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Crazy Messy Beautiful
From National Book Award finalist Carrie Arcos—a fresh take on happily ever after, and friendship, that is anything but a love story.
When your namesake is Pablo Neruda—the greatest love poet of all time—finding "the one" should be easy. After all, sixteen-year-old aspiring artist Neruda Diaz has been in love many times before. So it's only a matter of time before someone loves him back.
Callie could be that someone. She's creative and edgy, and nothing like the girls Neruda typically falls for, so when a school assignment brings them together, he is pleasantly surprised to learn they have a lot in common. With his true love in reach and his artistic ambitions on track, everything is finally coming together.
But as Neruda begins to fall faster and harder than ever before, he is blindsided by the complicated nature of love—and art—in more ways than one. And when the relationships he's looked to for guidance threaten to...
When your namesake is Pablo Neruda—the greatest love poet of all time—finding "the one" should be easy. After all, sixteen-year-old aspiring artist Neruda Diaz has been in love many times before. So it's only a matter of time before someone loves him back.
Callie could be that someone. She's creative and edgy, and nothing like the girls Neruda typically falls for, so when a school assignment brings them together, he is pleasantly surprised to learn they have a lot in common. With his true love in reach and his artistic ambitions on track, everything is finally coming together.
But as Neruda begins to fall faster and harder than ever before, he is blindsided by the complicated nature of love—and art—in more ways than one. And when the relationships he's looked to for guidance threaten to...
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2017
15 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Arcos
8 books234 followersCarrie Arcos is a National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature for OUT OF REACH; her fifth novel SKYWATCHERS will be available August 2020. She lives in Los Angeles with her family. For more information, check out her website: carriearcos.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 13, 2017
Crazy, messy, awesome! This book had me in knots, in tears & in love. ~Margie's Must Reads
February 12, 2017
Carrie Arcos's newest novel features an endearing hero looking for his one true love. In this unconventional story of friendship and love, we meet Neruda who falls hard for Callie as they work on an English project. But does she feel the same way?
Like all tragic love stories, she left me....for kindergarten at a different school. On the last day together, Ella gave me a kiss on the cheek. I was embarrassed and ran and hid from her refusing to come out and say good-bye.
I never saw her again.
There is something so incredibly endearing about Neruda and his view on life. His namesake, Pablo Neruda, is widely known for his intoxicating and lush views on love, romance, and soul mates. Neruda follows suit and believes that if he can just find love, he will have it all. But in real life, sometimes love isn't the end all be all or the end result.
Because Pablo Neruda was not just one of the greatest love poets.
He was The Greatest Love Poet of all time.
I, on the other hand, am the unluckiest in love. It's not for lack of trying. So far I'm about zero for seven, the names of the girls written on my heart like the scars I can still recall on Ella's knee—Marisol, Stephanie, Jessi, Angela, Trinity, and Elise.
Carrie Arcos's writing is quite beautiful. Being in Neruda's perspective, his romanticized views on love as well as his artistic side lends itself to descriptive prose and some beautifully introspective moments.
At the heart of the book is the friendship slowly formed between Neruda and Callie. The two are paired together for an English project where they have to do reports on each other. But soon both realize that they're just hanging out with each other and not just for the project. In a small way, the way their friendship formed reminded me a bit of Josh and Nasyta from The Sea of Tranquility—a bond formed that neither of them really wanted but it happened anyway.
Neruda goes through a character change from beginning to end, with his views on life shifting slightly through his experiences, a coming-of-age novel through and through. I really liked seeing him parse through everything, as he is put in a difficult position with his parents.
"...secrets are insidious things. The truth wants to be found out."
This is a very character-driven story but I felt like the plot was almost a little too sparse. The characters were interesting but not enough for their interactions to carry the story without more going on. There was also a plot point that I found completely unbelievable and I couldn't' suspend disbelief. Three years prior, Neruda had started writing a prisoner as part of a school pen pal project. Now this prison is out and they're best friends. I had a really hard time believing that any school would be able to get such a program going without legal repercussions and questions of safety. I know not all prisoners are dangerous but it didn't seem probable in today's day and age.
The ugliest, hardest, meanest men cry when they think no one can hear. They would be ashamed if the knew others could hear, but through all these years, I've clung to that sound because it gives me hope. Makes me realize we are all the same in the middle of the night, fighting against the great tide of loneliness that threatens to drown us. All longing for someone to hear, to truly know us as we are.
* Thanks to Philomel Books for providing me with an early copy for an honest review.
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March 29, 2018
So much love for this little book. I was not expecting to love this as much as I did. I'm glad I decided to pick it up!
ya-contemporary-tbr
September 12, 2014NEW CARRIE ARCOS, YESSSSS!!!!
Definitely an underrated YA author that delivers so much punch but in a subtle way. I LOVE HER!
