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The Most Beautiful Thing
Meet Joe. 14 years old, obsessed with birds & the weather, and perplexed by humans. Spend the Summer in Amsterdam with his chaotic artist aunt Nel. Come back fifteen years later, witness a tragedy, and discover a secret which will change everything...
317 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2012
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644 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 22, 2012
When I received this giveaway in the mail, I couldn't stop touching the cover - whatever type of paper-finishing the publishers used felt like butter. I also was drawn into the cover design - simply the title, drawn with colored pencils, on a stark white background. Well, to me, the cover design and the paper choice, proved to be the foreshadowing of the story and the writer. The author writes like creamy, whipped butter and all the colors fading into and out each other made me think of Joe - falling into and out of madness and obsession.
Poor Joe; surrounded by mental illness and secrets. Poor Joe; filled with rage and debilitating depression. Though the story was sad, it kept calling to me.. I had to find out what happened to poor Joe. Maybe you want to too?
Poor Joe; surrounded by mental illness and secrets. Poor Joe; filled with rage and debilitating depression. Though the story was sad, it kept calling to me.. I had to find out what happened to poor Joe. Maybe you want to too?
June 8, 2012
This was just wrong... ok ok..I dig that the author belongs or runs a writers collective but there was no reason why this book had to prattle on meaninglessly.It could've been an ok short story but to make it a full blown novel with such an auspicious title was really misleading to me....yes, I chose this book partially based on its title;what a fool am I? The only thing that kept me reading was hope that the protagonist was going to eventually be diagnosed with Aspbergers syndrome which would have at least justified all the prattle as a potentially educational tool for those fools who buy books based upon its title solely.
June 23, 2012
What an unexpected story! I knew this would be a story of character development, but had no idea it would be an in-depth journey of discovery/depression for Joe, the main character! It was a really good book. Slow at times. I was unsure of where it was going at times. However, the last 1/3 of the book really took the reader into Joe's real life; into Joe's real head/and struggles with his lifelong depression. Some reviewers wrote they thought Joe may have Aspberger's syndrome. I think that was left to the reader--he was a unique fellow for sure; always muddled & aloof. That was part of his charm. Really different from the books I am accustomed to reading--I am glad I chose this book.
May 12, 2012
There are many books about depression. The words in this book are beautifully put together and describes that absolute inertia that slows the world and your breath when you're in the middle of depression. How nothing stops it until the head and heart are ready. The descriptions of Amsterdam are so exact I feel like I'm back on the Dam sipping coffee and walking towards the flower market. Beautiful.
May 15, 2012
Wow. A book that deserves its title. It is a beautifully written story about depression, life, family and love. It proceeded along at its own gentle pace and there were no great surprising turn of events. It reads like one slow gradual crescendo till the end. I was really drawn by the characters as much as I was by the story.
September 6, 2013
This is a rather lovely book, which I read in a single day (though I did have the advantage of being on holiday and spending most of that day on the beach!). I keep finding these books – like 600 Hours of Edward and The 10PM Question – which are hard to categorise but joys to read.
At 14, Joe is struggling to make sense of the world. His erratic mother and ineffective father constantly frustrate him, his friend Podge is becoming increasingly irritating, and girls are a mystery. He isn’t interested in trainers or films, but seeks solace in books (no fiction, only facts) and expanding his knowledge of birds and meteorology. When we first meet him, he is on a plane, having been sent by his parents to spend a summer with his quirky, unpredictable aunt Nel in Amsterdam.
After an awkward first couple of days, Joe and Nel fall into an easy pattern of living together. She listens to him, doesn’t judge him, and addresses things that are concerning him. In return, he dedicates himself to understanding why Nel is unhappy and finding ways to improve her love life. Along the way, he also makes a new friend in Emmie – the first girl he’s really been able to connect with – and learns a bit of Dutch too. But his parents continue to frustrate him, even from across international borders, and Joe finds himself increasingly angry with adults keeping secrets from him – and unable to deal with those feelings of anger.
