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Fix
It hurts to be beautiful.Pretty, blond, popular Cameron Beekman has it all -- lots of girlfriends, a hot boyfriend, and a successful family. She's perfection. Gone are her days as the outcast, huge-nosed "Beakface." Which, as it turns out, was nothing a good nose job couldn't fix.While her little sister, Allie, struggles with doubts about her own approaching "procedure," Cameron wants more. She's headed to UC "Santa Barbie" and needs to look the part. After all, why settle for smart and pretty when smart and drop-dead gorgeous is just a surgery away?
241 pages, Library Binding
First published October 3, 2006
15 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Margolis
31 books121 followersLeslie Margolis is author of numerous books for children, including the Maggie Brooklyn Mysteries and the Annabelle Unleashed series. Her novel, Boys Are Dogs, was turned into the Disney Channel movie Zapped, starring Zendaya. Leslie’s most recent books, If I Were You, We Are Party People and Ghosted, are published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Leslie lives in Los Angeles with her family. Her two kids have read some of her books, and think they are okay. For more information, please visit www.lesliemargolis.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 5, 2008
The novel Fix by Leslie Margolis proves that for some people, beauty is everything. While for others, beauty is only a luxury. It also reveals the pros and cons of plastic surgery. This book allowed me to see life through the eyes of Cameron and Allie Beekman, who are sisters that live in Beverly Hills. Even though they are close sisters, they both have very different beliefs about what is most important.
When Cameron Beekman was fifteen, she decided to get a nose job to end the everyday taunting and torture from her fellow classmates. The students called her “Beakface” because her nose was very long, hooked, and disproportionate to her face. After her surgery, Cameron is the definition of perfection in her sister’s eyes. Now Cameron is pretty and has a successful life at a new school with many friends. Allie’s mother wants her to go through the same procedure as Cameron to try and fix her nose as well. Allie is not sure this is really what she wants, even though she longs to appear like her sister. While Allie continues to doubt the idea, Cameron has moved on to another plastic surgery to improve her virtually flawless body. Now eighteen, she will soon leave for college and wants to look her absolute best. “After all, why [should she] settle for smart and pretty when smart and drop-dead gorgeous is just a surgery away?”
After reading this book, I would never consider getting plastic surgery. It gave me a clear, to-the-point explanation of the terrible risks involved in the procedures. Risks such as rashes, infections, and implant replacements are all able to occur! Honestly, I would never go through that much trouble just to look a little bit better. Even though I never originally considered having any sort of plastic surgery done, this book enforced that idea.
Another idea this book implied was that girls are fine the way they are and should be happy to be unique. It basically states that teen girls shouldn’t stress about their appearance as much as they do. Everyone has their own insecurities. Plastic surgery isn’t the answer to improving some minor flaw.
Overall this novel was a very easy and entertaining read. Even though it was strange switching from Cameron’s side of the story to Allie’s every chapter, it was still a great book. I would definitely recommend it to teenage girls or anyone who is considering getting plastic surgery.
When Cameron Beekman was fifteen, she decided to get a nose job to end the everyday taunting and torture from her fellow classmates. The students called her “Beakface” because her nose was very long, hooked, and disproportionate to her face. After her surgery, Cameron is the definition of perfection in her sister’s eyes. Now Cameron is pretty and has a successful life at a new school with many friends. Allie’s mother wants her to go through the same procedure as Cameron to try and fix her nose as well. Allie is not sure this is really what she wants, even though she longs to appear like her sister. While Allie continues to doubt the idea, Cameron has moved on to another plastic surgery to improve her virtually flawless body. Now eighteen, she will soon leave for college and wants to look her absolute best. “After all, why [should she] settle for smart and pretty when smart and drop-dead gorgeous is just a surgery away?”
After reading this book, I would never consider getting plastic surgery. It gave me a clear, to-the-point explanation of the terrible risks involved in the procedures. Risks such as rashes, infections, and implant replacements are all able to occur! Honestly, I would never go through that much trouble just to look a little bit better. Even though I never originally considered having any sort of plastic surgery done, this book enforced that idea.
Another idea this book implied was that girls are fine the way they are and should be happy to be unique. It basically states that teen girls shouldn’t stress about their appearance as much as they do. Everyone has their own insecurities. Plastic surgery isn’t the answer to improving some minor flaw.
Overall this novel was a very easy and entertaining read. Even though it was strange switching from Cameron’s side of the story to Allie’s every chapter, it was still a great book. I would definitely recommend it to teenage girls or anyone who is considering getting plastic surgery.
May 21, 2015
4.5 stars.. I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and really relatable. We start off learning about Cameron and how she was bullied is school for having a big nose and then she got a nose job and how her problems went away. She changed schools, became popular and was deemed beautiful. Her family is pushing her sister Allie to also get a nose job. Allie is struggling throughout the book to decide if she wants to go through with it. Cameron decides she wants to get breast implants because she thinks that this is the last piece in her puzzle of happiness. She struggles in a way of figuring out exactly why she wanted to do it. She also struggles of what beauty is and how Hollywood has effected perception. This story was so good and deep. Even though Cameron and Allie are so different they are both extremely relatable.
