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Ugly Girl Series #1
Confessions of an Ugly Girl
Millie Glockenfeld will never fall in love.
She will never get engaged. She will never get married. She will never live in a house with a white picket fence and 2.4 children. And all for one very simple reason:
She is ugly.
Fortunately, one thing Millie has learned over the years is that she doesn't need a man. She's got a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crazy but lovable cat lady who lives downstairs from her. What more does a girl need in life?
But then one day Millie meets Sam Webber. He is adorably handsome and absolutely perfect (well, almost). And Sam thinks that Millie is beautiful.
Now there's a chance that Millie might get the happy ending she's always secretly wanted... if only she can learn to look in the mirror and see what Sam sees.
She will never get engaged. She will never get married. She will never live in a house with a white picket fence and 2.4 children. And all for one very simple reason:
She is ugly.
Fortunately, one thing Millie has learned over the years is that she doesn't need a man. She's got a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crazy but lovable cat lady who lives downstairs from her. What more does a girl need in life?
But then one day Millie meets Sam Webber. He is adorably handsome and absolutely perfect (well, almost). And Sam thinks that Millie is beautiful.
Now there's a chance that Millie might get the happy ending she's always secretly wanted... if only she can learn to look in the mirror and see what Sam sees.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2015
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733 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
June 26, 2015
There aren't many books I read that are as straightforward, yet subtly funny, as this one. It is essentially a love story (but not even close to being a cheesy romance) between a girl with low self-esteem and the sweet, funny, sexy man--who happens to have quadriplegia--who falls in love with her. While the heroine does have hang-ups at first about dating a man with a disability, most of the conflict in the story is about her finding it hard to believe that such a handsome, confident guy could possibly love her. This is a nice twist compared to a lot of "wounded hero" stories where the heroine has to convince the hero he is sexy and still worth loving, despite having a disability.
I loved the heroine. She has a deadpan sense of humor--part self-deprecating, part funny statistical observations (she is an actuary and analyzes statistics for her job)--and is independent and intelligent.
When referring to online dating, she says, "I once read that women are most worried that every guy they meet online will be a serial killer . . . (In contrast, men are most worried that the woman they meet online will be fat.)"
After her online date: "Anyway, Harry wasn't that bad. I just had to get over feeling completely repulsed by him."
The hero, Sam, is affable, self-confident, funny, and sexy, but there are poignant scenes where he has moments of uncertainty about what the heroine thinks of him and times where his disability makes a situation awkward. There is also a moment where he sees a picture of himself playing soccer before his accident, which is, as I said, poignant but not overdone or melodramatic. These instances serve to make him endearingly vulnerable without making him seem martyrish. They make him more real and human. Also of note: the hero's disability is portrayed accurately and honestly.
This book is well written and edited, and I love how it is presented as journal entries. At first I wasn't sure I would like the whole book being that way, but Ms. Wasser makes it work beautifully. It isn't choppy and flows very well. Also, the author has a subtle way of raising questions and keeping the reader's attention at the end of scenes and chapters without hitting them over the head with something overly dramatic. It was a guilty pleasure I had a hard time putting it down.
I was a bit bereft when this book ended. I loved living in the heroine's world for a while and didn't want to let it go. I look forward to more of this author's work in the future.
I loved the heroine. She has a deadpan sense of humor--part self-deprecating, part funny statistical observations (she is an actuary and analyzes statistics for her job)--and is independent and intelligent.
When referring to online dating, she says, "I once read that women are most worried that every guy they meet online will be a serial killer . . . (In contrast, men are most worried that the woman they meet online will be fat.)"
After her online date: "Anyway, Harry wasn't that bad. I just had to get over feeling completely repulsed by him."
The hero, Sam, is affable, self-confident, funny, and sexy, but there are poignant scenes where he has moments of uncertainty about what the heroine thinks of him and times where his disability makes a situation awkward. There is also a moment where he sees a picture of himself playing soccer before his accident, which is, as I said, poignant but not overdone or melodramatic. These instances serve to make him endearingly vulnerable without making him seem martyrish. They make him more real and human. Also of note: the hero's disability is portrayed accurately and honestly.
This book is well written and edited, and I love how it is presented as journal entries. At first I wasn't sure I would like the whole book being that way, but Ms. Wasser makes it work beautifully. It isn't choppy and flows very well. Also, the author has a subtle way of raising questions and keeping the reader's attention at the end of scenes and chapters without hitting them over the head with something overly dramatic. It was a guilty pleasure I had a hard time putting it down.
I was a bit bereft when this book ended. I loved living in the heroine's world for a while and didn't want to let it go. I look forward to more of this author's work in the future.
January 14, 2016
Finally! A book that isn't about the thinnest, sexiest, and most beautiful people. Is anyone else as bored as I am by this trend in books and movies/television? Heck, I've gotten to where I can't tell actors and actresses apart as they all attempt to look the same. And they are always striving to be the same age. Don't other ages, shapes, shades, orientations, etc. deserve adventures, love, money, their story told? And don't get me started about the lack of strong females, having many of them in the same show. Look, I've spent my last year reading books by women with female main characters. Once I was convinced of this lack I started seeing how badly our reflections in films, have also been in short supply. Oh, and take a look at the news, no matter what channel you watch. Okay, stepping down from my soap box...
So when I saw this title for free I had to grab it. It was fun and yet had good strong bones of reality. The main character isn't needing a man. She has a great career with plenty of income to cover all her needs and wants. The job is boring but she likes it. But she would like to meet someone and have romance in her life. Her perception of herself is that she is ugly and fat. Is it her reality that keeping those things from her, or her own self-image?
Then she meets someone who's picture shows he's far too handsome for her. He likes her, flirts with her... on the phone. When they meet she finds she has some of her own biases to overcome. I love how well the author expresses this relationship and its growth.
