Flawed

by Andrea Dorfman

National Film Board of Canada Collection From the Emmy-nominated, PBS-aired animated short. Flawed is a true story of self-acceptance, adapted from the Emmy-nominated film of the same name. In Flawed , author Andrea Dorfman tells the true story of how she falls head over heels for Dave, "the nicest guy in the world." But she is conflicted about her feelings for her new love. He's a plastic surgeon; she hates plastic surgery and its power to make people feel flawed. Dorfman joins Dave in the operating room to watch him fix a man's badly injured hand. She sees for herself the difference between plastic reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Dave truly is an artist. She knows she's falling in love. But when Dave performs a cosmetic surgery on a healthy boy so he won't be teased at school, Dorfman questions everything she thinks she loves about him. Her discomfort with Dave's decision to operate on the boy sends her on a journey of self-reflection that forces her to confront her own fears about the way she looks. She feels flawed. Dorfman's playful and colorful illustrations along with her deeply personal writing takes readers through the genesis of her self-image -- from the carefree days of her childhood to the gut-wrenching awkwardness of her adolescence, and beyond. When she realizes that her negative self-perception is stopping her from being happy, Dorfman makes the bold move to accept herself as she is -- imperfections and all. As Dorfman concludes, it's our flaws that make us extraordinary. In the tradition of the NFB's creative and innovative storytelling on film comes the National Film Board of Canada a series of celebrated animated films, documentary films and media projects adapted for the printed page. Whether discovering a much-loved classic for the first time or interacting with a favorite film in a new and exciting way, readers will be delighted with the thought-provoking stories and inventive presentations of the National Film Board of Canada Collection.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Memoir, Nonfiction, Adult, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Romance

88 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2018

Reviews

[Paul Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author summed up her life with an interesting take on literature using a heavily weighted pictorial approach. It made for an amusing read. The sketches were well done and provided the storyline with an extra boost.

Andrea, an artist, had come to meet Dave, a plastic surgeon. Unfortunately, there were many miles that separated them. Andrea lived in Toronto, Dave in Halifax. Their relationship would have to endure the hands of time.

Initially, turmoil burdened their association. For one, Dave liked dogs, Andrea fancied cats - never the twain shall meet. How could they ever form a lasting relationship under such a hardship?

On a whim, Andrea visited Dave in Halifax and was invited to watch him operate. At first, their connection seemed to be moving along smoothly until it took a sudden nosedive when Dave operated on an eight-year-old boy to have his ears tucked back closer to his head. It was a shock that Dave would ever do such a thing, so she thought. Time would be necessary to help heal this terrible wound.

Andrea considered that everyone has flaws, so astute. People weren't meant to be perfect. In her case, she had a big nose. I’d guess she still does. Her friend Belinda also had a big nose but then one day showed up with a nose job. Andrea felt betrayed. There’d be no forgiving her. How could she do that to her?

Time marched on, funny how it does that. After many postcards and much correspondence, Andrea relocated to Halifax and moved in with her long-distance beau, Dave. Now they're living happily ever after. I guess...

I offer my gratitude to NetGalley and Firefly Books Ltd for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Aya · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I was the person who decided I was flawed and, therefore, I was the only person who could do something to change my point of view.”

I have mixed feeling about this one!
While I liked the message and the empowerment the author wanted to give to the reader, I didn't get why it was targeted towards new adults/adults. The art is so simple and colorful, and I guess it would have worked better if it is targeted towards children.
I am confused... why is this for adults?

This is not a graphic novel. It is an auto-biographical picture book. Which made the experience shallow for me and made the book weak. I wanted more of it.

Overall, it was a quick read but I would recommend it only for children/teenagers as they can get more from it than adults.

*Thank you to Firefly Books Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute little story of self-love and self-discovery.


And then something occured to me. The point isn't to fit in, it's to embrace what makes each of us different. Why would you want to see yourself as ordinary when

you can be....Extraordinary...

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a really nice read. It's an autobiographical story about the author and the insecurity she feels about her nose. Everything is put into perspective when she meets her boyfriend Dave, a plastic surgeon. I appreciated the message this book conveyed, no matter what others say you are the one who has to accept himself/herself. Really recommend!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a very personal and honest story that carries a universal truth only discovered by pain and the acceptance of someone she loved.
Flawed in this case and generally means less than perfect.
When perfection is gauged by fashion, magazines and media than younger people can become unsettled by name calling and standing out.
This was Andrea’s experience until she found a commonality in a peer and together they seemed stronger. Until one day her friend changed and she was again isolated and found herself alone.
Her creativity never wains and when she meets a kindred spirit her scope for acceptance resumes.
Finally emotionally conflicted by her bow’s profession and ethics she reaches a decision; a looming crisis, a struggle for her very identity.
A beautiful journey, more poignant as it is a true account. Can you live with imperfection? Will she be able to look in the mirror and say “vive la différence”.

