The Beautiful-Ugly

The Beautiful-Ugly Trilogy #1-3

by James Snyder

She's sixteen. She's alone. And the world thinks she's crazy. What could possibly happen next? Well, she's going to show them...

When sixteen-year-old Connelly Pierce wakes up inside an unknown psychiatric hospital with both her wrists slashed, she begins the arduous task of piecing together the events of her life that led her there. Her own cognitive behavioral therapy (as she had learned so well from them). Beginning with the sudden death of her mother and father when she was six, and the only world she knew disappeared, literally, overnight. That's when, with no known or, at least, close relatives, she and her nine-year-old brother Eric find themselves cast into the nightmare quagmire of government child protection agencies, and Connelly begins her incredible fourteen-year journey--her dark odyssey--into her own brave new world. A world, she realizes, she must not only quickly adapt, but fight back as well, if she hopes to survive. (Please note: this is the complete three-book trilogy in one volume.)

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary, Abuse, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

524 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2013

About the author

James Snyder was born in Memphis, Tennessee and lived in many parts of the United States before settling with his family in Napa Valley. Among a variety of careers and occupations, he was a soldier with a tactical mobile operations unit in Germany, as well as an executive for a Fortune 500 company.

He has published short stories in the Houghton Mifflin Black Mask anthologies, the Ginosko Literary Journal, and was a finalist in the New Letters’ Alexander Patterson Cappon Prize for Fiction. He is the author of the military thriller AMERICAN WARRIOR, the suspense thriller DESOLATION RUN, the literary coming-of-age THE BEAUTIFUL-UGLY, and the short story collection TALES OF THE LATE TWENTIETH CENTURY

He occasionally blogs at jamessnyder.net and currently lives in Texas where he writes full time.

@jamessnyder22
www.JamesSnyder.net.

Reviews

[Mariah Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the what I'm sure are thousands of books I've read, there are only a handful of them that wrench every emotion there is out of me. This is one of those books. I know I'll go back every once in a while and re read it as I do with all the ones that make me feel.
I won't use any spoilers here but just an overall reflection on the book.
The way the story is told takes you through the journey and pulls you in so that you are crying one minute and hoping for better times, then if not laughing, at least smiling at a spot or two. Nodding your head and agreeing with some passages or getting so angry at others you would throw it across the room if you didn't want to see what would happen next. I can't imagine living that life but knowing there are those that have similar situations is heartbreaking.
This books resonates in my mind and makes my heart hurt. I would recommend it only if the in your face, no holds barred, seedier side of humanity is something you can read. There is plenty of death, foul language, drug abuse, cultish religion, and rape in this book. It is not just a sum of it's parts, it is so much more than that. The Beautiful Ugly is just that, an ugly truth that you have to look to find the beauty in.
And if you're lucky you will find out that the beauty was always there. It just had a few layers of ugly overshadowing it for a while.

[K C Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I require - make that demand - that a story meet a few criteria to be worthy of my attention. I must be able to relate to the protagonist or at least be interested in the character's journey. Next, the Writer must make several stops along my emotional continuum; if I am to become and stay invested in a story, I MUST FEEL. Finally, and perhaps the most important requirement of all, there must be a reason for the ink and paper. Have something to say.

The Beautiful-Ugly describes the gut-wrenching journey of Connelly who becomes an orphan as a young child and is thrown into the fostercare system. Her experience is a gruesome one, marked by abuse, fear, abandonment, and survival. For me, the message at this point was about belonging and what happens when we don't. I genuinely cared for Connelly and detested anyone who hurt her. Ultimately, she must make difficult choices in order to survive.

Please understand that this story is a heavy hitter; it is not for the faint of heart. Intense and graphic, it feels like a nightmare that won't seem to end at some points. Well written with much heart, The Beautiful-Ugly is worth the investment. Just to be sure to hang on.