Because the main character is an actuary the book is full of random facts that I feel add a lot to the story.
Oh, and I may as well include that the love interest is a quadriplegic. Now here are some life issues to deal with. This is such an interesting story that I had to grab book two to see what happens next.
Please, if you get the chance, read this book and see how some of the non-rich and famous and gorgeous people find their way to love.
So when I saw this title for free I had to grab it. It was fun and yet had good strong bones of reality. The main character isn't needing a man. She has a great career with plenty of income to cover all her needs and wants. The job is boring but she likes it. But she would like to meet someone and have romance in her life. Her perception of herself is that she is ugly and fat. Is it her reality that keeping those things from her, or her own self-image?
Then she meets someone who's picture shows he's far too handsome for her. He likes her, flirts with her... on the phone. When they meet she finds she has some of her own biases to overcome. I love how well the author expresses this relationship and its growth.
Because the main character is an actuary the book is full of random facts that I feel add a lot to the story.
Oh, and I may as well include that the love interest is a quadriplegic. Now here are some life issues to deal with. This is such an interesting story that I had to grab book two to see what happens next.
Please, if you get the chance, read this book and see how some of the non-rich and famous and gorgeous people find their way to love.
March 7, 2018
Unfortunately this is really so far the worst book I read this year. I am not sure how the reader should be able to relate to the main character in any way if the author refuses to describe her in any specific way.
Even there were some funny and witty dialogues in that book - in total the heroine was rather annoying. I think I got it after the 20th time that she was ugly...
Even when asked directly the author refused here on GR to give more details about the heroine.
The male lead was nice enough to be liked but still he could not be expected to carry the load of the whole story on him
Not with the female lead dragging him down.
Sorry this was a DNF for me ...
October 27, 2015
Hilarious Sweet and Straightforward ^^,
+This story so funny and touching with a very likable and relatable heroine. With a LOVE story that is not "too cheesy". Well-edited and I'm sure everyone will enjoy this. I've read this in just one sitting.
+This is a great read. I recommend to everyone!
:)
+This story so funny and touching with a very likable and relatable heroine. With a LOVE story that is not "too cheesy". Well-edited and I'm sure everyone will enjoy this. I've read this in just one sitting.
+This is a great read. I recommend to everyone!
:)
March 8, 2016
March 7th: I can't review this right now. I need to think seriously about my reaction to this book.
March 8th: Okay. Here is my review - a bit cobbled together and possibly all over the place and no doubt making very little sense. And that's the trouble. I LIKED this book at the start. I empathised with Millie, with her total lack of self-esteem and her complete inability to see anything good in herself. I can SO relate to that feeling!
But - and this is where I begin to feel a little uncomfortable about this review, indeed about continuing to read this book - she meets Sam, the 'nerdy computer guy'. Up to the actual point of meeting him she had been all a-flutter ... going into the company's personnel file to find a photo of him, thinking he is cute etc etc etc. And then he turns up.
Okay. So we have this 'ugly' woman, who has NO self esteem at all, and Sam turns up. And... he is in a wheelchair.
No. Sorry. I got that wrong. Let Millie tell you, in her own words and italics.
/// And he looked just like in the photo, except, get this, he was in a wheelchair. I mean, what the hell? And it wasn't like he was in a wheelchair because he had sprained an ankle or something. That was really obvious. There was something actually wrong with the guy. ///
So. She is 30 years old. That reaction would be typical of a self-centred teenager who spends all her time posting selfies on Facebook groups, but not an educated, introverted woman who must SURELY have met people in wheelchairs before?? I mean. How frigging offensive can you get?
And then she holds out her hand to shake his and notices that his fingers are all curled up.
/// His hand slid against mine, but it didn't really move. You'd better believe I yanked my hand back as fast as I could. ///
euw.
It continues in that vein for a while, - Millie gawping at him and trying to work out what was wrong with him.. no...
/// What was wrong with him?///
/// Obviously there was something seriously wrong with him. ///
WHY?? What is it with all the drama about him being in a wheelchair?
I had a real sense of unease about this book. Millie's reaction was so very wrong, so very immature. And then they are staying in a hotel. She gets into the Jacuzzi and Sam gets undressed and joins her.
/// When he's sitting in his wheelchair, fully dressed, he more or less looks like a normal guy in a wheelchair. But sitting there naked, his body completely exposed from his curled hands to his atrophied legs, he looked really crippled. I remember in grade school there were some kids in the special classes who had cerebral palsy, and I couldn't help but think of that. I had to look away. ///
Offensive or not? Selfish or not? This isn't even pity love. I lost any respect for Millie after that. What ugly thoughts.
March 8th: Okay. Here is my review - a bit cobbled together and possibly all over the place and no doubt making very little sense. And that's the trouble. I LIKED this book at the start. I empathised with Millie, with her total lack of self-esteem and her complete inability to see anything good in herself. I can SO relate to that feeling!
But - and this is where I begin to feel a little uncomfortable about this review, indeed about continuing to read this book - she meets Sam, the 'nerdy computer guy'. Up to the actual point of meeting him she had been all a-flutter ... going into the company's personnel file to find a photo of him, thinking he is cute etc etc etc. And then he turns up.
Okay. So we have this 'ugly' woman, who has NO self esteem at all, and Sam turns up. And... he is in a wheelchair.
No. Sorry. I got that wrong. Let Millie tell you, in her own words and italics.
/// And he looked just like in the photo, except, get this, he was in a wheelchair. I mean, what the hell? And it wasn't like he was in a wheelchair because he had sprained an ankle or something. That was really obvious. There was something actually wrong with the guy. ///
So. She is 30 years old. That reaction would be typical of a self-centred teenager who spends all her time posting selfies on Facebook groups, but not an educated, introverted woman who must SURELY have met people in wheelchairs before?? I mean. How frigging offensive can you get?
