Marked for Life: A Story of Disguise, Discovery and Redemption

Who would imagine that a memoir about a rare form of birthmark commonly referred to as a "port wine" mark would be impossible to put down? Joie Davidow's lover during college chose her over a "certified genius" girlfriend from his hometown. Joie Davidow may not be "certified," but she certainly demonstrates creative genius. In writing about the stigma of growing up with a dark purple "handprint" over half her face, Ms. Davidow also manages to mirror the larger "print" of civilization and its consideration of who passes the "test" for perfection. For example, Ms. Davidow, then a young teen who hates being asked, "What happened to you?" asks an elderly woman why she has a number tatooed onto her arm. The book tells about growing up Jewish in a small mostly non-Jewish town where one isn't to make a "big deal" over anything, including the purple mark; what this means is that she is not to show her feelings about anything. When she first falls in love, her father makes that a very big deal. He (...) stops speaking to his young and rather innocent daughter (other than to insult her), another "mark for life" in terms of her relationships with men. Her training as a singer is also fascinating. If all of this sounds rather heavy and intense, the reader should know that Ms. Davidow has a wonderful and subtle sense of humor. Her writing sings.

Ms. Davidow is an avid storyteller who has bared her soul to allow us the opportunity to examine the life of someone living with a port wine stain. The birthmark is secondary to the obstacles that probably faced many Jewish women growing up where she did and when she did. I applaud her for her honesty and trust. As someone who has also grown up with birthmarks I can appreciate the pain she has felt, the stares she has endured, and the longing to "be normal" that is evident in her story.Great book; Great person.

Up there with the best of biographies and memoirs that I have read over the years. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.Joie's "mark" is a metaphor for any handicap, ailment, visible or not that one needs to overcome to live a full life. An inspiring story that would also be an important addition to any school reading list. I highly recommend it to any adult needing a boost. The surprisingly upbeat story is about a determined, brave, talented and dynamic young woman who can inspire anyone to find a way to pursue their dreams.

Joie Davidow has touched all us who deal with looking different!Her brave words have set us all soaring! I read this book in one sitting! As soon as I could get it away from my wife! I couldn't put it down! I kept cheering Joie on, applauding her success and crying over her hardships. People of unique appearance will cheer after reading this and folks who must get through life looking normal will find so much to enjoy as well! ;) Just a fine book! Well done Joie!

Marked for Life is a fascinating memoir of a young woman who finds herself constantly reminded of, and dealing with her difference from WASP society - most obviously by her port-wine stain birthmark, but also because she is a Jew from small-town New Jersey. Joie has a natural gift for storytelling, weaving a tapestry depicting her family and social environment, gradually and gracefully exposing the family and societal truths that form her view of her world and herself. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering for Joie as she eventually discovers her best assest in life - herself.