Facing Up to It

Think bullies were mean to you?

Imagine what it would have been like if you had a "different" face.

When Dawn has a fast-growing tumor removed shortly after birth, it not only reshapes the left half of her face, leaving it deconstructed and paralyzed; it reshapes her entire life. Her journey of self-discovery and acceptance involves the physical, the emotional and the spiritual.

Teased, mocked and bullied throughout her childhood and tortured by a co-dependent relationship as a young adult, Facing Up to It is a story familiar to many, but Dawn Shaw faced it all with permanent facial paralyses and years of painful reconstructive surgeries. Looking at Dawn, it's easy to imagine a life of isolation and despair, but in this triumphant memoir, Dawn Shaw chronicles her journey to self-acceptance, finding love and wholeness. The message is clear: if she could face up to the cards she was dealt, anyone can.

Dawn has redefined the concept of trials and triumph for me. Through her story, my awareness of humanity has been heightened greatly. - Michael Tolcher, singer/songwriter/musician An impressive book that helps show that people living with a facial disfigurement do lead normal lives." - Changing Faces, United Kingdom Dawn is so open and honest. Her story is very unique, but the themes are universal and current." - Eric Donnelly, songwriter/guitarist, The Alternate Routes "This book was hard to put down. I started reading it and found myself immersed. I read the whole book in one night. Well written and a pleasure to read. With a positive attitude can overcome anything, what adversity in life we face, just serves to makes us stronger. This woman proves that point." - Carol Townsend "Dawn's story is a compelling one. She grabs us with descriptive and raw emotion as she recounts the pain of her surgeries and the bullying she endured from a very young age. I applaud Dawn's courage in telling her story. I have no doubt this book has been an integral part on her journey of healing and self-acceptance." - Molly Deardorff "This book is a must read for anyone who is looking to free themselves to live a life of forgiveness and relationship building. I found this book an easy read, very insightful and the author is frank, candid and even funny. I applaud her commitment to writing and sharing her journey of self-discovery." - Michele Roberts "The story follows the author's lifelong journey to find acceptance and peace despite a congenital tumor which altered the symmetry of her face. Her reactions to bullying, discrimination, and the disappointments of multiple surgeries meant to provide her a more 'normal' outward appearance are both human (sadness, hurt, anger, rejection) and courageous ('nothing can stop me'). Dawn's ability to turn her social handicap around and move forward to an accomplished life filled with loving relationships after so much pain is inspiring and brave. There is a huge dose of perspective in this book for the reader." - Private Amazon.com review