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Butterface
When love isn't lucky...or pretty.The scars on Beth's face aren't nearly as deep as the ones she nurses on the inside. She was born with hemifacial microsomia and was supposed to feel "lucky" that she wasn't as disfigured as some people.One boy, Lucky O'Leary, starts to find the cracks in her hard shell and finds himself falling for her. Only Lucky has a secret--he needs to bring Beth to a "dog dinner" or lose his spot on the team. She can't find out that the guy who brings the ugliest date wins a prize.Young Adult Short Story--8000 words
29 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2010
14 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Hayes
35 books1,283 followersGwen Hayes (that’s me) lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero and a pack of wild beasts (two of whom she gave birth to).
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
August 10, 2016
Butterface is a novella which doesn't really make any sense to me. Blame it on the pointlessness of the story or the main characters who are poles apart. To be honest, I think the story was just shy of shallow.
First off, I don't think having a couple of scars on one's face and a somewhat rigid jawline makes anyone a butterface. Sure, she couldn't have been as pretty as girls in books usually are, but that shouldn't be the reason to make her feel that much inferior. What I mean is that she had had surgery and even though she remains the butt of jokes for the ignorant; she is better off than she was ever before. Needless to say, I had some serious issues with the whole butterface thing considering she was portrayed as a mature protagonist.
For the part of Lucky, the guy, it was just kind of weird how things ended for him. I mean am I supposed to take it and be okay with it? I don't think so. The way he was attracted to Beth was pretty ridiculous considering the circumstances. It is just very hard to believe that he was as tied down as it was implied. Yeah, bullying is very much a social issue to be dealt with; but to me, the guy had more trivial issues than the girl herself.
However, what I did like about Butterface is the ending when Beth finally realizes what she has the power to do instead of worrying about her appearance all the time. Still, Lucky left me feeling angry at him because of how things turned out for him at the end. So yeah, the novella was just okay, nothing great and pretty much forgettable.
First off, I don't think having a couple of scars on one's face and a somewhat rigid jawline makes anyone a butterface. Sure, she couldn't have been as pretty as girls in books usually are, but that shouldn't be the reason to make her feel that much inferior. What I mean is that she had had surgery and even though she remains the butt of jokes for the ignorant; she is better off than she was ever before. Needless to say, I had some serious issues with the whole butterface thing considering she was portrayed as a mature protagonist.
For the part of Lucky, the guy, it was just kind of weird how things ended for him. I mean am I supposed to take it and be okay with it? I don't think so. The way he was attracted to Beth was pretty ridiculous considering the circumstances. It is just very hard to believe that he was as tied down as it was implied. Yeah, bullying is very much a social issue to be dealt with; but to me, the guy had more trivial issues than the girl herself.
However, what I did like about Butterface is the ending when Beth finally realizes what she has the power to do instead of worrying about her appearance all the time. Still, Lucky left me feeling angry at him because of how things turned out for him at the end. So yeah, the novella was just okay, nothing great and pretty much forgettable.
August 28, 2011
Two words to describe Butterface: short and shallow
I suppose it's almost impossible to write believable romance in so little space, still it doesn't excuse the author. She could have written it longer, couldn't she? I don't know what she wanted to reach, but it certainly doesn't work with me.
The meaning of the two words: fast and without deep emotions
It resembles me to harlequin novels. A woman and a man meet, fall in love, there occurs something dividing them, but in the end they resolve it and live happily ever after. I give it two stars only because of our heroine Beth. Nowadays it's hard to find an ugly hero or at least an attempt for it.
Note: Why only an attempt?
I don't think Beth is ugly. Who said that scars on your face make you ugly? I have a hook nose. Am I ugly?
If you must read it, use it as a filler between books. Did you finish Mockingjay? Can't you stop thinking about it? Read this, write a review about how it lacks feelings and then maybe you will be able to move on.
I suppose it's almost impossible to write believable romance in so little space, still it doesn't excuse the author. She could have written it longer, couldn't she? I don't know what she wanted to reach, but it certainly doesn't work with me.