Part two jumps ahead 15 years. Joe is 29 and still struggling with life. All his teenage research hasn’t prepared him for his dream job quite as well as expected, his parents are separated and distant, and he’s been signed off work with depression. In an attempt to get better, he returns to Amsterdam to stay with his beloved aunt Nel and try to find some of the happiness he discovered there before. But within hours of arriving, Joe has to deal with unexpected tragedy and a burden of responsibility he isn’t ready for.
Satya Robyn portrays Joe’s teenage angst well. At times he is horrid, sulky and rude. But he is also loyal, sweet and determined. Some reviewers have suggested he is on the autistic spectrum, but this didn’t occur to me. He’s not quite like other boys – interested in football and action films and girls – and he is shy around certain adults. But some of his characteristics are just part and parcel of teenage-boyhood and he proves himself able to build strong and deep relationships with other people in a relatively short space of time, so I think the assessment of him as autistic – however high functioning – is unfounded.
The relationship between Joe and Nel is beautiful, and my favourite thing about the novel. They couldn’t be more different and yet they have a connection that brings out the best in both of them. It’s a connection that goes beyond a mutual love of ridiculous zombie films: they open up to one another and both really try to help the other. Joe is finally being treated like an adult, and finds himself maturing in response.
I preferred part one, but it’s actually really nice to see the adult incarnation of a young character you’ve grown fond of. He’s not as endearing as an adult, perhaps inevitably, but seeing echoes of the teenage Joe in him make it an authentic jump forwards. Mental illness is touched upon throughout, but in part two it’s really brought to the fore and is dealt with in a compassionate and honest way. I had a slight niggling concern that the author was suggesting Joe’s depression was inevitable, based on his character in part one and on his mother’s background, which I didn’t like (again, partly because I don’t think his struggles as a teenager are that unique) – though I may have read too much into it.
If I had to make the comparison, I probably slightly preferred The 10PM Question, but I really like the addition of seeing the central character 15 years on in The Most Beautiful Thing. Despite aspects of the subject matter and some uncomfortable moments, it’s a light, easy and enjoyable read.
At 14, Joe is struggling to make sense of the world. His erratic mother and ineffective father constantly frustrate him, his friend Podge is becoming increasingly irritating, and girls are a mystery. He isn’t interested in trainers or films, but seeks solace in books (no fiction, only facts) and expanding his knowledge of birds and meteorology. When we first meet him, he is on a plane, having been sent by his parents to spend a summer with his quirky, unpredictable aunt Nel in Amsterdam.
After an awkward first couple of days, Joe and Nel fall into an easy pattern of living together. She listens to him, doesn’t judge him, and addresses things that are concerning him. In return, he dedicates himself to understanding why Nel is unhappy and finding ways to improve her love life. Along the way, he also makes a new friend in Emmie – the first girl he’s really been able to connect with – and learns a bit of Dutch too. But his parents continue to frustrate him, even from across international borders, and Joe finds himself increasingly angry with adults keeping secrets from him – and unable to deal with those feelings of anger.
Part two jumps ahead 15 years. Joe is 29 and still struggling with life. All his teenage research hasn’t prepared him for his dream job quite as well as expected, his parents are separated and distant, and he’s been signed off work with depression. In an attempt to get better, he returns to Amsterdam to stay with his beloved aunt Nel and try to find some of the happiness he discovered there before. But within hours of arriving, Joe has to deal with unexpected tragedy and a burden of responsibility he isn’t ready for.
Satya Robyn portrays Joe’s teenage angst well. At times he is horrid, sulky and rude. But he is also loyal, sweet and determined. Some reviewers have suggested he is on the autistic spectrum, but this didn’t occur to me. He’s not quite like other boys – interested in football and action films and girls – and he is shy around certain adults. But some of his characteristics are just part and parcel of teenage-boyhood and he proves himself able to build strong and deep relationships with other people in a relatively short space of time, so I think the assessment of him as autistic – however high functioning – is unfounded.
