Margolis, Leslie. Fix.

MARGOLIS, Leslie. Fix. Simon & Schuster. 240p. c2006. 1-4169-2456-6. $6.99. S

Allie is about to enter 10th grade and her parents have her present picked out for her: a new nose. Like her sister Cameron before her, Allie is to get a nose job to be more beautiful, like their ex-model/actress mother. The only problem is that no one has even asked Allie if this is what she wants. Everyone assumes that since Cameron's new nose changed her life, naturally Allie would want this, too, so she could become popular and cash in on her good looks. Allie isn't convinced she'll be any happier with a different nose--she's already happy--and has priorities other than beauty that take precedence. Cameron, on the other hand, is fixated on getting a breast augmentation, convinced that this is the next step to making her feel better about herself. She can't help but wonder if she would have the life she does if she had her former nose, but that doesn't stop her from making other changes. Their mother, in a bid to look younger and reinvigorate her acting career, decides to go in for a face lift.

The saving grace of this book is that all three women look at plastic surgery from different perspectives and make choices that feel right for them. This keeps the story interesting and forces a deeper look at the reasons anyone would consider going under the knife. Many issues are examined, such as self-esteem, ageism, and media ideals. The women weigh the opinions of friends and boyfriends/husbands against their own, knowing that everyone feels differently about this controversial topic. Solid writing and a unique subject make this book a great addition to any collection, with plenty of material for discussion. Amanda MacGregor, St. Cloud, MN

S--Recommended for senior high school students.