The meaning of the two words: fast and without deep emotions
It resembles me to harlequin novels. A woman and a man meet, fall in love, there occurs something dividing them, but in the end they resolve it and live happily ever after. I give it two stars only because of our heroine Beth. Nowadays it's hard to find an ugly hero or at least an attempt for it.
Note: Why only an attempt?
I don't think Beth is ugly. Who said that scars on your face make you ugly? I have a hook nose. Am I ugly?
If you must read it, use it as a filler between books. Did you finish Mockingjay? Can't you stop thinking about it? Read this, write a review about how it lacks feelings and then maybe you will be able to move on.
October 26, 2011
I loved this story!
Lucky O'Leary is a diligent college student who goes to a diner each night to study. Lucky goes there to get away from the frat-boy parties and antics that go on each night at his house. Beth is a high-school senior working as a waitress at the diner Lucky goes to each night. Lucky and Beth form a friendship from spending so much time together, and even though Beth is not Lucky's usual type of girl, he begins to care for her.
This story is about falling, unexpectedly for someone you never thought you'd go for. It's about being attracted to someone for more than just their looks. Gwen Hayes is such an excellent writer she manages to make you care for these characters in spite of this being a short story. She also manages to squeeze in some steamy kissing scenes, as well! (Gwen is so good at writing those!)
A definite recommend!
Lucky O'Leary is a diligent college student who goes to a diner each night to study. Lucky goes there to get away from the frat-boy parties and antics that go on each night at his house. Beth is a high-school senior working as a waitress at the diner Lucky goes to each night. Lucky and Beth form a friendship from spending so much time together, and even though Beth is not Lucky's usual type of girl, he begins to care for her.
This story is about falling, unexpectedly for someone you never thought you'd go for. It's about being attracted to someone for more than just their looks. Gwen Hayes is such an excellent writer she manages to make you care for these characters in spite of this being a short story. She also manages to squeeze in some steamy kissing scenes, as well! (Gwen is so good at writing those!)
A definite recommend!
August 3, 2011
Short stories always surprise and impress me. They really can show off the beauty and power of words and storytelling! A well written short story can pull readers in, create a connection, and cause empathy, joy and tears for the characters all with so little time and few words. Just amazing! Butterface does all that and more.
I liked Beth and Lucky right from the get go. Their warm, fun, sarcastic banter had a wonderful pace which added a fun, flirty feel to this meaningful story. It was a wonderful read with clear messages of self respect, inner beauty, and standing up for oneself.
Sometimes a short story is just what you need between books and I highly recommend this one.
I liked Beth and Lucky right from the get go. Their warm, fun, sarcastic banter had a wonderful pace which added a fun, flirty feel to this meaningful story. It was a wonderful read with clear messages of self respect, inner beauty, and standing up for oneself.
Sometimes a short story is just what you need between books and I highly recommend this one.
September 10, 2010
BUTTERFACE is lyrical, true to life, with characters that sympathized with and connected with even when they weren't doing the right thing.
Because of her deformity, Beth is used to hiding. She keeps her hair pulled in front of her face and tries to disguise her insecurity with a sharp wit. Lucky is the all around dreamboat and star athlete. He comes into the diner where Beth works at every night to escape from his roommates, study, and try to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Used to being in each other's presence, a casual friendship erupts. That friendship takes on another level when several of Lucky's teammates come into the diner see Beth and decide that Lucky needs to invite Beth to the soccer team's annual dog dinner. If he reneges, he could be kicked off the team and lose his scholarship. What's a guy to do? Feeling like a jerk for how his teammates coerced Beth into attending the dinner, he spends more time with her and slowly sees her as a girl, a girl he's becoming increasingly attracted to. Yet the dance is approaching. What is he going to do?
BTW, yes, I know it's annoying to have questions in reviews. But, WTF, you should know by now that I suck with plot summaries. If you want to know what happens buy the darn book. It's good I'm telling you!
I can't find anything wrong that annoyed me about BUTTERFACE. No flaws that I can harp on. That's kinda annoying actually.
BUTTERFACE is a short story that doesn't feel short. Beth and Lucky have full character arcs and I love the fact that they come to their full potential on their own. They each have a journey of self discovery that is moving and realistic. Theirs no outside source swooping in to save the day. No, I can't live without you. No, I'll die if you leave me. No, I'll sit and stare out my bedroom window while the months drift by across the pages. No one gets shot and only realizes that they were meant for the other person when they're near their deathbed. Thank God.