Definitely an underrated YA author that delivers so much punch but in a subtle way. I LOVE HER!
February 24, 2017
This started out really good, but then the ending just got all muddled and kinda stupid. Oh well.
April 7, 2017
Neruda, who was named after the greatest love poet of all time, struggled when it came to the topic of love. He’s on the lookout for the perfect relationship, which is easier said than done. Neruda meets Callie as their teaming up together to work on a school assignment, but when his feelings start getting deeper, he becomes concerned that Callie may not feel the same way about him.
I really enjoyed Neruda’s personality and was pleasantly surprised that the MC was a guy in this story. I’ve only read a handful of books that have a male as the main character, so that’s something I tend to look for in YA. Neruda was the kind of flawed, confused, and emotional teenager that makes him very realistic and easy to relate to. The other characters, specifically Neruda’s family, fit into the story nicely and took it up a notch for me. I really enjoyed hearing about their history as well, and the significance of Neruda’s name to this family.
Though I did enjoy this story, it was a bit slow at times and I found myself drifting a bit. I listened to the audiobook as well as read the ARC, going back and forth, and I have to say that it appeared that I was drifting away from the story more while listening than while reading. Maybe this had to do with the narrator? I actually thought he did a really great job, but sometimes it’s harder to focus and become truly connected with characters when it’s on audio. I think the fact that this was written in third person, instead of first person which I always prefer, may have had something to do with that as well.
I do have to say though, this is another great diverse read to add to your TBR’s. I personally truly enjoy finding diverse reads that hit on so many important topics, and this is definitely one of those books. I have a feeling others will really enjoy this one, probably more than myself too, especially if you don’t mind third-person narration.
(Thanks to Philomel Books for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
I really enjoyed Neruda’s personality and was pleasantly surprised that the MC was a guy in this story. I’ve only read a handful of books that have a male as the main character, so that’s something I tend to look for in YA. Neruda was the kind of flawed, confused, and emotional teenager that makes him very realistic and easy to relate to. The other characters, specifically Neruda’s family, fit into the story nicely and took it up a notch for me. I really enjoyed hearing about their history as well, and the significance of Neruda’s name to this family.
Though I did enjoy this story, it was a bit slow at times and I found myself drifting a bit. I listened to the audiobook as well as read the ARC, going back and forth, and I have to say that it appeared that I was drifting away from the story more while listening than while reading. Maybe this had to do with the narrator? I actually thought he did a really great job, but sometimes it’s harder to focus and become truly connected with characters when it’s on audio. I think the fact that this was written in third person, instead of first person which I always prefer, may have had something to do with that as well.
I do have to say though, this is another great diverse read to add to your TBR’s. I personally truly enjoy finding diverse reads that hit on so many important topics, and this is definitely one of those books. I have a feeling others will really enjoy this one, probably more than myself too, especially if you don’t mind third-person narration.
(Thanks to Philomel Books for the review copy!)
Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!
October 31, 2019
Personal Response: I really enjoy Crazy Messy Beautiful by Carrie Acros It is annoying when in the book how the author has an unrealistic idea of love and the author makes it seem like love is all roses and daisies. The book starts off like that because that is Neruda's idea of love, but it changes drastically throughout the book and I like how Neruda really changes his mindset about love as the boom goes on.
Plot: Pablo Neruda, who is a high school student, is named after a great love poet. Neruda is an aspiring artist who is a hopeless romantic that falls in love plenty of times. However, with no luck of anyone loving him back until he meets Callie. She is fun, artistic, and edgy. She is nothing like the girls Neruda has fallen for before. After their teacher assigns them to be partners for a group project, Neruda thinks he might have been looking for all the wrong qualities in a girl. Callie and Neruda never really talk in school but once they become partners for a class project Neruda realizes that Callie is not as intimidating as she appears. She wears dark makeup and dresses down. As they get to know each other they realize they come from two very different worlds but they discover they are very similar. They are both wonderful artist and they enjoy their work. They are very passionate. Although they might not agree on everything, they click immediately once they are away from a school setting. Neruda also runs into a lot of problems at home. He suspects that his father is having an affair, even though he knows his parents are very in love. He even grosses out by how mushy they are toward each other. He is also having problems at school after a physical fight with his classmate who steals his drawings of Neruda's new crush and defaces them.
Characterization: Neruda changes a lot throughout the book and most of it is his perspective on love changes. He is a hopeless romantic at the beginning of the book. As the book goes on, he develops a more realistic idea of love. Neruda faces a lot of challenges throughout the book but overcomes them all.
The main change with Callie is that during school she is very quiet. She seems like the type of girl who others do not want to mess with and she did not care much about school. At home and around Neruda she is laid back and softer. She lets her hair down and wears less makeup. Her style changes a lot which shows her creativity.