November 7, 2008
This was a wonderful book. It took me from the comfort of my small town traditions to a whole other world of money and fame.
In a world where plastic surgery is nothing uncommon, this book takes you through the different values of the Beekman family. Allie doesn't think plastic surgery is necessary while her mother and sister believe it is one of the best things ever.
This book is definately worth a shot. Anyone who watches shows like Dr. 90210 and The Hills would no doubt love this book. Even if those shows aren't on your list of favorites, this book is still worth reading. It gives, in my opinion, a perfect example of what it is like growing up in Beverly Hills-without all that lovey-dovey drama.
In a world where plastic surgery is nothing uncommon, this book takes you through the different values of the Beekman family. Allie doesn't think plastic surgery is necessary while her mother and sister believe it is one of the best things ever.
This book is definately worth a shot. Anyone who watches shows like Dr. 90210 and The Hills would no doubt love this book. Even if those shows aren't on your list of favorites, this book is still worth reading. It gives, in my opinion, a perfect example of what it is like growing up in Beverly Hills-without all that lovey-dovey drama.
February 20, 2019
This book was meant as a parody of 2000s "message" novels right?
I just got done reading Melissa Walker's Small Town Sinners which is a mixed bag itself, but the plot revolves around a girl who wants to be a part of her church's "Hell House."
This book is basically one of those "Hell House" performances expanded into its own book.
It's ridiculous.
I'm not saying that early-aged plastic surgery is creepy, but this book is a perfect encapsulation of why "message" books from the early-mid 2000s (and YA in general from that time) is really cheesy. I reads like what a teacher would write to teach a lesson, not like what an author would write to actually tell a story. Honestly Scott Westerfeld's Uglies does it much, much better. This was also Leslie's first book and I'm glad she became a much better author later on.
I just got done reading Melissa Walker's Small Town Sinners which is a mixed bag itself, but the plot revolves around a girl who wants to be a part of her church's "Hell House."
This book is basically one of those "Hell House" performances expanded into its own book.
It's ridiculous.
I'm not saying that early-aged plastic surgery is creepy, but this book is a perfect encapsulation of why "message" books from the early-mid 2000s (and YA in general from that time) is really cheesy. I reads like what a teacher would write to teach a lesson, not like what an author would write to actually tell a story. Honestly Scott Westerfeld's Uglies does it much, much better. This was also Leslie's first book and I'm glad she became a much better author later on.
March 30, 2021
For me, it is a nice story. Im glad at the end Allie did not do the surgery. Along the way to the end i really hope that Allie will not influence by her sister and mother 😂
And at the same time i felt bad for Cameron. I understand that before this she is not pretty but why she become so obsessed with all the “beauty” things after the nose job. She should stop and be grateful that she can make a friends and even have a boyfriend. That’s enough 🤷🏽♀️
And at the same time i felt bad for Cameron. I understand that before this she is not pretty but why she become so obsessed with all the “beauty” things after the nose job. She should stop and be grateful that she can make a friends and even have a boyfriend. That’s enough 🤷🏽♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
Quick read. Liked how the story changed perspectives chapter by chapter. The storyline felt shallow and predictable. Would have been 3 stars, but the last 3 chapters really left something to be desired.
May 22, 2022
- good plot, ehh missing suspense and action
- very abrupt ending
- felt a little prettier by the end of reading it (but was it rlly bc of the book??)
- very abrupt ending
- felt a little prettier by the end of reading it (but was it rlly bc of the book??)
August 29, 2012
I'm actually surprised at how much I enjoyed FIX by Leslie Margolis -- not necessarily because I was expecting it to be bad, but because I expected it to be shallow -- or maybe even a bit preachy in a teenage fable type story. But, I was pleasantly pleased by how fun and realistic it felt to see the story from both sides -- that of Cameron, the beautiful blonde sister who was extremely pro-plastic surgery throughout the tale, and that of sporty girl Allie, who took the position that plastic was less purposeful and necessary to her life...
But let me back up a bit and start with the plot. Cameron is your typical prom-queen high school socialite -- except, that is for one fact. Cameron was once considered an "ugly" girl .. back in the days before she had the plastic surgery that drastically altered her appearance and seemingly enhanced her life in ways that she would have never imagined. After changing schools near the start of her high school experience, Cameron was able to reinvent herself as a popular girl, befriended by the prettiest girls in school and admired by the hottest guys in her classes. Nothing could be better, right?
Except, Cameron will be going to college soon -- and the school of her choice is known for churning out students with perfect Barbie bodies. Cameron knows that she has a gorgeous face -- but what about her stick-thin figure that seemingly obviously lacks the curves that are called beautiful by the world? She's already gone under the knife once -- what's one more time?
