Everything Is Beautiful and Everything Hurts

by Josie Shapiro

The stunning debut novel by the winner of the Allen & Unwin Commercial Fiction Prize. If you loved Lessons in Chemistry and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you will adore Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts.

Mickey Bloom: five foot tall, dyslexic, and bullied at school. Mickey knows she's nothing special. Until one day, she discovers running.

Mickey's new-found talent makes her realise she's everything she thought she wasn't - powerful, strong and special. But her success comes at a cost, and the relentless training and pressure to win leaves Mickey broken, her dream in tatters.

Years later, when Mickey is working in a dead-end job with a drop-kick boyfriend, her mother becomes seriously ill. After nursing her, Mickey realises the only way she can overcome her grief - and find herself - is to run again.

A chance encounter with a stranger sees Mickey re-ignite her dreams. The two women form an unbreakable bond, as Mickey is shown what it means to run in the right direction.

An unforgettable debut novel about change, family and grit, and what it takes to achieve your dreams.

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'Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts plunges the reader into the gruelling world of the long distance runner - every pleasure, every pain. Shapiro deftly weaves the coming-of-age story of Mickey Bloom into a gripping account of adult Bloom running the Auckland Marathon. This is compelling storytelling that exposes the sacrifices - physical and emotional - demanded of our sporting elite. Chilling, yet ultimately heartwarming, it celebrates success without flinching from staring down its brutal costs. A sophisticated debut that will capture the racing hearts of its readers.' - Sue Orr, author of Loop Tracks

'Josie Shapiro's accomplished debut novel has the compulsive forward motion of a world-class race. You don't have to be a runner to get the high, just read this book!' - Kirsten McDougall, author of She's a Killer

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Audiobook, Family, Sports, Grief

288 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2023

Reviews

[Rosa Opie · Rating 4 out of 5]

honest, compassionate, and quietly uplifting, 'everything is beautiful and everything hurts' is mickey bloom's story of endurance and vulnerability as she grapples with her past while attempting to achieve her long-term goal of running the auckland marathon. i have to say, i was a little hesitant when i heard about the book's emphasis on the marathon, as i am far from a runner. however, mickey's story truly won me over. interweaving complex family dynamics, the difficulties of our inflexible education system, the horrors of the sports industry, and the chaos of being a teenager, it is about so much more than just running. it's about breaking yourself open and the process of putting yourself back together again. it's about learning not to let other people's opinions shape your own and realizing that you are tougher than whatever tried to hurt you. and ultimately, it's about dreams and success, community and joy, and how far you're willing to go to find them.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Thank you Josie Shapiro for creating such a vivid world and allowing me to explore it through Mickey’s experiences.
Also so refreshing to read a book set in New Zealand.

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an astounding debut. Measured, gripping, riveting, and compelling. Yes, this book is for runners. But even a non-runner can read this and just be awed at this debut work of fiction from Josie Shapiro. It’s rare to come across books set in New Zealand, so that’s another plus.

I adored this book. One of the books of the year for me. Honest and compassionate, moving and just lovable.

[Sarah Pollok · Rating 4 out of 5]

B R I L L I A N T. Possibly one of the best books I’ve read by a Kiwi author. Beautifully written, vivid and real and heartbreaking. Well worth a read.

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate running and do not enjoy watching others run but despite that, this debut novel about a runner captured my attention from the get go. The story alternates between the present where Mickey is running her first marathon and her past, which is heart-breaking at times.

The writing is just lovely and the only reason I didn't give it a higher rating is because I am big baby when it comes to closure and, well you will have to read the book if you want to know why (no spoilers here!). I am now impatiently awaiting the release of her next book Good Things Come and Go...

[Libbert Obribble · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such mixed feelings about this book. First off- where are the trigger warnings 😳 it covers some quite intense mental health and abuse issues with no warning whatsoever. I devoured it none the less. I did maybe expect more of an ultra marathon regailing, with all the emotional highs and lows that seems to come with it, mixed in with the coming of age story. I can't help but feel there was a missed opportunity to truly meld the two experiences together. In saying that, my expectations of the book have probably held me back from enjoying it fully. It's a great read, very evocative and is a lovely story about finding the joy in the things you're good at rather than letting them consume you in an unhealthy manner. Good book but unlike some of my most cherished reads, I probably won't pick this up again.

