Scan barcode
hylian_narwhal's review against another edition
5.0
True rating; 4.75 stars
A really interesting and eye opening read as Michelle takes us through her numerous surgeries and how they have affected her physically and mentally. You come to appreciate as she did, how much you can take for granted everyday things, like walking outside, feeling the grass between your toes, fresh air and sunshine.
The only thing I can say against the novel is interactions with other people can come across as flat, like reported facts rather than genuine human interactions. I did go to one of Michelle's book events, during which she discussed how it was difficult to write about others in the book as they are real people, and she was conscious she didn't want to misrepresent them - which does go towards explaining why the other people don't feel as real on the page as she was sharing her own experiences, not creating characters who she could script their motivations and feelings.
A really interesting and eye opening read as Michelle takes us through her numerous surgeries and how they have affected her physically and mentally. You come to appreciate as she did, how much you can take for granted everyday things, like walking outside, feeling the grass between your toes, fresh air and sunshine.
The only thing I can say against the novel is interactions with other people can come across as flat, like reported facts rather than genuine human interactions. I did go to one of Michelle's book events, during which she discussed how it was difficult to write about others in the book as they are real people, and she was conscious she didn't want to misrepresent them - which does go towards explaining why the other people don't feel as real on the page as she was sharing her own experiences, not creating characters who she could script their motivations and feelings.
laurenleyendolibros's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
2.5
tjasa's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
I'm on a bit of a body positivity journey and this book has been recommended by many people so I decided to give it a read. The story really reasonated with me so much. The hospital stays, surgeries, terrible boarding school, the university experience,.. It shows just how strong the author is.
I don't know what having scars and them making me uncomfortable in my body is like, but it was nice to be able to read about it and putting myself in her shoes.
The parts which resonated with me most were the descriptions of "diets" which inevitably led to eating disorders and years of psychological damage; the part where people told her she looked great while she was deathly ill (in an actual hospital bed no less); wondering what you did to deserve this and if life will ever get better; and realising you've let your mental health gotten really bad and have to do something about it.
An amazing story, only giving it 4.5 stars because the writing style in the last third was a bit off BUT I'll still be recommending it.
I'm on a bit of a body positivity journey and this book has been recommended by many people so I decided to give it a read. The story really reasonated with me so much. The hospital stays, surgeries, terrible boarding school, the university experience,.. It shows just how strong the author is.
I don't know what having scars and them making me uncomfortable in my body is like, but it was nice to be able to read about it and putting myself in her shoes.
The parts which resonated with me most were the descriptions of "diets" which inevitably led to eating disorders and years of psychological damage; the part where people told her she looked great while she was deathly ill (in an actual hospital bed no less); wondering what you did to deserve this and if life will ever get better; and realising you've let your mental health gotten really bad and have to do something about it.
An amazing story, only giving it 4.5 stars because the writing style in the last third was a bit off BUT I'll still be recommending it.
vinkamaharani's review against another edition
5.0
To read the book was a heart wrenching situation for me. Perhaps in much lower degree, but reading Michelle Elman's letter for her 11 years old self just like reading my own voice for my 5 years old self. Tears burst. Being emotional is one thing, accepting and giving myself "permission" to be angry is another thing.
I love on how Michelle write about her confidence. It's a journey. Some people treated confidence is given or taken for granted. No, it's a bit by bit. Just because I'm confidence doesn't mean I'm not struggling to face my own fear & trauma. Reading the book made me closer to myself and I should credit on Michelle's vivid detail & descriptive writing.
Yesterday I just answered question from my podcast partner, Cahya Haniva, and it's looming in my mind. In my own opinion, being an example is simply the greatest gift of a human to another human, or to society. To do the thing that you prefer as important and needed, is the act of caring to yourself and to others. By doing, you are being the representation, you are allowed people to see that it's okay to do that. Finishing the last part of "Am I Ugly?" this morning just like confirming my thought. By writing this book, Michelle allowed me (and you, and all people) to love our own body, to represent the scars and to be brave. Thank you for your book, Michelle Elman.
I love on how Michelle write about her confidence. It's a journey. Some people treated confidence is given or taken for granted. No, it's a bit by bit. Just because I'm confidence doesn't mean I'm not struggling to face my own fear & trauma. Reading the book made me closer to myself and I should credit on Michelle's vivid detail & descriptive writing.
Yesterday I just answered question from my podcast partner, Cahya Haniva, and it's looming in my mind. In my own opinion, being an example is simply the greatest gift of a human to another human, or to society. To do the thing that you prefer as important and needed, is the act of caring to yourself and to others. By doing, you are being the representation, you are allowed people to see that it's okay to do that. Finishing the last part of "Am I Ugly?" this morning just like confirming my thought. By writing this book, Michelle allowed me (and you, and all people) to love our own body, to represent the scars and to be brave. Thank you for your book, Michelle Elman.
savvylikethat's review against another edition
4.0
This is an intense and deeply genuine read. The strength of Michelle for becoming the amazing woman she is through this is awe inspiring.
My only critique would be it needs some trigger warnings for medical trauma discussion. I wasn't prepared for that and while it did set off my own triggers, it was cathartic to know I am not the only one who has been treated like an object to be dealt with.
My only critique would be it needs some trigger warnings for medical trauma discussion. I wasn't prepared for that and while it did set off my own triggers, it was cathartic to know I am not the only one who has been treated like an object to be dealt with.
zoe_gets_lit's review against another edition
5.0
WOW
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours. I am passing it on to my friends. They need to read it. You need to read it too.
I devoured this book in just over 24 hours. I am passing it on to my friends. They need to read it. You need to read it too.
charlottelucyloves's review against another edition
2.0
Didn’t enjoy
I feel awful saying this because I love Michelle’s Instagram but I just found this book really hard to get through.
I feel awful saying this because I love Michelle’s Instagram but I just found this book really hard to get through.