Justine Bateman

Those of us who grew up in the 80s might best remember Justine Bateman from her role as Mallory in “Family Ties.” Her character was depicted as a stereotypical teen from that era: obsessed with materialistic success, appearance and conformity. It is interesting in this context to read her latest work of collected stories, Face, which is a repudiation of those very values that she used to portray. The book contains 47 short stories, each told by the point-of-view of American women of show more varying ages and occupations. The overarching theme is the marginalization of women once they reach a mature age, with or without opting for cosmetic surgery to mitigate its effects. In the introduction, Bateman discusses how the perceived value of women after child-bearing age is greatly diminished, especially when compared to men of similar ages. While the author is seeming to attempt a broad inclusion of different narrators, the book is heavily represented by the wealthy and privileged-especially those in the entertainment industry. This is unsurprising given Bateman’s own probable circle of associates and experience but results in a sense of elitism and repetitiveness. There is no mention of people for whom such surgeries are unavailable due to cost or opportunity, and the elective procedures are treated as choices available to all. Bateman’s own opinion on the subject becomes very clear, and this book appears to act somewhat as a personal rebuttal to her own critics and competitors in her industries. Those who choose to alter their appearance are for the most part disdained and judged as being superficial. Face is a book with a clear agenda that is meant to be considered admirable and affirming, but unfortunately often comes across instead as didactic and one-sided.

Thanks to the author and Akashic Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. show less

As a woman of early-middle-age, this book struck a chord with me. Our society worships youth and the appearance of it - especially for women. There is a constant stream of advertisements for goods like cosmetic procedures, creams, makeups, and other consumables - all telling aging women that there is something wrong with them. They need fixed. A woman who allows natural aging is in direct conflict with this message, and can be offensive to those who buy into the marketing. In this book, the show more author ultimately advocates for women to reject society's harmful standards of beauty and to embrace and feel pride in an aging face. It's a refreshing, feminist, and needed message. show less

Justine Bateman insists this is not a memoir early on in the book. And it isn't, not really. But it's also impossible for her not to insert her own experiences into her exploration of the life cycle of fame and theories on why people react they way they do to the famous. I don't think this takes away from the work, but rather helps the reader get to know Bateman as the human she is not just as one of the famous or once very famous. Her stream of consciousness and conversational writing style show more also helps as she addresses the reader directly. I thought this was a really honest work and useful in examining how reality TV, the internet and social media have changed what it means (and what it takes to be famous). show less

Raise your hand if you LOVED Family Ties as a kid! And had a crush on Alex P. Keaton? And wanted TO BE Mallory!?! Justine Bateman was an idol of mine in the 80's. If I could be like her, or look like her, I pressed my parents to give me a sister just like her! But I got stuck with a brother. Boo!

It's funny, because when I first heard about this book, I said first thing, "Whatever happened to her?" in that snarky, snide voice - like oh, she was has-been, she didn't do anything after Family show more Ties, she's a one-hit wonder.... And THAT is exactly the type of attitude Justine addresses in this book. (I'm totally sorry for what I said btw Justine and I still love you!)

If you're looking for the behind the scenes secrets and juicy scandal of the beloved sitcom - this is not the book. If you want the scoop on MJ Fox and hanging with child stars of the 80's - nope, not that book either. In fact, one of the first chapters in the book fully explains this - the book is NOT a memoir. It's an exploration of fame. Justine dissects everything from childhood fame in the 80's, to reality star "fame" of today, as well as both the construction AND destruction of fame that social media can make happen. I was fascinated by her take on all things fame. I felt for her - being an actress on a hit TV show, and only being seen for THAT. That her education, and directing, and successes in business mean nothing - cause the "whatever happened to her" mentality translates to - well, if we haven't seen her on TV anymore - she must be a failure in life.

I loved reading this - she's frantic, and passionate, and, OK I'll say it- a bit crazy, yes - but do you blame her? Imagine people saying about you "Boy, she sure has let herself go" on a public forum, on google searches, on Twitter. Just cause the last time they saw her she was 21 - and now she's 50. Well, clearly she's aged - duh. Obviously she doesn't LOOK the same!

I gobbled up every chapter and loved her take on how crazy it is to be famous, but how much crazier it is today. Sure, there's some namedropping, some mentions of Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more - and there's even a bunch of color photos in the book that she talks about and references throughout the book, which I loved. I didn't need the juicy gossip, as I felt like it made me understand celebrities more and totally got me out of that mentality of "Oh, they wanted to be in the spotlight, so they are just automatically targets." No. I feel terrible now for ever ragging on a celeb in the spotlight - especially the young ones out there.

But I'm still not laying off the reality "stars" ;) haha. show less