And then she holds out her hand to shake his and notices that his fingers are all curled up.
/// His hand slid against mine, but it didn't really move. You'd better believe I yanked my hand back as fast as I could. ///
euw.
It continues in that vein for a while, - Millie gawping at him and trying to work out what was wrong with him.. no...
/// What was wrong with him?///
/// Obviously there was something seriously wrong with him. ///
WHY?? What is it with all the drama about him being in a wheelchair?
I had a real sense of unease about this book. Millie's reaction was so very wrong, so very immature. And then they are staying in a hotel. She gets into the Jacuzzi and Sam gets undressed and joins her.
/// When he's sitting in his wheelchair, fully dressed, he more or less looks like a normal guy in a wheelchair. But sitting there naked, his body completely exposed from his curled hands to his atrophied legs, he looked really crippled. I remember in grade school there were some kids in the special classes who had cerebral palsy, and I couldn't help but think of that. I had to look away. ///
Offensive or not? Selfish or not? This isn't even pity love. I lost any respect for Millie after that. What ugly thoughts.
May 12, 2016
At A Glance
I liked the beginning but then I felt uncomfortable the rest of the time
The Good
I couldn't help but find Confessions of an Ugly Girl a little fascinating in the beginning. The premise was great but it was so odd in a lot of ways too. I was intrigued to see where the hell this book was going even though it made me feel uncomfortable.
Sam was great. He's smart, cute, and a quadriplegic. It was interesting learning about his disability and how he's totally not bothered by it at all. He's just so super cool. He was open to answering any questions Millie had. And I have to be honest, Sam was too good for Millie.
The Bad
Millie was so immature and offensive. She made me feel uncomfortable. At first I felt for her because she thought she was ugly and fat. She had major self-esteem issues and there were a lot self-deprecating comments and thoughts throughout the whole book. But her insides were a little ugly. Her reaction to Sam was outrageous. Here is one of her thoughts: "When he's sitting in his wheelchair, fully dressed, he more or less looks like a normal guy in a wheelchair. But sitting there naked, his body completely exposed from his curled hands to his atrophied legs, he looked really crippled. I remember in grade school there were some kids in the special classes who had cerebral palsy, and I couldn't help but think of that. I had to look away." This was her reaction to his hands: "His hand slid against mine, but it didn't really move. You'd better believe I yanked my hand back as fast as I could." Can you believe this shit? Disgusting. Why would someone react that way? So ignorant.
The rest of the book was really slow and the ending was abrupt and stupid. I didn't connect with any of the characters except for Sam, but even he was a little boring at times. It was like I was bored but I couldn't put the book down. I had to know how this train wreck was going to end.
The Snuggly
There was actually a lot of sex but not detailed at all. Very basic and fast.
Final Thoughts
I couldn't stand Millie and her inconsiderate thoughts and actions. Sam was a cool guy though. But the rest of the book was boring. Not recommended.
Quotes
“Every time Valentine’s Day came around, I’d hold out the stupid hope that maybe there’d be some guy who had a secret crush on me and would buy me a rose to finally declare his love. Then the day would come, and of course, nobody bought me a rose, and I’d end up getting really depressed, looking at all the pretty girls in my homeroom with their roses.”
This review was originally posted on Bad Bird Reads
I liked the beginning but then I felt uncomfortable the rest of the time
The Good
I couldn't help but find Confessions of an Ugly Girl a little fascinating in the beginning. The premise was great but it was so odd in a lot of ways too. I was intrigued to see where the hell this book was going even though it made me feel uncomfortable.
Sam was great. He's smart, cute, and a quadriplegic. It was interesting learning about his disability and how he's totally not bothered by it at all. He's just so super cool. He was open to answering any questions Millie had. And I have to be honest, Sam was too good for Millie.
The Bad
Millie was so immature and offensive. She made me feel uncomfortable. At first I felt for her because she thought she was ugly and fat. She had major self-esteem issues and there were a lot self-deprecating comments and thoughts throughout the whole book. But her insides were a little ugly. Her reaction to Sam was outrageous. Here is one of her thoughts: "When he's sitting in his wheelchair, fully dressed, he more or less looks like a normal guy in a wheelchair. But sitting there naked, his body completely exposed from his curled hands to his atrophied legs, he looked really crippled. I remember in grade school there were some kids in the special classes who had cerebral palsy, and I couldn't help but think of that. I had to look away." This was her reaction to his hands: "His hand slid against mine, but it didn't really move. You'd better believe I yanked my hand back as fast as I could." Can you believe this shit? Disgusting. Why would someone react that way? So ignorant.
The rest of the book was really slow and the ending was abrupt and stupid. I didn't connect with any of the characters except for Sam, but even he was a little boring at times. It was like I was bored but I couldn't put the book down. I had to know how this train wreck was going to end.
The Snuggly
There was actually a lot of sex but not detailed at all. Very basic and fast.
Final Thoughts
I couldn't stand Millie and her inconsiderate thoughts and actions. Sam was a cool guy though. But the rest of the book was boring. Not recommended.
Quotes
“Every time Valentine’s Day came around, I’d hold out the stupid hope that maybe there’d be some guy who had a secret crush on me and would buy me a rose to finally declare his love. Then the day would come, and of course, nobody bought me a rose, and I’d end up getting really depressed, looking at all the pretty girls in my homeroom with their roses.”
