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The Story of Beautiful Girl
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Fiction (2011)It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone-Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her." And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.
346 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2011
About the author
Rachel Simon
19 books336 followersRachel Simon is the author of six books.
The Story of Beautiful Girl
The House On Teacher's Lane
Riding The Bus With My Sister
The Writer's Survival Guide
The Magic Touch
Little Nightmares Little Dreams
In 2005, Hallmark Hall of Fame adapted Riding The Bus With My Sister for a film by the same name. It starred Rosie O'Donnell as Rachel's sister Beth and Andie MacDowell as Rachel, and it was directed by Anjelica Huston.
NPR adapted the title story from Little Nightmares, Little Dreams for the program "Selected Shorts," which was also adapted for an episode of the Lifetime program "The Hidden Room." The short story "Paint," from the same book, was adapted for the stage by The Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia, PA.
Rachel is one of the only authors to have been selected twice for the Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers Program, once in fiction and once in nonfiction. She has received a Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's Recognition Award from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, for contributions to the field of disability. Among Rachel's other awards have been two creative writing fellowships from the Delaware Division of the Arts, three creative writing fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and a fiction fellowship from the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation.
Rachel Simon went to high school at Solebury School, a small, co-ed boarding school in New Hope, PA. She then attended Bryn Mawr College, graduating with a degree in Anthropology in 1981.
Rachel's jobs have included being a community relations manager at a large bookstore, and a creative writing teacher at several colleges. She now makes her living as a writer and a speaker on topics related to disability.
Rachel Simon lives in Delaware with her husband, the architect Hal Dean.
The Story of Beautiful Girl
The House On Teacher's Lane
Riding The Bus With My Sister
The Writer's Survival Guide
The Magic Touch
Little Nightmares Little Dreams
In 2005, Hallmark Hall of Fame adapted Riding The Bus With My Sister for a film by the same name. It starred Rosie O'Donnell as Rachel's sister Beth and Andie MacDowell as Rachel, and it was directed by Anjelica Huston.
NPR adapted the title story from Little Nightmares, Little Dreams for the program "Selected Shorts," which was also adapted for an episode of the Lifetime program "The Hidden Room." The short story "Paint," from the same book, was adapted for the stage by The Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia, PA.
Rachel is one of the only authors to have been selected twice for the Barnes & Noble Discover New Writers Program, once in fiction and once in nonfiction. She has received a Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's Recognition Award from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, for contributions to the field of disability. Among Rachel's other awards have been two creative writing fellowships from the Delaware Division of the Arts, three creative writing fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and a fiction fellowship from the Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation.
Rachel Simon went to high school at Solebury School, a small, co-ed boarding school in New Hope, PA. She then attended Bryn Mawr College, graduating with a degree in Anthropology in 1981.
Rachel's jobs have included being a community relations manager at a large bookstore, and a creative writing teacher at several colleges. She now makes her living as a writer and a speaker on topics related to disability.
Rachel Simon lives in Delaware with her husband, the architect Hal Dean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,950 reviews
August 1, 2011
I don't think I can articulate how wonderful this book is without sounding corny. I cried. From happiness and melancholy and a deep, yet satisfying sadness. This is a remarkable story. Beyond remarkable. If only I could give it six stars. No review is going to do this book justice so just read it. Though, Janice Phelps Williams' comes as close as one could possibly get. If you want to read it, go here: http://open.salon.com/blog/janicephel...
I'm just going to leave you with my favorite line from the book:
"Each person must be in charge of their own drawing--period."
I'm just going to leave you with my favorite line from the book:
"Each person must be in charge of their own drawing--period."
November 8, 2018
Update: I've chatted about this book -again- with a few friends recently. I wrote my small review years ago -here on Goodreads....
Its a wonderful novel. The 'blurb' should tell you enough 'to choose'.
For me....this is a novel I 'still' never forget. So--its had years of lasting memories.
I just noticed there are 'mixed' reviews --(glancing through)...but I will mention a little something about the author. She did her research. --She knows 'this' type of story well.
This book is one of those hidden gems --people often miss. The authors notes at the end: I also never forgot!
I don't want to spoil anything ---(but if I could discuss this book with others who have read it---I would say more.
I'll just say.....Reading "The Story of A Beautiful Girl" felt like an intimate companion!
BEAUTIFUL story!
Its a wonderful novel. The 'blurb' should tell you enough 'to choose'.
For me....this is a novel I 'still' never forget. So--its had years of lasting memories.
I just noticed there are 'mixed' reviews --(glancing through)...but I will mention a little something about the author. She did her research. --She knows 'this' type of story well.
This book is one of those hidden gems --people often miss. The authors notes at the end: I also never forgot!
I don't want to spoil anything ---(but if I could discuss this book with others who have read it---I would say more.
I'll just say.....Reading "The Story of A Beautiful Girl" felt like an intimate companion!
BEAUTIFUL story!
June 18, 2017
Book Summary:
It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone-Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her." And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.
“. . . she realized it was not the rereading that led to fresh insights. It was the rereader – because when a person is changing inside, there are inevitably new things to see.”
Reading this book was like looking through a window and seeing a completely foreign world. A terrain and landscape of unspeakable horrors and tragedies – the worst of the worst that people can inflict upon each other because of strangeness, differences, misunderstanding, and ignorance.
Beyond that view is another one. The one where people care without having to know why; where people make an effort to understand based on hope; where people make choices and decisions based on the desire to fulfill another’s trust; and where people find each other by following an inner guidance system grounded in events and places that are significant and meaningful in their lives.
Rachel Simon guides us through these landscapes, peopled with the biased, the cruel, the brutal, and the dense and uninformed; and also containing some of the most endearing and in-depth characters I have met in my reading life. I cared about these people, hoped for them, mourned with them, cried with them, celebrated with them, and believed in them.
This book captured my full attention from the first sentence and did not let go until the end. This is an important book; as informative as it is engaging in a blend that will ensnare your heart and inspire your soul.
It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone-Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her." And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia-lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.
“. . . she realized it was not the rereading that led to fresh insights. It was the rereader – because when a person is changing inside, there are inevitably new things to see.”
Reading this book was like looking through a window and seeing a completely foreign world. A terrain and landscape of unspeakable horrors and tragedies – the worst of the worst that people can inflict upon each other because of strangeness, differences, misunderstanding, and ignorance.
Beyond that view is another one. The one where people care without having to know why; where people make an effort to understand based on hope; where people make choices and decisions based on the desire to fulfill another’s trust; and where people find each other by following an inner guidance system grounded in events and places that are significant and meaningful in their lives.
Rachel Simon guides us through these landscapes, peopled with the biased, the cruel, the brutal, and the dense and uninformed; and also containing some of the most endearing and in-depth characters I have met in my reading life. I cared about these people, hoped for them, mourned with them, cried with them, celebrated with them, and believed in them.
This book captured my full attention from the first sentence and did not let go until the end. This is an important book; as informative as it is engaging in a blend that will ensnare your heart and inspire your soul.
January 10, 2012
I picked up a stinky read. I can't say this book was positively stinky, because it started off with great intensity and a plot with a very interesting premise. Secondly, I cannot say it was too stinky because I read it from cover to cover. I try very hard to finish anything I select. My three stars are solely based on the premise of the plot and the enthralling beginning.
