Sara's Face
by Melvin Burgess

    SARA'S FACE by Melvin Burgess
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  5/22/07
    Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
    Reviewed by:  Dianna Geers
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Jonathon Heat was a famous rock star who had his own compound, surgeons, and assistants.  All of the things a rich
    and famous celebrity would have—and then some. In fact, due to so much cosmetic surgery and experimental
    procedures, somehow Jonathon’s face was destroyed to the point that he wore a mask at all times.  With his high
    celebrity status, wearing a mask became a widespread thing to do.  There were all sorts of masks—some with
    snouts, some with real hair, half-masks, full masks.  

    Sarah was once an unknown and sometimes self-destructive girl.  She had big plans to be famous and was saving for
    several forms of cosmetic surgery:  new breasts, a better face, liposuction later on.  It was part of her long-term
    plans.  When Sarah’s destructive behavior spiraled out of control, she burned her face with an iron and her mother
    had her placed in the hospital.  Sarah claimed it was an accident, but not everyone was convinced.  This is when she
    met Jonathon Heat.  He came to visit children in the hospital, but somehow already knew a great deal about Sarah.    
    He lured Sarah to his compound with the promise of free cosmetic surgery to fix the burn mark.   

    It was almost Michael Jacksonish the way Jonathon took Sarah in.  Sarah moved into his mansion and was his
    constant companion.  The two were constantly photographed together and speculation about their relationship was
    rampant.   However, when readers were exposed to Sarah’s video journals, we learn a completely different view of
    what was really going on.  Secret rooms,  security cameras covering every inch of the property, and maybe even
    ghosts.  It’s very difficult to tell what really happens,  what Sarah might be imagining, and what she may even be
    making up.  However, it is obvious there is more to Sarah being a guest at Jonathon Heat’s compound than free
    cosmetic surgery.

    The mood of the entire book is eerie.  Creepy.  There is always something going on that is just not right.   It keeps
    readers wanting to read more because they have to know what is going on and what is going to happen.   The whole
    world that the author, Melvin Burgess, has created will leave you wondering if this type of situation could actually
    happen in the not-too-distant future.   If you want to read a book that will keep you wondering even after you have
    finished reading it, then you should definitely read SARA'S FACE.