July 9, 2018
To be honest, this was a DNF for me. I got to about halfway and just couldn't go any further. I originally got this book thinking it was going to have some humor to it but all I found was self depreciation by the main character and in all honesty, it was just depressing
March 3, 2016
Free download on Amazon UK
I enjoyed this book, which is surprising because I didn't particularly like the heroine Millie! The book is written in the style of diary entries by Millie and she talks to the reader. She admits she's ugly although we don't get a clear description of her, later in the story she tells us she's gained quite a bit of weight so I'm assuming she's not a skinny girl. Millie also admits that she is not one of those ugly girls who is ugly on the outside but beautiful on the inside. Millie thinks and says quite inappropriate things. She can come across a bit bitchy. She only seems to have one friend and that's her co-worker Donna but she quite often makes sarcastic remarks to the reader about Donna's husband. She has a Mother who irritates her and a sister that she is clearly jealous of. In fact, jealousy seems to be a theme with Millie. Like I say, she's not exactly likeable but it kept me reading.
Millie is 33. She's not a virgin, she has dated but never for long and she doesn't have much luck with dating. She's an Actuary and so figures and statistics fascinate her and when she mentions facts that fascinate her, they are quite amusing. Millie has trouble with her computer at work so phones the computer helpdesk but there is a new guy working there called Sam. Sam flirts with Millie on the phone and her and Donna look up his photo on the company profile and see that he is cute and nice looking so she knows she doesn't stand a chance. Millie continues to have computer troubles that Sam can't fix over the phone so he says he will come to her desk and Millie is panicking that he is going to see how ugly she is. This is where the story surprises the reader but I will say no more as to not spoil things, but Sam is 'different' and he likes Millie and asks her out a few times. They begin a relationship but it's not all plain sailing. Again, I didn't like Millie with how judgemental she is and the things she thinks about Sam.
Sam was lovely...maybe too lovely. He falls in love quickly. He has an ex that features in the story and at times, it came across like he is just desperate to settle down and marry. I could understand Millie's insecurity when she sees his ex and could understand why she struggles with whether Sam is really interested and really in love with her.
This was an enjoyable read. I didn't realise before I started that there is a follow on book. This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but I have read the synopsis for the second book and see that there is more trouble in store and no doubt Millie is going to annoy me even more with her stupid decisions but I'm definitely going to read it.
I enjoyed this book, which is surprising because I didn't particularly like the heroine Millie! The book is written in the style of diary entries by Millie and she talks to the reader. She admits she's ugly although we don't get a clear description of her, later in the story she tells us she's gained quite a bit of weight so I'm assuming she's not a skinny girl. Millie also admits that she is not one of those ugly girls who is ugly on the outside but beautiful on the inside. Millie thinks and says quite inappropriate things. She can come across a bit bitchy. She only seems to have one friend and that's her co-worker Donna but she quite often makes sarcastic remarks to the reader about Donna's husband. She has a Mother who irritates her and a sister that she is clearly jealous of. In fact, jealousy seems to be a theme with Millie. Like I say, she's not exactly likeable but it kept me reading.
Millie is 33. She's not a virgin, she has dated but never for long and she doesn't have much luck with dating. She's an Actuary and so figures and statistics fascinate her and when she mentions facts that fascinate her, they are quite amusing. Millie has trouble with her computer at work so phones the computer helpdesk but there is a new guy working there called Sam. Sam flirts with Millie on the phone and her and Donna look up his photo on the company profile and see that he is cute and nice looking so she knows she doesn't stand a chance. Millie continues to have computer troubles that Sam can't fix over the phone so he says he will come to her desk and Millie is panicking that he is going to see how ugly she is. This is where the story surprises the reader but I will say no more as to not spoil things, but Sam is 'different' and he likes Millie and asks her out a few times. They begin a relationship but it's not all plain sailing. Again, I didn't like Millie with how judgemental she is and the things she thinks about Sam.
Sam was lovely...maybe too lovely. He falls in love quickly. He has an ex that features in the story and at times, it came across like he is just desperate to settle down and marry. I could understand Millie's insecurity when she sees his ex and could understand why she struggles with whether Sam is really interested and really in love with her.
This was an enjoyable read. I didn't realise before I started that there is a follow on book. This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger but I have read the synopsis for the second book and see that there is more trouble in store and no doubt Millie is going to annoy me even more with her stupid decisions but I'm definitely going to read it.
July 3, 2016
Reviewed by Katherine Williams for Readers' Favorite
Confessions of an Ugly Girl is a chick lit novel by Alice Wasser. Written in the form of diary entries, protagonist Millie Glockenfeld decides to write all of her thoughts in a journal. These thoughts celebrate the fact that she is thirty-three years old and still single. Millie has a great job as an actuary, her own apartment, and a great best friend. She likes to think that she has it all, but in reality, she has a burning desire to get married. Millie actually believes she will never get married solely based on the fact that she is ugly. Although she is blind when it comes male attention, she starts to open her eyes when she meets the new, charming tech guy at work. His name is Sam Webber and he seems to be the perfect match, except for the fact that he is a quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Will Millie be able to improve her low self esteem and make it work with Sam? Or will Sam’s disability and being able to love Millie for herself become too much for her to handle?
I fell in love with Confessions of an Ugly Girl very quickly. The humor in this book will make you laugh out loud and the warmth will leave you wanting more by the end. Wasser’s timing, style and characters are brilliant. Millie, the main character, is a sarcastic gem. She constantly sees herself as something she is not which is her biggest flaw. This flaw causes her to make irrational decisions. Despite this, she is passionate and will do anything for the people that she loves. Her love interest, Sam, is not your typical prince. But he is funny, smart and optimistic when it comes to life. Most importantly, he is always there for Millie and wants her to see that she is beautiful. I adored these two quirky characters and cherished reading about their relationship. There were so many aspects of this story that made it unique, which is why you should read it. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a chick lit novel with a little twist.