I was pulled in until about half-way through and then it turned like a banana left on a sunny window sill. Bring on the stink. Its strength was lost and as I progressed, the writer ceased elaborating on the interesting parts about the main characters and detailed only a dull timeline. I think Rachel Simon has talent, perhaps she needs a new editor or someone to encourage her raw writing rather than the fluffy bits. Someone should introduce her to Anne Rice. I wanted more about the violence at the institution. I wanted more about the child's life as she grows up. I needed more darkness so I could appreciate the lightness at the end. It was too bright and smelly by the end for my taste.
At the beginning of the book the reader is immediately introduced to four main characters, Lynnie, Homan, Martha and Julia. Each of these characters are wonderfully depicted and their background stories are interesting but lacking, you guessed it, details about their rough lives. Circumstances castigate each character and I thrived in those moments. This is when Simon flourished. But she didn't flourish for long and the interesting conflicts were suddenly lost and not told with raw narration, instead they became candy coated and this book turned into a typical Lifetime made for TV movie. An instrument in writing which does not suit my TV or reading tastes. The book continued to resolve each conflict with pretty little pink bows and by the end I was nauseated by the happily ever after ending.
I realize some readers really like these types of novels, but I prefer something rougher bound between the hardcover book I just purchased. If Simon could have shared more darkness, I might have been able to tolerate the lightness and pretty pink bows.
I was pulled in until about half-way through and then it turned like a banana left on a sunny window sill. Bring on the stink. Its strength was lost and as I progressed, the writer ceased elaborating on the interesting parts about the main characters and detailed only a dull timeline. I think Rachel Simon has talent, perhaps she needs a new editor or someone to encourage her raw writing rather than the fluffy bits. Someone should introduce her to Anne Rice. I wanted more about the violence at the institution. I wanted more about the child's life as she grows up. I needed more darkness so I could appreciate the lightness at the end. It was too bright and smelly by the end for my taste.
At the beginning of the book the reader is immediately introduced to four main characters, Lynnie, Homan, Martha and Julia. Each of these characters are wonderfully depicted and their background stories are interesting but lacking, you guessed it, details about their rough lives. Circumstances castigate each character and I thrived in those moments. This is when Simon flourished. But she didn't flourish for long and the interesting conflicts were suddenly lost and not told with raw narration, instead they became candy coated and this book turned into a typical Lifetime made for TV movie. An instrument in writing which does not suit my TV or reading tastes. The book continued to resolve each conflict with pretty little pink bows and by the end I was nauseated by the happily ever after ending.
I realize some readers really like these types of novels, but I prefer something rougher bound between the hardcover book I just purchased. If Simon could have shared more darkness, I might have been able to tolerate the lightness and pretty pink bows.
May 16, 2011
I had only read to page 11 when I had the feeling that this book was going to be something special and quite possibly one of the best books I have read this year. So it was. I am usually a quick reader but when I like a book alot I tend to slow down quite a bit as I did with this book. One night changes the lives of all the characters, either directly or indirectly,and it is in turn heartbreaking, compassionate and joyful.
January 22, 2019
This is the story of a developmentally disabled young white woman and an African American deaf man who are locked away in the "School for the Incurable and Feebleminded" and have been left there to languish with no family visitation.
The story begins when Lynnie and Homan (not the father) escape from the school and Lynnie has the baby in the woods. They are on the run and find a home with a widowed ex school teacher, Martha, who takes them in. They barely have time to dry off and put on something dry when the school authorities are on Lynnie's trail and show up on Martha's door step. Homan escapes through a window but Lynnie is caught. She secretly whispers to Martha "hide her", meaning her daughter who is asleep in the attic room.
What comes after are their stories told in different voices and how their lives go on and eventually at the end come together again.This is a very thought provoking and well written. It is 40 years before they are all reunited.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it. The subject matter is definitely food for thought and though it occurs in 1068, it is shocking in it's description of the "schools" where many people are still left, some of whom just didn't even have the means to communicate, like Homan, only to suffer abuse at the hands of some of the workers, and neglect for most of the time.
This is a great book club book with lots to discuss, I highly recommend it.
The story begins when Lynnie and Homan (not the father) escape from the school and Lynnie has the baby in the woods. They are on the run and find a home with a widowed ex school teacher, Martha, who takes them in. They barely have time to dry off and put on something dry when the school authorities are on Lynnie's trail and show up on Martha's door step. Homan escapes through a window but Lynnie is caught. She secretly whispers to Martha "hide her", meaning her daughter who is asleep in the attic room.
What comes after are their stories told in different voices and how their lives go on and eventually at the end come together again.This is a very thought provoking and well written. It is 40 years before they are all reunited.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would recommend it. The subject matter is definitely food for thought and though it occurs in 1068, it is shocking in it's description of the "schools" where many people are still left, some of whom just didn't even have the means to communicate, like Homan, only to suffer abuse at the hands of some of the workers, and neglect for most of the time.
This is a great book club book with lots to discuss, I highly recommend it.
May 11, 2011
I blame Rachel Simon. I blame her for the bags under my eyes and the toothpicks holding up my eyelids. And, it's all because of this book, The Story of Beautiful Girl. 3 nights this week it's had me just one more paging myself into a 2:30 am bedtime. Y'all, I have to tell you about this book. Editorial reviews describe this book as an enthralling or unlikely love story but it is so much more. In fact, by calling this book a love story, I think the editors do it a disservice and turn away a bunch of possible (read younger males) readers. Sure, The Story of Beautiful Girl tells the story of Lynnie and Homan, two people in love who tried to run away from the Pennsylvania State School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. But, their love story isn't what drives the book. The reader recognizes that despite Lynnie's and Homan's disabilities they have the same human needs and desires that each of us do. Yes, they need freedom, respect, beauty, shelter, education, and even love. With this recognition of a very basic kinship with Lynnie and Homan, the reader begins to care about these characters whose surfaces seem so different from us. Ms. Simon's ability to create characters that we identify with and care about allows her to enthrall her readers with a decades spanning story that at times horrifies with it's unflinching look at the mistreatment of the disabled. But, The Story of Beautiful Girl does not only horrify. It also delights and thrills the reader as you watch Lynnie and Homan grown and learn and become fully realized members of the big, wide world we all live in.The Story of Beautiful Girl is a rare gem of a book and is well worth having in your library. Do yourself a huge favor and pick up a copy as soon as you can.
