Is 'Ugly Me' A Good Book To Read?

I lent my copy of 'Ugly Me' to a friend, and their reaction was hilarious: 'Why did you do this to me? I cried in public!' And honestly? Same. This book is like a gut punch disguised as a novel. The protagonist’s voice is so relatable—whether it’s her dark humor ('If my face was a crime scene, even the detectives would quit') or the way she obsesses over tiny flaws nobody else notices. It’s not just about physical appearance, either; it digs into how we internalize criticism and turn it into self-sabotage.

The pacing is uneven, though, which might frustrate some readers. There are chapters that drag, Focusing too much on repetitive self-loathing, but then it’ll hit you with a scene so visceral (like the protagonist avoiding mirrors by covering them with towels) that you forgive the slower bits. It’s definitely a 'mood read'—you have to be in the right headspace for it. But if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t measure up, this book will make you feel seen, even if it stings a little.

'Ugly Me' is one of those books I’d describe as 'important but not fun.' It’s like staring into a mirror you’ve been avoiding—uncomfortable but necessary. The protagonist’s journey is messy, frustrating, and deeply human. There’s no sugarcoating here; the book forces you to confront how much weight we give to looks, both in fiction and real life.

What surprised me was how it balanced bleakness with moments of dark comedy. Like when the protagonist tries a 'glow-up' trend and ends up with a face full of allergic reactions—it’s tragic, but you can’t help laughing at the absurdity. The ending isn’t neatly tied up, either, which I actually loved. Real growth isn’t linear, and 'Ugly Me' gets that. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a warning: bring tissues and maybe a friend to debrief with afterward.

The first thing that struck me about 'Ugly Me' was its raw honesty. It’s not your typical lighthearted read—it dives deep into themes of self-perception and societal beauty standards with a kind of brutal vulnerability that’s rare. I found myself highlighting passages because they resonated so strongly, especially the protagonist’s internal monologues about feeling invisible or 'ugly' in a world obsessed with appearances. The writing style is almost poetic at times, with sharp, fragmented sentences that mirror the character’s Fractured self-esteem. It’s not an easy read emotionally, but that’s what makes it powerful.

What I appreciate most is how the book avoids clichés. There’s no sudden makeover montage or a love interest who 'fixes' the protagonist’s insecurities. Instead, it’s a slow, messy journey toward self-acceptance, and that feels incredibly real. If you’re looking for something uplifting in a traditional sense, this might not be it—but if you want a story that lingers, makes you question your own biases, and maybe even sheds a few cathartic tears, 'Ugly Me' is worth picking up. Just be prepared to sit with discomfort; it’s the kind of book that sticks to your ribs long after you’ve finished.