[Dora (Swift Coffee Book Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a very quick read that I can't fully make my mind up about. It's a sweet story with a bit childish but not less sweet illustrations, and it kept my attention all the 10-15 minutes it took me to get through, but I feel like it wasn't strong enough. It didn't leave an impression. It has something to say, that's for sure, and that meaning in itself is powerful and something I stand by with my whole self, but the story itself was too light and flat to really touch me.
It's a nice one-time read, though, and I'm sure many people would enjoy this book. I know I did, even though it won't be my favorite. I think it might work better on screen. (I take it that version exists, too, though I haven't yet checked it out.)

[Julian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important message about accepting ourselves the way we are. It is specially directed towards women, not only because the author is one, but because they're the ones with the strongest pressure to attain an idealistic view of beauty. You can find tons of similar books, but this is an important message that cannot be repeated enough time.

The book itself is a bit weak, though. The art makes it look like a children's book and the writing seems amateurish. The jumps on the timeline are not connected and the big revelation at the end happens out of nowhere. It's hard to believe the author is an adult.

[. (not active on this account stop adding me) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by Firefly Books in exchange for an honest review.

Flawed is a short graphic novel chronicling Andrea's experience meeting Dave, a plastic surgeon, one summer. Through his stories from work, she comes to terms with embracing her imperfections (e.g. her big nose) and starts accepting her insecurities as something that makes her different.

“I was the person who decided I was flawed and, therefore, I was the only person who could do something to change my point of view.”

My main problem with this graphic novel is that I couldn't connect with Dorfman's story at all. All of the insecurities explained seemed to me like they came from a place of privilege. Where I'm from, it isn't normal for your friends to show up at school with a fresh nose job. Here, it isn't normal for your mother to ask if you want a nose job just because it's too big and you're insecure about it.

Also, we're given the same message that a lot of other books have tried to achieve. I don't understand why this was in the New Adult section since this is something that should be taught to young kids. We've been told quite a few times to embrace our differences because they make us stand out from the crowd, so I didn't find the overarching lesson in this graphic novel that groundbreaking. The writing was also quite simple and indicative of an inexperienced author.

However, I did love the art and thought the addition at the end with the real postcards and drawings was interesting. I'm a fan of films and going behind the scenes is something I enjoy doing.

Overall, this was a quick read that flew by in no time. I doubt I'd recommended since it's nothing profound, but it is interesting to hear about another person embracing their imperfections.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant memoir based on the same-named Emmy nominated film, done with colorful artwork, about the author’s inner struggle after she falls for a lovely man, a plastic surgeon whose work she doesn’t believe in. What she believes, instead, is that she is imperfect with her larger nose and chronicles the impact of that challenge since childhood. 4/5 stars

Pub Date 01 Sep 2018

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine. Flawed #NetGalley

[Debra Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

So she has a big nose.
And she meets this really nice guy..and he's a plastic surgeon.
And it's a love story, and learning to love yourself story, and dealing with societal images of how we "should" look.
I think this one really worked well as a graphic novel (as I explained to a friend who doesn't consider them real books!)
The story is real and sweet and relevant. I will share this with a group discussion on body image with children.
What are 'flaws' that are really things that make us unique.

[ashes ➷ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just... don't know what I was expecting. This is a really neoliberal milquetoast take on the issue, I guess. Andrea has a boyfriend who is a plastic surgeon, and she doesn't know how to square that with the pressure she faced as a young girl to get surgery on her large nose... until she realizes it's HER fault she feels bad about her nose! And all she has to do is not feel bad about it :) and that's it. And that's such a silly and individualistic take on a societal issue that I was shocked it managed to band-aid their entire relationship... but here's this book.

I do actually like the art, and I like the concept; it's just that the story/message itself is so weirdly written. No idea what I thought the ending would be when I picked it up, though.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea behind Andrea Dorfman's Flawed, and the aspects of memoir which it was based upon. It tackled conceptions of beauty and alteration quite well at times, but in all, I felt as though it barely scratched the surface of the topic. The book is too brief to do everything that it claims to want to, and there is not a great deal of depth here. The illustrations were a nice touch; they were quirky, and a little different. Overall, I must say that Flawed is... well, rather flawed in its execution.

[georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited to review this one today. It's such a different novel than the ones that I usually read and I think that it has to be heard and known as a book since it tackles an issue that a lot of people have but not all of them accept its existance and the ones who do don't usually know how to handle it.
It's a beautifully written autobiography. The illustrations are gorgeous. I couldn't stop looking at them. They gave a different boost and image to the book. They make it fun and easier to understand (for the younger readers).
In the book we follow Andrea and her journey of finding love in the eyes of Dave who is a plastic surgeon. They are total opposites and that scares Andrea. Is the fact that Dave is a plastic surgeon going to affect their relationship?
I really did enjoy this book. I can't say that I relate with the main character's issues but I can understand where they are coming from. In my opinion our proffesion doesn't make us who we are.
I really enjoyed how Andrea and Dave's realtionship grew and blossomed. I loved their letter exchange and how familiar they became with each other.
However, I definitely think it lacks something. Call it realism. Call it whatever you want. I think there wasn't enough depth. But that makes the book suitable for younger readers. I don't think it would be bad for a kid 12 and over to read this book since it covers the issue that I am keeping from this book to remember.

As always I like to keep something from the books that I read. From this one I am keeping self love. We were created for a reason. Our appearance was made like that for a reason. Doesn't mean that a big nose or small ears make us ugly. The world has taught us wrong. It's not your presentation that counts. It's your personality. Embrace yourselves and show off the beautiful self your hiding underneath your mask.

[Bookish]

I enjoyed this true story about author Andrea Dorfman’s journey to self-discovery. Ever since her friend got a nose job in ninth grade, Andrea felt a certain sense of betrayal in regards to plastic surgery. She felt like people should just be happy being themselves and that plastic surgeons were motivated by something other than a desire to help. That is, until she met and began to fall in love with a plastic surgeon herself. At first, she resists her feelings, but she gradually realizes that he truly helps his patients. You’ll have to read the book yourself to see whether they live happily ever after or not. A mix of text and graphics, this sweet book will definitely put a smile on your face. —Myf (excerpted from Bookish's Staff Reads)

[Danni Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The publisher sent me a free arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

I really enjoyed this one. It was interesting to read it as it is a story based on the authors life and her personal feelings towards what she considered her “flaws”. It was nice to see a good ending and I really love the message that this little book holds.

I also enjoy the fact that this is written and illustrated by a fellow Canadian :)

The only reason it didn’t give it 5 stars is because I expected the story to have more depth, and because of the style of the illustrations it did feel a little more juvenile than I expected it to be. That being said I still really enjoyed it.

[Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I picked up this book (thank you, NetGalley), because I needed it.
Flawed hit a little close to home for me, as I have always struggled with my self image concerning my nose. As someone who has always struggled with loving her large nose, Dorfman tells the true tale of her relationship with a plastic surgeon, and how she learned to cope with the idea of dating someone who's entire career was shaped around perfecting healthy people's "flaws." With the help of beautifully simplistic drawings, the author paints a picture of self acceptance and confidence. This novel is short, but impactful. I think anyone struggling with self image, of any kind, could get something out of Flawed.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book with an important message about accepting ourselves for who we are, and not giving in to everyone else's expectation of what beauty is. This book is perfect for all ages, from children to adults. With simply short text, and stunning, colorful artwork, this book is going to go places. Can't wait to check out more from this author.

I have received a much appreciated digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this illustrated "story/memoir" but am having a really hard time understanding what to do with it in my high school library. The message is very teen appropriate, but the format, with its simple text and comic style illustrations, is more like a picture book. It doesn't belong in my picture book collection, though, since it is definitely not a children's book.

Hmmmm. Maybe I can use it with English language learners, some special ed students. I'll have to think about this.

[April Thompson Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feelings. Revelation. Truth.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA Graphic that's based on the author's own life. It's a quick read all about self acceptance.

[Sinamile · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Received for free via Netgalley for an honest review

This is adorable and cute and an ode to self-love. I love it, love that it reminds us the importance of self-love and how outside things influence the way we think about ourselves. It reminds us that we don't have to change ourselves to love what we see, that you can love yourself as you are if you learn to change your views of your own body and try to shut out what the world around you thinks of you.

[Jeimy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic graphic memoir about a woman who must come to terms with what she considers her biggest flaw as well as her partner’s biggest flaw... his job.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Andrea Dorfman meets a plastic surgeon named Dave she expects to not like him. She thought plastic surgery made people feel flawed. Part of her reasoning came from her own experience growing up with a large nose. She bonded with a friend who also had a large nose, only to feel betrayed when that friend had nose reduction surgery in high school.

Despite her misgivings, Andrea liked Dave. To learn more about him and understand, she enlisted him in a project where they mailed each other postcards. In each missive, they revealed things about themselves that may have been difficult to express in person.