[Steve Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

In truth I have never been affected so much by a book before. If I could give 10 stars then I would 5 stars are not enough. James Snyder is a rare and wonderful talent. He not only tells a story - his writing makes you live and breathe it. You become emotionally immersed. 'The Beautiful Ugly' is searingly visceral if you're ready to be challenged, to be enraged by the wrongs of society against children, if you're ready to witness evil and then fly high on soaring strength of the human spirit then give yourself a gift and read a book you won't forget.

The use of language, the insights into human nature, the descriptions of both physical and spiritual themes are breathtaking. Do not read this book if you have a sensitive nature. Do read this book if you want to wake up your mind and feel the blood pumping faster through your veins. Ultimately 'The Beautfiul Ugly' is life-affirming. Take your time and relish each word and relish the work of a true master storyteller.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Read using Kindle Unlimited)

This was an okay story; it just wasn’t what I was expecting at all.

Connelly was an okay character, and I did feel really sorry for her at points. Most of this book took place when she was between the ages of 5 and 8 though, which wasn’t what I expected. This poor girl really suffered though, first when her parents died, then when she was separated from her brother, fostered by some religious nuts, and sexually abused by her foster brother!

The storyline in this was alright, it just wasn’t what I was expecting either. I thought this book would be about Connelly ending up in hospital with slashed wrists, but it was more just a story about her childhood, with very little time spent with 16-year-old Connelly. Although I suppose you could see why she might commit suicide considering what happened to her before she even turned 8!

The ending to this wasn’t much of an ending, and there is still so much more to Connelly’s story, and loads more questions to be answered. This isn’t really my kind of book at the moment though.
6 out of 10

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was about a girl whose life went from bad to worse. Expect death, abuse, rape, illegal drugs, and a whole lot of unfairness. If you like books like that, you'll probably like this.

[Nicole Storey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would I recommend this trilogy to others? Yes.
Would I ever read it again? No

Though the story is brilliant at times when depicting life in the foster system – the highs, lows, tragedies, and small triumphs – the author tends to go off on tangents, leaving the reader wondering what the point is and if he'll ever reveal it. I felt many of the sex scenes and constant profanity was a bit much. A lot of it was not needed and became tedious after a while. Also, he focused on many aspects of the story and left others dry and tasteless when I felt they needed to be fleshed out more.

All in all, I feel this author has tremendous talent and I will read more of his work. Certain descriptions stayed with me long after I stopped reading for the day.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating - 2.5

I felt really sorry for the main character in this, she really didn't have an easy time!

This wasn't an awful read, but it wasn't one that I could enjoy either unfortunately.

[arabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beautiful Ugly: Book One

Update: May 14, 2014

This is my very first giveaway book. At first I couldn't believe that I won the book. I just got this book in the mail. The delivery was really fast. When I saw the book I was so excited. I found that the book was customized with a note from the author. I'm very excited to read this book. The summary is interesting and I'm so intrigued to read it!

Update: June 23, 2014

Finally got time to read it. Over all it's a great book I love it. I'm so glad I got to read it. The writing style, plot and character development is great. I can't wait for the next two books in this trilogy!

Update: March 3, 2015

After thinking about this book I decided to reread it and I found it even more intriguing. I wish I could get my hands on the next two books to see what happens since it is a series! I would be so glad if I could find the next two books somewhere.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

I really hate abandoning books. But this one. I have a really good reason why I should abandon this one. No, it is not because it is long. No, it is more about the content.

Whoo! I should had gotten a rating for this. (Like rated G, PG, PG-13...) This one, The Beautiful-Ugly, is probably on the Rated R scale. Actually, it is pretty darn dark, so it is even further down. Like really dark. There is this child molestation scene and a lot of...

Victims. I'm not kidding. So many victims, and there is not even hope here. If there is, it is really bleak, and then the carpet gets tugged. It is so annoying, and I can't help but find it all terribly sad.

So, yes. I'm giving up this book, because I can't handle it emotionally. It is seriously dark. Way, way, way dark. And I'm probably not going to pick it up again. It is really good, but readers should only read it if they can handle it.