Setting-
This book takes place on the west coast during modern-day, and it's important because they have cellphones and computers that they use to text and call each other and they use computers for school. The setting is important to the plot because they constantly have lunch outside so they are outside a lot. They never talk about the weather being a problem which shows it is the warm climate of the west coast. Callie and Neruda are at the beach a lot which also shows that they live near or within walking distance of the beach.
Theme: The main theme of this book is facing reality because Neruda faces the challenges of love and how sometimes it does not always turn out how people want. He thinks that love lasts forever but in the end, he and Callie are just friends.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone in high school. It is a pretty easy book to understand I think freshmen could read it but I think it's a book that older high school students could relate to more. I think girls or guys could relate to at least one aspect of this book at some point in their high school career although I think girls would enjoy it more. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
Plot: Pablo Neruda, who is a high school student, is named after a great love poet. Neruda is an aspiring artist who is a hopeless romantic that falls in love plenty of times. However, with no luck of anyone loving him back until he meets Callie. She is fun, artistic, and edgy. She is nothing like the girls Neruda has fallen for before. After their teacher assigns them to be partners for a group project, Neruda thinks he might have been looking for all the wrong qualities in a girl. Callie and Neruda never really talk in school but once they become partners for a class project Neruda realizes that Callie is not as intimidating as she appears. She wears dark makeup and dresses down. As they get to know each other they realize they come from two very different worlds but they discover they are very similar. They are both wonderful artist and they enjoy their work. They are very passionate. Although they might not agree on everything, they click immediately once they are away from a school setting. Neruda also runs into a lot of problems at home. He suspects that his father is having an affair, even though he knows his parents are very in love. He even grosses out by how mushy they are toward each other. He is also having problems at school after a physical fight with his classmate who steals his drawings of Neruda's new crush and defaces them.
Characterization: Neruda changes a lot throughout the book and most of it is his perspective on love changes. He is a hopeless romantic at the beginning of the book. As the book goes on, he develops a more realistic idea of love. Neruda faces a lot of challenges throughout the book but overcomes them all.
The main change with Callie is that during school she is very quiet. She seems like the type of girl who others do not want to mess with and she did not care much about school. At home and around Neruda she is laid back and softer. She lets her hair down and wears less makeup. Her style changes a lot which shows her creativity.
Setting-
This book takes place on the west coast during modern-day, and it's important because they have cellphones and computers that they use to text and call each other and they use computers for school. The setting is important to the plot because they constantly have lunch outside so they are outside a lot. They never talk about the weather being a problem which shows it is the warm climate of the west coast. Callie and Neruda are at the beach a lot which also shows that they live near or within walking distance of the beach.
Theme: The main theme of this book is facing reality because Neruda faces the challenges of love and how sometimes it does not always turn out how people want. He thinks that love lasts forever but in the end, he and Callie are just friends.
Recommendations: I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone in high school. It is a pretty easy book to understand I think freshmen could read it but I think it's a book that older high school students could relate to more. I think girls or guys could relate to at least one aspect of this book at some point in their high school career although I think girls would enjoy it more. I give this book a 4 out of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
Beautiful Messy Crazy" by Carrie Arcos is a young adult book that explores the complex nature of family and personal identity. The story follows sixteen-year-old Neruda Diaz as he struggles to make sense of his life after the sudden death of his father. When Neruda discovers a box full of his father's secrets, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges him to question everything he thought he knew about himself and his family. Arcos' writing style is both poetic and raw, evoking strong emotions in readers as they navigate Neruda's tumultuous journey.
I enjoyed the writing style she used, the fact that was able to evoke such strong emotions was very incredible! This is a story some teens might find themselves relating to, as traumatic experiences, even just life altering situations happen to them. It seems like she might have a first hand point of view on the self- discovery journey.
I love that you got to watch as Neruda does his discovering. You get the details, the past, exactly what’s happening. You essentially get to watch his mindset grow as you’re reading. She does a very good job making the story relatable, at least with the mindset growth. The fact that she included the growth of the mindset is amazing to me, because I feel like not enough people genuinely understand the importance of having a good mindset, therefore hopefully reading her book it could help.
This book would be an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with richly developed characters and real- life themes, and reading how someone your age gets through this self- discovery, could help you with yours.
I enjoyed the writing style she used, the fact that was able to evoke such strong emotions was very incredible! This is a story some teens might find themselves relating to, as traumatic experiences, even just life altering situations happen to them. It seems like she might have a first hand point of view on the self- discovery journey.
I love that you got to watch as Neruda does his discovering. You get the details, the past, exactly what’s happening. You essentially get to watch his mindset grow as you’re reading. She does a very good job making the story relatable, at least with the mindset growth. The fact that she included the growth of the mindset is amazing to me, because I feel like not enough people genuinely understand the importance of having a good mindset, therefore hopefully reading her book it could help.
This book would be an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with richly developed characters and real- life themes, and reading how someone your age gets through this self- discovery, could help you with yours.
