All the Ugly and Wonderful ThingsAuthor: Bryn Greenwood
Published by: Thomas Dunne Books
Publication Date: August 9, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
As the daughter of a drug dealer, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. It's safer to keep her mouth shut and stay out of sight. Struggling to raise her little brother, Donal, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible adult around. Obsessed with the constellations, she finds peace in the starry night sky above the fields behind her house, until one night her star gazing causes an accident. After witnessing his motorcycle wreck, she forms an unusual friendship with one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold.
By the time Wavy is a teenager, her relationship with Kellen is the only tender thing in a brutal world of addicts and debauchery. When tragedy rips Wavy's family apart, a well-meaning aunt steps in, and what is beautiful to Wavy looks ugly under the scrutiny of the outside world. Kellen may not be innocent, but he is the fixed point in Wavy and Donal's chaotic universe. Instead of playing it safe, Wavy has to learn to fight for Kellen, for her brother, and for herself.
Where do I even begin? I can easily see All the Ugly and Wonderful Things used in a literature class. It’s provocative, controversial and has the potential for a lot of discussion. People will love it or hate it.
Wavy is a fascinating character. Dysfunctional doesn’t even begin to describe her life. She is mature beyond her years due to the environment she grew up in, but the abuse she endured left her with some issues. This often leads people to underestimate her intelligence, but she is far from stupid.
The one safe and constant in Wavy’s life is Kellen. A child and a man, two lonely souls who find solace and understanding in one another. We watch their relationship develop over the years from innocent to much more. Is this a love story? Yes, but it’s complicated.
I don’t really want to get into specifics on how I feel or what I think, because it would end up being ten pages long. I will say, though, that I don’t condone what occurred, and definitely don’t find it romantic (I don’t think it’s meant to be). However, this is a wonderfully written book with extremely complex characters. It’s uncomfortable and disturbing at times, no doubt about it, but it’s also a story that evokes very strong emotions. That’s the great thing about it, whether it’s good or bad, you are definitely going to feel something.
With that being said, All the Ugly and Wonderful Things ultimately left me with a lot of mixed feelings, but I love that. I fully appreciate what the author did and know it will stick with me for a very long time.
I am sorry, but I couldn’t like this one. Yes, to definitely evoked strong feelings. I have counseled sex offenders before so it bugs me that some people consider this a romance and say you have to be “open-minded” to enjoy it. I was not rooting for this couple at all.
I know, I totally understand.
Okay, I skimmed your review since I’m about to read this whenever the book arrives. It’s been a widely talked about book, which is what made me look into it more. I hope that I enjoy it.
I’m definitely curious to see what you think about it.
Speaking of books in my morbid curiosity shelf, this one is the perfect candidate. Lol. I’m sold!
I would LOVE to get your thoughts on this book, Joy.
Hmm sounds interesting. IDefinitely one i will have to keep an eye out for when I am in the mood for something like this. I am curious now!!! Great review!
It isn’t for everyone, but it’s very well written.
Great review! I’m struggling with the adult/child issue. While I can see how it’s beautifully done and complicated I’m not sure this is the book for me. My thoughts pretty much mirror Cynthia’s and she’s much more succinct than me so I won’t try to comment in my own words!
I love that you had mixed emotions about this. It does tend to make them stick with you because of it doesn’t it? great review Christy!
And the fact that the mix of emotions were so strong. It’s an interesting book for sure.
Well, I’m officially intrigued. Even with your mixed emotions, it sounds like a good story. I need to know more!
This is different from what I usually read but it sounds interesting.
Intriguing, to make to feel that, but still, really good
Oh, a total book club choice for sure!!! Wow, can you imagine the heated discussion around coffee or wine?! This book sounds fantastic. I love books that make you feel deep down, the ones that wipe out your thoughts and worries for days 🙂 This sounds like one of those. Awesome review!!!
Oh, lordy, I’d love to listen in on that book club discussion. I could definitely see it used in a lit class.
Hmm…. you have me curious. I do like books that make me think, but I just can’t do disturbing right now.
I’d be interested in your thoughts on this book if you ever decide to read it.
Rape? What is it?!?!?!
There’s nothing like a book that leaves you wondering:)
you know I do love a book that you can have a in depth discussion with…it doesn’t happen too often especially when it has difficult issues.
Sounds like one I’d have to be in the right mood to appreciate. Thanks for tempting me with another new one, Christy! 🙂
OMG, this sounds amazing. Provocative and thought provoking sounds like a great mix to me.
Oh man…this does sound perfectly complicated! I may have to nominate it next time my book club is looking for reads!
I’m begging you to record the discussions for me if you read it for your book club. lol
Okay, you’ve got me intrigued. i’m definetly curious as to how this one plays out and might just pick it up for that reason alone! Lovely review Christy!
I love it when a story engages my emotions. When I’m confused or left off kilter I find that those are good signs of a great story.
I totally get what you mean. I love a book like that but I do have to be a bit forewarned or in the mood to really appreciate it. I think it helps to know that some part of you will be unbalanced for a bit. Brilly review!
I haven’t heard of this one before. I appreciate when authors write complex characters well. Lovely review, Christy!
I’ve never seen this book before, but that blurb sounds super unique! And it does sound like it would be provocative and controversial, especially with what you mentioned about how it’s kind of a love story but not one that people would condone. I’m intrigued. Great review!
I like books that leave me with mixed feelings too–especially when they make me think and question. This sounds like a interesting book. I really like the title and cover. I will have to look for this one.
Those love or hate reads are always so interesting. Thinking this one isn’t for me but yay for a moving read!
This sounds like an interesting read with how it can inspire discussion and people either love or hate it. That always makes me curious on which side I would fall. Wavy sounds like an interesting character with how she is mature for her age, but also has some issues. I don’t always feel comfortable with books that make me uncomfortable, but I do think it’;s great when a book is written in such a way that it makes you feel. Great review!
Well, you have us EXTREMELY curious about this one. We want to know all the things! Putting it on the wishlist right now! Great review 🙂
Something that has left you with mixed feelings! That’s great the author can get you thinking! Great review!