Danielle Younge-Ullman ë 1 SUMMARY
1 2 3 4 I declare a thumb war on you all who haven't read this book!
I have no words...
I actually thought this is going to have what I call The One Chapter Syndrome. It's the case where I enjoy all of the book but comes this chapter near the end that I just hate and it ruins the book for me.
This book was about to do that. After reading chapter 33 I went like ughh there goes my 5 stars, but then come chapter 34 to the rescue.
I can tell you this, I can't remember the last time a book made me feel such a wide range of emotions and I just love it!
Also, I can't believe how underrated this is! Please guys let's fix that. This is an important beautiful book and deserves more.
Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruined is about a girl named Ingrid as she tries to prove to her mom that she has what it takes to pursue her dreams. So when her mother challenges her to go to this wilderness survival program in exchange for her approval, Ingrid agrees.
Now the fun begins as she discovers that her fellow campers are an ex-convict, a creepy pervert and a runaway.
It's one of the best mental illness books I read.
Usually, when I read a book about mental illness, the common theme is, talk about it and you'll feel better. I don't disagree with that but I have my reservations on how it's usually portrayed as the magic wand that can fix things instantly. I get that it's hard to do a good character arc in not so many pages, I ignored it most times but it has always nagged me.
After reading this I don't think I'd be so forgiving. This book did such an amazing job with it. While it had the theme that talking about your problems can fix things, in no way did it hint that's an instant magical solution. It really isn't even about that, it's more about how not talking can make things worse.
And I just loved how Ingrid explained her reasons for not talking about what happened to her. I have the seem feelings, some things just feel personal and you can't just share them with anyone especially if the people are ex-convicts and recovering addicts you just met.
Characters
We must interrupt this review for the breaking news that Andreas is the best!
This newsflash was brought to you by The Sky Is Blue Network.
But seriously, I love that guy. He could've stayed away from Ingrid and her mother. He knew what he was getting into and he did it anyway, and I love him.
“You still love her?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said fiercely.
I believed him. In fact, I would almost say he loved her more.
- Ingrid
Ingrid is one the best character's I read about, at least contemporary wise. I don't exactly agree with some of her actions and views, probably because I had loving supportive parents, but even without that, I don't think I'd react the same way she did to certain things. Suffice to say that I didn't empathize with her but I did sympathize.
She did help me see how different we humans are because every time she went into an argument with her mother, I could see both sides. And that's what I meant when I said I don't agree with her. Her mother had a lot going on and Ingrid did try to help her but she still wants to live her life. You could say that's somewhat bratty but it also isn't. I honestly would've absolutely loved Ingrid if she gave up and put her mom's needs before hers but that wouldn't mean it's the right thing to do, and that ladies and gentlemen is why I love this book.
Ingrid to me just acted her age, and I don't think anyone can blame her for doing that.
- The mother
I don't know what to say here.
A lot of things happened and you can't blame her for the things she did or said because she had a reason behind that even if somethings were a bit too much. I do however see how she did feel cornered almost all the time, be it by Andreas or Ingrid. It's just a very hard position to be in.
Sometimes I did feel angry because of her constant unsupportive attitude but at the same time, I was angry at Ingrid and Andreas for not helping much and kinda cornering her into agreeing to somethings. I'm being very vague here but I don't want to spoil anything, you just have to trust me that this deserves your time :)
Writing
I'm not sure if this is for everyone but I just love nonlinear narrative as long as it's not confusing. It helps me realize that the character didn't start their lives just with me picking up the book, they have a past and it affects them now and it will affect them after I finish reading.
This book wasn't confusing, it all unraveled smoothly and I enjoyed almost every bit of it.
I didn't like
The only thing I could think of is Ingrid's relationships.
Her relationship with Isaac wasn't really my favorite thing but it wasn't bad. The thing with Tavik is the one I didn't like at all, not that I don't understand it but it's what Ingrid herself complained about.
I think that's all, EXCEPT FOR ME BEGGING YOU TO READ THIS BOOK.
READ THIS BOOK!
READ THIS BOOK!
READ THIS BOOK!