July 31, 2011
This is a sentimental story ready made for a Life Time channel movie. The primary characters are supposed to steal your heart from the opening pages. There is a cognitively impaired young woman who has spent most of her life warehoused in a grossly substandard institution after being abandoned there by a family in the 1950s who does not know what to do with this handicapped 9 year old. There is a young man isolated because he is a deaf mute who is confined to the same institution as a teen who was found on the streets by the police after his family dies leaving him alone. There is a childless 70 year old widow who drops her simple life to assume responsibility for a stranger’s abandoned baby. Only a heartless witch could fail to be sympathetic to such a line up of characters. So, before I continue with my review, let me assure you that the broom stick is a low carbon form of transportation. This book needed 2 warnings on the title page. The first would be, “This book can induce insulin shock”. This book was so sugary sweet that it could cause a reader’s teeth to hurt. Second, “Abandon all credulity all who enter here.” What are the odds? A childless widow just happens to have new born formula, diapers and bottles at the ready to assume care for an infant. And, when forced to move into a hotel room, this week old baby ripped from her mother immediately after birth, allows this older woman to sleep for a day and a half with out requiring her to leave the room to prepare sterilized bottles or waking her every few hours. A large deaf black man and a paraplegic using a colostomy bag can run off in a wheel chair adapted van and stay on the land for weeks without police ever finding them. Maybe all the wheelchair vans and chain stores selling colostomy bags were located in the small towns of the Rocky Mountains in the early 70s, because these guys would have stood out like soar thumbs in my N.J. area at that time. And the cognitively disabled woman uses an internal vocabulary and reveals insights that was completely inconsistent with her symptoms. And, this is just a brief sampling of the implausible situations that are found on every page. Had UFOs, Munchkins or fairy godmothers been introduced, I would have accepted it as part of the magical world in which these people moved. If you want a book that will offer you a world in which the adage “no good deed goes unpunished” is a horrid lie, this is it. If you are a card-carrying, broomstick-riding cynic, t
May 14, 2015
This was a beautiful and inspiring story about a couple in love who, along with a newborn baby girl, escape from an institution for the "incurable and feeble minded" back in 1968, and what follows up until 2011. It touched me on a personal level, so was at times a bit disturbing, as I cannot imagine my child being put in an institution back in those days. But it shows how far we have come in helping those in need and not leaving them to be forgotten or given up on, or even mistreated, and most importantly that these people have feelings too and they deserve to be loved. The story may not have been fully believable always but the author wrote with so much compassion for these characters and their feelings were portrayed so beautifully that I found it very moving.
February 24, 2012
Beautifully written story of the story of life and love within the walls, and briefly outside the walls of a "Home" for developmentally disabled youth in an era when children like Lynnie were more hidden from the world. Although she has spent most of her life behind the walls of the institution, Lynnie has known the love of her family, craves that bond and develops a relationship with Homan, a young man whose deafness lands him in the same institution. They escape together and end up seeking refuge from the storm in an old farmhouse after Lynnie has given birth. When the authorities track them down, as Lynnie is dragged away, leaving her newborn with the farmhouse's owner Martha, she whispers to Martha "Hide her." The story that follows tells the story of their lives - Martha, Lynnie, Homan and baby Julia - the endless obstacles, the sacrifices and the endless searching to find each other once again.
April 24, 2020
I am notoriously stingy giving out 5 stars.
In my mind, a book deserving of "my" 5 stars (I realize people rate books on different merits) must not only be well-written, but it must have some lasting impact on me. And perhaps even leave me changed somehow.
Within the first 30 pages of this book, I realized it was going to for sure get 4 stars. But as the story moved forward, as the characters became more real, as the days segued into years and then decades, I felt my own frustrations linked with theirs. My own hopes teamed with theirs.
This is a story about despair, hope, identity, self-sacrifice and love.
I always hesitate to recap a storyline (because goodreads already provides a synopsis). If the misunderstanding and mistreatment of people whom society at large used to call "damaged" or "defective" interests you ... if the plight of those who are without their ability to hear or speak has always resonated with you ... if the idea of never giving up on a long lost hope is something to which you can relate, please--
read this book.
And let The Story of Beautiful Girl take you on a 40-year plus journey to place of wholeness and renewed faith in the goodness of many people-- which should always overshadow those who do harm.
In my mind, a book deserving of "my" 5 stars (I realize people rate books on different merits) must not only be well-written, but it must have some lasting impact on me. And perhaps even leave me changed somehow.
Within the first 30 pages of this book, I realized it was going to for sure get 4 stars. But as the story moved forward, as the characters became more real, as the days segued into years and then decades, I felt my own frustrations linked with theirs. My own hopes teamed with theirs.
This is a story about despair, hope, identity, self-sacrifice and love.
I always hesitate to recap a storyline (because goodreads already provides a synopsis). If the misunderstanding and mistreatment of people whom society at large used to call "damaged" or "defective" interests you ... if the plight of those who are without their ability to hear or speak has always resonated with you ... if the idea of never giving up on a long lost hope is something to which you can relate, please--
read this book.
And let The Story of Beautiful Girl take you on a 40-year plus journey to place of wholeness and renewed faith in the goodness of many people-- which should always overshadow those who do harm.
June 21, 2015
What a glorious story. Very special. Homan and Beautiful Girl are two souls separated by a horrible system of 'care' for the disabled. The author has a sister with a disability and this is evident from the insights, understanding and beautiful way the story is told. How she captured and described the most inner thoughts of the main characters is amazing, and I love the character Kate. This book was such a nice read, and still has me thinking.
June 17, 2012
The Story of Beautiful Girl was a book I had been looking forward to for quite awhile. The story takes place in 1968 a time when people with disabilities were shut away in institutions forgotten by their families and the world.
On a stormy night in a small town in America a couple desperate and soaked to the skin knock on a strangers door. When Martha a retired schoolteacher answers their knock her world changes forever.
The couple at the door are Lynnie and Homan who have ran away from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded with a newborn baby. But the police are chasing the couple and terrified for the baby and moments before they are captured Lynnie manages to utter two words to Martha, “ Hide her” and so begins the story of Lynnie Homan.
I know that this novel has got a lot of great reviews but for me it was just and ok read. Firstly I did not find the Novel believable and this really dictates the worth of the novel for me.
I had to question Lynnie’s ability to hide her pregnancy in the institution and the fact that she just gave birth under these circumstances just did not work for me..
Secondly I found it difficult to believe that Martha’s students from years back were willing to help her without worrying about the consequences.
The story seemed so contrived and just too fluffy for me. I thought what this story lacked was character depth and especially with Martha as I never got to know Martha or connected with her as a character.
Having read and loved The Secret Scriptureby Sebastian BarryI just could not give this Novel any more than 2 stars as emotionally this book did noting for me.
On a stormy night in a small town in America a couple desperate and soaked to the skin knock on a strangers door. When Martha a retired schoolteacher answers their knock her world changes forever.
The couple at the door are Lynnie and Homan who have ran away from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded with a newborn baby. But the police are chasing the couple and terrified for the baby and moments before they are captured Lynnie manages to utter two words to Martha, “ Hide her” and so begins the story of Lynnie Homan.
I know that this novel has got a lot of great reviews but for me it was just and ok read. Firstly I did not find the Novel believable and this really dictates the worth of the novel for me.
I had to question Lynnie’s ability to hide her pregnancy in the institution and the fact that she just gave birth under these circumstances just did not work for me..
Secondly I found it difficult to believe that Martha’s students from years back were willing to help her without worrying about the consequences.
The story seemed so contrived and just too fluffy for me. I thought what this story lacked was character depth and especially with Martha as I never got to know Martha or connected with her as a character.
Having read and loved The Secret Scriptureby Sebastian BarryI just could not give this Novel any more than 2 stars as emotionally this book did noting for me.
August 4, 2012
I'm beginning to think I'm one of the fussiest readers ever. I'm being generous with giving this 3 stars, because I really struggled to finish this. The book can be cut in half, the first half creating a somewhat plausible storyline and the engaging me in the saga. The second half spun into a crazy quilt, seemingly arranged to bring about the Lifetime Movie ending.