On the flipside, her sister Allie has been scheduled by her mom, a former model and actress, to undergo the same nose job that catapulted her big sister into high school bliss. Sure, Allie is teased for her large, semi-crooked nose, but if she has this surgery she will miss out on the chance to make Varsity this year. Allie watches her sister become more and more obsessed with her quest for perfection and begins wondering if this surgery will really make her life better -- or is she trying too hard to fix something that's really not broken in the first place?
Sure, the characters here may seem overly stereotypical -- but at the same time, the girls did feel incredibly familiar. I mean, stereotypes aren't entirely grounded in fantasy, right? In fact, I have a friend who is so eerily similar to Cameron that I could swear she was the inspiration for the characters-- so while yes, they do seem a bit cliche at points in the story, they still remain interesting and relatable to the reader throughout the novel.
I think what I enjoyed most about the story, besides the alternating viewpoints between the sisters, was the way that each side was presented fairly and delicately without the author seeming to push one side or the other at the reader. While we can certainly understand Allie's position that plastic surgery may be frivilous and purposeless in the grander scheme of things, we can also understand Cameron's assertion that a person may be intelligent and complex while also making a choice to surgically alter onself to create a greater confidence or peace of mind. Of course, it's inevitable that the reader will take a position in the story, but it's not one that feels forced down their throats by the author.
For the same reason, I probably would not give FIX to a younger, more impressionable teen girl who might feel compelled use one position or the other to justify impulsive decisions. But, for the typical teen crowd, I think this is a decent pick for an interesting, contemporary novel.
So overall, I did geniunely enjoy FIX by Leslie Margolis. I always enjoy a good teen novel that takes a stab at social issues that impact young people, and I definitely don't think one will disappoint like minded readers at all.
But let me back up a bit and start with the plot. Cameron is your typical prom-queen high school socialite -- except, that is for one fact. Cameron was once considered an "ugly" girl .. back in the days before she had the plastic surgery that drastically altered her appearance and seemingly enhanced her life in ways that she would have never imagined. After changing schools near the start of her high school experience, Cameron was able to reinvent herself as a popular girl, befriended by the prettiest girls in school and admired by the hottest guys in her classes. Nothing could be better, right?
Except, Cameron will be going to college soon -- and the school of her choice is known for churning out students with perfect Barbie bodies. Cameron knows that she has a gorgeous face -- but what about her stick-thin figure that seemingly obviously lacks the curves that are called beautiful by the world? She's already gone under the knife once -- what's one more time?
On the flipside, her sister Allie has been scheduled by her mom, a former model and actress, to undergo the same nose job that catapulted her big sister into high school bliss. Sure, Allie is teased for her large, semi-crooked nose, but if she has this surgery she will miss out on the chance to make Varsity this year. Allie watches her sister become more and more obsessed with her quest for perfection and begins wondering if this surgery will really make her life better -- or is she trying too hard to fix something that's really not broken in the first place?
Sure, the characters here may seem overly stereotypical -- but at the same time, the girls did feel incredibly familiar. I mean, stereotypes aren't entirely grounded in fantasy, right? In fact, I have a friend who is so eerily similar to Cameron that I could swear she was the inspiration for the characters-- so while yes, they do seem a bit cliche at points in the story, they still remain interesting and relatable to the reader throughout the novel.
I think what I enjoyed most about the story, besides the alternating viewpoints between the sisters, was the way that each side was presented fairly and delicately without the author seeming to push one side or the other at the reader. While we can certainly understand Allie's position that plastic surgery may be frivilous and purposeless in the grander scheme of things, we can also understand Cameron's assertion that a person may be intelligent and complex while also making a choice to surgically alter onself to create a greater confidence or peace of mind. Of course, it's inevitable that the reader will take a position in the story, but it's not one that feels forced down their throats by the author.
For the same reason, I probably would not give FIX to a younger, more impressionable teen girl who might feel compelled use one position or the other to justify impulsive decisions. But, for the typical teen crowd, I think this is a decent pick for an interesting, contemporary novel.
So overall, I did geniunely enjoy FIX by Leslie Margolis. I always enjoy a good teen novel that takes a stab at social issues that impact young people, and I definitely don't think one will disappoint like minded readers at all.
January 6, 2008
This book clearly reflects one thing: that the author has done plenty of research concerning the topic she has chosen. It doesn't seem like anything is made up, and when I finished the book, I can't believe how much I've learned.
Before Camerson got her nose job, she'd been ridiculed and teased for the longest time. After her nose job, her life took a drastic turn, in a good way. She's popular. She has best friends, a boyfriend, and everything's just perfect for her. Until she realizes that not everything is perfect. There's something that's been bothering her for some time now, and that's her flat chest, so she thought of a solution: to get breast implants. While this is going on, her little sister, Allie, is getting ready for her nose job. But the question is, does Allie really want it?