February 27, 2019
3.5
I thought this book was really good, not the best contemporary I've read. It started off pretty strong and then like a balloon slowly deflated. So I wasn't 100% sure how I felt about it. I really liked Callie as a character and thought she was super awesome and cool, and wish I was like her as a teenager. Neruda I'm on the fence about. I liked that he was passionate about art, and talked about a learning disability (my brother has one) and it was great that these little things were brought in. The passion for the art felt real. But the conflicts not so much. Like the rivalry with Luis, and the at home stuff he was dealing with.
All in all it had it's ups and downs.
I thought this book was really good, not the best contemporary I've read. It started off pretty strong and then like a balloon slowly deflated. So I wasn't 100% sure how I felt about it. I really liked Callie as a character and thought she was super awesome and cool, and wish I was like her as a teenager. Neruda I'm on the fence about. I liked that he was passionate about art, and talked about a learning disability (my brother has one) and it was great that these little things were brought in. The passion for the art felt real. But the conflicts not so much. Like the rivalry with Luis, and the at home stuff he was dealing with.
All in all it had it's ups and downs.
February 3, 2019
It wasn't interesting in the beginning. Personally I though it was not very interesting. I like more details in my book so I can picture it in my head but this book didn't really let me do that.
February 17, 2017
'Crazy Messy Beautiful' is a new young adult contemporary novel that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. I personally don't read much contemporary fiction, but I thought the description sounded interesting and decided to give it a try. It was a good story with diverse characters and lots of relevant topics for today's society. There's been a huge movement to read more diverse books, and this fits the bill perfectly. The main character is a half-Chilean teenage guy who's having problems in the romance department. The story touches on the history behind his name (Neruda) and how important it is for his family. Other subjects the story talks about are friendship, love, family, and being true to yourself. Neruda's character was complex with unique traits and flaws to make him seem very realistic right from the start. The other characters in the book were well rounded and fit into the plot perfectly. I enjoyed reading about Neruda's family and their history, along with the fascinating background behind his name, and his evolving relationship with Callie.
There were a couple of things that effected my reading in a not-so-positive way. These are solely my own personal opinion and I know that other readers will not have the same experiences. The first was the writing style - and it was also the biggest issue I had. The author wrote the story in the third person point of view. If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know that I almost always prefer the first person POV - and this was no exception. I couldn't seem to really identify with any of the characters, mostly due to the lack of personal connection through the story. The third person always seems to fall short of allowing me to truly empathize with a character. The other issue is directly connected to this as well - I couldn't identify with Neruda. He's a great main character - down to earth, artistic, passionate, a great friend and son - but he's also a sixteen year old guy with Chilean roots. I'm none of these things, and considering the lack of personal investment due to the writing style - I just couldn't connect with him properly. If the story had been done in the first person, I know my experience would have been completely different. Again - these are solely my personal feelings and opinions, and have absolutely nothing to do with the author's talent or the book itself. I do recommend this novel to fans of YA contemporary fiction, romance, and readers looking for more diverse characters.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
There were a couple of things that effected my reading in a not-so-positive way. These are solely my own personal opinion and I know that other readers will not have the same experiences. The first was the writing style - and it was also the biggest issue I had. The author wrote the story in the third person point of view. If you've read any of my other reviews, you'll know that I almost always prefer the first person POV - and this was no exception. I couldn't seem to really identify with any of the characters, mostly due to the lack of personal connection through the story. The third person always seems to fall short of allowing me to truly empathize with a character. The other issue is directly connected to this as well - I couldn't identify with Neruda. He's a great main character - down to earth, artistic, passionate, a great friend and son - but he's also a sixteen year old guy with Chilean roots. I'm none of these things, and considering the lack of personal investment due to the writing style - I just couldn't connect with him properly. If the story had been done in the first person, I know my experience would have been completely different. Again - these are solely my personal feelings and opinions, and have absolutely nothing to do with the author's talent or the book itself. I do recommend this novel to fans of YA contemporary fiction, romance, and readers looking for more diverse characters.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2018
Personal Response:
Crazy Messy Beautiful was an outstanding book. It was a good book with diverse characters and lots of relevant topics for today’s society. I also enjoyed how there was diversity between the story line. Neruda was a captivating character. He was so talented and had very unrealistic expectations for love and relationships. Although, I was uncomfortable with the ending to the book. I honestly thought Callie and Neruda would become become closer friends.