There is no question that the warehousing of 'different' children was terrible in the past of this nation. And the author is to be praised for bringing this to our attention with such a lovely plot. But I would have expected a more realistic unfolding than Simon seems capable of, given her experience with her own sister. Simon makes her characters superhuman; all it takes for them to conquer their sizable disabilities is the right kind of intervention from the right person. Lynnie not only becomes a prolific artist with apparently excellent fine motor skills, but she catches up with her speech and has the intellectual ability and emotional maturity to be an exceptional person capable of some remarkable skills at planning and then executing those plans. Homan is profoundly deaf and illiterate, but with the right intervention, learns to sign, then read, then invent and market something that makes him financially comfortable.
The author brilliantly illustrated the plight of her sister in her previous book. She also chronicled the frustration of trying to work with the myriad gaps that those with intellectual disablities present. If all it took was patient intervention, wouldn't everything be just peachy.
There is no question that the warehousing of 'different' children was terrible in the past of this nation. And the author is to be praised for bringing this to our attention with such a lovely plot. But I would have expected a more realistic unfolding than Simon seems capable of, given her experience with her own sister. Simon makes her characters superhuman; all it takes for them to conquer their sizable disabilities is the right kind of intervention from the right person. Lynnie not only becomes a prolific artist with apparently excellent fine motor skills, but she catches up with her speech and has the intellectual ability and emotional maturity to be an exceptional person capable of some remarkable skills at planning and then executing those plans. Homan is profoundly deaf and illiterate, but with the right intervention, learns to sign, then read, then invent and market something that makes him financially comfortable.
The author brilliantly illustrated the plight of her sister in her previous book. She also chronicled the frustration of trying to work with the myriad gaps that those with intellectual disablities present. If all it took was patient intervention, wouldn't everything be just peachy.
July 30, 2011
I really enjoyed Rachel Simon's memoir 'Riding the Bus with My Sister' and was excited to see she had recently published a novel. When I read what the novel was about, I thought Simon would be able to bring a special kind of insight to the story because of her own relationship with her sister who has a developmental disability.
The story opens after Lynnie and Buddy escape from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. Lynnie has a developmental disability and Buddy is deaf. While on the run Lynnie gives birth and they find themselves seeking shelter on Martha's doorstep. Martha offers them comfort but the authorities arrive soon after. Just before Lynnie is taken away she asks Martha to hide her baby. Martha hides the baby and devotes herself to her upbringing, the story that follows spans forty years.
I was really looking forward to reading this story, I think it had great potential on many different levels. Unfortunately I found the writing to be dull unimaginative and clichéd. The dialog was forced and unrealistic, the characters were flat and lifeless and the events that unfolded were unbelievable. The author creates a woman who would sacrifice her entire life to protect an innocent baby but she doesn’t develop the character into a realistic person or offer any reasons why she would do such a thing.
I wrote notes describing the writing while I was reading the book. Some of the things I wrote are strange/awkward writing, pedantic, overly simplified, stiff unrealistic/flat characters, events make no sense.
I repeatedly wondered if this was originally intended for the Young Adult reader. Even if it was intended for the YA reader it was still a poorly plotted and poorly written story. I was really disappointed by this novel though I did love the cover and the end pages. I wish that Simons had worked with an editor who could have helped make this a stronger piece of work.
The story opens after Lynnie and Buddy escape from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. Lynnie has a developmental disability and Buddy is deaf. While on the run Lynnie gives birth and they find themselves seeking shelter on Martha's doorstep. Martha offers them comfort but the authorities arrive soon after. Just before Lynnie is taken away she asks Martha to hide her baby. Martha hides the baby and devotes herself to her upbringing, the story that follows spans forty years.
I was really looking forward to reading this story, I think it had great potential on many different levels. Unfortunately I found the writing to be dull unimaginative and clichéd. The dialog was forced and unrealistic, the characters were flat and lifeless and the events that unfolded were unbelievable. The author creates a woman who would sacrifice her entire life to protect an innocent baby but she doesn’t develop the character into a realistic person or offer any reasons why she would do such a thing.
I wrote notes describing the writing while I was reading the book. Some of the things I wrote are strange/awkward writing, pedantic, overly simplified, stiff unrealistic/flat characters, events make no sense.
I repeatedly wondered if this was originally intended for the Young Adult reader. Even if it was intended for the YA reader it was still a poorly plotted and poorly written story. I was really disappointed by this novel though I did love the cover and the end pages. I wish that Simons had worked with an editor who could have helped make this a stronger piece of work.
July 14, 2016
É ainda emocionada, passado poucos minutos de acabar de ler este livro que escrevo estas linhas.
Este livro não é um livro fácil nem leve.
A escritora, soube agora ao ler os agradecimentos, tem uma irmã defeciente mental.
Escreveu uma história bonita e comovente.
Não fui capaz de pousar este livro (excepto para dormir e trabalhar) até o acabar.
Senti durante a leitura várias emoções como raiva, pena, revolta, ternura, admiração, alegria e tristeza.
Entrei num mundo que desconheço. Sonhei muito. Acredito num mundo melhor em que os defecientes de vários graus terão direitos. Serão livres de fazer escolhas, amar e serem amados. Enriqueci.
Obrigada Rachel Simon.
Este livro não é um livro fácil nem leve.
A escritora, soube agora ao ler os agradecimentos, tem uma irmã defeciente mental.
Escreveu uma história bonita e comovente.
Não fui capaz de pousar este livro (excepto para dormir e trabalhar) até o acabar.
Senti durante a leitura várias emoções como raiva, pena, revolta, ternura, admiração, alegria e tristeza.
Entrei num mundo que desconheço. Sonhei muito. Acredito num mundo melhor em que os defecientes de vários graus terão direitos. Serão livres de fazer escolhas, amar e serem amados. Enriqueci.
Obrigada Rachel Simon.
June 22, 2017
A beautiful story! I can totally see a movie being made from this. 3.5 stars!
March 2, 2012
As soon as I finished this book, I wanted to start it all over again.
The Story of Beautiful Girl surpasses most of what I've read this year. Great characters who seemed so real, it felt like I'd met them... Simon gives us an eye into their souls. Place was done so well that it seemed like being in a movie. I cannot remember when a book passage gave me goose bumps and this happened more than once here. Enough said: I LOVED this book! Rachel Simon is definitely one to keep an eye on... please keep writing!
The Story of Beautiful Girl surpasses most of what I've read this year. Great characters who seemed so real, it felt like I'd met them... Simon gives us an eye into their souls. Place was done so well that it seemed like being in a movie. I cannot remember when a book passage gave me goose bumps and this happened more than once here. Enough said: I LOVED this book! Rachel Simon is definitely one to keep an eye on... please keep writing!
May 6, 2015
Beautiful story
July 24, 2011
This novel really gripped me from the first page. The story premise kept me reading because I simply had to find out more about these deeply troubled characters, their tragic lives, their current unfathomable circumstances and their futures.
Lynnie and Homan, residents from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, escape and Lynnie soon gives birth outside the school’s walls. When she is captured, Lynnie is forced to entrust a stranger with her newborn (officials from the School don't know the baby exists). Homan escapes on foot, and the story is set in motion. [No spoilers, here. This is all on the book jacket].