The topic is just incredible. I can't believe how many women get nose jobs, face lifts, or breast implants in a year. I mean, I've always knew that in the movie/music industries, being beautiful mattered, but isn't getting surgery a bit extreme? This book poses that exact question, where the two characters wonder about society and whether or not altering their face is really worth it. It really makes you think. The world sets this image for women: that we have to be beautiful or else things would be within our reach. It's unfair, but that's just how it is. (Which reminds me of the few episodes I've seen of Ugly Betty. Same concept, I guess.)
Although I liked the facts and the realness of the storyline, I don't think the author did an exceptional job. The characters of Cameron and Allie were interesting but they weren't as thought out. Towards the end, when Cameron did get the boob job, she kind of woke up and realized that being beautiful was only a temporary thing, and that it hurt. And while I understood the point, I didn't get how Cameron got there. Her changes weren't as specific as could be. The same goes for Allie. She finally makes her decision not to get a nose job, but that only happens at the very last page. She's had doubts from the beginning, but I didn't get to see that one moment where the author could have hit her with a reality check. That way, her growth would've been more apparent.
Furthermore, it is difficult to understand what really happened. The author must know, but she didn't attribute her knowledge of the epilogue to her characters on paper. What happened to the mother once she got her face-lift? And what happened between Cameron and Blake that made them break-up? They were arguing and debating but I still didn't understand what Cameron said about Blake not caring about her, and just her image that he worried about. See, it even sounds confusing when I'm trying to explain it.
On another note, this book just made me clear of the fact that I would never, ever, get plastic surgery. For one, I'm the kind of person who can't stand any kind of pain, and getting implants and a nose job has risks. Plus, it's scary. And I don't believe in trying to reinforce the idea that women are born to be turned into people who look for outer-beauty.
Before Camerson got her nose job, she'd been ridiculed and teased for the longest time. After her nose job, her life took a drastic turn, in a good way. She's popular. She has best friends, a boyfriend, and everything's just perfect for her. Until she realizes that not everything is perfect. There's something that's been bothering her for some time now, and that's her flat chest, so she thought of a solution: to get breast implants. While this is going on, her little sister, Allie, is getting ready for her nose job. But the question is, does Allie really want it?
The topic is just incredible. I can't believe how many women get nose jobs, face lifts, or breast implants in a year. I mean, I've always knew that in the movie/music industries, being beautiful mattered, but isn't getting surgery a bit extreme? This book poses that exact question, where the two characters wonder about society and whether or not altering their face is really worth it. It really makes you think. The world sets this image for women: that we have to be beautiful or else things would be within our reach. It's unfair, but that's just how it is. (Which reminds me of the few episodes I've seen of Ugly Betty. Same concept, I guess.)
Although I liked the facts and the realness of the storyline, I don't think the author did an exceptional job. The characters of Cameron and Allie were interesting but they weren't as thought out. Towards the end, when Cameron did get the boob job, she kind of woke up and realized that being beautiful was only a temporary thing, and that it hurt. And while I understood the point, I didn't get how Cameron got there. Her changes weren't as specific as could be. The same goes for Allie. She finally makes her decision not to get a nose job, but that only happens at the very last page. She's had doubts from the beginning, but I didn't get to see that one moment where the author could have hit her with a reality check. That way, her growth would've been more apparent.
Furthermore, it is difficult to understand what really happened. The author must know, but she didn't attribute her knowledge of the epilogue to her characters on paper. What happened to the mother once she got her face-lift? And what happened between Cameron and Blake that made them break-up? They were arguing and debating but I still didn't understand what Cameron said about Blake not caring about her, and just her image that he worried about. See, it even sounds confusing when I'm trying to explain it.
On another note, this book just made me clear of the fact that I would never, ever, get plastic surgery. For one, I'm the kind of person who can't stand any kind of pain, and getting implants and a nose job has risks. Plus, it's scary. And I don't believe in trying to reinforce the idea that women are born to be turned into people who look for outer-beauty.
September 26, 2007
Fix by Leslie Margolis is one of those books every girl should read. Furthermore, it should be required reading for anyone who even thinks about visiting a plastic surgeon.
Fix follows the Beekman sisters, Cameron and Allie who are the alternate protagonists of the novel. When the book begins, Cameron has already had a nose job and is enjoying a better life thanks to the surgery and a school transfer. No more mean nicknames, no more bullies, no more feeling like an outcast.
Getting ready to go to college, Cameron begins to wonder if she “needs” more cosmetic surgery in order to fit in on campus at UC “Santa Barbie.” Meanwhile, Allie is getting ready for her own nose job and has to decide if being “pretty” is worth such drastic measures. No matter where you stand on the subject, the book will probably feature something you can agree with.
Margolis really looks at the plastic surgery issue from all sides. The book is interesting but also informative. By the end of the novel, it’s clear that there is no right answer about getting (or not getting) cosmetic surgery. But Margolis intelligently examines all sides of the issue highlighting the risks and the motivations that can lead a girl to the operating table.
The writing style is clear. Margolis presents a lot of information about the risks of surgery without getting excessively gory or boring. Ally and Cameron look at the surgery issue very differently and Margolis does a good job of showing that. This fact is what elevates the book from a commentary on cosmetic surgery to a character study of how a girl can define and shape her own sense of beauty.