The prose and writing was awesome and add to what great characters Lucky and Beth are for example:
Lucky wasn't always clear on girlspeak, but he thought she was trying to tell him something important. So he shut up. Because that is what smart guys do when a girl is winding up to talk about something important. If you interrupt with what you think might be a reasonable question like, Do all waitresses have pen names? She will shut down and say, Nevermind. And that word is the kiss of death to any make-out session you'd been hoping to have later that night.
At all costs, when it comes to girls, avoid being told nevermind. Even if you weren't planning on kissing them. It's just good sense.
And:
Thursday night, he kissed her sweetly at her front door and she actually sighed. Like a girl. She wanted to kick her own ass. But something in his eyes changed at that moment, like they caught flame. Suddenly, he kissed her so hard she found herself crushed to the wall and whatever had sparked in his eyes roared to life in that kiss. It wasn't sweet. It set fire to her blood and melted her bones into molten lava.
At this rate, she was never going to be a lesbian.
I'm serious. What are you waiting for? Read this book!
Because of her deformity, Beth is used to hiding. She keeps her hair pulled in front of her face and tries to disguise her insecurity with a sharp wit. Lucky is the all around dreamboat and star athlete. He comes into the diner where Beth works at every night to escape from his roommates, study, and try to figure out what he wants to do with his life. Used to being in each other's presence, a casual friendship erupts. That friendship takes on another level when several of Lucky's teammates come into the diner see Beth and decide that Lucky needs to invite Beth to the soccer team's annual dog dinner. If he reneges, he could be kicked off the team and lose his scholarship. What's a guy to do? Feeling like a jerk for how his teammates coerced Beth into attending the dinner, he spends more time with her and slowly sees her as a girl, a girl he's becoming increasingly attracted to. Yet the dance is approaching. What is he going to do?
BTW, yes, I know it's annoying to have questions in reviews. But, WTF, you should know by now that I suck with plot summaries. If you want to know what happens buy the darn book. It's good I'm telling you!
I can't find anything wrong that annoyed me about BUTTERFACE. No flaws that I can harp on. That's kinda annoying actually.
BUTTERFACE is a short story that doesn't feel short. Beth and Lucky have full character arcs and I love the fact that they come to their full potential on their own. They each have a journey of self discovery that is moving and realistic. Theirs no outside source swooping in to save the day. No, I can't live without you. No, I'll die if you leave me. No, I'll sit and stare out my bedroom window while the months drift by across the pages. No one gets shot and only realizes that they were meant for the other person when they're near their deathbed. Thank God.
The prose and writing was awesome and add to what great characters Lucky and Beth are for example:
Lucky wasn't always clear on girlspeak, but he thought she was trying to tell him something important. So he shut up. Because that is what smart guys do when a girl is winding up to talk about something important. If you interrupt with what you think might be a reasonable question like, Do all waitresses have pen names? She will shut down and say, Nevermind. And that word is the kiss of death to any make-out session you'd been hoping to have later that night.
At all costs, when it comes to girls, avoid being told nevermind. Even if you weren't planning on kissing them. It's just good sense.
And:
Thursday night, he kissed her sweetly at her front door and she actually sighed. Like a girl. She wanted to kick her own ass. But something in his eyes changed at that moment, like they caught flame. Suddenly, he kissed her so hard she found herself crushed to the wall and whatever had sparked in his eyes roared to life in that kiss. It wasn't sweet. It set fire to her blood and melted her bones into molten lava.
At this rate, she was never going to be a lesbian.
I'm serious. What are you waiting for? Read this book!
May 12, 2011
"Butterface" has the kind of story that I expect from quality, well-written short stories. It makes me care about the characters with respect to their voices and personalities (double check since this switches between perspectives), it has a well-plotted dilemma, and the story sucks you in until the very end.
