Face Value

From Working the Pole to Baring My Soul

Non-Fiction - Memoir
336 Pages
Reviewed on 04/14/2023
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

At age 13 Macdonald was diagnosed with Acne Conglobata, a skin disease that left over 80% of her face severely scarred. The trauma she endured subsequently led to her working as an exotic dancer in Waikiki at the age of 19 in 1987. She is noted as saying the first time she felt beautiful is when she was on stage.

Her work has appeared in Salon, The Good Men Project, SMITH Magazine, Power Women Magazine, Guide to Literary Agents, Anaheim Examiner, and many other publications.

Through her writing, she uses her voice, a unique blend of cutting truth and self-deprecating humor to inspire others to release their shame and tell their story. She is public about her struggles with addiction and mental illness (Clinical Depression, PTSD).

It is her passion to speak to young women with self-esteem issues and rather than judge them for their choices, help them find value in embracing what they consider to be their flaws.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Mariana Mukhebi for Readers' Favorite

Christine Macdonald shares a personal account of her life story and challenges in finding her self-worth. As she recalls, operating within the adult entertainment industry was one of the most difficult experiences she had to endure. The storyline unfolds by drawing on some of her darkest moments from a different perspective. Things like drug addiction and dancing nude on stage took a toll on her life. She tells her story from an honest point of view with raw passion. Her message targets those operating within the same industry who are overwhelmed by the challenges and looking for a way forward toward prosperity. As Macdonald says, "Face Value is the Dictionary of My Heart."

Face Value: From Working the Pole to Baring My Soul is a beautifully written memoir that shares some of the most significant moments in the author's life. I admire the bravery of Christine Macdonald in her writing. Pain is part of our existence, something that cannot be denied. But through it, we emerge stronger in the end. This is the theme of this story. It's relatable as Macdonald teaches life has its chapters and we never know where the next one might take us. The use of illustrations in this story makes the content engaging and appealing. I'd highly recommend it to those seeking reassurance. Macdonald's story is a life-changing experience.

Sonya Nixon

This was a fantastic read of overcoming! In her suffering she has found her voice, and this book opens the door to hope for others to do the same! I'm so proud of the woman she has become, and glad she survived that world! I was there, and know the turmoil she faced! A real winner at life! Read the book!