From the Bookshelf of La Crescent Public Library…

[close] Teens and adults alike would be moved by this engaging, honest, and inspiring memoir. The author, Ariel Henley, and her twin sister, Alixandria, "Zan", were born with Crouzon Syndrome, a diagnosis that means their skulls were fully formed at birth. They were the first set of twins to survive the syndrome, and underwent numerous surgeries to break the bones in their skull to allow for organ development and growth. They also went through many cosmetic surgeries to reshape or reform parts of their faces to appear more "normal."

Ariel chronicles the trauma she and her sister survived by having their faces change so drastically while growing up, struggling with identity and sense of self when the person in the mirror is not who you expected, and how they battled bullies in school and other public places. Alongside her own story, Ariel studies the artist Picasso and the cubist movement after reading a comment that her face is "like a Picasso". In her research, she learns of the artist's abusive past, his exploitation of women and people with deformities, and his endless need for control. Using the artist and the women around him as historic examples, Ariel questions the concept of beauty, who gets to claim it, who gets to name it, and what happens to the stories and people left out of the conversation.

This book was wonderfully written and very introspective. It would be a great book for teens to read that are interested in gender studies and/or dealing with body dysmorphia or low self esteem. The author went on to start a mentorship group with teen girls because of the issues she faced while growing up. It be a great readalong for parents, but is interesting and inspiring for anyone.

~ Jess