Rating: Four out of Five

[☆Joycedale☆]

book 1
What a horrible story. It starts out with Connelly waking up in a mental facility with slashed wrists. She then starts recalling what lead her to this point.
This book covers age 6-9
Her parents died when she was 6 and her brother Eric 9. With no other family they are taken to a temporary foster home that is completely different from what they're used to. From there they're moved to an orphanage where they are mostly kept apart, her being on the girls side and him on the boys. They're subjected to family interviews where one couple decides they want Eric but not her (which I ugly cried over, who does that to siblings?). She then gets her own family but they are bunch of bible thumping hypocrites. She goes especially close to they're teenage daughter Becky who knows that their family is messed up.

[Richard Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

the fault is not within ourselves, but with our stars

James Snyder's haunting story of tragedy and despair of a young child kicked around by loss, fostering, abuse, homelessness, and helplessness contains a certain genius that demands determination to appreciate. The story itself is a cruel work of art that deserves five stars. However it in encumbered by being much too long and detailed. One needs discipline to plow through parts of it to fine the pearls. A much shorter and faster moving story would make it more readable and appealing. The second shortcoming lies in an over reliance on use of the omniscient third person narrative. As a result it is hard for the reader to feel a part of the story, while still appreciating the compelling narrative. I recommend it for those with a stomach for trauma and willingness to hunt for the treasures hidden within.

[Denise Liebig · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Beautiful Ugly” is a fitting title for the unsettling subject matter contained within. It is the story of a six-year-old girl, Connelly Pierce, who, along with her brother, is placed within the “system” after the sudden death of their parents. The events of this poor little girl’s life are detailed within the memories of her older, broken self. The way in which the author portrays Connelly’s life, placing the reader within the situations the girl has experienced, gives the reader an all-too realistic sense of Connelly’s tragic and ever-changing reality. This was a heart-breaking story; definitely not for the faint-of-heart.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, a disturbing read but then life does have its raw edges, especially when a child is at the mercy of a flawed society...this story holds no punches.

What does happen when a child is orphaned? What measures are in place to keep them safe? Does anyone listen to them or understand how they feel? This book gives possible and depressing answers.

This is about a harrowing journey, yet it does hold out hope. It could have been a shorter read, good editing would sort that.

Overall, a worthy book and certainly thought-provoking.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually give a book 5 stars, but THE BEAUTIFUL-UGLY blew me away. When the parents of Connelly and Eric are killed in a car accident, they find themselves caught up in government agencies. Brilliantly written I felt as though I could understand their fright and helplessness. I loved descriptions of Connelly's ability to create art. A wonderful read!

[Karen Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heart breaking

I'm not good at reviews. I just wanted to say thank you.
It's not my normal type of book but it was beautifully-ugly

[Korin: A Crone Running Amok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Gods this was an amazing book.

The Book follows the life of Connelly Pierce from well loved child to six year old orphan. Spilt from her older brother by the system she goes from hopeful foster home to abuse & tragedy. From seemingly idealic placement to indifference. From run away to found family to horror. All before she is sixteen.

When she is found by her widowed aunt there is hope that the lonely woman & the broken teen can save each other. But life is Beautifully ugly. I have never before read a book so well titled.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/5/2021)! 🎁

[Rebask · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to search through my past emails to and from the author to find notes to be able to make an accurate review and still, this feeble attempt will never do his book justice. I finished this book in June of last year and was not at that time able to give a proper review due to personal life circumstances...

This is a beautiful, sweeping saga told of what happened to a young girl whose parents died suddenly. While beginning at age six-teen, the author goes back into her life to give us the history of what transpired to her to put her in the state she awoke in (at the beginning of the book) and does so in ways totally befitting the tale.

There are parts of the book that are simply LYRICAL in Mr. Snyder's descriptive abilities. If you've read the book you'll well remember the near-neath-scene at the creek - and if you haven't - watch for that piece - Sheer poetry, or perhaps Music, in verse.

