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Beautiful
Her friends once thought she was perfect. Now she must face the mirror--and herself--to discover what true beauty is.
Ellie Summerfield has everything a girl could want--she's beautiful, she's Senior Class President, has a calendar full of social engagements, volunteer commitments, and church activities. In short, she's perfect, according to most of the students at West Redding High School. But something is bothering Ellie, like a loose string on a dress she can feel but can't see. Does she really love her boyfriend, Ryan? Who are her true friends? And is she really happy in her picture-perfect life?Then in the course of a few minutes, the loose string in Ellie's life completely unravels. Forever changed, she must face herself as she discovers what it really means to be beautiful.
Ellie Summerfield has everything a girl could want--she's beautiful, she's Senior Class President, has a calendar full of social engagements, volunteer commitments, and church activities. In short, she's perfect, according to most of the students at West Redding High School. But something is bothering Ellie, like a loose string on a dress she can feel but can't see. Does she really love her boyfriend, Ryan? Who are her true friends? And is she really happy in her picture-perfect life?Then in the course of a few minutes, the loose string in Ellie's life completely unravels. Forever changed, she must face herself as she discovers what it really means to be beautiful.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2009
12 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Martinusen Coloma
19 books177 followersCindy Coloma is a national bestselling author who has written twelve novels, including: Beautiful (2010 Christy Award finalist for Young Adults and 2011 Revolve Young Adult Tour featured book); The Salt Garden (one of Library Journal's best genre books in 2004); Song of the Brokenhearted (2013 ECPA bestseller with coauthor Sheila Walsh); Orchid House (2008 ECPA bestseller); and Winter Passing (2001 Christy Award finalist and Romantic Times Top Pick).
Cindy has collaborated on fiction projects with bestselling author, singer, and speaker Sheila Walsh, and as a ghostwriter with a former federal prosecutor and national TV legal-news analyst.
Her nonfiction projects include collaborations on memoirs such as The Waiting (May 2014, Tyndale Momentum) and It's a Wild Life: How My Life Became a Zoo(June 2014, Medallion Press), a book about an exotic animal zoo in Michigan and the Nat Geo Wild television program. Cindy developed and wrote the nonfiction book Renting Lacy: A Story of America's Prostituted Children (coauthored with former Congresswoman Linda Smith) and has also written over one hundred published articles.
Cindy is a speaker, book doctor, and writing coach. Her writing coach clients have included both aspiring and professional writers. She tailors her programs to meet their individual needs and goals.
She's spoken at such events and conferences as the World Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany; Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference; Simpson University Faculty Retreat; LittWorld in Tagaytay, Philippines; and many others. In her local area, she has co-led a writer's group for seventeen years.
With five children ranging in age from their early twenties to a baby boy, Cindy's life is always full of laughter, joy, and toys to trip over. She can't own enough books or watch enough movies, has more travel dreams than possible for a human (including underwater and outer-space itineraries), but loves home best of all. She and her extended family have lived in the Redding, California area for over thirty-five years. a with her husband and four children
Cindy has collaborated on fiction projects with bestselling author, singer, and speaker Sheila Walsh, and as a ghostwriter with a former federal prosecutor and national TV legal-news analyst.
Her nonfiction projects include collaborations on memoirs such as The Waiting (May 2014, Tyndale Momentum) and It's a Wild Life: How My Life Became a Zoo(June 2014, Medallion Press), a book about an exotic animal zoo in Michigan and the Nat Geo Wild television program. Cindy developed and wrote the nonfiction book Renting Lacy: A Story of America's Prostituted Children (coauthored with former Congresswoman Linda Smith) and has also written over one hundred published articles.
Cindy is a speaker, book doctor, and writing coach. Her writing coach clients have included both aspiring and professional writers. She tailors her programs to meet their individual needs and goals.
She's spoken at such events and conferences as the World Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany; Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference; Simpson University Faculty Retreat; LittWorld in Tagaytay, Philippines; and many others. In her local area, she has co-led a writer's group for seventeen years.
With five children ranging in age from their early twenties to a baby boy, Cindy's life is always full of laughter, joy, and toys to trip over. She can't own enough books or watch enough movies, has more travel dreams than possible for a human (including underwater and outer-space itineraries), but loves home best of all. She and her extended family have lived in the Redding, California area for over thirty-five years. a with her husband and four children
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 17, 2012
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Let me start this review by saying that you need to read this book. Go, right now, and pick up a copy. I'll give you my personal guarantee that you'll absolutely love it as much as I did.
