The Magic of the Mask

by Louise Ashby

Book Overview

This is the true story of a real-life million-dollar woman. A car accident almost killed Louise Ashby. As it was, it left her with horrific scarring. This is the story of how reconstructive surgery... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1903402328
• ISBN13: 9781903402320
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Blake Publishing
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.

Customer Reviews

God Bless this woman

I'm so saddened that people would write such reviews. I read Louise' book and i doubt that any of the other reviewers actually have suffered from a trauma as extensive as Louise's- because if they had of they'd of been able to relate better and appreciate this book for what it truely is.. a gift. I was shopping in a supermarket a few weeks ago and i saw Louise. Feeling a bit embarassed i watched her from a distance. I watched a women run over to Louise- moving closer i heard what was going on. The women visably had had a major accident - her face arm and legs showed extensive scaring. The women's family where standing around her as she hugged Louise and she said "I read you book, thank you. It made such a difference to my recovery, someone else had been through it and survived, your feelings, the detail - it helped all of us" The women was crying as was Louise. I am sure that Louise is someone you could hate, she has worked so darn hard to get a life together, shes a survivor and people find that threatening. What courage it must of taken to exercise the demons out in this book - she turned what was a tragic accident in to an honest working tool to help others.. i wonder if any of the other reviews have had the courage to do something like that in their own lives? One thing is for sure thou, Louise's story is a hard one. Read the book if you need to know that someone else out there is suffering, someone else out there cares. Louise's life isnt a bed of roses, i doubt that it has all turned out perfect- on going surgery will be required, extensive trauma therapy, she'll never be a big actress, her dream wont come true. She will struggle all her life as a result of this accident. Hear her voice, read her story and remember that it takes Louise's kind of honestly and courage to survive sometimes.

Unbelievable courage through unimaginable circumstances

Louise Ashby is truly an amazing woman. In her early 20's, freshly arrived from London to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles, she is involved in a horrific automobile accident which leaves her face disfigured on the left side, and keeps doctors shaking their heads at how she made it through the accident at all. Just a year after the death of her beloved mother, Louise somehow finds the inner strength to endure the pain, grief, humiliation, loss and other unimaginable challenges on her 10-year journey to being "re-built."For a woman whose face was, quite literally, her fortune, Louise Ashby could have sunken into depression and suicide following such a traumatic incident, but she doesn't. Ashby is a startlingly honest woman about her vanity, her failings, and also her determination to re-build the face back to the one that she had before. The journey is long, litigious, and excruciatingly painful. It is painful just to read the details of not only her brain surgery and subsequent re-constructive operations, but also to read of the humiliation she endures, ranging from a therapist who falls asleep during a session, to a wantonly cruel acting coach, and, simply, having the courage and tenacity to stick to her guns in a town that judges people completely on their appearance, when hers has been so radically changed.I don't think Louise Ashby tries at all to paint herself as some sort of saint. She just seems to possess a natural courage and strength of spirit that drives her on toward her goals. She is fortunate, however, to be surrounded by a close-knit group of what appear to be wonderful friends. She is incredibly inspiring, unflinchingly honest, and, at times, painfully graphic and blunt. It is not an exaggeration to say that you feel the pain this woman endured, even if it is only a minute amount in comparison to what she actually went through. It is a difficult book to read in parts, but it leaves you with a tremendous sense of pride at what one woman, and, certainly, countless others go through, when fate alters a person's appearance in a society where the superficial is often valued above all else.I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read true courage and dignity, and a journey toward reclaiming a life. It is a journey you will never forget.

The healing process

I read "Magic of the Mask" and was touched by Louise's story as I was also in a similar accident. I'd recommend it to anyone else who's also been through such a nightmare. It helps you to understand that your not alone and that determination and hope will help keep you going, taking life one day at a time. I'd also HIGHLY recommed it to the family, friends or loved one of someone who's been through an accident being disfigured in some way or another, as it helps you to understand what your loved one is going through both physically and emotionally. I know it can be difficult knowing what to say or do in such an uncomfortable situation. My heart and prayers go out to all, who's lives have been effected by such a tradegy.

wonder uplifting story

This book is a must for anyone who has gone through a crisis or accident. it gives you hope and motivation. you feel like you are her when you read her book. I highly recomend it.

A `Must Read'!

One of the most moving and inspiring books I've ever read. A gifted and beautiful actress barely survives an automobile accident, only to be severely disfigured. The reader follows her as she attempts, against all odds, to have her face reconstructed and to make a very unique comeback. Whether you've ever wondered what it's really like to have a disfigurement, and to try to fix it, or if you or someone you know are dealing with one; whether you're simply looking for a `good (rather great!) read' or for something truely uplifting, I urge you to read "Magic of the Mask".