It's 19 pages of a beautifully woven tale about a girl bearing the scars of a childhood deformity, with a boy who finds himself falling for her, and yet sucked into a deal that could hurt the person he calls his friend. Beth was born with a childhood illness that left her face physically scarred, and she feels like she has to put people at a distance because she doesn't feel pretty. Lucky is Beth's friend, a good-looking, athletic, and all around nice guy. But when his "brothers" tell him to bring Beth to a party which involves judging the ugliest date at the event, Lucky has his hands full because he doesn't want to hurt her, but he doesn't want to lose his spot on the soccer team. The way the scenario plays out is natural, real, and genuine. I liked the progression, the details, and the characterization.
I bought the story from Amazon.com's Kindle store and thought it was a wonderful read. Definitely worth the price and time taken to read it.
Overall score: 4/5
It's 19 pages of a beautifully woven tale about a girl bearing the scars of a childhood deformity, with a boy who finds himself falling for her, and yet sucked into a deal that could hurt the person he calls his friend. Beth was born with a childhood illness that left her face physically scarred, and she feels like she has to put people at a distance because she doesn't feel pretty. Lucky is Beth's friend, a good-looking, athletic, and all around nice guy. But when his "brothers" tell him to bring Beth to a party which involves judging the ugliest date at the event, Lucky has his hands full because he doesn't want to hurt her, but he doesn't want to lose his spot on the soccer team. The way the scenario plays out is natural, real, and genuine. I liked the progression, the details, and the characterization.
I bought the story from Amazon.com's Kindle store and thought it was a wonderful read. Definitely worth the price and time taken to read it.
Overall score: 4/5
August 14, 2010
Full review at Amaterasu reads
I have to ask, what can you do with a 19-paged short story? (17 really, minus the cover and About the Author pages). I absolutely love the way the prose was written. Those 17 pages were worth it. Yes it was short, but it doesn't feel like it. It wasn't rushed, and it didn't feel like everything was crammed into those 17 pages.
I was hooked after reading the first paragraph.
I got this for free when Gwen tweeted that this was available for free read, but I would gladly pay those 99 cents to read this again. Now that I've read and sampled her writing, I think my expectation for her upcoming book, Falling Under, just shot up so high. I have a feeling I won't be disappointed though.
I have to ask, what can you do with a 19-paged short story? (17 really, minus the cover and About the Author pages). I absolutely love the way the prose was written. Those 17 pages were worth it. Yes it was short, but it doesn't feel like it. It wasn't rushed, and it didn't feel like everything was crammed into those 17 pages.
I was hooked after reading the first paragraph.
I got this for free when Gwen tweeted that this was available for free read, but I would gladly pay those 99 cents to read this again. Now that I've read and sampled her writing, I think my expectation for her upcoming book, Falling Under, just shot up so high. I have a feeling I won't be disappointed though.
July 17, 2016
How would I describe this novella? Let's see now...in one word: short. And I think because it was so short it lacked progress and anything that could possibly emit empathy from the reader. There was nothing wrong with the plot-- it was sweet but incredibly shallow and it left a hell of a lot of plot holes that didn't really complete the story for me. It was just a whirl of the whole cliche-- popular boy falls in love with not-so-attractive girl. Why doesn't he judge Beth when he first meets her? What's Beth's whole story? How did they start conversing so well? The whole story was kind of like the whipped cream to the cake-- it didn't have any depth that would help expand the story and make the reader actually feel and understand the novella.
It was sweet and short and the plotline was great but it just really flat.
It was sweet and short and the plotline was great but it just really flat.
August 6, 2018
Loved the concept of this very short story but I wanted more. More background info on the main characters, above where they came from, their families, why Beth worked so much, just... more. I totally got where the author was coming from - and she did a good job of it - it was just too abrupt for me.
November 3, 2018
Quieren saber cómo escribir una buena historia en solo 36 páginas, lean este libro.
January 13, 2026
horrible. why did she apologize. let ugly girls date hot guys.
October 7, 2022
Such a short book that holds some meaning but do I recommend it? well, I did not like the writing style and how events kept jumping. I didn't feel like I connected or lived through the book but if you want a short read, go ahead and read it. It's just not my number one.
“Time doesn’t heal all wounds. It helps. But time can’t do it by itself. If you pretend you don’t have a wound, for instance, there’s very little time can do for the wound except allow it to fester. ”
“You’re too retarded to be a soccer god.”