I’ve seen some reviews that criticized Lynnie and Homan, calling them shallow characters or not fully developed. But I wholeheartedly disagree. I think Lynnie and Homan’s characterization and their distinct voices are testament to the strength of Simon’s writing. I was in awe of the author’s ability to show us a world through the eyes of two characters who lack basic communication skills and are socially awkward, at best, due to their physical and mental limitations. I think she communicated their thoughts and desires expertly.
In fact, I cared so much about the characters that I was able to suspend disbelief and go along for story’s entire journey. I was also impressed with Simon’s ability to successfully structure and weave together a tale that spanned 43 years. The ending was satisfying, overall, though not usually the kind of ending I personally favor (and I’ll leave it at that so I don’t ruin it for any future readers).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - one of my favorites this year!
Lynnie and Homan, residents from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, escape and Lynnie soon gives birth outside the school’s walls. When she is captured, Lynnie is forced to entrust a stranger with her newborn (officials from the School don't know the baby exists). Homan escapes on foot, and the story is set in motion. [No spoilers, here. This is all on the book jacket].
I’ve seen some reviews that criticized Lynnie and Homan, calling them shallow characters or not fully developed. But I wholeheartedly disagree. I think Lynnie and Homan’s characterization and their distinct voices are testament to the strength of Simon’s writing. I was in awe of the author’s ability to show us a world through the eyes of two characters who lack basic communication skills and are socially awkward, at best, due to their physical and mental limitations. I think she communicated their thoughts and desires expertly.
In fact, I cared so much about the characters that I was able to suspend disbelief and go along for story’s entire journey. I was also impressed with Simon’s ability to successfully structure and weave together a tale that spanned 43 years. The ending was satisfying, overall, though not usually the kind of ending I personally favor (and I’ll leave it at that so I don’t ruin it for any future readers).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - one of my favorites this year!
November 21, 2011
This book was really amazing, but it was also really hard for me to read. I have a sister 10 years younger than me with Downs syndrome and it was hard to not envision what her life could have been like if she'd been born in that time or if my parents were like Lynnie's. People who are "special" are just that and my sister has been the greatest blessing for our family. How some people do not see it that way is so ridiculous to me! Lynnie and Homan's story was so touching and captivating that I cried through nearly every chapter. But I was also so involved that I had to push to finish just to have an end to my anxiety and emotions :). So glad it ended well! Despite the difficult subject matter, it was really beautiful and well worth the read.
September 28, 2011
This book tells the story of Lynnie, Homan and Martha, whose lives are brought together suddenly. Lynnie and Homan are locked away in an institution, the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded. In love, Homan orchestrates their escape, and during their three days of freedom Lynnie gives birth to a baby girl. While on the run, they make their way to Martha's farm, and when the police and warders from The School arrive, they are recaptured - but not before Lynnie leaves the baby with Martha, asking only that she hide the baby.
This book was recommended in a GoodReads newsletter and sounded interesting so I bought an e-book copy months ago. I finally got around to reading it this week on my new Kindle, but I have to say it was disappointing. The chapters alternate between Lynnie, Homan and Martha's stories, but the characters really did not come to life for me. Although the book has much of interest to say about institutions of the 1960s in America, the story itself just did not engage me. If it was a paper book, I would definitely have skimmed it and probably skipped to the end. As this is much harder on the Kindle, I persevered, but cannot recommend it as a good read.
This book was recommended in a GoodReads newsletter and sounded interesting so I bought an e-book copy months ago. I finally got around to reading it this week on my new Kindle, but I have to say it was disappointing. The chapters alternate between Lynnie, Homan and Martha's stories, but the characters really did not come to life for me. Although the book has much of interest to say about institutions of the 1960s in America, the story itself just did not engage me. If it was a paper book, I would definitely have skimmed it and probably skipped to the end. As this is much harder on the Kindle, I persevered, but cannot recommend it as a good read.
July 10, 2012
I loved this book! The story begins with Lynnie and Homan showing up at Martha's house one stormy night with a baby girl. Lynnie and Homan have been institutionalized at a "school" for the disabled. They had escaped looking for a better life, but the officials traced them to Martha's and Lynnie is returned to the school. Homan manages to escape and Martha keeps the baby. The author gives voice to Lynnie, Homan, Martha and Kate, the kind social worker in charge of the cottage in which Lynnie and several other girls reside. Lynnie is taken to the school as a young girl when her parents feel she is too much of a burden and embarressment to the family. Homan became deaf after an accident and upon running away gets placed in the school. Martha is a widow who has always longed for a child. Lynnie's time at the school is at many moments heartbreaking, yet she finds friendship and love. Homan is only able to communicate by his own made up sign language. I especially loved the way the author describes the world through Homan's thoughts. Time passes and the school is closed and Lynnie is placed in a group home, develops her art and advocates for the disabled. Homan ends up finding a place to belong and learn American sign language, eventually even a college degree. Martha cared for Julia, the baby left with her, until her death. Kate marries and moves away from the school, but stays closely connected with Lynnie. What a beautiful ending that finds Lynnie and Homan together at last, and Julia discovering her parents. What a beautiful story of redemption. It is a sad peice of American history that we chose to hide the disabled in institutions rather than embrace them for all the abilities they possess, and the possibilities of what can be achieved.
March 3, 2012
Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, is thought of as "Beautiful Girl" in the mind of Homan, a black deaf man. They are both institutionalized in Pennsylvania in 1968 when they run away. Lynnie had been raped at the institution, and knows she has to get away to give her baby a chance when it's time to give birth. The couple get help from a retired widow, but Lynnie is captured by the authorities from the institution while Homan manages to escape into the woods. Lynnie asks the widow to hide the baby girl before she is driven back to the institution.
The book then tracks the separate lives of Lynnie, Homan, and baby Julia. Lynnie and Homan both face enormous challenges, but a combination of inner strength, talent, and the kindness of helpful people lead to better times.
The author had a sister with an intellectual disability who was raised at home. She was horrified at the reports on TV about the neglect at some state institutions. She has woven a wonderful story around the movement to create a more inclusive environment for those with disabilities. Because the characters had such positive attitudes and a beautiful love, the book had many happy and uplifting moments. The story of "Beautiful Girl" and Homan will stay with you for a long time.
The book then tracks the separate lives of Lynnie, Homan, and baby Julia. Lynnie and Homan both face enormous challenges, but a combination of inner strength, talent, and the kindness of helpful people lead to better times.
The author had a sister with an intellectual disability who was raised at home. She was horrified at the reports on TV about the neglect at some state institutions. She has woven a wonderful story around the movement to create a more inclusive environment for those with disabilities. Because the characters had such positive attitudes and a beautiful love, the book had many happy and uplifting moments. The story of "Beautiful Girl" and Homan will stay with you for a long time.
March 11, 2013
This is the same author as RIDING THE BUS WITH MY SISTER and BUILDING A HOME WITH MY HUSBAND. This one is fiction, though, while the others are both based upon her real life.
