Wow, this book really swept me up into Megan’s world. Becoming Beautiful I is a raw and emotional journey about rediscovering what beauty truly means. The story begins with Megan standing in the spotlight of a Miss USA pageant, basking in the glow of societal approval. But when tragedy strikes, and she faces a life-altering accident, her physical scars force her to confront much deeper wounds she’s been carrying for years.

I loved the story. It’s vivid and immersive, especially in moments like Megan’s hospital awakening when she realizes her face—and life—have been forever changed. I could almost feel her despair, her father’s helplessness, and the suffocating expectations she struggled under. Author Grace Omena has a way of peeling back the layers of her characters, making you feel every bit of their pain, confusion, and hope.

I was particularly moved by the scene where Megan’s grandmother removes all the mirrors from the house. It wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was Sally’s way of telling Megan to stop judging herself by what she could see. It was so touching but also heartbreaking because Megan couldn’t see her worth yet. I found myself tearing up, especially during Megan’s moments of isolation when she was unable to accept the love pouring in from her family. It’s something many of us can relate to—feeling unworthy, even when surrounded by people who care.

The author also does a fantastic job with the family dynamics. Megan’s relationship with her overbearing mother, Jennifer, is layered with complexity. Jennifer’s relentless pursuit of perfection for Megan as a beauty queen left lasting scars, and it’s hard not to feel anger toward her even after her death. But Omena also shows how Megan begins to untangle these emotions and forge her identity outside of her mother’s ambitions. Sally, Megan’s grandmother, is a shining light in the story. I think she represents the wisdom of experience and unconditional love, offering Megan space and patience to heal.

Some sections are a little repetitive in showing her refusal to move forward. But maybe that’s the point—it reflects the reality of healing, which isn’t linear. The author captures Megan’s struggle to face herself, not just her physical scars but also the life she led before the accident—a life dictated by shallow standards of beauty and success.

Becoming Beautiful I doesn’t tie everything up with a neat bow, but that makes it feel all the more real. If you’ve ever struggled with self-image or wondered how to redefine yourself after a loss, this story will hit home. It’s raw, heartwarming, and absolutely worth reading.

Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0D73XPZX5