March 23, 2012

Review: Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf



Breaking Beautiful
By Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Hardcover, 354 pages
Expected publication: April 24th 2012
By Walker Childrens
eARC received via NetGalley
Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Breaking Beautiful has one of the most broken characters I have ever read about. Her world was so heart breaking. When I started reading Breaking Beautiful I knew the story would be very sad and emotional, so I sort of knew what to expect. But what I didn't expect was to read about such a broken down girl who at such a young age experienced so much. This book really got to me and I want to talk about every little detail, unfortunately I can’t without spoiling the story.

Before the accident, Allie’s life seemed perfect. She had a boyfriend girls would’ve given anything to have, but behind doors her life was full of secrets. I wanted to reach in the book and hug her and help her out. She loses her boyfriend in a nasty car crash and has a hard time remembering every single detail of the accident. To top things off her life at home isn't so great either. As she begins to remember exactly what happened that night of the accident, you learn about how abusive Trip was towards her and everything she went through. To the world, Trip and Allie's relationship was perfect. Trip was perfect. No one knows the truth but Allie and she is so ashamed and afraid, she keeps that secret. There were some scenes that made me want to cry. Even with Trip gone, she is so scarred by his abuse, that little things sent her in panic mode. The only person she can truly count on is the one person she pushed away because of Trip, and that is Blake, her childhood friend.

The romance between Blake and Allie was also heart breaking. I am making this book seem like one big ball of depression, but trust me it has a very happy ending. Blake and Allie both have skeletons in their closet and through each other they were able to face it head on.

This is definitely a book I recommend and think both, young adult, and adults can read and enjoy it.

There were one or two things I thought could have been a bit different, but it wasn't anything that would make you want to put the book down. You just want to shake the character and say "snap out of it."

Breaking Beautiful is a definite Good Choice for Reading!

4 out of 5 stars!




7 comments:

  1. Great review I've had my eye on this one it sounds emotional but happily ever aster (I hope >.<) Great review! :)

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  2. Great review Dee! I have this book in my ALA stack and it sounds like I should get to it soon. I love reading about dysfunctional people. It makes me feel normal..LOL!

    Chat later Chica!

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  3. I can't wait to read this. Sounds great, but heavy.

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  4. Great review! I don't read many contemporary books, but I'm definitely going to add this one to the list! Thanks :)

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  5. This is one of the first reviews I've read of this book - thanks for giving me an idea of what to expect! It sounds very emotionally intense but also a rewarding read :)

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  6. I have been wanting to read this. I seem to like contemps that will break my heart. lol But I am glad to hear it has a happy ending. Thanks for the review! :)

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  7. I really think the title is so appropriate, it is a sad book but in a beautiful kind of way... at least how everything turns into.
    Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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