2.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 19/04/2011

I need to say straight off that I don't particularly like these types of books. They all come across as being identical to me. Not just in subject matter- abused children fighting against their aggressors and so on- but also the book covers. A sad child on a typically white background, with a one-name title (UGLY, ABUSED, LONELY) or a dramatic lengthier title (A CHILD CALLED IT, DADDY'S LITTLE EARNER), typically in a gold or handwritten font. If you're lucky, it will be both. But often, if I read these books, I can sympathise with the person telling the story. It's a terrible situation, and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. No child should be abused.

I couldn't do this with Briscoe's story. Don't get me wrong- it's sad she went through it, but as I read it, it got increasingly difficult to relate to her. The way she wrote was hard to follow. Not in terms of narrative, but just the way she constructed her sentences, her lack of contractions, and so forth. Furthermore, she mentions at the very beginning of the novel that a) she tried to commit suicide by drinking bleach, b) she tried to put herself in a student home, and c) she got along with a few of her half-siblings. During the course of the novel, none of these three points are raised again. It is only to the end of her story that she actually mentions Eastman's children at all, and even then it is as a larger group.

I couldn't relate at all, and I found her style to be rather preachy. I've seen a few videos of her and this still came forth. I just didn't like it at all.

4.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 19/01/2008

Constance is an amazing person. To go through the emotional and physical abuse that she did and to come through that alive, well the mind boggles at that sort of strength. I loved the honesty of this book, you felt like you were actually there with Constance as she faced her mother or Eastmann. Not only did she face these monsters but to have to do it alone with no support from her family, it made me angry to read about. I can not wait to read the next book that Constance has written.

5.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 01/11/2007

this book is so sad. i feel so sorry for her. the stuff that she went through would of been horrible for her. her mum was absolutley horrible and her mums boyfriend treated her so so bad. i havent gotten around to reading beyond ugly (the sequel) but i am hoping it will be just as intriging. i suggest to anyone who has the chance to read this they should even though its extremely depressing and sad you should still read it.

5.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 03/07/2007

this book was utterly heartbreaking. i am not ashamed to admit that i cried in parts of it, as i felt so distraught over what constance had to deal with at such a young age. it really put my life into perspective, and constance for me is a fantastic role model, proving what one person is capable of, and that when you must go through hard times, that is when you find out just how strong you really are.

5.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 14/03/2009

i haven't read this book yet, i'm still trying to get it but from all the reviews i have been reading and what i have been hearing from people about this book, i bet the book is gonna be the best of all the books i've ever read. i'm willing to get it and i am really sure i will get it.

5.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 21/07/2007

this book was very difficult to read for me, as it was really sad, and at parts of it i felt like giving up, cause it was just to depressing to go on. but my mum edged me on, and im glad she did, because surprisingly enough the story had a good ending, and reading how it ended up made it all worth it for me.

5.0 out of 5 based on 7 reviews. – Customer review on 14/03/2009

i haven't read this book yet, i'm still trying to get it but from all the reviews i have been reading and what i have been hearing from people about this book, i bet the book is gonna be the best of all the books i've ever read. i'm willing to get it and i am really sure i will get it.