Ellie Summerfield is beautiful, popular, smart, and has a great, amazing boyfriend. Her social calendar is always full, she's President of this and in charge of that, and if you asked anyone at West Redding High School to describe her, they'd probably tell you that she's basically perfect.
To Ellie, perfect is the last word she'd use to describe her life, although she wouldn't be able to tell you exactly why. Why does she love her boyfriend, Ryan, and yet not feel in love with him? Why does her sister, Megan, always make her feel like she's doing something wrong? Why do her parents have all of these plans for her that don't mix with the ones she has for herself?
She may have been able to answer all of those questions on her own, before the accident. But the car crashed, then caught on fire. Her maybe-friend, Stasia, died. And Ellie, well, Ellie doesn't look quite as beautiful as she used to.
When your face is that of a monster, and your faith in God and family and friends and just about everything else has been tested, when the "perfect" of your life is gone, what else is left? As Ellie struggles - through physical pain, emotional distress, and self-pity - it's only by coming out the other side that she'll learn that being beautiful has a whole lot more to do with what's on the inside than what's on the outside.
Let me say again - I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the writing, the pitch, the tone; it's all amazing. There was not one misstep in BEAUTIFUL; every word was a joy to read, and I was sad when it was done. Cindy Martinusen-Coloma has a way of writing that lets you live right alongside Ellie, feeling her happiness and heartbreak, dealing with her pain (both physical and emotional), dreaming and hoping and wanting and living.
This is a great book, one that you'll love reading and will be sad to see come to an end. And if you're worried about the fact that it's Christian fiction, please don't be. The message is one of love and acceptance, not one of browbeating you into being a believer. BEAUTIFUL is a book for everyone - and everyone will love BEAUTIFUL.
Let me start this review by saying that you need to read this book. Go, right now, and pick up a copy. I'll give you my personal guarantee that you'll absolutely love it as much as I did.
Ellie Summerfield is beautiful, popular, smart, and has a great, amazing boyfriend. Her social calendar is always full, she's President of this and in charge of that, and if you asked anyone at West Redding High School to describe her, they'd probably tell you that she's basically perfect.
To Ellie, perfect is the last word she'd use to describe her life, although she wouldn't be able to tell you exactly why. Why does she love her boyfriend, Ryan, and yet not feel in love with him? Why does her sister, Megan, always make her feel like she's doing something wrong? Why do her parents have all of these plans for her that don't mix with the ones she has for herself?
She may have been able to answer all of those questions on her own, before the accident. But the car crashed, then caught on fire. Her maybe-friend, Stasia, died. And Ellie, well, Ellie doesn't look quite as beautiful as she used to.
When your face is that of a monster, and your faith in God and family and friends and just about everything else has been tested, when the "perfect" of your life is gone, what else is left? As Ellie struggles - through physical pain, emotional distress, and self-pity - it's only by coming out the other side that she'll learn that being beautiful has a whole lot more to do with what's on the inside than what's on the outside.
Let me say again - I absolutely loved this book. The characters, the writing, the pitch, the tone; it's all amazing. There was not one misstep in BEAUTIFUL; every word was a joy to read, and I was sad when it was done. Cindy Martinusen-Coloma has a way of writing that lets you live right alongside Ellie, feeling her happiness and heartbreak, dealing with her pain (both physical and emotional), dreaming and hoping and wanting and living.
This is a great book, one that you'll love reading and will be sad to see come to an end. And if you're worried about the fact that it's Christian fiction, please don't be. The message is one of love and acceptance, not one of browbeating you into being a believer. BEAUTIFUL is a book for everyone - and everyone will love BEAUTIFUL.
February 13, 2023
Bruh this is a boring teen drama but for Christians
September 11, 2010
Ellie is that girl. You know the one I mean: the one with the hot boyfriend; the one with the flawless grades; the one that everyone admires; the one that is most likely to succeed in life. There’s one in every school, and although you’d love to hate her, there just isn’t anything about her to hate.
But then something happens, something bad. Ellie and her friend Stasia are involved in a car accident. Ellie suffers a lot of injuries and winds up in the hospital with severe burns to one side of her body.
Stasia doesn’t even make it out of the car alive.
The doctors assure Ellie, that after a few years and a whole lot of surgery, that she’ll recover and the scarring will almost definitely disappear. But a few years is a long time to walk through life looking like a mutant, and suddenly Ellie decides there is plenty about herself that’s worthy of hating.
In a fit of depression, she cuts herself off from her friends. Every single one of them, including her boyfriend, Ryan. She’s no longer beautiful, so what’s even the point?
Ellie spirals further and further into a pool of depression and self-pity until one day, an old friend from way back in her past, someone that she sees as imperfect and flawed in his own way, walks back into her life.