Plot:
In the beginning of the book, sixteen -year- old Neruda Diaz, was always falling in love. Although, he wasn’t as rich in the love department and quite oftenly got his heart broken. He even had a list of girls who he thought would be the one, but sadly the girl never resulted to love him back. One day during English, his teacher assigned a research project to the class. Little did Neruda know that this would forever have a huge impact on his life. After several “get togethers’” with Callie, Neruda started falling for her. Maybe, she could be the one. She was creative and edgy, and nothing like the girls Neruda typically fell for. Quite surprisingly, Neruda also learned that they had a lot in common. With his trust in true love in reach and his artistic ambitions on trac, everything seemed to finally come together. Although, as Neruda began to fall faster and harder than ever before, he was blindsided by the complicated nature of love-and art-in several ways. Furthermore, when the relationships he had looked to for guidance threatened to implode, Neruda had to confront the reality that love is crazier, measier, and more beautiful than he ever realized.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to both genders because it has universal messages. Although, I would recommend that the reader is at least at 8th grade reading level due to the mature grammer used.
Characterization:
Neruda Diaz mental image of love changed a lot throughout the book . In the beginning, he did not see love as being something that could end or ever change. However, as the story progressed Neruda is faced to both good and devastating events. He was oftenly forced to question the true definition of love. Towards the end of the book, Neruda noticed that there are so many definitions for love, but there is not one true definition
Crazy Messy Beautiful was an outstanding book. It was a good book with diverse characters and lots of relevant topics for today’s society. I also enjoyed how there was diversity between the story line. Neruda was a captivating character. He was so talented and had very unrealistic expectations for love and relationships. Although, I was uncomfortable with the ending to the book. I honestly thought Callie and Neruda would become become closer friends.
Plot:
In the beginning of the book, sixteen -year- old Neruda Diaz, was always falling in love. Although, he wasn’t as rich in the love department and quite oftenly got his heart broken. He even had a list of girls who he thought would be the one, but sadly the girl never resulted to love him back. One day during English, his teacher assigned a research project to the class. Little did Neruda know that this would forever have a huge impact on his life. After several “get togethers’” with Callie, Neruda started falling for her. Maybe, she could be the one. She was creative and edgy, and nothing like the girls Neruda typically fell for. Quite surprisingly, Neruda also learned that they had a lot in common. With his trust in true love in reach and his artistic ambitions on trac, everything seemed to finally come together. Although, as Neruda began to fall faster and harder than ever before, he was blindsided by the complicated nature of love-and art-in several ways. Furthermore, when the relationships he had looked to for guidance threatened to implode, Neruda had to confront the reality that love is crazier, measier, and more beautiful than he ever realized.
Recommendation:
I would recommend this book to both genders because it has universal messages. Although, I would recommend that the reader is at least at 8th grade reading level due to the mature grammer used.
Characterization:
Neruda Diaz mental image of love changed a lot throughout the book . In the beginning, he did not see love as being something that could end or ever change. However, as the story progressed Neruda is faced to both good and devastating events. He was oftenly forced to question the true definition of love. Towards the end of the book, Neruda noticed that there are so many definitions for love, but there is not one true definition
February 27, 2017
This wasn't a bad read. However, I will admit that I was a little disappointed by the ending. It didn't go the way that I had hoped. Thankfully it was a quick read.
February 13, 2017
Favourite quote:
"Maybe instead of looking for the one, we should just work on our own shit. Become our best self and then, you know, choose someone to love and be good to that person." ~Ezra
"Maybe instead of looking for the one, we should just work on our own shit. Become our best self and then, you know, choose someone to love and be good to that person." ~Ezra
September 17, 2017
I feel as though I kept reading waiting for the book to progress into its conflict and then into the conflict resolution but it never happened. Instead the build up to the conflict was drawn out and once he conflict finally happened the resolution felt short. It was a nice and easy read, it did draw my attention but the ending fell short. It seemed almost like the author had an idea of where she wanted to take the story but then decided that she was no longer interested in writing it, and rather rushed the ending.
July 26, 2017
I was really enjoying this book...beautiful writing, a great MC (who's a guy!), interesting and complex supporting characters. And then I got to the ending. I don't always have to have everything wrapped up neatly, but I felt like this book left way too many things unresolved.
May 23, 2017
Carrie Arcos, whose book "Out Of Reach" was a National Book Award Finalist, released another book this year (2017): "Crazy Messy Beautiful". In this story, Arcos writes about complex and complicated issues with elegantly controlled simplicity. In a way, her writing in this story is similar to the main character's personality. Neruda, a high school senior, faces challenges that go far beyond just growing pains, and he deals with them gracefully and admirably. He keeps a painful secret, he longs for a girl that doesn't long for him, he falls in love with another but struggles to open up his heart, his best friend moves away... and what keeps Neruda's mind and soul sharp is his connection to art. One of his most precious possessions is his sketchbook.
Neruda also suffers from a disorder called dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is different than dyslexia, and instead of reading words and pronouncing them in a different order, Neruda has trouble putting his thoughts down on paper - he has to write papers, for example, by talking so the computer can translate and write out the words for him. Neruda also overcomes this through his art - and his art is so good that the entire school, all his peers and teachers, have noticed his talent. He is asked to paint the school mural in the library. But just when Neruda thinks he's got something going for himself, the school administration decides that it would be a good idea for Neruda to collaborate with one of the most crude, cocky, and misogynistic students - Luis. Still, Neruda pushes on, albeit irritated, and accepts this.