^^^ this got me laughing ngl.
“how does a guy slay dragons for a girl when they’re all in her head?”
“Time doesn’t heal all wounds. It helps. But time can’t do it by itself. If you pretend you don’t have a wound, for instance, there’s very little time can do for the wound except allow it to fester. ”
“You’re too retarded to be a soccer god.”
^^^ this got me laughing ngl.
“how does a guy slay dragons for a girl when they’re all in her head?”
July 1, 2011
For Lucas "Lucky" O'Leary things have just been falling into place without much of an effort all his life. He has yet to learn how to stand up for what is right.
Beth waits tables at the diner Lucas spends most of his time studying and a fragile friendship blossoms. Born with hemifacial microsomia, the scars in her face...and the ones on the inside...make it hard for her to trust people. How can Lucas possibly tell her that his friends put im up to bringing her to a party in hopes of winning the price for the ugliest date?
Butterface was a lovely short story. I didn't think character-development would be possible, but Hayes proved me wrong. It was heartbreaking to read how Beth holds her head at a certain angle, making sure her imperfections won't be easy to notice. I loved her spunk, but at the same time knew it was her defense mechanism against the world. Her suffering made me despise Lucas' so called friends, who pressured him to bring Beth to the "Dog Dinner". The sad truth is, this might just be a story, but there are people just as - if not more - self-centered and uncaring in the real world. Then again, Lucas was no innocent and I hoped he would be able to redeem himself (I'm not telling!). One could feel the guilt he was carrying every time he was able to get through to Beth. Whether he made her smile or feel things she worked hard to not have to feel, his secret loomed over them. It was the very thing that prevented their first kiss to be anything other than perfect. Boy was I surprised by the ending. No worries - in a good way. You'll be proud of the both of them and might even shed a tear or two. The one mistake that really bugged the heck out of me was that the author misspelled the birth defect Beth was suffering from. As far as I know it's called "hemifacial microsOmia" instead of "hemifacial microsAmia". If I'm wrong, please let me know, because this error is the reason why I'm not giving the story 5 stars. Normally it wouldn't have been such a big deal, but the whole story was built on it. This I can't just overlook. 4 stars for Butterface by Gwen Hayes. A terrific short story.
Beware of Spoilers!
Three quotes for those of you who are interested:
° "...smoking hot bod...but her face."
° "He was a great guy, but he was too great a guy for her."
The ones above made me feel sick to my stomach.
° "...how does a guy slay dragons for a girl when they're all in her head."
Beth waits tables at the diner Lucas spends most of his time studying and a fragile friendship blossoms. Born with hemifacial microsomia, the scars in her face...and the ones on the inside...make it hard for her to trust people. How can Lucas possibly tell her that his friends put im up to bringing her to a party in hopes of winning the price for the ugliest date?
Butterface was a lovely short story. I didn't think character-development would be possible, but Hayes proved me wrong. It was heartbreaking to read how Beth holds her head at a certain angle, making sure her imperfections won't be easy to notice. I loved her spunk, but at the same time knew it was her defense mechanism against the world. Her suffering made me despise Lucas' so called friends, who pressured him to bring Beth to the "Dog Dinner". The sad truth is, this might just be a story, but there are people just as - if not more - self-centered and uncaring in the real world. Then again, Lucas was no innocent and I hoped he would be able to redeem himself (I'm not telling!). One could feel the guilt he was carrying every time he was able to get through to Beth. Whether he made her smile or feel things she worked hard to not have to feel, his secret loomed over them. It was the very thing that prevented their first kiss to be anything other than perfect. Boy was I surprised by the ending. No worries - in a good way. You'll be proud of the both of them and might even shed a tear or two. The one mistake that really bugged the heck out of me was that the author misspelled the birth defect Beth was suffering from. As far as I know it's called "hemifacial microsOmia" instead of "hemifacial microsAmia". If I'm wrong, please let me know, because this error is the reason why I'm not giving the story 5 stars. Normally it wouldn't have been such a big deal, but the whole story was built on it. This I can't just overlook. 4 stars for Butterface by Gwen Hayes. A terrific short story.