Will has always had a crush on Ellie, even when they were little kids, and nothing has changed now. Just because her face isn’t the same as it used to be, doesn’t make her any less beautiful, in his eyes. For Will, beauty isn’t something that’s just on the outside. For Will, beauty comes from within.
Will he be able to save Ellie before she hits the bottom of the barrel? You’ll have to read for yourself to find out.
Although Ellie’s horrible self-pity was hard to endure, it was not unrealistic. As a character, I found the way she responded to the events and issues thrown at her to be very believable. I felt sorry for Ryan and her friends when Ellie simply cast them aside, but I never once thought that she was being unfair, or that her character was unrealistic.
Of all the characters within Beautiful, I admired Will and Ryan the most. Although Ellie pushed Ryan away with everything she had, he never stopped loving her, and just like Will, believed that her beauty went far deeper than the scars on her face.
A solid read that I’m sure the girls will love.
But then something happens, something bad. Ellie and her friend Stasia are involved in a car accident. Ellie suffers a lot of injuries and winds up in the hospital with severe burns to one side of her body.
Stasia doesn’t even make it out of the car alive.
The doctors assure Ellie, that after a few years and a whole lot of surgery, that she’ll recover and the scarring will almost definitely disappear. But a few years is a long time to walk through life looking like a mutant, and suddenly Ellie decides there is plenty about herself that’s worthy of hating.
In a fit of depression, she cuts herself off from her friends. Every single one of them, including her boyfriend, Ryan. She’s no longer beautiful, so what’s even the point?
Ellie spirals further and further into a pool of depression and self-pity until one day, an old friend from way back in her past, someone that she sees as imperfect and flawed in his own way, walks back into her life.
Will has always had a crush on Ellie, even when they were little kids, and nothing has changed now. Just because her face isn’t the same as it used to be, doesn’t make her any less beautiful, in his eyes. For Will, beauty isn’t something that’s just on the outside. For Will, beauty comes from within.
Will he be able to save Ellie before she hits the bottom of the barrel? You’ll have to read for yourself to find out.
Although Ellie’s horrible self-pity was hard to endure, it was not unrealistic. As a character, I found the way she responded to the events and issues thrown at her to be very believable. I felt sorry for Ryan and her friends when Ellie simply cast them aside, but I never once thought that she was being unfair, or that her character was unrealistic.
Of all the characters within Beautiful, I admired Will and Ryan the most. Although Ellie pushed Ryan away with everything she had, he never stopped loving her, and just like Will, believed that her beauty went far deeper than the scars on her face.
A solid read that I’m sure the girls will love.
January 17, 2015
This book surprised me. I've read another book by this author and I don't find it amazing. It's good but not great.
But this book is different. I find the message it conveyed powerful.
Ellie Summerfield was beautiful before the accident. The beauty was not only physical beauty but also inner beauty. She's the kind of person who was just nice. You might want to hate her because of how perfect she was but she was really a nice girl. She was a girl driven by her dreams and she also had a solid relationship with God so she's the kind of person who never put much concern on the pettiness of high school life.
So I just wanted to say that before the accident, Ellie's already been innerly beautiful. However, that beauty was still untried. She also had a deep down insecurity due to verbal abuses by her grandfather when she was a kid. Because of this insecurity, she never opened up her heart to anyone.
That accident destroyed her carefully constructed life. Ellie suffered a burn on half of her face and body. I cringed when I read the treatment she had to suffer.
Considering the unfairness of it all, it was humane for Ellie to be angry at God and the world. Avoiding everyone and becoming a bitter person who hurt others. Like her grandfather...
The Ellie who clawed out of this challenge was different from the original Ellie. She may not have a perfect physical beauty but the inner one shined even brighter and stronger. It's the kind of beauty and stength who has been tested by challenges and not only survived but even grown. It shined and everyone can see it.
Out of all the story chapters, I would have to say I love the Epilogue the most. It's so cool. I don't know whether I should cry or I should applaud.
But this book is different. I find the message it conveyed powerful.
Ellie Summerfield was beautiful before the accident. The beauty was not only physical beauty but also inner beauty. She's the kind of person who was just nice. You might want to hate her because of how perfect she was but she was really a nice girl. She was a girl driven by her dreams and she also had a solid relationship with God so she's the kind of person who never put much concern on the pettiness of high school life.
So I just wanted to say that before the accident, Ellie's already been innerly beautiful. However, that beauty was still untried. She also had a deep down insecurity due to verbal abuses by her grandfather when she was a kid. Because of this insecurity, she never opened up her heart to anyone.