[Lauren Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
My knees hurt. My ankles hurt. Every pain Mickey felt I felt. Every win Mickey had I also felt.
I am not a runner but I was running through the eyes of Mickey Bloom.
Beautiful writing!!!!

[lucy black · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 A novel about running and overcoming the misogyny of the late 90s and early 2000’s. Although lots of people have called this a feel good read I’d disagree. It might be nice to nod at the many mentions of pōhutukawa and piwakawaka but the character running past them for most of the book is struggling. For the first 2/3 of the book it’s just triggering problem after problem. The cult like athletics clubs, awful father, the failing education system, eating disorder, self harm, sexual assault, deadbeat boyfriend, injury and grief. I am not a runner but I do understand the euphoria of exercising outside, I don’t think these highs were enough to carry the novel though and when Micky does finally catch a break it seems too good to be true and a bit trite. I can see why others really liked this, Micky is very likeable. I think it would be good for the runners, die hard Alex fans and people who don’t read a lot but who like a NZ novel every now and then.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one snuck up on me. The story tackles many things - absent and cruel fathers, the loneliness of being left behind by older siblings, youthful obsession with sport, grief and loss, sexual violence and all the misogyny that leads to it - I could keep going, but some things should be discovered within the pages. It is touching and tender and brave, but it also deals with some pretty tough stuff - I thought it was going to be a light read but that wasn't the case.

Mickey Bloom will be staying with me for a while :) also, the background setting being Aotearoa made it all the more enjoyable

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and emotional novel. I am not a runner but I love how the author wrote about it. Really enjoyed this.

[Eliza Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a unique read. Real time you are experiencing her running a marathon interspersed with flashbacks of her life. The start was much more gripping and dragged a bit by the end.

Overall meh.

[Jonathon Hagger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author absolutely nails the ups and downs of running life. The different settings Mickey works her way through are, sadly, set in reality and describe the experiences of many women runners. Loved the description of the Auckland Marathon and the key landmarks. Brilliant.

[Sierra Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this!
Just beautiful descriptions about running. The closest book I've read to how it really feels. Even if in 100000000000000x slower at it than Mickey.
A great book to read if you love running :)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in a single sitting and tearing up all through the second half.

[Kimberley Oosterbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed a book to get me out of a reading slump and this. Was. IT. Devoured in a single sitting; more of a sprint than a marathon but I couldn't help it. Easiest 5 stars ever.

[Carissa Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love running and Auckland then this book is definitely for you and it's definitely for me! My only very minor gripe is that when I was reading it from the comfort of my bed, I was conflicted. Do I keep reading or go out immediately for a run?
The way Shapiro captures the love a runner has for the sport is spot on and explains why one might keep at it for years (or return to it years later) even though it does hurt! I have also run the Auckland half marathon a few times (but it's been years) and in the present narrative perspective the narrator is running the Auckland full, so to have the race described in such detail felt like being transported back to that time in my life. I run shorter distance now and with absolutely no speed (unlike the very likable narrator, Mickey Bloom), but whether you're a 'runner' or have no interest whatsoever, I recommend this novel. It's a wonderful story about overcoming adversity and a reminder that even if you feel average at most things, everyone is pretty damn good at something. Read it. It's beautiful.

[hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was delightful. compassionate, insightful and tender, shapiro’s debut novel is one of ambition and hope and desire, that compounds adversities such as the flawed education system, mental health, and turbulent families with a dream that continues to persevere throughout it all.

it’s equally uplifting and inspiring, showing the importance of a support system, be it in the form of friendships that become more like family. and that in process to achieve one’s dreams, there will be tribulations - some so extreme that you have to step away - and conflict with all that you have ever known or wanted, but, then, how there is nothing wrong with seeking help, taking a break. goals shouldn’t have a timeframe, and are indicative to more than a worth of a person, but their effort and determination and resilience.

mickey is a great character to explore as she weaves through life, where she combats her sense of self and inherent worth as a result of running, the extremes she went through to obtain her success, and then the road to rediscovering a love plagued by suffering. it was very thoughtful in tone and i just loved her narrative.

[Alayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I enjoyed reading a book set in Auckland and knowing where all the places were in the setting. I loved the way it was intermingled with the run and running being the key focus. I disagree with the introduction comparing this book to Lessons with Chemistry and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine though. I see them as significantly different books. This book took a bit of a turn in regards to some of the mental health ideas that I felt could have been handled with perhaps more of a warning.

[Kate Hair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok what a beautiful & uplifting book 💛💛 for the first few chapters I was a total cynic - like running?! What a boring topic after my last fantasy read.

But this TOTALLY grew on me. Mickey was such a fantastic, multi-layered protagonist. It dealt with heavy topics without having to eke every bit of sadness out of them which was very refreshing. And just really, really good writing.

Oh and the NZ setting was the 🍒 on top! 🤌🏼

5 ⭐️

[Jacinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really INHALED this book, to the point where I couldn't wait to read it on my lunch break. This is a break out book that is a must read for 2023. Touched on so many themes any adult can relate to and the beautiful Aotearoa locations put yourself right in the streets of the story.

[Georgia Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite books I have read by a NZ author!

[Alyssa Scholten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I’d like a book about running - but I loved this! Beautiful story of growth!

[Maddy Berquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read. The author has absolutely nailed this. As a kiwi, the way this story is told is so accurate, relatable and honest that you forget it isn’t a true story. Just loved it - wanted more.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving read, beautifully depicting the incredible highs and deep lows of running. Both confronting and refreshing to see common issues in women’s elite sport brought to light

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars. I thought the story was really inspiring. I found the second half much more interesting than the first? I don’t why maybe because the build up was a bit slow. There were many dimensions to the story which I loved. Why this book can’t be 5 stars for me is because it was frustrating that this wasn’t a true story. I know that’s my fault for choosing a fiction book but the book used actually events and places like the Auckland marathon. It just felt too real for it to not be real… I would recommend this book and I think even if you weren’t into running you’d still love the book!!

[Simone Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Beautiful and heartwarming. My favourite book by a NZ author to date

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I was captivated by Mickey Bloom and appreciated her inspiring journey. Every pain and win Mickey felt, I felt. There is much positive influence to be taken from her characters strong will, determination, and resilience to overcome endless hardships. And you don’t have to be a runner to understand this emotional story or the inspiring meanings weaved within it!

I loved the real show of the ‘imperfections’ of Mickey's character. She combats with sustaining both self-love and self-worth whilst exploring new life stages. This story shows the importance of having strong support systems, seeking help, and becoming in tune with your mind and body. To be intuitive means acknowledging when you need to rest, and realizing that your best is always enough. Shapiro writes beautifully about how there is light and love to be found amidst one’s suffering. Everything is beautiful, and everything truly hurts. Life is bittersweet for us all and a marathon in itself. It's not what we achieve that matters, but how we achieve it.

Although, Shapiro intertwines various heavy themes throughout the book with raw and personal detail. I felt that this book needed clear trigger warnings. To avoid upsetting any sensitive, susceptible, and relatable readers. Heavy themes include the dynamics of an eating disorder, struggling with dyslexia, turbulent family dynamics, dealing with injury, self-harm, sexual assault, battling grief, and the provoking cult-like reality of the athletics club. Therefore, I can’t give it a full 5 stars despite desperately wanting to!

I’m glad that a popular book has bravely taken on these topics, as I believe raising awareness is the most crucial thing for igniting change around mental health stigmas. Especially, as this is a NZ author and will likely intrigue fellow Kiwi readers - which reminds me, I loved reading about the many familiar roads and locations. It felt nostalgic which added to my entertainment. It also felt as though I was running the roads alongside Mickey.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh this was so GOOD i don't understand how i loved a book about long distance running so much.

This book just had pace and drive and it is really such a skillful writer than can insert into the writing that forward motion of a run. This was relentless and building. It's interesting because really, nothing much happens but god you're just so invested in the energy and the simple finish that it is very engrossing.

Highly recommend, i found this easy, engaging, and energetic. Five stars.

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Marathons are like life. A lot of it will be shit, more than you thought you could tolerate. But I bet you, when it’s over, you’ll say ‘Goddamn. Can I do that again?’

I really loved this book. What a stunning debut novel.

[Annie Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about life and running (set in NZ)… don’t need to be a runner to enjoy