Adventures of an Ugly Girl follows the journey of a young woman named Lizzie who struggles with her self-esteem and body image. The author Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett delves into the complexities of Lizzie's character, portraying her as a relatable and multifaceted individual.

The story takes us through Lizzie's various experiences, from dealing with school bullies to navigating the turbulent waters of young adulthood. Throughout it all, Lizzie's strength and resilience shine through, making her a compelling and inspiring protagonist.

Corbett's writing is both poignant and witty, seamlessly blending moments of heartache with moments of humor. The book explores themes of society's beauty standards, friendship, and the importance of self-acceptance.

Overall, Adventures of an Ugly Girl is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will resonate with readers of all ages. Lizzie's journey towards self-acceptance is a powerful reminder that true beauty comes from within.

Book Description:
“Come, Dora! I shall never be ready, if you don’t make haste. They will be here in ten minutes, and my hair is not half so nice as it ought to be, thanks to your carelessness.” “You are very good to ignore my own claims to attention so utterly. I have been helping you this half-hour and have barely time enough left to change my frock. To make my own hair presentable is impossible now.” “Why, what does it matter how your hair is dressed, or what sort of a gown you put on? You may just as well spare your pains, for unfortunately nothing that you can do seems to mitigate your ugliness. I’m sure I cannot think where you get it. You are—” But, somehow, I did not feel inclined to wait for the end of Belle’s encouraging lecture. Perhaps it was because I was so often treated to my beautiful elder sister’s homilies that they had lost the spark of novelty and had acquired a chestnuty flavor. Perhaps I failed to recognize any generosity in her persistent efforts to nip such latent buds of vanity as from time to time tried to thrust their poor little heads above the chill crust of ridicule and contumely. Perhaps I was really as bad-tempered as I was said to be. Anyhow, my behavior could not claim to be either quiet or elegant as I stormily quitted Belle’s room, slamming the door behind me with such violence as to elicit from my more well-bred sister a little shriek of affected dismay. So far from feeling sorry that I had given Belle’s nerves a shock, I wished viciously that her fingers had been jammed in the doorway, or that something equally disastrous had occurred to take off the edge of her conceit and self-satisfaction." To be the homely sister is a torture to Dorrie, but she must make the best of it as she watches the beautiful Belle receive all the attention and adulation... but what choices will Belle make and what effect will they have on her life? And will Dorrie achieve the happiness even an ugly girl deserves? - Summary by Lynne Thompson