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Book Review of The Story of Beautiful Girl

The Story of Beautiful Girl
katiems98 avatar reviewed on + 35 more book reviews


I am so mixed on what rating to give this book. I loved the book. I loved the concept. However, there were parts that were just so cheesey and unrealistic that I found myself angry at the author for ruining such a good thing. One of those cheesy moments was the entire last three chapters. For the sake of those who have not read the book, I will not go into detail. Let's just say that it left me wanting some wine to go with the cheese;)

Unlike some of the reviewers, I liked how the book was divided in several different ways. First, it was divided into "life sections." (The author labels them "parts") Also, the book does not waste your time and words with touching on every little nit picky aspect of their lives over the 30 or so year span of the book. It properly labels each chapter with what year it is. It also divided the book according to what character's viewpoint it was. I liked this or the most part EXCEPT for the parts about Homan. I found his chapters to be boring, drab, and pretty repetitive. He finds a good place, gets into trouble, moves on (Rinse and repeat). I think the viewpoints of Lynnie, Katie, and Martha would have been just fine. Their viewpoints were interesting and played into the story. Homan's was a bout constant wandering. The author could have omitted his view point and the book would have been a little bit better. I found myself bored during his parts.

The concept of the story is great. You can really see the author's passion for people with disabilities. It is definitely a political piece, as the author wants you to see her view point of things. I did not mind that as much as some readers did. The author did a great job of painting the picture of the "school." I found the parts that took place in and around the school to be the most interesting and dynamic.

I would recommend this book to others. I really, really, really wish that the ending was not so cheesey and unbelievable. That really was almost a deal breaker for me.