Making Pretty

Reviewed by: Kristin Taylor - Biddeford High School, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2016

Review

Montana, the main character, has finally found a friend that she can relate to, but, it turns out this new friend is going to be her new stepmother, the kicker is that her soon-to-be stepmom is only a few years older than Montana and her sister. Relationships and being accepted in those relationships for who you are not what somebody else wants you to be is the theme of this novel. At various points in the story, this novel will make you frustrated at the complexity of the relationships that have evolved and continue to evolve; the relationships between older men and extremely younger women and how the main character's father, a cosmetic surgeon surgically recreates all of his previous wives into the women that he envisions them to be, including his two daughters.

The novel is character-driven with complex characters and strong development. It is a story of a journey of self-discovery and the eventual understanding that being who you want to be is far more important than being someone else, just for the sake of acceptance. Fans of Sarah Dessen, John Green and Rainbow Rowell will enjoy this book.

Recommended for grades 7-12.

Overall Book Score: very good