I regrettably have to say I preferred her nonfiction books. This was written somewhat vaguely and I thought the characters were a bit simplistic and two-dimensional. At times, the action also seemed slow, and I found myself bored and/or not looking forward to getting back to the book. I do admire what she was trying to do here (shine some light upon the horrors of mental institutions in the 1950s-70s) but it just didn't really fulfill my expectations. The characters were so flat and like stock characters ("kindly old lady who takes baby in as her own," "kindly old widower who meets & marries kindly old lady," "nice person working at institution," "teenage girl who is questioning her roots and acting out,"), I wished that Simon had fleshed out their characters more and made them seem more like real people. At times, the book seemed so "flat," it was almost written as if it was a fable.
Brief summary: "Beautiful Girl" or "Lynnie" is a Caucasian girl in her 20s who is mentally deficient in some ways, and was placed in this institution as a young child by her family, despite reservations, b/c they were told it was "for the best."
"Buddy" or "#42" or just "42" is an African-American deaf man in his 30s who also lives at the institution, who ended up there b/c no one could understand him (he spoke a Black form of sign language which was not recognized by most white people, so he was misdiagnosed as being mentally challenged as well.).
"Beautiful Girl" has gotten pregnant in some way (we're not sure if it's by Buddy, by some other resident, through love, or through force. . .what. . . that becomes apparently only at the end) and Buddy and she love each other and they try to escape one night. They are on the run for 3 days, with their newborn baby, taking shelter at a nearby farmhouse with a kindly old lady who takes them in, when they are caught. They leave the baby with the old lady and ask her to keep the baby safe. (This is all background and happens in about the first chapter.) For the rest of the book, the old lady raises the baby as her granddaughter and the book alternates b/w 3 voices: Buddy's, Beautiful Girl's, Martha (the old lady), and sometimes Kate, one of the only kind caretakers at the institution who genuinely cares for the residents.
It sounds super-interesting, and I really, really, really was interested in this book. :( For some reason, though, the manifestation of this commendable outline and intent was just. . . .. kind of boring and not really as interesting as I had hoped. :(
I regrettably have to say I preferred her nonfiction books. This was written somewhat vaguely and I thought the characters were a bit simplistic and two-dimensional. At times, the action also seemed slow, and I found myself bored and/or not looking forward to getting back to the book. I do admire what she was trying to do here (shine some light upon the horrors of mental institutions in the 1950s-70s) but it just didn't really fulfill my expectations. The characters were so flat and like stock characters ("kindly old lady who takes baby in as her own," "kindly old widower who meets & marries kindly old lady," "nice person working at institution," "teenage girl who is questioning her roots and acting out,"), I wished that Simon had fleshed out their characters more and made them seem more like real people. At times, the book seemed so "flat," it was almost written as if it was a fable.
Brief summary: "Beautiful Girl" or "Lynnie" is a Caucasian girl in her 20s who is mentally deficient in some ways, and was placed in this institution as a young child by her family, despite reservations, b/c they were told it was "for the best."
"Buddy" or "#42" or just "42" is an African-American deaf man in his 30s who also lives at the institution, who ended up there b/c no one could understand him (he spoke a Black form of sign language which was not recognized by most white people, so he was misdiagnosed as being mentally challenged as well.).
"Beautiful Girl" has gotten pregnant in some way (we're not sure if it's by Buddy, by some other resident, through love, or through force. . .what. . . that becomes apparently only at the end) and Buddy and she love each other and they try to escape one night. They are on the run for 3 days, with their newborn baby, taking shelter at a nearby farmhouse with a kindly old lady who takes them in, when they are caught. They leave the baby with the old lady and ask her to keep the baby safe. (This is all background and happens in about the first chapter.) For the rest of the book, the old lady raises the baby as her granddaughter and the book alternates b/w 3 voices: Buddy's, Beautiful Girl's, Martha (the old lady), and sometimes Kate, one of the only kind caretakers at the institution who genuinely cares for the residents.
It sounds super-interesting, and I really, really, really was interested in this book. :( For some reason, though, the manifestation of this commendable outline and intent was just. . . .. kind of boring and not really as interesting as I had hoped. :(
September 6, 2016
In the late 1960’s a beautiful young developmental disabled woman is raped by one of the attendants in a musty closet of the Pennsylvania Residence for Gifted Children and Adults. This woman’s name is Lynnie, she is 22 years old and has spent the past 10 years living at “The School”.
Lynnie befriends a deaf African American man also a resident at “The School”, and they plot their escape. Lynnie is pregnant as a result of the rape and she has seen the horrors of babies who live at “The School”.
The baby girl is born while they are running, exhausted and frightened; they knock on the door of a retired school teacher. Martha has years of experience working with children and immediately understands that Lynnie and the man are not highly functioning adults. She takes them in, gives them dinner and dry clothing. Unfortunately, the administration from “The School” arrives to take Lynnie and the man back to “The School”. Before she leaves, she whispers in Martha’s ear-“Hide her”.
The man escapes through the back door and into the woods and is never found. Lynnie returns to the school in a straightjacket where she lives for twelve more years. Martha and the baby successfully evade all who are searching for them. I won’t tell you anymore, because reading this odyssey is a sad and hopeful journey.
There is only one piece of this story that seems contrived to me, the manner in which Lynnie’s daughter discovers her background. It is very late in the story and I felt it was not a well developed as it should have been. Otherwise, this story will keep you engrossed.
Lynnie befriends a deaf African American man also a resident at “The School”, and they plot their escape. Lynnie is pregnant as a result of the rape and she has seen the horrors of babies who live at “The School”.
The baby girl is born while they are running, exhausted and frightened; they knock on the door of a retired school teacher. Martha has years of experience working with children and immediately understands that Lynnie and the man are not highly functioning adults. She takes them in, gives them dinner and dry clothing. Unfortunately, the administration from “The School” arrives to take Lynnie and the man back to “The School”. Before she leaves, she whispers in Martha’s ear-“Hide her”.
The man escapes through the back door and into the woods and is never found. Lynnie returns to the school in a straightjacket where she lives for twelve more years. Martha and the baby successfully evade all who are searching for them. I won’t tell you anymore, because reading this odyssey is a sad and hopeful journey.
There is only one piece of this story that seems contrived to me, the manner in which Lynnie’s daughter discovers her background. It is very late in the story and I felt it was not a well developed as it should have been. Otherwise, this story will keep you engrossed.
July 17, 2014
Speechless.
June 21, 2022
4 sterren - Nederlandse paperback
Het verhaal speelt in Amerika, in het jaar1968. Ik was 3 jaar oud toen!
De weduwe Martha krijgt op een avond onverwachts bezoek; een blanke vrouw die niet praat en een dove, zwarte man. Volledig verregend, bang en... met een pasgeboren baby in hun armen.
Martha vangt ze op, maar niet veel later staat er een delegatie voor de deur om het stel op te pakken. De man weet te vluchten, de vrouw niet. Wel weet ze de weduwe duidelijk te maken voor haar kind te zorgen.
En daarmee is het jonge gezin in drieën gesplitst.
Het verhaal wordt vervolgens afwisselend vanuit de man, Homan, de vrouw, Lynnie en de weduwe, Martha verteld.
Het schrijnende verhaal over het leven op de School, waar Lynnie en Homan elkaar leerden kennen, een instituut waar men zich veilig zou moeten voelen, is niet uit de lucht gegrepen.
Gebaseerd op de documentaire van Geraldo Rivera uit 1972 over het instituut Willowbrook, is dit een onverteerbaar realistische weergave van hoe het er destijds soms aan toe ging.
