I am going to present a review of my book No More Ugly Girls. Here’s two caveats to keep you reading. 1) it is critical of my work. 2) I have a point.
Initially, I found Auburn to be a difficult character to relate to throughout most of the narrative. Her desperation and insecurity led her to accept circumstances that are unacceptable for any individual. She actively rejected opportunities for betterment, believing herself undeserving of positive outcomes.
Tara on Goodreads.
Unfortunately for me, this is the part of life I wanted to show. A more successful book would have a woman that kicks ass and takes names. And I am down for that kind of book. Readers want to read about protagonists that are heroic. That are bigger than life. If we wanted to experience regular people failing at solving problems, we can just pay attention to our own lives.
But I wanted, and this just came to me as I write, we can fail and still be strong.
And to be clear, Auburn represents men and women that reject opportunities for betterment. Perhaps I didn’t see this in myself when the story came to me. But I saw strength in women as they struggled with living while carrying the heavy burden of trauma.
All of us stick with the pain we know until we can’t anymore. Because our minds fear the unknown so even pain can feel safe.
Here’s another cutting line of the review:
“My understanding of Auburn deepened around 82% of the way through the book, when she revealed her past experiences. “
That is very late in the novel. Now, she had good things to say about her review. But the negative is more fun. And I find myself appreciating the negative comments. No book is for everyone and so I’d rather not waste someone’s time who is looking for something else.
I just hope some people can feel seen in my story and take solace and encouragement in that.
You can stop reading now. Because below is my pitch:
“If you like realistic, flawed heroines who make mistakes, read No More Ugly Girls”
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