Truth and Beauty- Ann Patchett

Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett is the story of Ann’s relationship with her best friend, Lucy Grealy. When I started reading I wasn’t aware that it was nonfiction, so I was pleasantly surprised when I realized this book was actually about Ann. Lucy Grealy's life was a rollercoaster ride of friends and parties, depression and drugs. As a child Lucy had a rare form of cancer that left her scared by the unperfected early radiation and chemotherapy treatments and missing most of her jaw. Simple things like eating and drinking were nearly impossible for her as she had surgery after surgery trying to restore her jaw.
Lucy, who died in 2002 from an accidental drug overdose, was also an author. She became famous in the 90’s for her book Autobiography of a Face, which detailed her struggle to live a fulfilled life through daily pain and rejection.

Lucy was a character, as heartbreaking as this book is, it is also hilarious. Ann and Lucy’s lives were intertwined to an extent that nearly seems fictional. Truth and Beauty is a rare and honest glimpse inside a friendship that was powerful and moving.