You would think that with all these negative things happening, Neruda might turn to a regressive cynicism. But he takes the pain and runs with it, maybe because there's nothing else he can do, maybe because it's what he must do. He notices the more intricate details of life. Faces, hands, the strokes of the brush on an oil painting, the individuality of everyone he encounters, all the feelings, and poetry. After all, he *is* named after the great Pablo Neruda. Once his English teacher assigns a research project in which each student is paired up with another and researches that person in particular - he notices something that was hiding in plain sight all along.
Neruda's character is made up of a lot of interesting surface level facts. He's Chilean, for one. His Dad is a professor and his mom a social worker, he's got dysgraphia... etc. etc. But what really motivates and shapes his (or anybody's) identity is much, much more interesting, and Arcos weaves both the surface and internal together to create someone truly memorable. Anyone who is romantic at heart will love this book, especially the ones who are weak and weary with believing in love - which is not an easy feat, but difficult in the very best way.
Neruda also suffers from a disorder called dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is different than dyslexia, and instead of reading words and pronouncing them in a different order, Neruda has trouble putting his thoughts down on paper - he has to write papers, for example, by talking so the computer can translate and write out the words for him. Neruda also overcomes this through his art - and his art is so good that the entire school, all his peers and teachers, have noticed his talent. He is asked to paint the school mural in the library. But just when Neruda thinks he's got something going for himself, the school administration decides that it would be a good idea for Neruda to collaborate with one of the most crude, cocky, and misogynistic students - Luis. Still, Neruda pushes on, albeit irritated, and accepts this.
You would think that with all these negative things happening, Neruda might turn to a regressive cynicism. But he takes the pain and runs with it, maybe because there's nothing else he can do, maybe because it's what he must do. He notices the more intricate details of life. Faces, hands, the strokes of the brush on an oil painting, the individuality of everyone he encounters, all the feelings, and poetry. After all, he *is* named after the great Pablo Neruda. Once his English teacher assigns a research project in which each student is paired up with another and researches that person in particular - he notices something that was hiding in plain sight all along.
Neruda's character is made up of a lot of interesting surface level facts. He's Chilean, for one. His Dad is a professor and his mom a social worker, he's got dysgraphia... etc. etc. But what really motivates and shapes his (or anybody's) identity is much, much more interesting, and Arcos weaves both the surface and internal together to create someone truly memorable. Anyone who is romantic at heart will love this book, especially the ones who are weak and weary with believing in love - which is not an easy feat, but difficult in the very best way.
October 14, 2020
"He who does not find love does not find anything."
Neruda Diaz is named after the great love poet, Pablo Neruda, and has fallen in love many times. His idea of love has been colored by the words of his namesake, plus his parents' unwavering relationship, and he dreams of the day when someone finally loves him back. When he's partnered with Callie for a class assignment he discovers they have a lot in common. She's different, fun, encourages him with his artwork, and he feels she might be the one. But love, he finds, is never as simple as words on paper.
I liked the infusion of Pablo Neruda's poetry into the story and Neruda's character, the basis for his idealism and hope in regards to love. It was a great counterbalance to Callie, who is more cautious and wary of love and being in love. I don't read straight YA romance so I was on the fence about this, but the author does a good job portraying a one-sided relationship—through Neruda's POV—and how our perception can be vastly different from how our partner/friend sees things. I didn't quite feel connected to either Neruda or Callie though, nothing truly stood out about them. The emotional connection was lacking.
More than his romantic relationship, I enjoyed the family dynamic with his parents. So rarely is there focus on how a teen boy feels about his mom and dad and their love/marriage. Getting his thoughts and feelings about them was a real treat and showed how role models, no matter how inspiring and praised, are not infallible.
The ending wasn't satisfying on a personal note, but also somewhat half-developed. Overall it was a quick read with a cool hook, though I would've liked more character development and evolution to drive the story.
Neruda Diaz is named after the great love poet, Pablo Neruda, and has fallen in love many times. His idea of love has been colored by the words of his namesake, plus his parents' unwavering relationship, and he dreams of the day when someone finally loves him back. When he's partnered with Callie for a class assignment he discovers they have a lot in common. She's different, fun, encourages him with his artwork, and he feels she might be the one. But love, he finds, is never as simple as words on paper.
I liked the infusion of Pablo Neruda's poetry into the story and Neruda's character, the basis for his idealism and hope in regards to love. It was a great counterbalance to Callie, who is more cautious and wary of love and being in love. I don't read straight YA romance so I was on the fence about this, but the author does a good job portraying a one-sided relationship—through Neruda's POV—and how our perception can be vastly different from how our partner/friend sees things. I didn't quite feel connected to either Neruda or Callie though, nothing truly stood out about them. The emotional connection was lacking.