The relationship between Joe and Nel is beautiful, and my favourite thing about the novel. They couldn’t be more different and yet they have a connection that brings out the best in both of them. It’s a connection that goes beyond a mutual love of ridiculous zombie films: they open up to one another and both really try to help the other. Joe is finally being treated like an adult, and finds himself maturing in response.
I preferred part one, but it’s actually really nice to see the adult incarnation of a young character you’ve grown fond of. He’s not as endearing as an adult, perhaps inevitably, but seeing echoes of the teenage Joe in him make it an authentic jump forwards. Mental illness is touched upon throughout, but in part two it’s really brought to the fore and is dealt with in a compassionate and honest way. I had a slight niggling concern that the author was suggesting Joe’s depression was inevitable, based on his character in part one and on his mother’s background, which I didn’t like (again, partly because I don’t think his struggles as a teenager are that unique) – though I may have read too much into it.
If I had to make the comparison, I probably slightly preferred The 10PM Question, but I really like the addition of seeing the central character 15 years on in The Most Beautiful Thing. Despite aspects of the subject matter and some uncomfortable moments, it’s a light, easy and enjoyable read.
July 27, 2012
((Freebie on Amazon/Kindle))
I admit it, I’ve had ‘stuff’ happen in my life – I still don’t want a book written about my life though, because you know what? My life is not that interesting, and I would feel bad for the people who, one day, got the book about my life as a freebie on Amazon/Kindle and then had to read about my life where, yes stuff happened, but it still wasn’t interesting.
If you can even understand that last part then that is how I feel about this book..
For the life of me I don’t understand the plot? Really, what was the point? If the plot was what happened in the last 5% of the book, then why the hell did we get the other 95%? Either way it sucks for me, because I only liked the beginning.
The first 53% was pretty cool; we met Joe, a 14 year old kid from the UK. He’s on a flight to the Netherlands where he’s going to stay with his aunt for the summer.. Joe is.. weird.. But I thought he was funny weird. Or maybe he just reminded me of myself in that age. Well, not so much the weird part –only the funny part.. (Ha! That was pretty funny, no?)
Seriously though, Joe is the furthest from “funny” you can get. He’s depressing as shit. But in the first 53% he’s depressing in that “I’m a teenager and I hate everything. You made me tea? Oh My God Mum, it’s too cold. I hate my life.” kind of way. That was funny. I just don’t think the author was trying to make it funny.. Umm.. Yeah, ok, moving on..
Nothing happens in this book.. We have 53% of Joe being a 14 year old weird, depressing teenager, who, in 6 weeks, sleeps a lot of and gets his first kiss.. That’s about it.. The strange thing was that Joe’s “teenage-depression-mode” kept me OK entertained for the first 53%.
We then meet Joe again as a 29 year old.. Now he’s even more depressed and weird, and it’s clear that he could use some psychological help. Ok, I thought. So this is the plotline then? A guy with a depression that needs help.. (No it wasn’t, btw..)
So Joe goes back to the Netherlands. And something happens to make him even more depressed.. (Seriously) Ok, so now the plot starts, right? 75% into the book, something finally happens to set everything up? (Also a no..) At 90% when, seriously, nothing had happened that could even be something close to an actual plot, I gave up believing in Joe..
The first 53% was ok (hence the 2 stars). Everything else? Yeah, not that much.
P.s If I’m mistaken and there actually was a plot in this story, then I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find it.
P.p.s The Most Beautiful Thing? What does that even MEAN in this story?!
I admit it, I’ve had ‘stuff’ happen in my life – I still don’t want a book written about my life though, because you know what? My life is not that interesting, and I would feel bad for the people who, one day, got the book about my life as a freebie on Amazon/Kindle and then had to read about my life where, yes stuff happened, but it still wasn’t interesting.
If you can even understand that last part then that is how I feel about this book..