Dorfman reveals her side of the story in her short, graphic memoir, Flawed. First presented as a time-lapse film made for the National Film Board of Canada, Flawed is a reminder that people can’t be judged for how they look, what they do, or other outward signs of appearance. It’s only when we get to know the person inside that we can discover what they mean to us. It’s a timely message that applies to many aspects of life.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flawed is a pictorial memoir by Andrea Dorfman. In it, she reveals her feelings about her appearance growing up; she was bullied about the size of her nose. When she becomes friends with a girl who faces the same problem, she thinks all is right again in her world.

As an adult, she struggles with her relationship with a plastic surgeon as she wonders "Do plastic surgeons only see flaws? Do they think of everyone as broken and in need of repair? Do they think they hold the key to beauty?"

In time, she comes to realize that it is only through self-acceptance that you can feel good about yourself, that everyone is flawed in some way and that others and the media don't get to make the call as to who is acceptable and who is not.

"And then something occurred to me. The point isn't to fit in, it's to embrace what makes each of us different. Why would you want to see yourself as ordinary when you can be...EXTRAORDINARY" A cute book dealing with a real issue that might help young people feel better about themselves.

My thanks to NetGalley and Firefly Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Andrea Dorfman, who is a filmmaker. She made the films Love that Boy and Parsley days. They are very whimsical. After that, she decided to go back to animated films and so she made this story about her own life. Andrea meets Dave, a man who is a plastic surgeon. At first, she doesn't trust him, because she thinks all he does is mess with women's bodies and convince them they need plastic surgery.

At one point, they are in different cities- Halifax and Toronto- so they decide to get to know each other by making and writing postcards to each other.

And then Andrea reveals part of her feelings about plastic surgery. She has always felt that she is flawed because she has a big nose.

I thought this book was a sweet, realistic love story, with whimsical pictures. It's an animated NFB film, and this is the book based on the film. If you like Dorfman's stuff, you will probably like this.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sweet if totally forgettable graphic memoir about self acceptance. Andrea starts dating a plastic surgeon who is kind and attentive, but his profession re-ignites old self doubts. Does a plastic surgeon only see flaws as something to fix? How does someone who has build a career on physical appearance appreciate the beauty of someone who was once mercilessly teased about her big nose?
This one-sitting graphic novel is the companion to a short film; Andrea after all is a film maker. Without the film context, this feels light on content. I would have loved to see more of the post cards, or more of how adult Andrea works through and lingering hesitation. I also thought the style of illustration made the adult version of Andrea and Dave seem child-like. I don't have a good grasp on who this is intended for and would be hard pressed to suggest it to patrons.

[The Bird Librarian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm making an attempt to give graphic novels more of a try. So I picked this one - based on it's bright cover (I know, I know) and the artwork inside was really intriguing. And I will say - I think the author is a great artist - but I have no idea why this is considered a book for anything other than small children. The way it's written and the content itself is not intriguing - there is no depth here, or even really any sort of interesting take. I'm perhaps being a little bit harsher than I need to be, but this one really caught me off guard. I'm not sure that I would read anything else by this author - however if she was the illustrator and there was another author on board - sign me up.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I might like the film short better- I didn't realize that it came first and I have yet to watch it. But the story is simple, and I like her drawing style. Body positivity so often comes in the form of weight acceptance, which I have always struggled with, so it was kind of interesting to read about someone whose weight is a non-issue but finds their nose to be an embarrassing flaw. Just another reminder that every one of us carries something we don't like about ourselves. I guess it was also interesting because I've always been a big fan of really prominent noses, so it's weird when you encounter someone who considers the thing you find attractive to be a flaw. I think that the book may actually be better for young adults or new adults, though.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fingers accidentally stumbled upon its glossy spine at my new favourite bookstore, and recognizing the surname, I pulled it off the shelf and saw to my delight a book by my friend, Andrea. I sat down in the cozy chairs at Argo and read it then and there. The universe must have heard the pangs in my heart and head today, because her words and images were just what I needed to lift me up. When I was finished I press this book to my chest with love and brushed a wee tear from my eye. Thanks, Andrea.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body image issues on a crash course with new plastic surgeon boyfriend. Girls and their bodies, moms and their eagerness to protect their children from ridicule... Andrea Dorfman's Flawed tells a quirky, sad, and smart story of our sometimes troubled relationship with our bodies and how this can affect the way we live. The illustrations are beautiful and often humorous, and the colors just pop out of the page.

Recommended for those who like unwieldy hair, fat thighs, and postcards.