Confessions of an Ugly Girl is a chick lit novel by Alice Wasser. Written in the form of diary entries, protagonist Millie Glockenfeld decides to write all of her thoughts in a journal. These thoughts celebrate the fact that she is thirty-three years old and still single. Millie has a great job as an actuary, her own apartment, and a great best friend. She likes to think that she has it all, but in reality, she has a burning desire to get married. Millie actually believes she will never get married solely based on the fact that she is ugly. Although she is blind when it comes male attention, she starts to open her eyes when she meets the new, charming tech guy at work. His name is Sam Webber and he seems to be the perfect match, except for the fact that he is a quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Will Millie be able to improve her low self esteem and make it work with Sam? Or will Sam’s disability and being able to love Millie for herself become too much for her to handle?
I fell in love with Confessions of an Ugly Girl very quickly. The humor in this book will make you laugh out loud and the warmth will leave you wanting more by the end. Wasser’s timing, style and characters are brilliant. Millie, the main character, is a sarcastic gem. She constantly sees herself as something she is not which is her biggest flaw. This flaw causes her to make irrational decisions. Despite this, she is passionate and will do anything for the people that she loves. Her love interest, Sam, is not your typical prince. But he is funny, smart and optimistic when it comes to life. Most importantly, he is always there for Millie and wants her to see that she is beautiful. I adored these two quirky characters and cherished reading about their relationship. There were so many aspects of this story that made it unique, which is why you should read it. All in all, I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a chick lit novel with a little twist.
June 9, 2016
If there was any book a person like me could relate to this would be the book. But in order to tell for me to explain why I have to confess I suffer from a genetic deformity on my skin on several parts of my body including a very vital part - - my face.
So like Millie I never thought I would never married but one day I ran into my dear OH at work; my OH, I should point out is rather plain looking and could never win a beauty contest.
After a while our relationship ended. I can’t really remember why, but it. However, a few years later our paths crossed and the relationship started anew and happily we eventually married. We basically agreed not to have children out of fear of passing my condition along to any child we have had.
The only difference between me and Millie is that I knew I had a good heart. My dear OH had been the first individual to see pass my deformity and to the person I am inside. Sam has to be the first person in Millie’s life who also was able to look pass her so-called ugliness to the person she is inside. Now, for Millie to have her HEA, she must be “forced” to realize that she has far more to offer Sam than merely looking pretty.
Ms. Wasser’s poignant story can, could and should be read by both men and women; people who are allowing themselves to be their worst enemy by letting their outward appearance to run their lives.
For what could well be, I’ve got no knowledge if it is, someone’s memoir, I’m giving this book 5 STARS.
So like Millie I never thought I would never married but one day I ran into my dear OH at work; my OH, I should point out is rather plain looking and could never win a beauty contest.
After a while our relationship ended. I can’t really remember why, but it. However, a few years later our paths crossed and the relationship started anew and happily we eventually married. We basically agreed not to have children out of fear of passing my condition along to any child we have had.
The only difference between me and Millie is that I knew I had a good heart. My dear OH had been the first individual to see pass my deformity and to the person I am inside. Sam has to be the first person in Millie’s life who also was able to look pass her so-called ugliness to the person she is inside. Now, for Millie to have her HEA, she must be “forced” to realize that she has far more to offer Sam than merely looking pretty.
Ms. Wasser’s poignant story can, could and should be read by both men and women; people who are allowing themselves to be their worst enemy by letting their outward appearance to run their lives.
For what could well be, I’ve got no knowledge if it is, someone’s memoir, I’m giving this book 5 STARS.
July 26, 2015
Millie is ugly.
She is very ugly.
She is so ugly she will never ever find a guy.
She is so ugly she is never going to get married...
ARGH!!!! Millie is not ugly, she is just ANNOYING!
I rarely read about a more annoying insecure heroine.
She hated EVERYTHING about herself...
-> The way she looked
-> Her firstname
-> Her lastname (in German speaking countries she would have that problem. "Bellfield" sounds kind of cute, right?)
-> And even her inside was ugly. She was horrible to Simon!!!
Simon, sweet, sweet Simon. I loved him. He was a great character! I totally adore him.
Simon, please forget about Millie and call me!
The writing was AMAZING! I loved all the crazy random facts.
The book was great. I loved it... well, except for Millie. She was such a downer!
Rating:
-> Without Millie: 5 stars
-> because of Millie: 4 stars
She is very ugly.
She is so ugly she will never ever find a guy.
She is so ugly she is never going to get married...
ARGH!!!! Millie is not ugly, she is just ANNOYING!
I rarely read about a more annoying insecure heroine.
She hated EVERYTHING about herself...
-> The way she looked
-> Her firstname
-> Her lastname (in German speaking countries she would have that problem. "Bellfield" sounds kind of cute, right?)
-> And even her inside was ugly. She was horrible to Simon!!!
Simon, sweet, sweet Simon. I loved him. He was a great character! I totally adore him.
Simon, please forget about Millie and call me!
The writing was AMAZING! I loved all the crazy random facts.
The book was great. I loved it... well, except for Millie. She was such a downer!
Rating:
-> Without Millie: 5 stars
-> because of Millie: 4 stars
January 9, 2017
I thought Millie was so judgmental of Sam when she first met him. It did not make sense to me, but Millie said that she was not exactly beautiful on the inside either. Millie had low self-esteem, to the point that it became redundant. However, I grew to understand her. I would have liked to either get Millie's BFF's or Millie's sister's POV to see what Millie really looked like and acted. I think when she called herself fat, she was just a regular size woman. I understood Millie's insecurities about Holly.
I think the intensity of the ending and how it was written (I love a hero who grovels *smiley face*) is what made me understand the characters' feelings and is why I give it a higher rating. In the end, I really enjoyed this read. It was different.
I loved the bites of information too.