Gedurende het boek, dat zich afspeelt tusen 1968 en 2011, wordt het gevoel van de betreffende tijd waanzinnig goed neergezet. Ook zónder de jaaraanduiding bovenaan de hoofdstukken, weet je al wanneer het zich ongeveer afspeelt. Knap gedaan!
De geschiedenis van Martha, Homan en Lynnie is wel fictief, en is getekend door drama, eenzaamheid, liefde, onbegrip en een hoge wat voorspelbare, en onrealistische finale.
Ik kreeg een brok in mijn keel tijdens het lezen maar het was een mooi verhaal. Twee tegenstrijdigheden die dit boek voor mij goed verwoord.
Een boek dat je bij blijft, dat je laat inzien hoeveel de wereld veranderd is de laatste 50 jaar... en hoeveel ook níet.
Vooral het onbegrip waar Homan keer op keer op stuit, vond ik erg mooi beschreven.
Het verhaal speelt in Amerika, in het jaar1968. Ik was 3 jaar oud toen!
De weduwe Martha krijgt op een avond onverwachts bezoek; een blanke vrouw die niet praat en een dove, zwarte man. Volledig verregend, bang en... met een pasgeboren baby in hun armen.
Martha vangt ze op, maar niet veel later staat er een delegatie voor de deur om het stel op te pakken. De man weet te vluchten, de vrouw niet. Wel weet ze de weduwe duidelijk te maken voor haar kind te zorgen.
En daarmee is het jonge gezin in drieën gesplitst.
Het verhaal wordt vervolgens afwisselend vanuit de man, Homan, de vrouw, Lynnie en de weduwe, Martha verteld.
Het schrijnende verhaal over het leven op de School, waar Lynnie en Homan elkaar leerden kennen, een instituut waar men zich veilig zou moeten voelen, is niet uit de lucht gegrepen.
Gebaseerd op de documentaire van Geraldo Rivera uit 1972 over het instituut Willowbrook, is dit een onverteerbaar realistische weergave van hoe het er destijds soms aan toe ging.
Gedurende het boek, dat zich afspeelt tusen 1968 en 2011, wordt het gevoel van de betreffende tijd waanzinnig goed neergezet. Ook zónder de jaaraanduiding bovenaan de hoofdstukken, weet je al wanneer het zich ongeveer afspeelt. Knap gedaan!
De geschiedenis van Martha, Homan en Lynnie is wel fictief, en is getekend door drama, eenzaamheid, liefde, onbegrip en een hoge wat voorspelbare, en onrealistische finale.
Ik kreeg een brok in mijn keel tijdens het lezen maar het was een mooi verhaal. Twee tegenstrijdigheden die dit boek voor mij goed verwoord.
Een boek dat je bij blijft, dat je laat inzien hoeveel de wereld veranderd is de laatste 50 jaar... en hoeveel ook níet.
Vooral het onbegrip waar Homan keer op keer op stuit, vond ik erg mooi beschreven.
May 13, 2013
Four stars for subject matter, three stars for execution. This is an ambitious work of fiction. It explores the lives of a young woman with a developmental disability who is institutionalized by her family, and a young man who winds up in the same institution because of his deafness. It casts an unflinching gaze on the horrible practices within the institution. Those passages were excellent, and I think the book was at its best when stepping behind the curtains without moralizing.
It was obvious to me from early on that this was a book that would look at the darkness but provide happy endings for all the characters we come to care about. I don't blame the author for doing that, and I appreciate a satisfying ending, but I like a little more dramatic tension. I didn't buy the voice when she was writing dialogue for children and for some other characters later in the book.
All of that said, as a work of fiction meant to illuminate our horrifying past and the strides we have made, this is a fine read. I recommend it as a work of fiction that demands we treat the disabled among us with dignity and respect.
It was obvious to me from early on that this was a book that would look at the darkness but provide happy endings for all the characters we come to care about. I don't blame the author for doing that, and I appreciate a satisfying ending, but I like a little more dramatic tension. I didn't buy the voice when she was writing dialogue for children and for some other characters later in the book.
All of that said, as a work of fiction meant to illuminate our horrifying past and the strides we have made, this is a fine read. I recommend it as a work of fiction that demands we treat the disabled among us with dignity and respect.
May 4, 2011
Like waiting for a holiday, a vacation, or a very special event, anticipation is a big part of the pleasure and following along with Rachel Simon, via her blog and Facebook page, as she did a pre-release tour for her newest book, The Story of Beautiful Girl, helped get me through winter doldrums and kept the May release date firmly in my mind. I had read the online excerpt and was sure ...Beautiful Girl would become one of my favorite books. Titles that are on a special shelf; books by Amy Tan, Lisa See, Elizabeth Berg, Sue Miller. Books that transport my mind, suspend time, wrap themselves around me like a beautiful quilt of memories.
The Story of Beautiful Girl did just that.
First, as a book designer, let me take a moment to comment on the packaging of this title. The cover art was featured on a CBS Sunday Morning episode months before the release. When I saw it, held up proudly in Central Publishing's New York office, I called to my husband, "They're showing Rachel Simon's book!" It was exciting, because I was already familiar with the distinctive silhouette of a woman, her hair bound up in a loose bun, her face slightly downcast.
The white background of the jacket has a pearl effect; I'm not sure how that was achieved, but it is understated elegance at its finest. The font used in the title is a work of graphic art and the orange-red letters are raised off the jacket. But wait, that's not all! When you open the book you are greeted with matching colored endsheets splashed with the silhouettes of feathers. A feather is also shown on the back jacket, with a baby's hand reaching toward it. I love the simple beauty of this jacket. It fits perfectly with the story and the sophisticated design continues on each page. And now, to the story...
The Story of Beautiful Girl is dedicated to "those who were put away." Even the front matter supports the design and tone of the story, with a beautiful verse by the Reverend Nancy Lane. I'm not giving it away, because you need to get this book and find these lovely touches yourself.
Simon begins her tale in 1968, with Part I: Hiding. We meet Martha, the widow, Lynnie, a young woman who is mute and mentally disabled, and Homan, an African-American deaf man on the run. The story continues in Part II: Going (1969, 1970) and we become closer to the characters and also learn the significance of the "red feather" as well as more details of past events pertinent to the story.
I don't want to reveal much about the plot, so I'll just say that Part III: Seeking scoots us to 1980, 1988, 1993, 1995, 2001, and 2011. I like the way each chapter has a title, along with the name of the character who is the focus of the chapter and the year. We meet additional supporting characters like Kate who worked at the at the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded where Lynnie and Homan start their story, and other folks whose paths cross with Homan, Lynnie, and Martha. The child hinted at on the back jacket is Julia, Lynnie's baby, who grows to adulthood by the last chapter in a heart-stopping scene that will make you feel as if you hear the music and see the images, like a movie, like a wonderful conclusion of a meaningful film that weaves a story around your heart and enlightens your mind.
There is no doubt that this book will end up in movie form, but a film will not be as good as the book, because only with the author's words can you be brought so closely into the thoughts of these characters. A film might show the events, show other things too, and do much good in bringing to light the story of those among us imprisoned by the limitations of our approach to folks with disabilities, but it will never have subtle beauty of Rachel Simon's writing.
