A painful read -- BORN UGLY by Beth Goobie reviewed

Born Ugly, by Beth Goobie

 

Reviewed by Zara

Born Ugly was a really painful read, following the life of sixteen-year-old Shirley (Shir) Janice Rutz, who is constantly abused, both by her peers at school and by her own mother, because of her physical deformities. We explore her beer-addicted world, where the only places where she is comfortable in is  Bill's Grocer, where she works (all of her earnings going to the purchase of illegal beer), and Myplace, a quiet, green place where she likes to sip her beer.  

The first few chapters are not very interesting, and I was considering putting the book down, especially since the vocabulary was not very advanced, and I wasn't really learning any new words. However, I like to finish a book once I have started it, and I was curious to see how it ended. And so, I pushed my way though it. It gets better near the end of the book, when we see some crime-fighting, drugs, and action. Shir meets someone who changes her life, and she learns that people are not always as they seem. 

I really was shocked at the way people treated Shir. It was simply obnoxious, even going to the point where they smear dog poo on her face. 

If you are having self-esteem issues, this book is for you. It really helped my self-esteem. Goobie really convinces us that true beauty is on the inside, and that we always matter. She reminds us that we can always make the situation better for ourselves.

Overall, I'd say this book is worth reading.