For the life of me I don’t understand the plot? Really, what was the point? If the plot was what happened in the last 5% of the book, then why the hell did we get the other 95%? Either way it sucks for me, because I only liked the beginning.
The first 53% was pretty cool; we met Joe, a 14 year old kid from the UK. He’s on a flight to the Netherlands where he’s going to stay with his aunt for the summer.. Joe is.. weird.. But I thought he was funny weird. Or maybe he just reminded me of myself in that age. Well, not so much the weird part –only the funny part.. (Ha! That was pretty funny, no?)
Seriously though, Joe is the furthest from “funny” you can get. He’s depressing as shit. But in the first 53% he’s depressing in that “I’m a teenager and I hate everything. You made me tea? Oh My God Mum, it’s too cold. I hate my life.” kind of way. That was funny. I just don’t think the author was trying to make it funny.. Umm.. Yeah, ok, moving on..
Nothing happens in this book.. We have 53% of Joe being a 14 year old weird, depressing teenager, who, in 6 weeks, sleeps a lot of and gets his first kiss.. That’s about it.. The strange thing was that Joe’s “teenage-depression-mode” kept me OK entertained for the first 53%.
We then meet Joe again as a 29 year old.. Now he’s even more depressed and weird, and it’s clear that he could use some psychological help. Ok, I thought. So this is the plotline then? A guy with a depression that needs help.. (No it wasn’t, btw..)
So Joe goes back to the Netherlands. And something happens to make him even more depressed.. (Seriously) Ok, so now the plot starts, right? 75% into the book, something finally happens to set everything up? (Also a no..) At 90% when, seriously, nothing had happened that could even be something close to an actual plot, I gave up believing in Joe..
The first 53% was ok (hence the 2 stars). Everything else? Yeah, not that much.
P.s If I’m mistaken and there actually was a plot in this story, then I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find it.
P.p.s The Most Beautiful Thing? What does that even MEAN in this story?!
October 12, 2012
Wanted to give this 3.5 stars, really.
Perhaps it was intentional because of the nature of Joe's personality disorders, but I found it very, very difficult to identify with or feel much for him, or care much about what happened. I did love Nel! And I found the story to be intriguing, although at the same time, the main story point was kind of obvious to me from the start, and I just read waiting for the reveal (and maybe to learn if there was anything more to it, a bigger secret). I felt like I loved and hated alternating characters - loved Willem, hated Emmie. I guess I am kind of glad it didn't turn into a traditional romance, at least. The book had some great moments, and was written quite well. One of my favorite things was when Joe self-analyzed and realized things like "they could only drive him mad with his permission." (It makes more sense in the context, but it was an important moment for me.) I think there are some wonderful truths in this book and some beautiful imagery, but I wanted more from this book and I think it fell a little short. I do hope to see more from this author, though! I look forward to her future endeavors.
Perhaps it was intentional because of the nature of Joe's personality disorders, but I found it very, very difficult to identify with or feel much for him, or care much about what happened. I did love Nel! And I found the story to be intriguing, although at the same time, the main story point was kind of obvious to me from the start, and I just read waiting for the reveal (and maybe to learn if there was anything more to it, a bigger secret). I felt like I loved and hated alternating characters - loved Willem, hated Emmie. I guess I am kind of glad it didn't turn into a traditional romance, at least. The book had some great moments, and was written quite well. One of my favorite things was when Joe self-analyzed and realized things like "they could only drive him mad with his permission." (It makes more sense in the context, but it was an important moment for me.) I think there are some wonderful truths in this book and some beautiful imagery, but I wanted more from this book and I think it fell a little short. I do hope to see more from this author, though! I look forward to her future endeavors.
January 19, 2013
A beautiful, moving and uplifting book that covers puberty, dysfunctional relationships (both familial and sexual), friendship, first love, depression and loss.
There are very few characters, so I came to feel like I knew Joe and Nel very well. Joe aged 14 is solemn, moody, socially awkward, obsessive in his interests and utterly compelling.
