About the Author

Born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a craniofacial abnormality, Kristin Bartzokis experienced a childhood marked by surgeries and medical procedures, all while she became a champion gymnast. As an adult, Kristin has proudly accepted the challenge to stand out. A marathoner, designer, author, and advocate, Kristin has been featured by Cosmopolitan and is a contributor for The Mighty. She is the author of (Extra)Ordinary Women: Ten Inspirational Stories and blogs at diaryofabeautifuldisaster.com.

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."--David Roche, Humorist and author, The Church of 80% Sincerity

"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."

"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."