The Beekman sisters are great protagonists for this novel. Even if they sometimes come off a bit flat. At times the characters seem more like archetypes than real people but that might be inherent to the nature of the book–since it is so clearly trying to start a conversation about this important issue. Secondary characters, in particular, often seem to lack dimension–appearing merely to make some important point: At times it seems like the characters are preaching their respective messages/opinions rather than taking part in a plot.
Nonetheless, Fix is a quick, enjoyable and above all interesting read.
Fix follows the Beekman sisters, Cameron and Allie who are the alternate protagonists of the novel. When the book begins, Cameron has already had a nose job and is enjoying a better life thanks to the surgery and a school transfer. No more mean nicknames, no more bullies, no more feeling like an outcast.
Getting ready to go to college, Cameron begins to wonder if she “needs” more cosmetic surgery in order to fit in on campus at UC “Santa Barbie.” Meanwhile, Allie is getting ready for her own nose job and has to decide if being “pretty” is worth such drastic measures. No matter where you stand on the subject, the book will probably feature something you can agree with.
Margolis really looks at the plastic surgery issue from all sides. The book is interesting but also informative. By the end of the novel, it’s clear that there is no right answer about getting (or not getting) cosmetic surgery. But Margolis intelligently examines all sides of the issue highlighting the risks and the motivations that can lead a girl to the operating table.
The writing style is clear. Margolis presents a lot of information about the risks of surgery without getting excessively gory or boring. Ally and Cameron look at the surgery issue very differently and Margolis does a good job of showing that. This fact is what elevates the book from a commentary on cosmetic surgery to a character study of how a girl can define and shape her own sense of beauty.
The Beekman sisters are great protagonists for this novel. Even if they sometimes come off a bit flat. At times the characters seem more like archetypes than real people but that might be inherent to the nature of the book–since it is so clearly trying to start a conversation about this important issue. Secondary characters, in particular, often seem to lack dimension–appearing merely to make some important point: At times it seems like the characters are preaching their respective messages/opinions rather than taking part in a plot.
Nonetheless, Fix is a quick, enjoyable and above all interesting read.
August 3, 2012
*2.5 STARS*
This book... Hmm... What do I say about this book?
Let me just start by saying that the book was worse than I thought it would be. I think Leslie Margolis is a great author, but I think she could have delved a lot deeper into the dark side of plastic surgery. The ending was just bleh - extremely unsatisfying.
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My overall reviews on the book ~
Plot: 3.5/10 - The plot was uninteresting. It didn't hold my attention, and it was composed of mostly just a bunch of random, unrelated events.
Writing Style: 6.5/10 - I like how Leslie Margolis writes. I think she gets the point across in a pretty convincing way. However, it could be better - there were a few parts that could have been worded differently.
Characters: 4.5/10 - I never really felt any deep connection to any of the characters. They were mostly just empty shells living out the story. I didn't really like any of them, to be honest.
Pace: 7.5/10 - This book moved at a nice, easy pace. Nothing happened too quickly or too slowly, although I would've liked the characters procedures to come a little quicker (because it got boring just sitting there waiting for them to happen), and the ending seemed a little rushed and very unsatisfying.
Cover: 3/5 - I like the cover. :)
Favorite Quote from the Book: Favorite quote? Hmm... Well, I returned the book to the library already. Let me go on the author's page and get back to this review...
Favorite Character from the Book: I think I liked Eve the best, because she was the most thought-out character, it seemed like. Also, I thought her personality was unique and creative.
Would you read the sequel, if there was one? Hmmm... No. This book wasn't good enough to make me want to read any more like it. Sorry. :/
This book... Hmm... What do I say about this book?
Let me just start by saying that the book was worse than I thought it would be. I think Leslie Margolis is a great author, but I think she could have delved a lot deeper into the dark side of plastic surgery. The ending was just bleh - extremely unsatisfying.
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My overall reviews on the book ~
Plot: 3.5/10 - The plot was uninteresting. It didn't hold my attention, and it was composed of mostly just a bunch of random, unrelated events.
Writing Style: 6.5/10 - I like how Leslie Margolis writes. I think she gets the point across in a pretty convincing way. However, it could be better - there were a few parts that could have been worded differently.
Characters: 4.5/10 - I never really felt any deep connection to any of the characters. They were mostly just empty shells living out the story. I didn't really like any of them, to be honest.
Pace: 7.5/10 - This book moved at a nice, easy pace. Nothing happened too quickly or too slowly, although I would've liked the characters procedures to come a little quicker (because it got boring just sitting there waiting for them to happen), and the ending seemed a little rushed and very unsatisfying.
Cover: 3/5 - I like the cover. :)
Favorite Quote from the Book: Favorite quote? Hmm... Well, I returned the book to the library already. Let me go on the author's page and get back to this review...
Favorite Character from the Book: I think I liked Eve the best, because she was the most thought-out character, it seemed like. Also, I thought her personality was unique and creative.