Okay that's all, have fun... Reading this book :) Kindle Edition This was excellent. Kindle Edition i've literally never heard of this book and i stumbled upon it while looking for 'underrated contemporaries' and GOSH DAMMIT IS THIS BOOK SO FRICKEN UNDERRATED
- basically its about a snarky, angry, hurt girl who is embarking on this 3 week wilderness camp for 'troubled teens' and she ain't too happy to be there
- it switches flips between two time periods, the before briefly narrating and exploring her life as a child of an opera singer (i thought that was SO COOL) through her mother's careers and their travels up until the moment when (& why) she accepted going on the wilderness trip/camp/thingy
- the main character has SUCH a great sense of humour, there were genuine laugh at loud moments amidst the challenges, need to survive, and the natural humiliations that come with.......no flushed toilets or running water
- during the camp, we got to see a lot of characterization of the other 'troubled teens' and view an insight into their lives and the specific issues theyre dealing with
- i love how each of the characters had voices and how they all start somewhere and end up SO MUCH stronger and more capable and confident at the end
- depression is a main theme of the novel. the main character's mother is seen to have suffered from it while the mc was a child & later in her teen years and then the mc is faced with overcoming it as well
- i thought it was handled really well and really brings a lot of discussions on it as well as having a realistic portrayal
- issac was the cutest little bean
- I LOVED HOW he wasn written off as a character for the mistakes he committed in his past. for the actions that he literally committed in 10th grade but also it was waved off as 'hes-just-being-a-boy-its-okay'
- like he had to earn back the trust he broke and i thought that was so fantastic to see in YA
- AND ALSO TAVIK
- I DONT KNOW WHEN IT HAPPENED BUT I LOVED HIS CHARACTER SO MUCH
- he's so realistically flawed and genuine and fjdkajflkajlfdakljalfjddldakdjddlka
- thats that on that
- the writing is captivating. i started and could not put the book down bc i was just so immersed in the story and the adventures and the excitement and the sorrows
- i WANT IT ALL
- I. EFFING. LOVE. HER. STEP. DAD.
- the relationship they share is so wholesome and precious i literally died at all their scenes and prayed he wasn't going to pull a fast one on anyone bc he's literally a gem of a father and i want to lie down and sob again
- also im making this sound like its all fun and games but you literally become so attached to the characters that you dont realize when the last 50 paged punches you in the throat and you can't stop crying
- 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
so my friends, stop giving into the idea that this is a underrated contemporary and give it the damn love it deserves Kindle Edition Full Review on The Candid Cover
Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined is a million times better than I was hoping it would be. This book is about a camping trip and has some backstory woven in throughout the story. The supporting characters are all so developed and have such complex stories. The main character is also smart, strong, and musically talented. This book does not disappoint.
This book is a story that focuses on a summer camping trip in the wilderness and has bits of intricate backstory woven in. I loved switching between the present and the past, where the story of Ingrid’s mother and the events leading up to the trip are revealed. The theatrical and survival aspects made for a nice contrast and made the book so unique. I was definitely not prepared for the big reveal at the end and appreciated the element of surprise.
One of the most interesting aspects of Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined is the cast of character. While Ingrid is away at camp, she meets a group of teens who are each troubled in their own way. At first, I had some doubts about a lot of the characters, but after learning each of their stories, most of them grew on me. Each of the characters is quirky and there’s definitely more to them than what meets the eye. The growing bond between them was entertaining to read, and I enjoyed watching them start to rely on each other.
Ingrid is a clever and insightful main character. I enjoyed her sarcastic voice and her hilarious letters to her mom. Ingrid really transforms on the camping trip, and it is really inspiring watching her grow stronger. She is so determined to follow her dream, despite the protests from her mom, which I really admired. Her character really makes the book emotional and entertaining.
Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined alternates between past and present as it tells the story of a camping trip. The supporting characters are all so interesting and unique in their own way. Ingrid is also a strong character who comes a long way from who she is at the beginning – or technically the end – to the present. I would strongly recommend this book! Kindle Edition You guys, this was so good. Like, SO GOOD.
Read it read it read it READ IT. Kindle Edition
Wild meets The Breakfast Club in this story of a girl who must survive an extreme wilderness experience to prove to her mother that she has the strength to pursue her dreams.
Then
Ingrid traveled all over Europe with her opera star mother, Margot-Sophia. Life was beautiful and bright, and every day soared with music.
Now
Ingrid is on a summertime wilderness survival trek for at-risk teens: addicts, runaways, and her. She’s fighting to survive crushing humiliations, physical challenges that push her to her limits, and mind games that threaten to break her.
Then
When the curtain fell on Margot-Sophia’s singing career, they buried the past and settled into a small, painfully normal life. But Ingrid longed to let the music soar again. She wanted it so much that, for a while, nothing else mattered.