Simon is the author of Riding the Bus with My Sister and The House on Teacher's Lane, and has other books and anthology contributions to her credit as well. Her story is included in Thicker than Water: Essays of Adult Siblings with Disabilities. On her blog and in her books, Simon writes about her sister, Beth, her family history, "building a home with her husband" (the title on the hardcover version of The House on Teacher's Lane), and the writing life and events related to her book. She travels the country meeting with other siblings of folks with disabilities and talking before advocacy and support groups for people with disabilities and their families. And now, with The Story of Beautiful Girl, she has wrapped much of her life and heart into fiction form and presented to us a story of loss and of hope.
This is why I love fiction and those who write it well; who take what means something to them and weave it into a story, not from nothing, but from nearly everything. A writer, in some cases but perhaps not all, doesn't build a story from an empty page, but looks at everything in the world, then decides what to leave out. What is left is the foundation of the story.
In The Story of Beautiful Girl I see the shadows of what was removed. The months and years not explained in the book. The author does a good job of giving enough information so that we can fill in the blanks. It's the only way you can take a story from 1968 to 2011 in 346 pages.
I appreciated very much the Acknowledgments section, located at the end of the book. Don't skip reading this, as it is an important part of the "why" behind the story. I am always interested in how writers get ideas for their stories and Simon mentions a nameless man from 1945 as the impetus for ...Beautiful Girl.
As the parent of an adult son who has mental and physical challenges, including deafness, I noticed carefully the way Rachel Simon portrayed the thoughts and emotions of Homan. It was amazing. Only someone who has spent time with folks with disabilities and interacted with them with respect and humility can then capture so beautifully their viewpoint. This is the effort that a reader may not see within the words on each page, but for those who follow Simon's work and life, the heart in her book will come as no surprise.
You can learn more about Rachel Simon and her work at www.RachelSimon.com.
The Story of Beautiful Girl, in my opinion, is suitable for readers 15 and older. I would love to see high school seniors assigned this book and having the opportunity to learn about this important chapter in our nation's history, as well as learning to see things from a person-with-disabilities point of view. We still have a long way to go in our treatment of folks like Homan and Lynnie. And, while places like the School described in this book have closed, there are still state hospitals, nursing homes, state schools, jails, and prisons where people with disabilities struggle to be understood and to have hope. Hope for the basic things all of us yearn for: safety, understanding, family, work, home.
This review was also posted on my blog: http://www.appalachianmorning.blogspo...
The Story of Beautiful Girl did just that.
First, as a book designer, let me take a moment to comment on the packaging of this title. The cover art was featured on a CBS Sunday Morning episode months before the release. When I saw it, held up proudly in Central Publishing's New York office, I called to my husband, "They're showing Rachel Simon's book!" It was exciting, because I was already familiar with the distinctive silhouette of a woman, her hair bound up in a loose bun, her face slightly downcast.
The white background of the jacket has a pearl effect; I'm not sure how that was achieved, but it is understated elegance at its finest. The font used in the title is a work of graphic art and the orange-red letters are raised off the jacket. But wait, that's not all! When you open the book you are greeted with matching colored endsheets splashed with the silhouettes of feathers. A feather is also shown on the back jacket, with a baby's hand reaching toward it. I love the simple beauty of this jacket. It fits perfectly with the story and the sophisticated design continues on each page. And now, to the story...
The Story of Beautiful Girl is dedicated to "those who were put away." Even the front matter supports the design and tone of the story, with a beautiful verse by the Reverend Nancy Lane. I'm not giving it away, because you need to get this book and find these lovely touches yourself.
Simon begins her tale in 1968, with Part I: Hiding. We meet Martha, the widow, Lynnie, a young woman who is mute and mentally disabled, and Homan, an African-American deaf man on the run. The story continues in Part II: Going (1969, 1970) and we become closer to the characters and also learn the significance of the "red feather" as well as more details of past events pertinent to the story.
I don't want to reveal much about the plot, so I'll just say that Part III: Seeking scoots us to 1980, 1988, 1993, 1995, 2001, and 2011. I like the way each chapter has a title, along with the name of the character who is the focus of the chapter and the year. We meet additional supporting characters like Kate who worked at the at the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded where Lynnie and Homan start their story, and other folks whose paths cross with Homan, Lynnie, and Martha. The child hinted at on the back jacket is Julia, Lynnie's baby, who grows to adulthood by the last chapter in a heart-stopping scene that will make you feel as if you hear the music and see the images, like a movie, like a wonderful conclusion of a meaningful film that weaves a story around your heart and enlightens your mind.
There is no doubt that this book will end up in movie form, but a film will not be as good as the book, because only with the author's words can you be brought so closely into the thoughts of these characters. A film might show the events, show other things too, and do much good in bringing to light the story of those among us imprisoned by the limitations of our approach to folks with disabilities, but it will never have subtle beauty of Rachel Simon's writing.
Simon is the author of Riding the Bus with My Sister and The House on Teacher's Lane, and has other books and anthology contributions to her credit as well. Her story is included in Thicker than Water: Essays of Adult Siblings with Disabilities. On her blog and in her books, Simon writes about her sister, Beth, her family history, "building a home with her husband" (the title on the hardcover version of The House on Teacher's Lane), and the writing life and events related to her book. She travels the country meeting with other siblings of folks with disabilities and talking before advocacy and support groups for people with disabilities and their families. And now, with The Story of Beautiful Girl, she has wrapped much of her life and heart into fiction form and presented to us a story of loss and of hope.
This is why I love fiction and those who write it well; who take what means something to them and weave it into a story, not from nothing, but from nearly everything. A writer, in some cases but perhaps not all, doesn't build a story from an empty page, but looks at everything in the world, then decides what to leave out. What is left is the foundation of the story.
In The Story of Beautiful Girl I see the shadows of what was removed. The months and years not explained in the book. The author does a good job of giving enough information so that we can fill in the blanks. It's the only way you can take a story from 1968 to 2011 in 346 pages.
I appreciated very much the Acknowledgments section, located at the end of the book. Don't skip reading this, as it is an important part of the "why" behind the story. I am always interested in how writers get ideas for their stories and Simon mentions a nameless man from 1945 as the impetus for ...Beautiful Girl.
As the parent of an adult son who has mental and physical challenges, including deafness, I noticed carefully the way Rachel Simon portrayed the thoughts and emotions of Homan. It was amazing. Only someone who has spent time with folks with disabilities and interacted with them with respect and humility can then capture so beautifully their viewpoint. This is the effort that a reader may not see within the words on each page, but for those who follow Simon's work and life, the heart in her book will come as no surprise.
You can learn more about Rachel Simon and her work at www.RachelSimon.com.
The Story of Beautiful Girl, in my opinion, is suitable for readers 15 and older. I would love to see high school seniors assigned this book and having the opportunity to learn about this important chapter in our nation's history, as well as learning to see things from a person-with-disabilities point of view. We still have a long way to go in our treatment of folks like Homan and Lynnie. And, while places like the School described in this book have closed, there are still state hospitals, nursing homes, state schools, jails, and prisons where people with disabilities struggle to be understood and to have hope. Hope for the basic things all of us yearn for: safety, understanding, family, work, home.
This review was also posted on my blog: http://www.appalachianmorning.blogspo...
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