This book deserves to be re-read multiple times, as all great novels do, to more fully comprehend the entire situation described here-in.
*********************************************
I read some reviews on Amazon which had some negative remarks, about the length, about the FULLNESS of the book. The book had originally been in three parts - I read the entire trilogy at once, my preferred way to read a saga of any type as I fully dislike the suspense, or 'waiting' for the next part to become available. I have no complaints about it's length - there was a LOT that happened to this girl, and yes, the book introduces other family members as well. I feel that perhaps the complainants were not accustomed to reading such a work of art in literary form as this is.

*********************
If you have ANY questions about any of Mr. Snyder's books he is pleased to answer them. He won't tell you in advance what IS going to happen, as you read, but he will certainly discuss his books in email - a trait that I found to be quiet beautiful in it's own right. I can't, or won't, give the details that he explained to me but you are welcome to ask him your own questions.
*********************

I have read every book that Mr Snyder has listed, to date, on Amazon and found ALL to be quite worthy reads. This book is, by far, the longest, and perhaps not the best in comparison only to his other works, but good enough for me to give it five stars.

[John Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.

The copy I received had a personal message from the author asking if I would post a line or two review if I enjoyed it. I cannot do that. This book deserves a whole lot more.

I think before I review the book I will have to state I am autistic with abandonment issues. Why I am telling the review reader that will come apparent.

On page 8 of this book I started to cry. Not happy tears but ones of someone who had become so affected by the writing and the main character that he had nowhere else to go. I have never been affected by an opening chapter of a book like that before. James Snyder, I salute you for that.

The book did mellow a bit after this as it dealt with the main character and her early life while occasionally flashing back to the present (I think) where she appears to be in a mental hospital. Stories told in flashbacks can be hit and miss but there was a cohesive thread throughout this one. The book is not long but there are a lot of characters in it and I wonder how many of them will appear in books 2 and 3.

I will definitely buy them both at some point as there are far too many loose ends I want resolving. The other thing about the book is I can't quite categorise it as 'Young Adult' as it deals with themes that are very adult. To use film classifications it is a 15 not a 12a.

I don't want to recommend a book trilogy having only read one of them so I will leave that for later reviews but I would ask any reader to try the book.

I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 and reviewing them both on here too.
I have tried to not reveal anything in this review as I came into this book without research and I am glad I did.

Thanks to the author and Goodreads for the pleasure of reading it.

One final note.
I gave it 4 stars as I am hoping books 2 and 3 are as good and if they are I will change my score to 5 stars.

[Peggy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching, awe inspiring!

I simply loved this book! It was so well written, the story so intricately woven. The trials and tribulations of this young girl tugged at my heartstrings as I was drawn, ever more deeply, into her life. The author expertly painted her thoughts, feelings, and experiences onto the canvas that is this book.

I think this book is a very important work about a real-life situation. To me, it eloquently serves to raise the consciousness of an all-too-frequently occurring social issue. It brings to light the existence of the needless suffering of young children. It exemplifies exactly how we, as a society, fail our innocent children.

Importantly, this book sheds light on how mental illness can be borne of happenstance. The author tells the story in such a poignant, dead-on way that the reader understands exactly how AND why psychological issues often present themselves.

Lastly, I would like to state that this book is a work of art. The rich hues, the stark reality brought to fruition by this talented author mirrored that created by Connelly. I plan to seek out other works by James Snyder. First, I shall read his bio--I'm curious and intrigued to know about him. Because his book affected me so profoundly, I can say that I would like him very much.

[Kelly Pinella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connelly Pierce trusts the wrong people and eventually turns to drugs while she's on the run. The girl is lost in hurt, unable to move through the process of grieving and forgiving. The book is super long, but I was determined to see what happens to the girl who stumbles around from one bad encounter to another in a cruel world. Connelly is a girl who isn't satisfied in life; she's mad at life and greatly disappointed that she's been separated from her only brother and bitter that her parents are dead. People take advantage of her as a child, and she doesn't know how to get over it. When she becomes a teenager, she looks for happiness in all the wrong places, drifting along wherever the current takes her. The long term hurt she carries around with her is her own fault, but the adults who harm her have caused deep wounds. The story is a sad tale about a foster/orphan child who is mistreated over and over again. Adult content.

James Snyder takes a tragic tale of a lonely girl who is hurt and confused, and he describes it very well.

[Linz The Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first portion of the book had me hooked. It was dark and morbid and there were a lot of twists and turns. Unfortunately as the book went on I felt like the events got more and more ridiculous. If this had ended when Connelly left for Texas it would have been fine. However I felt that the entire third book just ruined it. It seemed forced at best. I really felt like the third book was a completely different story, and not one I really wanted to read. I was frustrated by Connelly falling in love with Will after barely speaking to him, and then just continued to be frustrated by everything that followed. It was like the author got 80% in and was like "Oops. Forgot to write in the love of her life." If it had ended with her leaving the hospital I probably would have given it three stars. Unfortunately, the entire portion of her story revolving around Texas just made me wish the book would hurry up and end.

[Jina · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I will try not to include spoilers

Connelly Pierce wakes up inside a Psychiatric facility. The staff are trying to get her to talk with them. However, she is unwilling to cooperate. She begins explaining to the reader her childhood experiences.

This story is well written yet heartbreaking! I felt such suddenness for the characters. As well as rage at how Connelly was treated.

Being a mother it backed up my views of how important it is to have a plan for children in the event tragedy strikes. I found this book difficult to put down. I kept wanting to know, What happens next? I would like very much to read the second book!

I received this book via Goodreads First-Reads. I am so grateful! :)

I have also written a review on my blog

http://wicked-blogs.blogspot.com

[Lve2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit that this book took me longer than necessary to read, simply because it was a somewhat odd read, compared to my usual novels of fantasy, romance and sci-fi. though since it was my first giveaway I had won, I endured the change and read on.
And it was Amazing.
whether it was the way James Snyder artfully created a world of his own where there was no barrier between masking true horrors this world can hide, or the way we, somewhat magically yet depressingly witnessed Connelly Pierce- a girl who faced what no person should- struggle to piece back what little she had left.
This was a very emotionally raw, dark and realistically twisted novel that is sure to keep readers minds occupied for a very long time...

[susan murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Con and Eric have a normal life until their parents die and everything is turned upside down. They only have each other and soon are separated leaving con on her own having to deal with different things. Life for con has its ups and downs she only wants to be loved but even when that happens something eventually goes wrong and she's on her own for the first time looking for Eric. Interesting reading what happens to con and who she meets along the way. Ending was ok but got a bit lost in parts especially about the paintings decent read

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poor girl, and her brother, were put into foster care. This is after her parents died, in a car accident.
The things she went through, was horrid. No kind of life for a child, and her brother had a hard time too.
They were together, but were separated by Social Services.
She finally found her brother, after looking for him for years. Things did not turn out as expected
She finally, found her happy ending.....

[Wendy Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. I felt so may emotions reading this story. Connelly, six years old and her nine year old brother Eric are split up and lost in the system after their loving parents die in a tragic accident. There is no family that can help them. How they made it as far as they did is a wonder. A very emotional read.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads

[Robin Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing read

Going through Conelly's life is a very harrowing journey. The story telling is very realistic and the tension is emotional in the extreme. This story makes you want to make a difference in the life of a foster child. This book will give you a new perspective on life.

[NoelaniK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won “The Beautiful-Ugly” by James Snyder as a First Read on Goodreads. This book pulls your right in and follows the highs and lows of Connelly's life. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from James Snyder.

[Zumalong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful ugly

This redeeming little story tells the tale of two orphans who get caught in a system that still leaves our children vulnerable and how with a little love and kindness most things. can be overcome