Would you read the sequel, if there was one? Hmmm... No. This book wasn't good enough to make me want to read any more like it. Sorry. :/
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com
Cameron and Allie are sisters. They used to look like it, too. Since Cameron turned fifteen, though, things have changed. Cameron and Allie inherited big noses from their father, but other than that, they both have the good looks of their mother, formerly a rather famous model. When Cameron turned fifteen, her life changed completely. For the better, she says.
How? She got a nose job. She turned from homely to gorgeous, moved to a new school, and now she's so much more popular and happy than before! Plastic surgery, Cameron feels, is a brilliant idea. It can fix everything, right?
Now she is turning fifteen, and Allie's mother feels that she needs the same birthday present Cameron got: a nose job. It made Cameron a much happier person, and who wouldn't want that for their other daughter? Problem is, nobody asked Allie. Allie is already confident and happy, the way Cameron keeps saying plastic surgery made her. There's one thing she's not that Cameron is, though: gorgeous. But really, does Allie need to be gorgeous? Or is that just what her family has led her to believe?
Leslie Margolis's novel FIX is, aside from being an interesting story about a family, particularly two sisters, a great look at a rather controversial issue: plastic surgery, particularly for teenagers. It shows all sides of the issue, from the perspective of two teenage girls (who, admittedly, could be slightly more realistic characters at times). It is a riveting story, and Allie's and Cameron's very different motivations for making the decisions that they do are quite believable. FIX is certainly worth reading, particularly for anyone who is considering plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons.
Cameron and Allie are sisters. They used to look like it, too. Since Cameron turned fifteen, though, things have changed. Cameron and Allie inherited big noses from their father, but other than that, they both have the good looks of their mother, formerly a rather famous model. When Cameron turned fifteen, her life changed completely. For the better, she says.
How? She got a nose job. She turned from homely to gorgeous, moved to a new school, and now she's so much more popular and happy than before! Plastic surgery, Cameron feels, is a brilliant idea. It can fix everything, right?
Now she is turning fifteen, and Allie's mother feels that she needs the same birthday present Cameron got: a nose job. It made Cameron a much happier person, and who wouldn't want that for their other daughter? Problem is, nobody asked Allie. Allie is already confident and happy, the way Cameron keeps saying plastic surgery made her. There's one thing she's not that Cameron is, though: gorgeous. But really, does Allie need to be gorgeous? Or is that just what her family has led her to believe?
Leslie Margolis's novel FIX is, aside from being an interesting story about a family, particularly two sisters, a great look at a rather controversial issue: plastic surgery, particularly for teenagers. It shows all sides of the issue, from the perspective of two teenage girls (who, admittedly, could be slightly more realistic characters at times). It is a riveting story, and Allie's and Cameron's very different motivations for making the decisions that they do are quite believable. FIX is certainly worth reading, particularly for anyone who is considering plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons.
January 14, 2014
I believe that this book deserves 4 stars because it is a book that you are able to relate to and understand what is going on in the main charterer Cameron's head. So far in the book called fix Cameron and younger sister Allie have been switching off point of views between chapters. Both girls aren’t happy with what their body looks like but that is just mostly Cameron because she was the one who was bullied about her nose and about the size of it. Cameron decided to get the nose job because she was self-conscious about her looks and what people would say. While her little sister, Allie, struggles to decide if she really wants to change her appearance because that would mean she couldn’t play her favorite sport, soccer. Allie doesn’t feel the same about how Cameron does about her nose but she still feels the need to change her appearance because Allie has this chance to be on Varsity soccer and she doesn’t want to miss that shot, but her surgery is going to be getting in the way of that chance actually happening. These girls think that doing a small little fix to your appearance is the right thing, but it wouldn’t be right to change what make you, you. The only reason why I like this book is because of like how its two sides of you, how your always wanting something to change but then again you’re like another Allie on the other side is saying no do what you like, don’t always do what people ask you. This book is one of the only books I enjoyed and could understand the point to the story and why the characters wanted to change. That is why this outstanding book deserved 4 stars out if 5.
April 21, 2017
I didn't find anything terribly special about this book, narrative-wise. Characters were so-so, writing wasn't bad, plot dragged on a bit.
Only two things that really bugged me:
-The photographer saying that Cameron had "sexualized young women" in her photographs, and it came off as "sexualizing women is bad"- y'know, because the girls totally didn't pose for those pictures, didn't have any agency in their production whatsoever, and blah blah blah Women Can Only Be Sexy When We Say It's Okay, blah blah blah We're Totally Not Policing Women's Bodies and Sexual Expression (Except We Are), blah blah blah, Sexism.
-The overall judgmental tone about plastic surgery. While I 100% agree that it shouldn't be done on teenagers (barring extreme circumstances), if an adult chooses to get plastic surgery, that is also 100% not my business. I didn't like how the book implied that these people just needed to love themselves, that people who get plastic surgery do it for shallow, stupid, petty reasons and that, by association, makes them shallow, stupid, and petty. Again: What happened to "not my body, not my business"?
