About the Book
She had just scored a perfect ten on her floor exercise routine, but Kristin Bartzokis stood stoically before the screaming crowd.
For Kristin, this moment of perfection was something she always knew she could achieve. She’d been raised to live without limitations, and she’d adopted a determination to stay strong and unemotional, no matter what.
Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, a facial abnormality, Kristin learned at an early age the importance of strength–strength when confronted with multiple surgeries, strength when confronted with stares and questions, and strength when confronted with the constant knowledge that you will never look, or be, like everyone else.
Kristin Bartzokis’s life story is one of achievement and inspiration, an example of an unbreakable spirit and unwavering fortitude. No matter what life has thrown at Kristin, she has turned challenges into triumphs and used obstacles as stepping stones.
Diary of a Beautiful Disaster empowers readers to embrace their own uniqueness and boldly go forth into the world being exactly who they are. Kristin reminds us that although life can be complicated and messy, it is always, above all, beautiful.
Listen to the Author
Kristin Bartzokis discusses the key messages in Diary of a Beautiful Disaster.
Endorsements & Reviews
“Diary of a Beautiful Disaster is authentic in a way that goes beyond honesty because of the depth of Kristin Bartzokis’s insight. What I first read as honesty began to reveal itself as psychology, then philosophy and theology. Kristin’s self-perception serves to universalize a totally unique experience. I highly recommend Diary of a Beautiful Disaster as a journey through what it means to be a completely, and unflinchingly, beautiful human being.”
“A brave memoir by a young woman who was born with severe facial anomalies but managed, through sheer will and countless surgeries, to turn what began as a disaster into a life of love, achievement, and beauty.”
“Diary of a Beautiful Disaster is a moving memoir, but more than that it is an honest, sincere front-row peek into one woman’s ability to persevere, overcome, and find true acceptance. In Kristin’s story, you will certainly find moments you can relate to and probably some moments you take issue with, too. However, throughout all of the difficult decisions she and her parents had to make regarding her care, how she chooses to pursue her life and happiness, and the choices she owns, you will be inspired and strengthened by her resolve and her commitment to living a full, fearless life. I truly enjoyed this book and Kristin’s incredible storytelling!
I highly recommend it for anyone wrestling with self-acceptance and appearance diversity, and especially for parents who want reassurance and comfort when making major medical choices for their child. This book is not a how-to manual for life, but rather a how-I’m-doing-it, heart-to-heart conversation that will stick with you long after you finish the story. Kristin is a role model not just for other children and teens with craniofacial differences, but truly for anyone who wants to pursue a life committed to self-reliance, continual improvement, and personal resolve.”
“It was a compelling, engaging read. If there’s a lesson to be learned, it is never make assumptions. … Each person has their story to tell. And each person who looks ‘different’ has their own story to tell.”
“This is a moving book by an inspiring young woman who strives to help others understand her story and others who may have facial abnormalities or just not fit into what society deems as beautiful. … Kristin excelled in gymnastics, had many friends, and while she struggled to not compare herself to others (who doesn’t?) she never gave up doing her very best and being the best she can be. This is something we should all do!”
In the News
Reading Recommendation (The Marshall, Minnesota, Independent)
I’m Not a Real-Life ‘Auggie.’ I’m an Advocate for Craniofacial Differences (The Mighty)
A Response to ‘As Long As It’s Healthy,’ From Someone Who Wasn’t Born Healthy (The Mighty)
Interview with Kristin Bartzokis (Special Books by Special Kids)
What It’s Really Like to Live with a Facial Deformity (Cosmopolitan)
Seven Reasons I Know I’m Beautiful (Ability magazine)
Interview with Author Kristin Bartzokis (Book Marketing Buzz Blog)
About the Author
Kristin Bartzokis’s life was defined the moment Kristin entered the world. When you’re born with a facial abnormality such as Treacher Collins syndrome, you’re not the smart one, the funny one, or the pretty one; you’re the girl with the strange face and hearing aid. This made Kristin a warrior from a young age. She surpassed boundaries and crashed through walls, proudly accepting the challenge to stand out. Kristin resides in Central Florida and works in product development for a local attraction. Once a champion gymnast, she now focuses on running marathons. In her free time, Kristin can be found designing T-shirts, watching baseball, searching for her next big adventure, and blogging at diaryofabeautifuldisaster.com.
Ordering Information for Bookstores and Libraries
Diary of a Beautiful Disaster
$18.95 ISBN 978-09977222-3-9 (paperback)
SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational
Please call 937-483-4204 for special pricing and shipping information for bulk orders.
Diary of a Beautiful Disaster is distributed by Independent Publisher Services.