I think the intensity of the ending and how it was written (I love a hero who grovels *smiley face*) is what made me understand the characters' feelings and is why I give it a higher rating. In the end, I really enjoyed this read. It was different.
I loved the bites of information too.
September 12, 2015
Probably the worst heroine I have ever read in romance. I would normally not have even finished except I once had a paraplegic boyfriend so I was interested enough to finish. Yet I felt vaguely I'll.
This heroine had no redeeming factors, while she was hard on herself and her self esteem was through the floor, she was a rotten friend and a whiny, depressing, depressive, critical human being.
I hated her, I actually wished the previous girlfriend back as an improvement .
She was an awful friend, the main thing we learned about Debbie was how awful her husband was (but of course she would never say that to her 'frien')
I have no clue what the friendship was based on, there is no suggestion in the story of anything nice or supportive she ever dos for her fiend!!
This heroine had no redeeming factors, while she was hard on herself and her self esteem was through the floor, she was a rotten friend and a whiny, depressing, depressive, critical human being.
I hated her, I actually wished the previous girlfriend back as an improvement .
She was an awful friend, the main thing we learned about Debbie was how awful her husband was (but of course she would never say that to her 'frien')
I have no clue what the friendship was based on, there is no suggestion in the story of anything nice or supportive she ever dos for her fiend!!
March 4, 2016
2.5 stars
I must be the only person who found Millie annoying. I in no way, shape or form feel confident about my looks and at the beginning I could totally relate to Millie but then... the self-deprecation just got too much for me. I know it's called Confessions of an Ugly Girl but she didn't need to repeat it every two pages.
I enjoyed the fun times in her and Sam's relationship and I also liked how Sam was about his disability-always willing to answer anything and everything.
I also didn't like the ending. It was pretty abrupt and I don't know... I just wish we got a real ending.
I must be the only person who found Millie annoying. I in no way, shape or form feel confident about my looks and at the beginning I could totally relate to Millie but then... the self-deprecation just got too much for me. I know it's called Confessions of an Ugly Girl but she didn't need to repeat it every two pages.
I enjoyed the fun times in her and Sam's relationship and I also liked how Sam was about his disability-always willing to answer anything and everything.
I also didn't like the ending. It was pretty abrupt and I don't know... I just wish we got a real ending.
October 15, 2020
A niche market, designed to satisfy an appetite for romantic love.
Actually reads like the journal of a regular person plagued with chronic low self esteem. Nothing too steamy but definitely squishy, gushy romance. It's like chocolate. You probably don't want to eat it every day, but when you do want it, there's no substitute. It's like that.
Actually reads like the journal of a regular person plagued with chronic low self esteem. Nothing too steamy but definitely squishy, gushy romance. It's like chocolate. You probably don't want to eat it every day, but when you do want it, there's no substitute. It's like that.
November 6, 2015
The book is short, funny, touching, refreshing, giving a glimpse to a life of a quadriplegic. The premise is kinda like Jojo Moyes' 'Me Before You' but this is the polar opposite. But one thing I'm still confused, is she actually beautiful or not?
August 10, 2015
its nice to read a story these days without all the fluff and sexy bs stuff. Give me a me real woman any day !!!!! loved this book to tears
Read
January 16, 2022Sam is still swoon worthy 😍 Millie not so much. It's enough to have a terrible, unbidden thought once in a while but to write it down too? I can't find her redeeming qualities- personality wise- so it's safe to say this is a fairy tale unlikely irl.
March 6, 2016
While I found this book a bit slow for me to get into, it could be due to the genre change from my previous books, I found I could not put it down. I started it before be last night and finished it today. Less than 1 day to read it.
There were some parts of the story where I was actively talking to the book. Actively telling Millie not to do what she was about to do. Inwardly cringing on her behalf on the way her mother(They are Jewish) treated her, i.e. lose weight, find a husband, make babies, why can't you be like your sister?? etc Feeling horrible for her when her mother can't support her choice in boyfriend and doesn't seem to try to get to know Sam when they get together for a family holiday meal.
Sam...What can I say? I loved his character. He was very real and despite his disability comes across as someone I think a lot of women want to date. Good looking, kind, caring, knows how to treat a lady, is very honest and forces Millie to be honest as well so as to not have anything hiding between them.
Millie is very down on herself, as the title goes, she believes she is ugly. I am sure there are plenty of women who can relate to her. They think they are fat, they think they are ugly, they have 3 sets of clothes, skinny, "regular" and "fat" clothes, they don't believe it when a man hits on them, thinking they must be gay or already in a relationship. We all know or are that type.
Being the book is written from 1st person perspective in diary format, I find Millie to always be down on herself, and never find the good and pretty. Always looking for outside confirmation but never believing it. Though she does not seem to go looking for it, constantly thinking she is ugly and writing about it does nothing to help her grow and change her perception of herself.
I did love the ending, her best friend really seemed to, finally!!!, give her a wake up call and she seems to take it to heart. I can't wait to ready the next book and see if Millie gets out of her, "I am ugly and fat" mode and starts to embrace Sam and all he is giving her in his emotional support.
Reviewed by an Angel as part of the Audrey Carlan street team book club.
There were some parts of the story where I was actively talking to the book. Actively telling Millie not to do what she was about to do. Inwardly cringing on her behalf on the way her mother(They are Jewish) treated her, i.e. lose weight, find a husband, make babies, why can't you be like your sister?? etc Feeling horrible for her when her mother can't support her choice in boyfriend and doesn't seem to try to get to know Sam when they get together for a family holiday meal.
Sam...What can I say? I loved his character. He was very real and despite his disability comes across as someone I think a lot of women want to date. Good looking, kind, caring, knows how to treat a lady, is very honest and forces Millie to be honest as well so as to not have anything hiding between them.
