North of Beautiful

by: Justina Chen Headley

Published by: Little Brown and Company

Reviewed by Barbara L. Fielder

Terra, an artistic high school senior, with a jock boyfriend Erik and good friends, lives a life hiding behind layers of makeup to lighten a port-wine birthmark about which she is totally obsessed.

Terra has a killer body to compensate for her facial birthmark, and she obsesses about this as much as her birthmark in order to feel good about herself and keep Erik looking her way.
Terra is a likeable teen and is a constant in her family as a support to her Mom who is constantly belittled and derided by a caustic husband. Terra’s mother is a woman who is domestically quite clever, yet cowers under the scrutiny of her bitter husband. Her father is a man you love to hate, and so does everyone with whom he comes in contact, except those who happen to catch him demonstrating a facade of friendly banter.

Terra’s brothers have since left for careers far away from home, one of whom practices law in China. Their father’s incessant verbal snipping and remarks that are meant to demean have driven them away.

Terra is not immune from her father’s constant put-downs as he reminds her constantly of how any attempt to remove her port-wine birthmark is folly and not worth the financial expense to reduce its color.

One of the most important and successful areas in Terra’s life is her art studio at Nest & Egg run by the “Twisted Sisters.” Here she is welcomed with open arms and is reminded of how talented she really is. Her natural artistic talent shines through her work and she finds that others appreciate her designs.
Terra discovers something else about herself because of a chance and “accidental” meeting with a family who is on winter vacation in her hometown. Especially Jacob.

At the core of this delightful story is what takes place as these two families (excluding Tarra’s dad) find joy in being together and share life-changing and liberating experiences at home and during their incredible trip to China to visit family and Jacob’s birthplace. Terra and Jacob become closer and their relationship flourishes beyond their expectations. But, oh, Erik is at home in the USA waiting for Terra’s return

Armchair Interviews says: A great read for teens who are seeking to find and keep lasting friendships, understand love, discover self-esteem and create the best for their families.