More than his romantic relationship, I enjoyed the family dynamic with his parents. So rarely is there focus on how a teen boy feels about his mom and dad and their love/marriage. Getting his thoughts and feelings about them was a real treat and showed how role models, no matter how inspiring and praised, are not infallible.
The ending wasn't satisfying on a personal note, but also somewhat half-developed. Overall it was a quick read with a cool hook, though I would've liked more character development and evolution to drive the story.
December 14, 2017
When the book jacket says that this is "anything but a love story," trust and believe. Don't be like, oh! But it's going to all work out in the end. This couple will get back together in the last chapter. Or, she will realize that she loves him after all. Or even: all of this time, he's been in love with HIM. Nah.
So. Neruda is just a boy standing in front of a few girls asking for love. He's a 17th century chivalrous romantic trapped in crappy contemporary times where, as previously mentioned, love doesn't always end happily. This characterization of a love sick teenage male is probably the best thing about the book. Nice to see a story featuring a sensitive and emotional boy who thinks things like, "Even if I was only Toto, I'd go just to be near her." Refreshing to see the boy pining.
Except that's pretty much all he does the whole book.
Additionally, there are two subplots in particular that stand out with drastically different results. One of them (involving Luis) is just perplexing. And the other one (involving Ezra) is another plus for the book.
I do think that Carrie is a gift writer who "gets" the modern teenaged Angeleno, but this book is all over the place.
So. Neruda is just a boy standing in front of a few girls asking for love. He's a 17th century chivalrous romantic trapped in crappy contemporary times where, as previously mentioned, love doesn't always end happily. This characterization of a love sick teenage male is probably the best thing about the book. Nice to see a story featuring a sensitive and emotional boy who thinks things like, "Even if I was only Toto, I'd go just to be near her." Refreshing to see the boy pining.
Except that's pretty much all he does the whole book.
Additionally, there are two subplots in particular that stand out with drastically different results. One of them (involving Luis) is just perplexing. And the other one (involving Ezra) is another plus for the book.
I do think that Carrie is a gift writer who "gets" the modern teenaged Angeleno, but this book is all over the place.
August 10, 2017
The synopsis of this book intrigued me, and I loved the fact that there was diversity within the story line. The topics covered were relevant and relatable. Neruda was a compelling main character. He had such wonderful qualities with very unrealistic expectations of love and relationships. I found this combination made him lovable and human. The relationships explored in this novel were well written and complex. His struggle with his feelings, his relationships, and his art was compelling and thought provoking. As well as unflinchingly honest.
However, his moments of enlightenment about a certain struggle sometimes felt too quick. Almost like there hadn’t been enough character growth before he came to a realization. Which led to the pacing of the story to occasionally feel too quick or too slow. Throughout the story Neruda was a very deep thought provoking character, but (to me) the ending fell a little flat. I had so much expectation of an ending that would fit the story and this wonderfully down to earth, hopeless romantic character that didn’t get met. While I understood and even liked (on some level) the symbolism and hopeful tone of the end, I still felt disappointed. Overall, I did enjoy this book and the depth the story delved into.
However, his moments of enlightenment about a certain struggle sometimes felt too quick. Almost like there hadn’t been enough character growth before he came to a realization. Which led to the pacing of the story to occasionally feel too quick or too slow. Throughout the story Neruda was a very deep thought provoking character, but (to me) the ending fell a little flat. I had so much expectation of an ending that would fit the story and this wonderfully down to earth, hopeless romantic character that didn’t get met. While I understood and even liked (on some level) the symbolism and hopeful tone of the end, I still felt disappointed. Overall, I did enjoy this book and the depth the story delved into.
November 11, 2019
Neruda Diaz, an aspiring artist named after a famous love poet thinks he knows what love is really about. But does he really?
That's the pitch I would give to anyone considering reading this novel. The writing in here was so lyrical and immersive, I couldn't put this down. Neruda's story was at both times heart-breaking and eye-opening. Although there wasn't an insane amount of plot, I thought Arcos did well with certain contemporary issues and incorporating them into what plot there was. It as a quick read, but it does it's job very well. Not to mention lifting me out of a reading slump I've been suffering through.
That's the pitch I would give to anyone considering reading this novel. The writing in here was so lyrical and immersive, I couldn't put this down. Neruda's story was at both times heart-breaking and eye-opening. Although there wasn't an insane amount of plot, I thought Arcos did well with certain contemporary issues and incorporating them into what plot there was. It as a quick read, but it does it's job very well. Not to mention lifting me out of a reading slump I've been suffering through.
