Pretty is a work of non-fiction written in the format of a memoir, and was penned by author Karen Vorbeck Williams. Written for adults due to the content which, though mild in its expression, does cover some of the much darker sides of the realities of growing up through the 1950s, this is a heartfelt tale that will make some relate whilst educating others. The life of the titular pretty girl Karen seemed to be made of ideals. She looked just right to fit into the mold of the perfect housewife that was laid out for her, but Karen desired more. The memoir tells the tale of her pursuit of Hollywood, which was not without its molds and expectations either.

Author Karen Vorbeck Williams glances back into her own past with an intelligent clarity that is refreshing to read amid the current climate of feminist movements and modern views on the old ways of doing. The narration is strong but also emotionally open, inviting other readers to come into Karen’s world with lifelike depictions of the realities of living in a society where men’s views were still dominant and a woman’s place in society was firmly formed from the moment she was born. The details are crisp and well-remembered with excellent chronology but also a sense of what makes a narrative work, keeping audiences captivated from beginning to end. Overall, I would certainly recommend Pretty as a read for women who remember the era and its pressures, but also for those who wish to learn the true struggles and triumphs of women of the recent past.

Karen did not have traditional parents. Her father worked hard and drank even harder while her mother believed that being well-read and practicing yoga was more important than domestic skills. Karen was surrounded by pressure to be a good girl and marry well. Her future seemed to consist of becoming a perfect housewife and raising a family. Pretty: A Memoir by Karen Vorbeck Williams is the story of her struggle to conform while dreaming of a different life altogether. When her mother broke free of Grand Junction and her husband, she transported herself and her daughters to California. Karen missed her old boyfriend but quickly realized that her life had changed irrevocably. Her determination to become an actress would battle with her dreams of meeting her soulmate and marrying. Her journey is one filled with joy and angst as Karen finds out that being pretty can be both a help and a hindrance to her aspirations.

Pretty: A Memoir is a great read. Karen Vorbeck Williams captures perfectly the moral and judgmental attitude toward women that prevailed in the 1950s. Pretty is a testament to how the world has changed its attitude toward women and how they are judged on their looks. I loved reading about the classes Karen took in college, especially the one that taught her how to smoke correctly. I found her parents fascinating and enjoyed reading about how their characters developed in later life. I was gripped to the last page as to how Karen's life would evolve. Would she find that happiness she sought in marriage or would the stage call her back to the world of acting? You too will love every moment of this uplifting story. Beautifully written and filled with personality. Thank you for allowing us this glimpse into your life, Karen.