. It’s impressive that she doesn’t fall into the trap of repeated self-deprecation despite the cruel nickname she was given as “the world’s ugliest woman.” Instead, she refuses to let labels define her. That’s the message that came across the strongest. I may not have gleaned a lot of insight into behavioral improvement, but I will remember her efforts to remind us all that whatever we’ve been handed genetically doesn’t define our spirit or negate the good we can do.
January 7, 2022
I read 3/4 of this book in a snowy ski lodge by a fire, so it would have been hard to not love it. Lizzie was born with a rare genetic condition and remembers being bullied from the very first day of kindergarten. When she was 17 she found a video of herself on YouTube titled “The Ugliest Woman in the World.” Thankfully she took her experiences and became a motivational speaker and an anti-bullying activist.
I picked this up after having it on my shelf for quite some time because the topic seemed like something I needed a refresher on. This book felt very real. I kept thinking I must have listened to some of it on audio because it felt like I had heard Lizzie’s voice, but I hadn’t. The writing is simple and from the heart. She doesn’t shy away from how hard things have been and will continue to be, but her optimism for the difference that compassion can have is inspiring. She wrote this in her 20s and I would be interested to read about her continued experience and viewpoint. Lizzie’s call for kindness is one that everyone should hear.
I picked this up after having it on my shelf for quite some time because the topic seemed like something I needed a refresher on. This book felt very real. I kept thinking I must have listened to some of it on audio because it felt like I had heard Lizzie’s voice, but I hadn’t. The writing is simple and from the heart. She doesn’t shy away from how hard things have been and will continue to be, but her optimism for the difference that compassion can have is inspiring. She wrote this in her 20s and I would be interested to read about her continued experience and viewpoint. Lizzie’s call for kindness is one that everyone should hear.
November 10, 2017
I picked this blind for our MDIHS Readers & Writers Blind Date Reading challenge at school. I can see some students/readers finding it valuable, but it was too shallow and poorly written to grab me. "I was so excited. . . . I was so depressed. . . . That made such a big difference in my life. . . " only gets a book so far (!!) before I get hungry for strong writing or vivid description. It was interesting to see the impact of social media on one woman's life, and I respect her for her use of the platform to assist others, but the book could've been a magazine article as far as its content and significance went.
Glad to participate in the blind date challenge, but we won't be seeing e/o again!
Glad to participate in the blind date challenge, but we won't be seeing e/o again!
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