This is such a heartbreaking novel, in the best way possible - I learned a lot about these characters, and about myself as well. I highly recommend this story for anyone who wants to see perseverance in the face of adversity, especially when the adversity is self-imposed. Mia is such a wonderful character to get to know.

I really liked this story.
Mia's family have been through ALOT and no one is really working through it at all.  And certainly no one is helping Mia work through it.  Until she gets sent to stay with her Grandma.  Then, a cast of characters is assembled that finally helps Mia see on through to the other side of the pain.  
Really a great story about the power of family - even if the family isn't the one you were born into in the first place.

We Were Beautiful by Heather Hepler is an amazing heartbreaking novel.It follows Mia a heartbroken teen who has a scar on one side of her face from an accident you can't remember details from. The story starts with Mia being shipped off to stay the summer with her grandmother who she has never met. As the story unfolds Mia deals with a new job, friends, and trying to deal with her grief and forgiving herself. I thought is was a lovely story about forgiveness and loving yourself from the inside out.