Millie is very down on herself, as the title goes, she believes she is ugly. I am sure there are plenty of women who can relate to her. They think they are fat, they think they are ugly, they have 3 sets of clothes, skinny, "regular" and "fat" clothes, they don't believe it when a man hits on them, thinking they must be gay or already in a relationship. We all know or are that type.
Being the book is written from 1st person perspective in diary format, I find Millie to always be down on herself, and never find the good and pretty. Always looking for outside confirmation but never believing it. Though she does not seem to go looking for it, constantly thinking she is ugly and writing about it does nothing to help her grow and change her perception of herself.
I did love the ending, her best friend really seemed to, finally!!!, give her a wake up call and she seems to take it to heart. I can't wait to ready the next book and see if Millie gets out of her, "I am ugly and fat" mode and starts to embrace Sam and all he is giving her in his emotional support.
Reviewed by an Angel as part of the Audrey Carlan street team book club.
March 14, 2016
Suck It Up Already
I admit, I found this book by following BookBub recommendations. I am not really sure who or what BookBub thinks I am, but this is so far off base that I feel compelled to write a review to warn other women that this book by Alice Wasser really needed 3 things.
1: How about a little less "The Mirror Has Two Faces" and a lot more original, less stereotypical storyline.
2: We get it, you think you're an "ugly girl".... Yes, it's in the title. We understand. But how about not completely offending people based on your preconceived ideals. Like, the title character's full, ethnic name. Or the fact that she is overweight (although, more than 3/4 through the book Millie mentions having had to purchase 'plus sized' clothing for the first time) despite repeatedly mentioning multiple times that she has a closet full of 'fat clothes'
3: Oh, I don't know about the average reader, but I'm well versed in the medical field. You may just want to do a tad bit more research on quadriplegia. On what those that suffer with it can/cannot do or the plausibility of the storyline set forth.
On a positive note, the text was easy to read. Sam Webber is a very likeable character. Too bad Wasser didn't give him room to grow and develop as a character. His overcompensating by pleasing is nauseatingly predictable. The only clue into his ordeal being the vague "accident".
If you want to, you really could skip the entire middle of the story. If you did you'd only miss more of the title character's whining.
Typically, I'll finish what I start. This was Book1....sigh. I'm only giving Book 2 a shot because I don't like leaving feeling unfinished. I'll be sure to clue anyone who wants to read reviews, after, and IF I can get through the sequel.
I admit, I found this book by following BookBub recommendations. I am not really sure who or what BookBub thinks I am, but this is so far off base that I feel compelled to write a review to warn other women that this book by Alice Wasser really needed 3 things.
1: How about a little less "The Mirror Has Two Faces" and a lot more original, less stereotypical storyline.
2: We get it, you think you're an "ugly girl".... Yes, it's in the title. We understand. But how about not completely offending people based on your preconceived ideals. Like, the title character's full, ethnic name. Or the fact that she is overweight (although, more than 3/4 through the book Millie mentions having had to purchase 'plus sized' clothing for the first time) despite repeatedly mentioning multiple times that she has a closet full of 'fat clothes'
3: Oh, I don't know about the average reader, but I'm well versed in the medical field. You may just want to do a tad bit more research on quadriplegia. On what those that suffer with it can/cannot do or the plausibility of the storyline set forth.
On a positive note, the text was easy to read. Sam Webber is a very likeable character. Too bad Wasser didn't give him room to grow and develop as a character. His overcompensating by pleasing is nauseatingly predictable. The only clue into his ordeal being the vague "accident".
If you want to, you really could skip the entire middle of the story. If you did you'd only miss more of the title character's whining.
Typically, I'll finish what I start. This was Book1....sigh. I'm only giving Book 2 a shot because I don't like leaving feeling unfinished. I'll be sure to clue anyone who wants to read reviews, after, and IF I can get through the sequel.
August 18, 2015
Millie hates her real name (Matilda) and thinks of herself as fat and ugly. But she does date from time to time, and then she talks on the phone with Sam, the computer-help guy at her office, and is intrigued--especially since he sounds so interested in her. She checks out his picture online and--whoa--he's really cute. Of course, she thinks he'd never be interested in her if he saw what she looked like.
But he is interested after he sees her. Definitely. He thinks she's great looking, or at least that's what he tells her. Thing is, he's in a wheelchair and Millie is not quite sure what to make of that.
Millie is soon head-over-heels in love, but the fact that he's a quadriplegic gives her some doubts about their relationship. However, it is her doubts about her own self that are the real problem. She's sure she's fat and ugly, though Sam tells her she's beautiful and her best friend tries to convince her she's good looking.
The story is funny and touching and the real antagonist in the book is Millie's feelings of low self-esteem.
But he is interested after he sees her. Definitely. He thinks she's great looking, or at least that's what he tells her. Thing is, he's in a wheelchair and Millie is not quite sure what to make of that.
Millie is soon head-over-heels in love, but the fact that he's a quadriplegic gives her some doubts about their relationship. However, it is her doubts about her own self that are the real problem. She's sure she's fat and ugly, though Sam tells her she's beautiful and her best friend tries to convince her she's good looking.
The story is funny and touching and the real antagonist in the book is Millie's feelings of low self-esteem.
March 21, 2016
This was a different type of read for me. Millie is so hard on herself. It was a bit hard to read about a character who thinks of herself as ugly and always puts herself down. I really don't even remember there being a real clear character description of her. The sad part if it is, maybe if she would give herself a bit more credit and be a bit more positive, her life could be so much better.
What made this book for me was Sam, he's amazing. The perfect counter part to Millie's "woe is me" outlook on life. He is upbeat and happy. He's honest and sees the good in eveything, even with the limitations life has saddled him with.
