Synopsis:
What if you lost the thing that made you who you are?
Lexi has always been stunning. Her butter-colored hair and perfect features have helped her attract friends, a boyfriend, and the attention of a modeling scout. But everything changes the night Lexi's face goes through a windshield. Now she's not sure what's worse: the scars she'll have to live with forever, or what she saw going on between her best friend and her boyfriend right before the accident. With the help of her trombone-playing, defiantly uncool older sister and a guy at school recovering from his own recent trauma, Lexi learns she's much more than just a pretty face.
I really, really enjoyed this book. Natasha Friend tells a tale of a girl who feels like she has lost everything, and shows us how she slowly gains a better understanding of who she is, and the things that truly matter to her. Once I started reading it, I found that I couldn't bear to put it down. It's thoughtful, laugh-out-loud funny at times, and one of those books that will have you thinking about your own life, forgiveness, friendship, and the love you have for yourself, your family, and all your loved ones.
The story begins by introducing us to Alexa, more commonly known as Lexi, who is an extremely pretty girl about to begin high school with her BFF, Taylor. The girls have ruled the middle school together and have been inseparable for many years, Lexi cannot imagine her life without Taylor. Lexi also has a super cute boyfriend, Ryan, who looks like he just stepped out of an Abercrombie & Fitch ad. Could life get any sweeter?
Lexi and Taylor figure that waiting until school starts to begin their high school social lives is unnecessary as they crash a summer party Jarrod, Taylor's older brother, is throwing. But the evening turns to tragedy when Lexi walks in on a betrayal that shocks her to her very core. She makes the decision to flee the party, a decision that will haunt her the rest of her days as it leads to a horrific car accident--a car accident that leaves scars inside and out.
Readers are taken on a journey with Lexi as she comes to terms with the fact that her looks are never going to be the same and that she has to find new ways to define herself, other than being "the beautiful girl". We also experience her pain as she deals with the shocking betrayal of someone she thought she could always count on to be right there by her side. Is it possible to redefine yourself, to find new meaning in life and to learn to accept imperfections? And is it possible to cut out a friendship that has meant the very world to you? Reading this book will get you thinking about ALL of these things.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It was a quick read, but the story stayed with me after I put it down. It's a touching story about loss, acceptance, recovery, hope, friendship, family, and moving forward in life. There is something in this for everyone. Enjoy! *XOXO*
Expected publication date: June 28, 2012 by Viking Juvenile
*thanks to Around the World Tours for the ARC*
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