Beware of Spoilers!
Three quotes for those of you who are interested:
° "...smoking hot bod...but her face."
° "He was a great guy, but he was too great a guy for her."
The ones above made me feel sick to my stomach.
° "...how does a guy slay dragons for a girl when they're all in her head."
October 20, 2015
Lucas 'Lucky' O'Leary has left his small town and moved to a college with a soccer scholarship. He works hard to maintain his grades, and subsequently spends a great deal of time at a local diner where Beth 'Liz' works.
Beth is a shy, quiet girl with some serious personal issues. Beth was born with hemifacial microsomia (which for those who don't know what it looks like see below)
Beth covers her scars and ultimately deems herself unworthy of 'soccer-god' Lucus.
The story follows Lucus being peer-pressured into inviting Beth to a 'dog dinner' where the soccer player with the ugliest date wins a prize. Needless to say that things don't go quite according to plan...
I didn't like how shallow this short story came across, but I did like the overall feel of the characters. I can understand how shallow and horrible college males (and females) can be when they're at that time in their lives where they feel on top of the world.
I liked the sweet romance and appreciated the emotional rollercoaster that Beth and Lucus went on. I wish it was a touch longer, giving the characters a little more room to develop and the story to get more involved, but alas, you can't have everything you wish for.
Beth is a shy, quiet girl with some serious personal issues. Beth was born with hemifacial microsomia (which for those who don't know what it looks like see below)
Beth covers her scars and ultimately deems herself unworthy of 'soccer-god' Lucus.
The story follows Lucus being peer-pressured into inviting Beth to a 'dog dinner' where the soccer player with the ugliest date wins a prize. Needless to say that things don't go quite according to plan...
I didn't like how shallow this short story came across, but I did like the overall feel of the characters. I can understand how shallow and horrible college males (and females) can be when they're at that time in their lives where they feel on top of the world.
I liked the sweet romance and appreciated the emotional rollercoaster that Beth and Lucus went on. I wish it was a touch longer, giving the characters a little more room to develop and the story to get more involved, but alas, you can't have everything you wish for.
October 26, 2011
3.5/5 stars
A short story by Gwen Hayes about a girl with scars inside & out and the boy who's willing to look beyond the surface. While impressed by the character development Hayes was able to accomplish in such a short word count, I felt the story itself was a little rushed and wished for more development, particularly in the individual growth and realizations of Beth.
Also, I understand the story was more about the two main characters coming to grips with who they are as people and the kind of people they want to be, while the romance played a more secondary role. But, I believe their first and second dates were summarized in about a paragraph, and I really wish we could have seen more of Lucky & Beth's relationship shifting from friendship to something perhaps a little more. Despite this, however, their's was a rather sweet, little romance.
Overall, Butterface is an enjoyable and quick read. If you're a fan of Hayes you should definitely give it a whirl.
A short story by Gwen Hayes about a girl with scars inside & out and the boy who's willing to look beyond the surface. While impressed by the character development Hayes was able to accomplish in such a short word count, I felt the story itself was a little rushed and wished for more development, particularly in the individual growth and realizations of Beth.
Also, I understand the story was more about the two main characters coming to grips with who they are as people and the kind of people they want to be, while the romance played a more secondary role. But, I believe their first and second dates were summarized in about a paragraph, and I really wish we could have seen more of Lucky & Beth's relationship shifting from friendship to something perhaps a little more. Despite this, however, their's was a rather sweet, little romance.
Overall, Butterface is an enjoyable and quick read. If you're a fan of Hayes you should definitely give it a whirl.
August 10, 2016
Butterface is more than I expected it to be. In so few pages, it's able to tell a beautiful story.
I loved the characters, especially Beth. Because of her facial deformity, she's insecure and self-conscious. After Lucky befriends her, she begins to see herself past her appearance. I liked the development of Beth and Lucky's relationship, as well as their character.
I would have liked this story to be longer. Some parts felt rushed and could be developed more. Things happened between Beth and Lucky too fast for my liking, but I liked it nonetheless. It felt longer than it actually was, thank goodness for that.
Also, the narration was sort of weird? It's third person point-of-view, but at one part, it was first. This didn't take away from the meaning of the story, so whatever.
Overall, I really enjoyed Butterface and would totally read it again. I definitely recommend reading this.
I loved the characters, especially Beth. Because of her facial deformity, she's insecure and self-conscious. After Lucky befriends her, she begins to see herself past her appearance. I liked the development of Beth and Lucky's relationship, as well as their character.
I would have liked this story to be longer. Some parts felt rushed and could be developed more. Things happened between Beth and Lucky too fast for my liking, but I liked it nonetheless. It felt longer than it actually was, thank goodness for that.
Also, the narration was sort of weird? It's third person point-of-view, but at one part, it was first. This didn't take away from the meaning of the story, so whatever.
Overall, I really enjoyed Butterface and would totally read it again. I definitely recommend reading this.
May 1, 2011
Butterface is a great, quick read. My only complaint really is that it was way too short. In a nutshell, Butterface is about Lucky and Beth. Beth was born with a hemifacial microsamia which she is very self conscious about. Beth works at the diner that Lucky frequents and they become friends. Lucky's teammates urge him to invite Beth to a "dog dinner". Lucky doesn't want to invite her, but is pressured into it by his idiot friends.
I thought the story did a good job of exploring each of their emotions, but I wish it was longer!
I thought the story did a good job of exploring each of their emotions, but I wish it was longer!
June 1, 2011
I really enjoyed this short story. I didnt realise it was a short story until i was reading on the kindle and it said like 52% through and i'd only been reading for about 15 minutes. I just really wish that it was a long story because the story line and the writing had such great potential, that i would snap it up if it was longer! :D
August 28, 2013
Why couldn't it have gone on longer?!
This was so short and so sweet. But it ended before it barely began. I don't know what this was about, but I never would've guessed that the pretty as a picture girl on the cover would've made it to a "dog dinner."
Besides, it has been said too many times, "Scars are just tattoos with better stories."
This was so short and so sweet. But it ended before it barely began. I don't know what this was about, but I never would've guessed that the pretty as a picture girl on the cover would've made it to a "dog dinner."
Besides, it has been said too many times, "Scars are just tattoos with better stories."
February 7, 2011
Butterface is exactly what you want from a short read- sweet and leaves you smiling. Beth is precious, Lucky makes me want to be 18 again so that I can date him- and the dialouge is real and believable. Great read!
Read
January 11, 2012This story may be shorter than most, but to me it's the perfect size. Butterface affected me just as much as any 300 page story. It was beautifully written, and I was touched in so many ways. . . the most breathtaking 8000 words I've read. I just love it when I read great books like this.
December 27, 2010
Very touching and brave. I really enjoyed this one.
August 27, 2016
This is one of the best books, I've read in a while. Honestly I didn't mind that it was short it was nice and refreshing and I enjoyed it thoroughly!!!
June 27, 2011
(Actual Rating: 3.5 stars)
I want more Lucky and Beth, dang it!
I want more Lucky and Beth, dang it!
March 12, 2014
Lo único que tengo para decir de "Butterface" es AWWWWWWWWWW<3 Si, fué demasiado corto, pero fué lindo.
May 26, 2014
Hubiera sido bueno con una trama más extensa y algo menos de cliché en el final.
February 6, 2020
I give this novella three stars because it has SO much potential. The idea that this novella has should have been explored as a novel. Because of the length of this, there isn’t enough time to build good descriptions of the characters. There isn’t enough to give the characters depth and life. This novella would have gotten 5 stars if it was a novel. Great potential though.
August 11, 2019
This story was amazing. I didnt think you could tell a solid story in such little number of pages. But Gwen Hayes did it.
Oh My God!!!
Yeah, its a simple love story and a very short one too but it was well done. I wouldnt have rated it five stars otherwise.
I wish this was a full length novel.
Oh My God!!!
Yeah, its a simple love story and a very short one too but it was well done. I wouldnt have rated it five stars otherwise.
I wish this was a full length novel.
May 23, 2018
It's a novella which doesn't really make any sense to me. A shallow story; it certainly didn't work with me.
January 3, 2020
My only gripe I wish it was longer.
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