Nel, the aunt he goes to stay with in Amsterdam that summer, is an artist with a love-life as colourful and chaotic as her small flat. And she's just what he needs: someone to genuinely listen to him & accommodate his quirks whilst gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) pushing him to get out there and engage with life.
Joe aged 29 is broken, lost and hurting. When Nel invites him to stay for a few weeks he accepts, but then events happen that turn his life even more upside down.
The description of Joe's depression really struck a chord with me. It was beautifully handled and described. I am very sad to have to let Joe and Nel go. Their voices are still echoing in my head.
There are very few characters, so I came to feel like I knew Joe and Nel very well. Joe aged 14 is solemn, moody, socially awkward, obsessive in his interests and utterly compelling.
Nel, the aunt he goes to stay with in Amsterdam that summer, is an artist with a love-life as colourful and chaotic as her small flat. And she's just what he needs: someone to genuinely listen to him & accommodate his quirks whilst gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) pushing him to get out there and engage with life.
Joe aged 29 is broken, lost and hurting. When Nel invites him to stay for a few weeks he accepts, but then events happen that turn his life even more upside down.
The description of Joe's depression really struck a chord with me. It was beautifully handled and described. I am very sad to have to let Joe and Nel go. Their voices are still echoing in my head.
June 22, 2012
This was definitely "The most surprising thing". The book was nothing at all what I expected, even though I didn't delve into it with a lot of expectations to being with. We follow Joe, a fourteen year old boy, troubled by his family and by what I think is supposed to be a light degree of autism or asperger, as he visits his aunt Nel in Amsterdam.
It's a book with a small person gallery, which means that we get to know the main characters, Joe and Nel, rather well. I loved that. Both were really symphatetic to me, each in their own and vastly different way.
Extra bonus points for taking place in the Netherlands with tiny dips into the charming dutch language. The conclusion is very emotional. "The most beautiful thing" is indeed the perfect title for the book. In the end the story turned out to be incredibly compelling to me, though I can't clearly describe why.
It's a book with a small person gallery, which means that we get to know the main characters, Joe and Nel, rather well. I loved that. Both were really symphatetic to me, each in their own and vastly different way.
Extra bonus points for taking place in the Netherlands with tiny dips into the charming dutch language. The conclusion is very emotional. "The most beautiful thing" is indeed the perfect title for the book. In the end the story turned out to be incredibly compelling to me, though I can't clearly describe why.
July 16, 2012
I was drawn into this book when I started to read it - I liked 'The Letters' very much and really enjoy Fiona's postings and ideas. I was reading it on a train journey and just got to the second part. When I went back to it a couple of weeks later I just couldn't get back into it. Nel was really the only character I liked, and once she was gone, rather too conveniently I thought, I was just waiting to get to the end - for our reading group at the end of the week. I liked the Amsterdam setting, and definitely enjoyed the descriptions of the first visit more. In fact, I wondered if it wouldn't have been better as a short story. It was an unsentimental look at mental illness, breakdown, and an unhappy, driven, family, full of secrets. Was there hope for Joe at the end? I'm not sure.
May 31, 2012
This was the first book that I read of Fiona Robyn's and what an introduction to a writer. Joe's story had me enthralled from the start and it's been a while since I cared about a character so much. The writing seems effortless and the characters very real in all their confusion, pain and happiness. Sadly I finished it while travelling on the tube so couldn't have the proper cry that this book made me want to have. But I will read it again and now I know about the emotional punch it packs, will ensure the end is read at home! On the strength of this book I bought three more of Fiona's back catalogue and look forward to reading them all.
May 13, 2012
Not at all my usual kind of read, I only embarked upon this because I follow the author's Writing Our Way Home blog and she was kindly offering it as a free download when it was first published. I honestly didn't think I was going to enjoy it, but despite all my reservations by the time I reached the end I realised I had been completely drawn in without realising it. The subject matter is still not my cup of coffee, but the thoughtful and descriptive story-telling won me over. In conclusion, it was an unexpected pleasure.