Only two things that really bugged me:
-The photographer saying that Cameron had "sexualized young women" in her photographs, and it came off as "sexualizing women is bad"- y'know, because the girls totally didn't pose for those pictures, didn't have any agency in their production whatsoever, and blah blah blah Women Can Only Be Sexy When We Say It's Okay, blah blah blah We're Totally Not Policing Women's Bodies and Sexual Expression (Except We Are), blah blah blah, Sexism.
-The overall judgmental tone about plastic surgery. While I 100% agree that it shouldn't be done on teenagers (barring extreme circumstances), if an adult chooses to get plastic surgery, that is also 100% not my business. I didn't like how the book implied that these people just needed to love themselves, that people who get plastic surgery do it for shallow, stupid, petty reasons and that, by association, makes them shallow, stupid, and petty. Again: What happened to "not my body, not my business"?
April 7, 2009
Cameron Beekman’s life changed forever when she first got her nose surgery at age 15. Now herself was no longer a Beekface, she was one of the most popular girls at school. She has a lot of girlfriends, a hot boyfriend and a successful family. Now at age 18, Cameron was planning to go under the knife again despite the fact that her parents are angered and her young sister Allie would soon get a nose job too. The question that raised was that would she finally be able to fit in surround by her own gorgeous family?
Leslie Margolis raised a powerful, yet a simple question about women today. A controversial subject about physical appearance whether cosmetic surgery was really what every women wants? Each character’s individualism stands out as they must make a decision that would change their life. And I recommend this book to all of you, it makes you think twice of what you really wants.
Leslie Margolis raised a powerful, yet a simple question about women today. A controversial subject about physical appearance whether cosmetic surgery was really what every women wants? Each character’s individualism stands out as they must make a decision that would change their life. And I recommend this book to all of you, it makes you think twice of what you really wants.
February 21, 2008
warning spoiler!!
this book talk a lot about how surgery can change your life in a drastic way. Cameron Beakman was very unhappy at her school on La Joya. People told her beakface because of her big nose. two years later she got a nose job and was transfer to another school. Now she is popular with a lot of friends and a cool boyfriend, but she realize that all her friends have boobs. so she decide to have a surgery with dr. glass. Her sister Allie was okey with her nose although she has a big nose. so her sister convince her to have a nose job too but she decide to run because she doesnt want to be like her sister. in my personal opinion is a very great book because shows you that beeing beautiful hurts. i recomened this book to all people that love to have a good looking and also those who are okey with themselfs.
this book talk a lot about how surgery can change your life in a drastic way. Cameron Beakman was very unhappy at her school on La Joya. People told her beakface because of her big nose. two years later she got a nose job and was transfer to another school. Now she is popular with a lot of friends and a cool boyfriend, but she realize that all her friends have boobs. so she decide to have a surgery with dr. glass. Her sister Allie was okey with her nose although she has a big nose. so her sister convince her to have a nose job too but she decide to run because she doesnt want to be like her sister. in my personal opinion is a very great book because shows you that beeing beautiful hurts. i recomened this book to all people that love to have a good looking and also those who are okey with themselfs.
January 18, 2010
You know I actually have a birth mark on my neck, it's not really noticeable now,but when I was little it really stood out. My mom offered that we could go get it taken off but the truth is that no matter how terrible you look in your eyes, or how people tell you your eyes are to close togeather just don't listen to them. Because you are you! this girl in the book had kind of a beak nose and she was so desprate that she changed a part of her so that she could look like every body else. Well I think that it's rediculous, and that no matter how stupid you think you look you shouldn't go change who YOU are!!!!!!!!
July 8, 2015
Fix for me was boring, I finished it because I kept on waiting for something exciting to happened and it never did.
The blurb makes out that Cameron is really addicted to surgery when she's only had two, yes she's only nineteen but.... I still wouldn't say its an addiction.
My favourite character was Allie who didn't care if her nose was slightly 'big' or if her body was the ideal which is a hard attitude to keep up when both her sister and mum are beauty obsessed and are beautiful.
You might enjoy this book, I just expected it to be a bit more exciting and page turner-y. I rate it two stars.
The blurb makes out that Cameron is really addicted to surgery when she's only had two, yes she's only nineteen but.... I still wouldn't say its an addiction.
My favourite character was Allie who didn't care if her nose was slightly 'big' or if her body was the ideal which is a hard attitude to keep up when both her sister and mum are beauty obsessed and are beautiful.
You might enjoy this book, I just expected it to be a bit more exciting and page turner-y. I rate it two stars.
February 2, 2016
I don't really see the point of this book. I guess the end is suppose to leave you wondering if it's necessary to go through surgery to improve your body, to rid of it from imperfections.
Allie and Cameron, sisters, are in the position where they are able to get plastic surgeries (nose-job, and breast implants in Cameron's case). Cameron decides to continue with these thousand dollar surgeries so that she could look gorgeous rather than pretty; even if it means dumping her boyfriend, Blake. Meanwhile, Allie prefers the girl she is and doesn't want to be somebody she isn't, therefore rejecting the offer of a nose-job.
