If you think the title of this book is intriguing, you better open it to the first page. Right now. This novel by Bryn Greenwood is totally captivating. I loved it! In fact, I wasn’t able to even write this review until I let a few days pass from the moment I turned the final page. I needed to let the story settle, soak in the characters of Wavy and Kellen, and savor the beautiful words of Ms. Greenwood.
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Now that I’ve fully digested All the Ugly and Wonderful Things and I’m ready to offer my critique, I’m at a loss for words. Disturbing? Yes, parts. Romantic? Yes, at times. Sweet, tender, and heartbreaking. It is all these things, and it will resonate with you long after you close its cover.
Greenwood’s novel describes a powerful and shocking love story between two unlikely people – a young child of a meth dealer and a 24 year old tattooed ex-con. The story unfolds over a decade and “asks tough questions, reminding us of all the ugly and wonderful things that life has to offer.” Great selection for a book club, but be warned it is indeed controversial.
I don’t often give a 5 star rating to books, but this one, I believe, is life-changing. Its residue stayed with me in the same way Angela’s Ashes and Ellen Foster did, reminding me daily of all I have to be thankful for.