June 23, 2013
One of those books that you just can't put down. This is so beautifully written. I find it difficult to conjure the right words for the emotions this story evokes.
At no point does the story ever feel contrived. It feels like it could have been written about you, or your cousin, it feels that realistic.
As I said, I find it difficult to describe why I have found this book so touching, but when I have ad the time to gather my thoughts about I will come back to this review.
In the meantime I recommend that you read it.
At no point does the story ever feel contrived. It feels like it could have been written about you, or your cousin, it feels that realistic.
As I said, I find it difficult to describe why I have found this book so touching, but when I have ad the time to gather my thoughts about I will come back to this review.
In the meantime I recommend that you read it.
July 9, 2012
I loved most of this book- mainly because the characters were so original and the main male character's "voice ' was flawlessly executed. That said, this book- with such a strong beginning - fizzled out for me at the end. Everything was so beautifully complex and intricately written,, then suddenly over and wrapped a little too neatly in the end.
April 25, 2012
Wow! Just finished your wonderful novel "The Most Beautful Thing!" Full of rich and quirky characters, intense family drama, multicultural influences, and the exploration of a deep and very important subject matter. Very well done, Fiona Robyn! I highly recommend this fabulous book! Thank you...
May 4, 2012
A very good written book that makes you think. I got it for free when there was a promotion on it but after finishing it, I think it is worth buying. Also, I see that it is cheap too! It is definitely worth the money.
May 15, 2012
I really liked the first section. Part II was harder to take. Seriously, I almost gave up on it in the middle. But I k pet at it and I'm glad that I did. It was worth it. I especially liked the image at the very end. I've seen that before, and it makes perfect sense to me.
May 23, 2012
Fiona Robyn never fails to create a world that draws you in. This is a gentle yet shrewdly constructed and vivid story, written with wisdom and compassion, tinged with sadness and humour. There is something so real about everything she does, that gets right to the heart.
March 28, 2012
Lovely, vivid, capturing. I didn't want to stop reading this once I started. What a wonderful job of capturing the beauty and agony of family!
May 13, 2012
An amazing read. Intense and emotional.
September 23, 2012
Easy read. Liked the relationships and coming of age story...deep thoughts here. Worth reading.
May 13, 2012
Review of book here: http://alotus-poetry.livejournal.com/...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2017
What a wonderful book. Mixed up teenager visits his aunt for a summer. He is treated as an equal rather than a teen which sometimes leads to his own confused state. His own parents are absent in both mind, body and spirit. The book is divided into two parts. The first being his visit as a teen; the second he returns as a depressed adult. There is a plot twist towards the end of the second part which will leave you happy/sad all at the same time. I really loved this book. It kept me interested from beginning to end with the characters and writing. I loved the aunt, some of her messed up relationships not so much, but it gave the book depth.
January 30, 2020
Unsure how this book got on my bookshelf but it was an interesting storyline to follow. Joe's journey is covered in 2 parts - as a nerdy 14 year old and then in his 30's. Both display obsession with his interests, unusual behaviour, lack of understanding of the basics of life, and his actions in response to family and friends. His time in Amsterdam brings together both parts of his life with the discovery of truth about his family and their past. A time of closure and moving on. It brought humour, sadness and thought provoking moments.
October 20, 2018
This book just swept me away. The main character Joe, whilst it was never mentioned, was quite clearly on the autistic spectrum. As I currently teach and have taught a large number of adult learners on the spectrum over the years, I felt a strong connection with his character. I also adored Nel. The book looped through a range of emotions from extremely sad to uplifting/'feel good'. Very original storyline with subtle multi-layering. I loved it.
February 19, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable and at times, intense read.
I thought the author did a great job showing a side of mental illness in such a truthful yet compassionate way. I felt right there with Joey....thru all of it.
I thought the author did a great job showing a side of mental illness in such a truthful yet compassionate way. I felt right there with Joey....thru all of it.