Now
Ingrid is never going to make it through this summer if she can’t figure out why she’s here . . . and why the music really stopped. Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruined
This book was beautiful and sad and messy
Loved it Kindle Edition 3.75 out of 5 Stars!
Writing the review of this book for me was so hard, because I was expecting to LOVE this book and there isn't a single review for this below 4 stars, but unfortunately it didn't turn out to be the case.
At the beginning it was so very hard of me to get into the book and the characters didn't seem engaging at first, and a lot of times (at first) I wanted to dnf this book. Then, slowly I started to enjoy it. I liked the depth of the story.
The One character that I adored in this book was Ingrid's stepfather.
Moving on to the epilogue: I didn't like it! It's like everything went back to the way it were before.
Kindle Edition Wow! This YA novel was so much more than what I was expecting. Beautiful writing, captivating characters, and tons of tough topics that were handled with the utmost respect. I know that I am not going into times of detail. Suffice it to say, this is a book that you don't leave on the shelf. Kindle Edition TW: Suicide, Depression and Sexual Assault
“My demon is you. My best and worst is about you: how I need you and fear for you, how I fear for myself if I lose you, how I have let myself be defined by you.”
This was such a good read. This book is about a girl named Ingrid who wants to attend a very acclaimed music school and her mother does not want her to go. Ingrid's mother's career went down the drown after her losing her voice and her passion as an opera singer. She is in a bad state of mind and believes that a career in music is not stable and does not want her daughter to be heart-broken as she was. They come to a deal, if Ingrid attends this outdoor wilderness survival camp and gets through it, she can attend her dream music school. We follow Ingrid writing to her mother at this camp and her experiences their, as well as her past and her growing up.
This book is a coming of age story, it's about what its like to lose your passion, and it's about what its like to not be aloud to pursue your passion. The writing was interesting and engaging along with the overall plot. I did find the main character annoying and juvenile at the start of this book but she eventually grew on me. I think a lot of people would be able to relate and connect with this book and its subject matter.
I enjoyed the overall atmosphere of the book and found myself being totally enthralled in learning about Ingrid and her families past. I think this book brings a lot of topics to light with a diverse and interesting set of characters.
I loved the concept of family relationships and the complications. It also shows the importance of family in one's life and how a family member can really affect you in a positive or negative way. I loved the relationship with Ingrid and her Dad, it was absolutely touching and very important.
I had few issues with this book, one being that sometimes I was more interested in one time period over the other, which is bound to happen. two is some jokes that rubbed me the wrong way, one of the characters makes a joke about sexual assault and they talk about it in a really light way. I think it sugarcoated the situation at times. Than again it brought awareness to making charges and the pros and cons of doing so, which I have never soon a book discuss before.
Kindle Edition love love love. so many emotions right now.
imma do this review Random Thoughts style:
► If I had to sum up this book I would say it's all about Complicated Shit. I'm not kidding. The beauty of Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined is that you get to see Ingrid work through all her emotional and psychological turmoil throughout the book. You go to hell and back with her as she tries to untangle her mess of emotions, and when she finally does, you're just so damn happy for her. I just really love Complicated Shit books, man. They're emotionally taxing, but they're 100% worth it. (If you liked We Are the Ants, then you might like this too. They're not particularly similar content-wise, but they're both YA contemporaries about, as aforementioned, Complicated Shit, and the process of sorting through it.)
► Ingrid is a wonderful main character. She's caustic and self-aware and upfront and I love her for all those things.
► I loved how Younge-Ullman explored Ingrid's—here's that word again—complicated relationship with her mom, who, by the way, was a really fascinating character (both fiercely loving yet aloof, distant yet unhesitatingly vocal). Like Marchetta's Saving Francesca, this book deals with how a mother's mental illness—depression in particular—takes its toll on her, her daughter, and their relationship.
► THAT ENDING THO. I may or may not have cried.
► ok but the premise behind this book was VERY clever and well-executed. You go back and forth between Ingrid's time at this super intense camp and her past at home with her mom and at her school. And lemme tell you, these two plotlines complemented each other incredibly well: the former informs the latter and the latter informs the former. Together, they worked almost magically to breathe life into Ingrid's character and to explain why she made the decisions she made. Honestly, kudos to Younge-Ullman for pulling it all off, because she did.
Definitely one of the best contemporaries that I've recently read. Highly recommend you give this one a try. Kindle Edition