Customer Reviews

Pretty is Just a Face I Make

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4 star:		(4)
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A gripping story of a young woman who attempts to pursue her dream, and make a new beginning for herself in New Orleans. Based on true events, the main character, Lynn, escapes a bad relationship, dysfunctional family, the painful aftermath of a car accident and moves to New Orleans in hopes of attending college and becoming an artist. Once in New Orleans, she is confronted with the struggles of trying to make ends meet on her own, to survive, subsist, and still have the means to pursue her dream.

Ellen Mae Smith has done an incredible job of capturing every detail regarding the life of a stripper. The descriptions of the clubs in the tourist packed French Quarter, the personalities of every character she encounters, and the personality of the main character herself all were masterfully written.

A must read for anyone who appreciates New Orleans, or for anyone who is pondering taking the first steps and starting a new life.

By turns poetic and insightful, exciting and frantic, steamy and sexy, "Pretty Is Just A Face I Make" is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered behind the forbidden doors of the Big Easy. It follows the experiences of a stripper in New Orleans, from her beginnings as an inexperienced runaway in need of quick cash, through a year in which she is transformed, and hardened, and hurt, and ultimately... well, you'll have to read the book to discover just how far she goes.

This is the other side of the table dance, told in a way that manages to avoid the usual clichés and stereotypes. Based on real events, there is simply not a false note in the novel, from its genuine (and sometimes genuinely creepy) characters to descriptions of the French Quarter that are so exact that I could almost smell its perfume and decay. I found this book to be entertaining from beginning to end, with sections that left my jaw slack with astonishment.

This is not a world that has been part of my personal experience, but having read this book, I feel as if I have been permitted to see through the sunny gray eyes of a fascinating, unique, beautiful person who became, by novel's end, more than real.

And did I mention that this book is really sexy?

With words as her medium and the pages as her canvas, Mrs. Smith paints the provocative story of a young woman escaping from her destructive past in search for a new beginning. Struggling to make ends meet, the young art student Lynn, attempts a career in striptease within the steamy confines of New Orleans. In the process, she discovers a new world and hidden truths about herself. It's a voyeuristic look into the competitive world of striptease and temptation written with honesty and clarity. Her writing shines brightest when describing sense of place. If you have never been to New Orleans, grab onto the authors words and allow them to transport you to the French Quarter.

I was given this book by a friend. I wasn't too excited about reading it but she kept assuring me it was good. It is more than a story about being a stripper. It is an inside look to her journey, the world of stripping, trying to make it on your own and the events that lead her to the decisions she made. I felt a certain attachment as I too am from Ohio and now live in New Orleans. I don't have a lot of time to read but this book was a quick read has been stuck in my head for 3 years. I still vividly remember a lot of it and often tell people of this book. All I can say it is not what you think . . . just read it!

Forthright. Honest. Gives an exceptional insight into what may be one of the most misunderstood professions in the world. Life isn't about black and white, there are shades of gray and this story shows how one young woman views life, and which path is hers to take. She accomplishes this on her her own terms. It's a story about willing to make mistakes and the growth that these sacrifices bring.

A lot of attention is focused on the obvious - the fact that Lynn is a stripper, but what this book is really about is starting over. Beginning a new life. Looking for yourself wherever you think you might find it. I was also touched by Smith's description of what it's like to live with an alcoholic father, and all the ensuing pain. This is a very captivating story, and Smith is a master storyteller. A superb first effort, and I hope that she writes for many years to come.

Read it in two sittings; couldn't put it down! It's not the genre I usually buy, but the story is "deeply interesting" - it keeps you hooked. I recommend this!