All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood @bryngreenwood #fiction #literaryfiction #adultfiction #bookreviewers

Susanne’s Review:

My love for this novel knows no bounds, and to say that is not an easy thing, as the subject matter of this book is not one to be taken lightly and is not for everyone.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things tackles the relationship between two people, Wavy and Kellen. That relationship is deep, affecting, kind, intense, sweet, and respectful.  It is in fact wonderful, the ugly part of it is that Wavy is a very young girl and Kellen is an adult. Their relationship however is not black and white, though nothing really ever is.  

Both Kellen and Wavy take care of each other in numerous ways and it is that, which made me question my thoughts on what is right and what is wrong.

This book will draw you in like a moth to a flame, whether you like the storyline or not.  The writing here is stellar, so smooth, easy, and natural and the characterizations are absolutely fantastic. It will challenge your thoughts on a very difficult topic, thus if you have yet to read it, I urge you to go in with an open mind.

This was a buddy read with Ms. Kaceey.  We bought this book 3 years ago – sadly it has been sitting on our unread shelf for that long, waiting for us to find time to get to it. Though it took us a very long time to read it, I am so glad we finally found the time.  This is one of my favorite books of this year and it is one that will stay with me for quite a while. 

Published on Goodreads and Twitter.

Kaceey’s Review:

Let me start with a disclaimer…this is not a read for everyone.  

The storyline revolves around the relationship of a grown man in his 20’s and a pre-teen girl. 

Wavy is a very “unusual” girl. She rarely speaks and refuses to eat in front of anyone. Her parents can’t be bothered raising her as they’re deeply entrenched in the drug world. So it’s up to Wavy to raise herself and her younger brother, Donal. 

But when Kellen, a massive, imposing, tattooed biker enters her life there just may be room in Wavy’s heart to trust one more person. 

Bryn Greenwood has taken a subject matter that most couldn’t stomach and developed a surprisingly engrossing, beautiful story of love and family. 

We are all not blessed with perfect families.  

In fact, 

Family is what you make it. 

Once again Susanne and I made time to tackle our personal bookshelves to uncover this gem of a book that we never felt brave enough to read… until now.