Allie and Cameron, sisters, are in the position where they are able to get plastic surgeries (nose-job, and breast implants in Cameron's case). Cameron decides to continue with these thousand dollar surgeries so that she could look gorgeous rather than pretty; even if it means dumping her boyfriend, Blake. Meanwhile, Allie prefers the girl she is and doesn't want to be somebody she isn't, therefore rejecting the offer of a nose-job.
July 5, 2024
This story is told through 2 sisters, Cammie and Allie, who have inherited their fathers beak nose. For Cammie, it made her life miserable until she had plastic surgery to reduce her nose and then moved to a new school. Now she's one of the most popular girls around and planning her next surgery. Allie has also been scheduled to have her nose fixed, but wonders if she really needs it. She's not as concerned about her appearance as her sister is, and wonders why she needs to change. Most of the story is really good, but Allie's story gets rushed into the ending.
August 27, 2012
Since I'm extremely interested in plastic surgery, I knew I had to read this. I knew it would be judgy and that it would piss me off, but whatever; it's about plastic surgery, it interests me, I'll take it.
"Fix" was written overly simple and childishly. The plot was completely predictable. It's not a good book, and the plot is super weak (could have been great in the hands of a better writer\plotter) but if you're interested in plastic surgery and you need a super easy read, "Fix" ain't that bad.
"Fix" was written overly simple and childishly. The plot was completely predictable. It's not a good book, and the plot is super weak (could have been great in the hands of a better writer\plotter) but if you're interested in plastic surgery and you need a super easy read, "Fix" ain't that bad.
February 28, 2013
Originally reviewed - 4/15/08
Even though it was very predictable Fix was a good read. It was obvious from the first few chapters what road the sisters were going to choose. Leslie Margolis covers the oxymoron that is beauty and the impact it has on society by delivering the messages of self acceptance and knowing and liking who you are. Miss Margolis I applaud you for your efforts and would like you to know that it did not go unnoticed.
Even though it was very predictable Fix was a good read. It was obvious from the first few chapters what road the sisters were going to choose. Leslie Margolis covers the oxymoron that is beauty and the impact it has on society by delivering the messages of self acceptance and knowing and liking who you are. Miss Margolis I applaud you for your efforts and would like you to know that it did not go unnoticed.
November 20, 2013
A decent book about a girl wanting plastic surgery. I loved how it was about one sister wanting to fix one thing that leads to another, then the other sister that is okay with herself. I wish they had more books like this, to show girls to be okay with themselves. The book had its eh moments, but other times it is amazing. It tells you the consequences of plastic surgery. An easy and entertaining book to read.
June 20, 2007
After reading this book there is no way that I will ever think about getting plastic surgery. There was no shaking finger that plastic surgery is bad, there is actually quite a positive attitude to plastic surgery - but the comments about the pain and grossness afterwards means no plastic surgery for this girl. Very well written and hopefully more books to come from this author.
March 6, 2011
i couldn't even finish the book it was so dumb!
Everything it portrayed was horrifying! It goes against everything I believe in, and it's just so....worldly!
I don't think plastic surgery is the answer to all your problems, I think it creates your problems if your obsessing over every imperfect aspect about yourself.
Everything it portrayed was horrifying! It goes against everything I believe in, and it's just so....worldly!
I don't think plastic surgery is the answer to all your problems, I think it creates your problems if your obsessing over every imperfect aspect about yourself.
September 19, 2010
this book had an interesting perspective on taking matters into one's own hands. Having a setting of an upscale family and environment with things like plastic surgery as a normal, it was definately different from other books that i have read... overall, an enjoyable read that got me thinking about what price you would pay to be beautiful.
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July 24, 2011I really loved this book. it was entertaining and and slightly motivating. had a good message of being yourself and not changing because of what someone else wants you to be. i likes how it was told through two different perspectives. both characters were easy to relate to and made very gppd protagonists to there own stories while still being antagonists to each other's stories.
May 26, 2012
This book makes you think. Or at least made me think. i was at the point of wanting plastic surgery when I came to read this book. I am happy I read it because it made me think more on the decision and I realized I am me and if I change the outer me how will I love the inner me. There is no quick fix for your inner self. This is a good coming of age book.
December 22, 2014
This was a pretty good book and I can say very relatable. It seems nowadays everyone has some issue with how they look. This was a pretty absorbing read that held my attention from the beginning to the very end. Allie was my favorite character in the book becuase she was fine with how she was born. I would say she was a pretty good role model. A read I can see myself rereading in the future.
April 4, 2016
When our sense of beauty is so altered it is hard to realize the natural beauty that some one has. Especially, like in this story, if you have the money to physically alter your body and to make it more beautiful despite the risks why wouldn't you want to take it? This book shows that beauty can be in anyone and that true perfection can not be reached unless in fact you are a barbie doll.
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