March 13, 2017
I simply adore YA books. I think I may ever prefer them to "adult" books. Sometimes the depth of feeling within the covers astounds me. This book did not disappoint. It also amazes me when a female can write as a male character and not feel totally fake. I love that the focus was not on sex, getting sex, having sex--- in fact, there was no sex at all! Neruda Diaz is named after a famous poet. He sees his parents as having a very solid relationship. When the girl of his dreams turns him down, he realizes that another girl, Callie, may have more in common with him after they are partnered to do a paper on one another in an LD reading class. Neruda is an artist, and I really enjoyed the focus on art, as well as some of the quotes: "Every piece of art has an intentionality..... Like, what the art is trying to tell the viewer, or the artist's point of view. Something that will be clear even when we're not here to explain it."
March 23, 2018
Rating: 4.0
The storyline of Crazy Messy Beautiful was so overwhelmingly touching. This YA novel composed of endearment, contentment, angst, discontent, and sadness. I loved how all these emotions were enacted within the novel. The characters were great and the issues they were going through were all so realistic. Another great aspect of this novel was that it was not your typical mushy gushy romance contemporary. Don't get me wrong I love romance books, but it was nice to take a breather away from that department. Carrie Arcos did a job well done on this novel! I am glad I purchased this novel. No regrets!
The storyline of Crazy Messy Beautiful was so overwhelmingly touching. This YA novel composed of endearment, contentment, angst, discontent, and sadness. I loved how all these emotions were enacted within the novel. The characters were great and the issues they were going through were all so realistic. Another great aspect of this novel was that it was not your typical mushy gushy romance contemporary. Don't get me wrong I love romance books, but it was nice to take a breather away from that department. Carrie Arcos did a job well done on this novel! I am glad I purchased this novel. No regrets!
February 27, 2020
A story written in the point of view of a 16 year old male, which isn't something I read often or gravitate to, but it was well done. I loved everything about the main character. I felt that while he has many typical high school problems in his life, he has a ton going for him. I liked that he had a few things he was dealing with and there were no neat and tidy answers. I also liked the character of Ezra. Some might want the ending to wrap it up all pretty, but it didn't for anyone -- and that's ok, and that's how life is. I would recommend for any high school age student or adults who enjoy YA fiction.
June 11, 2022
I really liked this story. You can connect with each character individually. I liked the unexpected twists and turns that it took. I hated how the teacher got him to work on the project with him, and ended up ruining almost the entire project if not the reveal. It doe suck going through phases where you think your parents are going to divorce. Mine have so I know how it feels. With everything else going on I'm surprised that he didn't do too many things that were foolish.
I enjoyed this read, would definitely recommend this to young adults who are trying to find love, or are going through some really hard times.
I enjoyed this read, would definitely recommend this to young adults who are trying to find love, or are going through some really hard times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
If one word could describe this book I would say "content"
Not "content" in a bad way, but the book is saying 'sometimes you need to stop looking for the very best things in life, because content is enough' and that's fine. You don't find enough books like that where the happy ending is just overwhelming. The book talks about failure, mistakes, and guilt and that its okay to feel all those things. Making mistakes is apart of life and that's normal. Lots of good quotes also. Would recommend to the poetry fans.
Not "content" in a bad way, but the book is saying 'sometimes you need to stop looking for the very best things in life, because content is enough' and that's fine. You don't find enough books like that where the happy ending is just overwhelming. The book talks about failure, mistakes, and guilt and that its okay to feel all those things. Making mistakes is apart of life and that's normal. Lots of good quotes also. Would recommend to the poetry fans.
October 26, 2017
I liked how the author intertwined Pablo Neruda with the story of the teen boy named Neruda. Neruda believes Pablo to be the expert on love. His father and grandfather both enjoyed the poet which is how Neruda received his name. But when people in his life do not live up to the high standards for loving that Neruda has he begins to wonder what love really is. Arcos also through in art, museums and movie make-up making this an interesting read throughout!
January 5, 2019
This is so far out of my normal genre choices but was helping a friend with a research project so read it. The cover is a hot mess and I was seriously dreading starting it. The first page was terrible. And then...it got beautiful and complex and timely and sweet. It tackled the whole issue so many adolescents have with being unable to handle grey areas and non-absolutes. It dealt with art and history and forgiveness. I would have zero problems recommending this to teen readers.
March 13, 2019
Naruda experiences yet one more soul-crushing rejection from a girl he feels strongly toward. This book was mediocre at best and had quite the privileged male main character. He was a little whiny and reminded me a bit of a few creepers that have existed in the real world. I'm not really sure what qualities about him were supposed to be redeeming except he learns that he can be friends with someone who maybe doesn't want him romantically.
March 18, 2020
Crazy Messy Beautiful is about a boy named Neruda. He is named after a famous love poet. Neruda is trying to find love in this story, but is not having any luck. Then his world goes in full spiral upside-down. He meets a wonderful girl named Callie, she is there to help him along with his old pen-pal who just got out of jail. This story is full of adventure, love, and finding someone in the midst of breaking down.
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