The world is often not kind to people who deviate from societal norms. Ariel Henley will be the first to inform you of that fact. Born with Crouzon Syndrome along with her twin sister Alixandria, Ariel and Alixandria have faced more than their fair share of bullying and torment in their lives due to how they look. Yes, the world is a cruel place, and Ariel is here to remind you of that fact in her eye-opening memoir A Face for Picasso.

Crouzon Syndrome is a disorder in which the bones of the skull fuse together before they are supposed to, leaving the afflicted child literally "no room to grow." The skull cannot expand to accommodate the child's growing eyes, teeth, and other organs. Because of this, children with Crouzon Syndrome often look as if they belong in a Picasso painting due to their distorted and exaggerated features.

Ariel and Alixandria were fortunate enough to be born into a family that could provide them with medical treatment for their condition, and thus, they faced numerous surgeries throughout their childhood in which their bones were broken to accommodate their growing bodies and their features were rearranged to help them look "more normal."

A Face for Picasso is Ariel's account of what it was like growing up with Crouzon Syndrome. She details the relentless bullying and suffering she faced due to her appearance, and even shows how she was discriminated against because of how she looked.

A Face for Picasso is an important book for our times. Although many of us will never meet someone with Crouzon Syndrome, we all have met someone who has been bullied for their appearance. Ariel's impactful story shows how destructive teasing is in children and young adults, and will hopefully make readers pause and reflect upon how they treat others.

I listened to an audiobook production of this novel read by the author, Ariel Henley, which I highly recommend. Because this is such an intimate, personal book, Ariel's story could never have been read by someone other than herself. Hearing her life story in her own words made this memoir hit home even harder, and made me feel as if I was in a room with Ariel listening to her speak her truth. If you enjoy audiobooks and life stories, I recommend you check this one out!

This was a decent book. I listened to the audio version of the book read by the author. I got the feeling that the author is young. In some ways it felt like she focused on the negative way to much. I understand she has a medical condition but she focused way to much on the negativity side of things & then decided to write about it. I feel that when she gets older she may have a different perspective on her life- with age comes wisdom. I am also confused as to why would she compare herself to a Picasso face when she says herself she doesnt like him? Again I feel its a age thing. Other than that its a memoir of her experiences & what she feels. It was nice to hear the author read the book - it brought more perspective to her condition.

Thank to Netgalley and RB Media for an ALC.

Non- fiction november also for me. I am so thankful to IG that took my attention to this book. It was said but so full of emotions and most of all at the end gave me so much hope for better world. This is just a wonderful writer and most important a great person.

I learnt a lot about Crouzon Syndrome. Henley and her twin sister were born with Crouzon Syndrome-a rare condition where the bones of the head fuse before the brain has finished growing. I can not immagine this how it must hurt going through so many operations and looking at the mirror and not recognise yourself.

And she is so much more than Piccaso paitings. If someone want to learn about Picasso here you learn a lot.

I am so glade I finally read a non fictions. It was so empowering. Thank you Ariel Hanley. It felt like talking to a friend.

A really moving memoir about a young girl's experience dealing with a facial disfigurement caused from a congenital disease, Crouzon syndrome - a rare condition where the bones in the head fuse prematurely. It's incredible the things Ariel and her twin sister had to endure both physically and emotionally through the many surgeries as well as the social stigma of having a visible disability. Recommended for fans of Wonder but not the greatest on audio. The story is narrated by the author and it was a little slow-moving without the greatest flow. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC!

Read this if…you are looking for an inspiring memoir that will make you question the relationship between your appearance and your identity.

Ariel Henley and her twin sister were born with Crouzon Syndrome-a rare condition where the bones of the head fuse before the brain has finished growing. This meant that at the tender age of just 8 months old, the girls would undergo the first of over 60 surgeries each they would eventually have to adjust their faces and skulls. The author retells what it was like growing up with facial disfigurement and how difficult it has been for her to grow up in a society where an individual’s worth is greatly influenced by their appearance. Despite being cruelly compared to a Picasso painting, Ariel finds a way to use her experiences to help others and ultimately accept herself.

I enjoyed this memoir for several reasons. Ariel’s story was so inspiring and raw. Her writing made reading effortless. I had almost zero knowledge of Picasso before reading this so I found the parts where she detailed his life and the muses behind his famous paintings fascinating.

I also loved that this book made me think about how connected my identify is to my outside appearance. I can’t imagine how confusing it was for her to see a different face in the mirror after every surgery. I think that in a perfect world, our appearance would simply be our packaging and not have such a huge impact on who we are on the inside, but I’m not sure that can be avoided in our society today.

My rating: 4.5//5

A huge thank you to Netgalley, the author, and RB Media who gave me this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

"In that moment I rephrased the line that haunted me."- From A Face for Picasso

5 stars

Easily one of the best memoirs I have read this year. I loved how she told her story through the lens of Picasso's art and history of mistreatment of woman. She was honest and had a way of sharing her story in a way that made you feel like you were living it with her. I started crying early, (while on my commute on the T) at the fact she kept apologizing in kindergarden for being ugly. There were many sucker punches just like that. I wished this book had existed while I was in school still, and it should definitely be required reading.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This a lovely and captivating memoir. The audiobook is voiced by the author. Henley' s story of leading a life with Crouzon syndrome a rare condition where the bones in the head fuse prematurely. Ariel provides a vivid depiction of her life and the how Crouzon has shaped her life and how people see her and her sister. This is all juxtaposed with her exploration Picasso and his life and impact on the world and art. All and all it's a really great story.

I've never really thought about Picasso and cubism in the context of ableism. I've honestly never spent much time thinking about Picasso in general, but this wasn't a privilege Henley had growing up with Crouzon Syndrome.

This memoir goes through Henley's young adult life, from the trauma of numerous surgeries to the struggle with societal expectations of beauty to the cruelty she experienced from both children and adults.

This was beautifully written and heartbreakingly honest. I don't think my words can do justice to how eloquently Henley writes about her trauma.

I recommend the audiobook, which was narrated by the author herself.