Despite Millie's tendancy to be so very down on herself, the book was decent and read quickly with an ending that makes me want to read the second book.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
What made this book for me was Sam, he's amazing. The perfect counter part to Millie's "woe is me" outlook on life. He is upbeat and happy. He's honest and sees the good in eveything, even with the limitations life has saddled him with.
Despite Millie's tendancy to be so very down on herself, the book was decent and read quickly with an ending that makes me want to read the second book.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
May 27, 2016
This was a free Kindle book which I downloaded as I liked the idea of a "real" heroine. It's well written and I liked the diary format, however I really did not enjoy this.
I read the whole thing (despite having the overwhelming urge to throw my Kindle across the room several times) to see if it improved but Millie really didn't get any better. Clearly the girl has self-esteem issues. We know this because she mentions it constantly... it was a bit annoying but I could have got over it if she wasn't such a horrible person! She's incredibly judgemental about others, offensive about disability and literally has no time for her ("best"/only) friend whilst moaning about the audacity of the poor woman to have her own life. All whilst making the poor guy that's fallen in love with her jump through hoops to prove that he does in fact like her. Definitely won't be reading the sequel.
I read the whole thing (despite having the overwhelming urge to throw my Kindle across the room several times) to see if it improved but Millie really didn't get any better. Clearly the girl has self-esteem issues. We know this because she mentions it constantly... it was a bit annoying but I could have got over it if she wasn't such a horrible person! She's incredibly judgemental about others, offensive about disability and literally has no time for her ("best"/only) friend whilst moaning about the audacity of the poor woman to have her own life. All whilst making the poor guy that's fallen in love with her jump through hoops to prove that he does in fact like her. Definitely won't be reading the sequel.
April 20, 2016
So at the start of this book I felt a little sad for Millie. I understand it's a harsh world out there and very judgemental when it comes to size,weight and looks. So I kinda related but as the book went on I found her to be over judgemental, cruel in her thoughts and actions and very childish. All she moans about is people basically judging her by her looks and that's exactly what she does with Sam. Honestly I kinda liked his approach to everyone. He knows it's going to create reactions but he accepts it, understands it. He doesn't get frustrated by it but only gets frustrated by his own restrictions. I felt she didn't really accept him and was embarrassed by him. I've just read the summary of the second book and I'm not even going there. Honestly I think she a horrible person. Sorry. I did like Sam and his family though.
May 5, 2016
Ugh. Why do I keep doing this to myself? I really ought to start looking at people's reviews before I start reading and see if they mention that there are sex scenes or something. Many people love those, but me? No. I don't want them! Second book in one day! I have some very bad luck at the moment, I guess. All I want is a clean romance - is that really so hard? *sigh*
Outside of that, it was just barely ok up until then. The main girl irritated me because she was so down about herself, and then she kept saying he must only like her because he's crippled and maybe she was all he could get... That ticked me off. I wanted to shake her.
I guess I'm glad I had a major excuse to stop, because most of the time, even if a book isn't great, I'll keep going because I don't like stopping in the middle. Grrr.
2 stars.
Outside of that, it was just barely ok up until then. The main girl irritated me because she was so down about herself, and then she kept saying he must only like her because he's crippled and maybe she was all he could get... That ticked me off. I wanted to shake her.
I guess I'm glad I had a major excuse to stop, because most of the time, even if a book isn't great, I'll keep going because I don't like stopping in the middle. Grrr.
2 stars.
August 5, 2015
Out of the norm
I don't think I have ever read a book quite like this one. This hero was swoonworthy, his disability is treated with respect and seemed to be realistically portrayed, but his outstanding features are his wit, charm, good looks and great love for the heroine. Millie was a riot and I laughed out loud several times. I still can't figure out if she was really ugly because there were a lot of external indicators that she was not. It seems more likely she was a victim of low self-esteem and an overbearing mother. The only thing I didn't like was some crude language, not over much but I just didn't like the wording she used to describe some of the sexual encounters. All in all it was an enthralling book with a sweet HEA and a wonderful hero.
I don't think I have ever read a book quite like this one. This hero was swoonworthy, his disability is treated with respect and seemed to be realistically portrayed, but his outstanding features are his wit, charm, good looks and great love for the heroine. Millie was a riot and I laughed out loud several times. I still can't figure out if she was really ugly because there were a lot of external indicators that she was not. It seems more likely she was a victim of low self-esteem and an overbearing mother. The only thing I didn't like was some crude language, not over much but I just didn't like the wording she used to describe some of the sexual encounters. All in all it was an enthralling book with a sweet HEA and a wonderful hero.
March 5, 2016
easy to read, but I kept waiting for the conflict(for God's sakes SOMETHING has to happen) but it never did. it was mostly a recounting of a pretty normal (uneventful) relationship, other than the quadriplegic angle, which wasn't even a hardship, other than 'oh no, we always have to go to his apt bc mine has stairs' or 'oh no, we can't go out to dinner on the weekend bc handicapped parking spots are harder to find' . also, the "ugly girl" is really just a normal overweight average girl with ridiculously self esteem.
February 29, 2016
It's sad, because I really liked this storyline, but there was so much sex (having sex, talking about sex) - almost every other page it felt like - that it was just over the top too much. I was disappointed. It wasn't graphic, but just too much.
March 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this for the most part, it was easy to read and I didn't wanna put it down but Millie's initial ignorance / discrimination towards wheelchair users made me uncomfortable; on the other hand I like it when characters are relatable and she definitely is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2017
I had to put this book down and start over
I almost put this book down for good. The character was so irritating I could barely stand her. I know some people have low self esteem but this chick took the cake. I have ZERO desire to read the 2nd book.
I almost put this book down for good. The character was so irritating I could barely stand her. I know some people have low self esteem but this chick took the cake. I have ZERO desire to read the 2nd book.
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