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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
"Jolie laide." Pretty ugly.
"It isn't actually beautiful; it says too many hard things to be beautiful in the traditional sense. And yet it draws you to it. And when I close my eyes I can still see the image, as if it had bored into [my heart] and [my mind]." 301-302
This book is jolie laide in many ways: Terra's art is described this way (once disparigingly by her abusive father and the quote above), and Terra describes herself and another child this way as well.
I actually began this book months ago, got about a third through and put it aside. I finished the rest in a day. The book was hard to start, but even after the time away I was able to pick it up and remember what happened so I could continue. It said too many hard things, and yet it bore into me as Terra found her own sense of belonging and beauty.
"It isn't actually beautiful; it says too many hard things to be beautiful in the traditional sense. And yet it draws you to it. And when I close my eyes I can still see the image, as if it had bored into [my heart] and [my mind]." 301-302
This book is jolie laide in many ways: Terra's art is described this way (once disparigingly by her abusive father and the quote above), and Terra describes herself and another child this way as well.
I actually began this book months ago, got about a third through and put it aside. I finished the rest in a day. The book was hard to start, but even after the time away I was able to pick it up and remember what happened so I could continue. It said too many hard things, and yet it bore into me as Terra found her own sense of belonging and beauty.
FIRST THOUGHTS: I love the way this story is told. It's one of those quieter YAs, but it has such an important message for any reader. Plus, the integration of art and maps is solidly done!
Honestly, I expected to hate this book. I thought it would be one of those shallow books where a girl has a few problems but it all gets better as soon as she meets a boy.
Although Terra does have problems and she does meet a boy, this book went above and beyond all my expectations. I love how it focuses on family relationships instead of just romantic relationships and I love seeing the redemption Terra's mom goes through in the book. I also love the motif of maps in the book, because motifs are a device that are usually ignored by young adult authors, so it was great to see an author who was unafraid to use them.
Although Terra does have problems and she does meet a boy, this book went above and beyond all my expectations. I love how it focuses on family relationships instead of just romantic relationships and I love seeing the redemption Terra's mom goes through in the book. I also love the motif of maps in the book, because motifs are a device that are usually ignored by young adult authors, so it was great to see an author who was unafraid to use them.
Summary: Most people think Terra is beautiful, until they see the port-wine birthmark on her cheek. Surgery won’t remove it, makeup can’t cover it up all the way, and her father certainly won’t let her forget it’s there.
Review: From the first sentence, this story firmly planted me in Terra’s shoes. Terra’s experience will make you realize how focused we are on a single definition of beauty—who has it and who doesn’t. When I was a good ways into the book, I was out at a coffee shop and standing in line. I caught a kid staring at me, and immediately my hand flew to my cheek. There’s no birthmark on my cheek, but the book made me feel for Terra’s situation so completely that for a split second I thought otherwise.
As if dealing with stares and nasty comments from strangers weren’t enough, Terra’s home situation will break your heart. Her dad is verbally abusive and controlling, almost beyond belief. Terra copes well enough by writing him off, but her mom copes by overeating. This subplot, while powerful, felt a little over-the-top at times. In some scenes, Terra’s mom was just a little too pitiful, and I didn’t believe she was really that weak.
The other reason I didn’t connect 100% with this book is the amount of internal dialogue where Terra explains what she’s feeling. When it comes to internal dialogue, I’m in the camp of less is more. Terra would explain the same emotional struggles over and over again, and I found myself skipping over those parts to get to the action.
But the harsh reality of Terra’s struggles kept me grounded in the story, and the romance felt genuine. This was a good read, just not a favorite for me.
Review: From the first sentence, this story firmly planted me in Terra’s shoes. Terra’s experience will make you realize how focused we are on a single definition of beauty—who has it and who doesn’t. When I was a good ways into the book, I was out at a coffee shop and standing in line. I caught a kid staring at me, and immediately my hand flew to my cheek. There’s no birthmark on my cheek, but the book made me feel for Terra’s situation so completely that for a split second I thought otherwise.
The other reason I didn’t connect 100% with this book is the amount of internal dialogue where Terra explains what she’s feeling. When it comes to internal dialogue, I’m in the camp of less is more. Terra would explain the same emotional struggles over and over again, and I found myself skipping over those parts to get to the action.
But the harsh reality of Terra’s struggles kept me grounded in the story, and the romance felt genuine. This was a good read, just not a favorite for me.
Definitely more complex than her first two books.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautiful book in so many ways- the research, writing, and story telling. There were moments I was frustrated, happy, understanding where the characters were coming from and in awe.
I was hoping the "cheating" wasn't going to be the factor but it was. I mean you see it coming but just thought it was an easy out. It wasn't just about Terra, but those around her who were learning and growing. I wanted more with Terra and her brothers too
I was hoping the "cheating" wasn't going to be the factor but it was. I mean you see it coming but just thought it was an easy out. It wasn't just about Terra, but those around her who were learning and growing. I wanted more with Terra and her brothers too
Oneuponareadersblog.blogspot.com
I absolutely love this book! It's one of my favorites, and I feel that everyone should have a copy of North of Beautiful on their shelf somewhere. Although it is a little slow in some parts, North of Beautiful always kept me wanting to know more. I have read this book many, many times and with each read I learn more about myself including some things that have been forgotten. This book has also taught me many things about maps, history and geocaching. I really like Headly's writing style and I feel that it compliments this book extremely well. I know that some people have put this book down because they feel that it is boring. Please, please, don't put this book down. It gets better. The family dynamics in North of Beautiful are something to really look at, because we can all relate to someone telling us that we can't do something, be something, achieve something etc. If you haven't read this book yet, I urge you to pick it up. It's one that will stay in your memory for a long time.
I absolutely love this book! It's one of my favorites, and I feel that everyone should have a copy of North of Beautiful on their shelf somewhere. Although it is a little slow in some parts, North of Beautiful always kept me wanting to know more. I have read this book many, many times and with each read I learn more about myself including some things that have been forgotten. This book has also taught me many things about maps, history and geocaching. I really like Headly's writing style and I feel that it compliments this book extremely well. I know that some people have put this book down because they feel that it is boring. Please, please, don't put this book down. It gets better. The family dynamics in North of Beautiful are something to really look at, because we can all relate to someone telling us that we can't do something, be something, achieve something etc. If you haven't read this book yet, I urge you to pick it up. It's one that will stay in your memory for a long time.