April 10, 2020
Oh my god! This book is amazing not just because it's based in Amsterdam, my favourite place ever. But because you think the book is about one thing and in the end it turns out to be something completely different. Such a good read!
May 27, 2025
Really wanted to like this book and I did for the first couple of chapters. Then for me, it just sort of plodded and plodded. I stopped reading it as just couldn’t get into it but can see why people like it. It’s very descriptive and there is a lovely bond between Nel and Joe.
July 9, 2013
It's difficult for me to review the book The Most Beautiful Thing, as for the majority of the time I was reading it, I was actually reading a completely different book. I've done this before once or twice, for example when one of my favourite Scifi authors branched out into a different genre and I missed that announcement - I kept waiting for the robots and aliens to show up. I stumbled across Satya Robyn as the curator of small stones: little bursts of happiness and observations of wonder. Rummaging around for more of her stuff, I found her Writing Our Way Home website which is chock-full of useful advice and inspiration.
The colourful cover page of The Most Beautiful Thing had me convinced I was getting into more of the same. But as I got further into it, I was thinking to myself "I'm ready for my sense of joy and delight, it's due any page now." After a while, I got to part two and now I was thinking (much louder and angrily now) "DAMMIT GIVE ME MY SERENITY HIT RIGHT NOW!" Eventually it clicked that it wasn't one of those kinds of books, but because I felt something had been stolen from me, I wasn't really enjoying it. Then I started trying to see if I could guess what the titular Beautiful Thing would be, and it was a little better.
I rarely ever give up part-way through a book, even if I don't like it, even if its horrible. I explained this thinking to a now long-lost friend in that you never know when there will be a character or scene introduced in the story that will be so magnificently awesome that the pay-off was worth all that dross you waded through. And good gravy, did The Most Beautiful Thing reward me for hanging in there. The final few pages of the book were like an epiphany of deliciously pure happiness. I was crying and cheering as I read the last words. This. There. It's all right.That's why we celebrate truth and beauty in words - because it hotwires your imagination in a way your senses can't always reach. I'm even thinking of trying to track down that far away friend, just so I can suggest this book to him and clinch the argument more than a decade later.
After I finished the book, I went scrabbling for more by Satya Robyn, and found her free book How to Write Your Way Home, and interwoven amongst advice in it, I found in Lorrie's story the book I thought I was reading when I picked up The Most Beautiful Thing. So in the end I had a surfeit of pleasurable reading at her hands.
The colourful cover page of The Most Beautiful Thing had me convinced I was getting into more of the same. But as I got further into it, I was thinking to myself "I'm ready for my sense of joy and delight, it's due any page now." After a while, I got to part two and now I was thinking (much louder and angrily now) "DAMMIT GIVE ME MY SERENITY HIT RIGHT NOW!" Eventually it clicked that it wasn't one of those kinds of books, but because I felt something had been stolen from me, I wasn't really enjoying it. Then I started trying to see if I could guess what the titular Beautiful Thing would be, and it was a little better.
I rarely ever give up part-way through a book, even if I don't like it, even if its horrible. I explained this thinking to a now long-lost friend in that you never know when there will be a character or scene introduced in the story that will be so magnificently awesome that the pay-off was worth all that dross you waded through. And good gravy, did The Most Beautiful Thing reward me for hanging in there. The final few pages of the book were like an epiphany of deliciously pure happiness. I was crying and cheering as I read the last words. This. There. It's all right.That's why we celebrate truth and beauty in words - because it hotwires your imagination in a way your senses can't always reach. I'm even thinking of trying to track down that far away friend, just so I can suggest this book to him and clinch the argument more than a decade later.
After I finished the book, I went scrabbling for more by Satya Robyn, and found her free book How to Write Your Way Home, and interwoven amongst advice in it, I found in Lorrie's story the book I thought I was reading when I picked up The Most Beautiful Thing. So in the end I had a surfeit of pleasurable reading at her hands.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews