Krista C. (kacey14) - reviewed on 8/7/2009 + 47 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This book was a very powerful book for me. It was about Lucy Grealy's journey as a child through the discovery and treatment of cancer in her jaw. She also writes about the subsequent aftermath of the experience of having to go through life looking so different from everyone else, and her fervent wish to just fit it. Lucy does talk a lot about her treatments, reconstructive procedures and frequent hospitializations, but she does so with candor and uncommon insight for someone so young to have endured.

Lucy eventually died of a drug overdose, and reading this book helped me understand how seductive drugs would have been for her. I think Lucy's understanding of what it was like to be on the fringe of society, to being different; and her ability to express those feelings will stay with me for a long time.

I also read Ann Patchett's "Truth and Beauty" which is about her friendship with Lucy Grealy. It added more background to what what going on with Lucy from a different perspective. I think it's great to read both these books together.

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