That accident destroyed her carefully constructed life. Ellie suffered a burn on half of her face and body. I cringed when I read the treatment she had to suffer.
Considering the unfairness of it all, it was humane for Ellie to be angry at God and the world. Avoiding everyone and becoming a bitter person who hurt others. Like her grandfather...
The Ellie who clawed out of this challenge was different from the original Ellie. She may not have a perfect physical beauty but the inner one shined even brighter and stronger. It's the kind of beauty and stength who has been tested by challenges and not only survived but even grown. It shined and everyone can see it.
Out of all the story chapters, I would have to say I love the Epilogue the most. It's so cool. I don't know whether I should cry or I should applaud.
January 3, 2025
One of my new favorite books. This is an amazing book about loss, moving forward, and learning to have faith in God when it seems unimaginable. Ellie had the perfect life; good friends, a loving boyfriend, weekly youth, group great grades. It’s funny how that all changes when you least expect it. She made all the right choices, did everything right, but one car ride changed everything.
May 13, 2010
Lots of layers to this book - the big bad thing isn't the only way that the author unveils her themes and relationships.
May 21, 2018
Though its a novel typical in many ways of YA, its also unique in that the message within it was put across strongly as the foreground for the entire story.
Ellie, the "perfect" girl, is in a car accident which changes her features. The physical scars that remain cause emotional scars of her past to fully surface, and as she struggles with depression following the accident, she realizes the need to find the real Ellie Summerfield, on her own terms. Instead of relying on her popularity and the facade of perfection that she's maintained at with others, she's able to explore more about herself, for herself.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and couldn't help but love the Christian messages made relevant through out, in an entirely nonpreachy manner. And of course, the fact that inner beauty was so greatly emphasized, something sorely needed to be heard, made this book quite beautiful in itself.
Ellie, the "perfect" girl, is in a car accident which changes her features. The physical scars that remain cause emotional scars of her past to fully surface, and as she struggles with depression following the accident, she realizes the need to find the real Ellie Summerfield, on her own terms. Instead of relying on her popularity and the facade of perfection that she's maintained at with others, she's able to explore more about herself, for herself.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and couldn't help but love the Christian messages made relevant through out, in an entirely nonpreachy manner. And of course, the fact that inner beauty was so greatly emphasized, something sorely needed to be heard, made this book quite beautiful in itself.
February 11, 2018
Could've possibly been four stars without having all the drinking, smoking, s*x talk, etc. The book was also very boring at points. Overall, it was just okay. I liked it more towards the end when Ellie wasn't as whiney acting as she was through like half the book, but I guess her complaints were legitimate. I'm mainly talking about her boyfriend and school drama whining. Oh, also, because I don't go to public school, I think that could've been part of the meh-ness for me. So, if you go to public school, you may like it better. So, yeah, meh.
January 15, 2023
This book was good as a middle schooler and centers around the idea that beauty is found within after the main character is in a car accident that leaves her with a scarred face. But the title of the book is not my favorite as it assumes that "beauty is lost" when she gets in the car accident. As a young reader, I enjoyed this book.
January 23, 2018
ow feels
April 30, 2023
Borrowed from Joy
April 10, 2010
“Truth Found When Beauty is Lost.....”
Ellie Summerfield is beautiful, popular, smart, and has a great, amazing boyfriend everyone wants. She has everything a girl could want-- she's Senior Class President, she has a calendar full of social engagements, volunteer commitments, and church activities...If you asked anyone at West Redding High School to describe her, they'd probably tell you that she's basically “PERFECT”...
The definition for the word PERFECT here describe Ellie is that; she has flawless grades, she is attractive to everyone around her...and she is the person that is mostly to succeed in life. But to Ellie, perfect is the last word she'd use to describe her life...Since childhood, Ellie has fought to overcome her grandfather's painful words that push her to be driven, determined, and successful to the detriment of those around her. She always strives to do more, be more, help more. But when a tragedy stops her world short, Ellie is confronted with her deepest fears and many question about her life: Why does she love her boyfriend, Ryan Blasin, and yet not feel in love with him?..Why does her sister, Megan Summerfield, always make her feel like she's doing something wrong?..Why do her parents have all of these plans for her that don't mix with the ones she has for herself?... What is her life really worth..?
She may have been able to answer all of those questions on her own, before the accident. But the car crashed, then caught on fire. Her maybe-friend, Stasia couldn't make out of the car. And Ellie doesn't look quite as beautiful as she used to.(she was burned badly on her left side of the body). When her face is that of a monster, and her faith in God and family and friends and just about everything else has been tested, when the “perfect” of her life is gone, Ellie struggles through physical pain, emotional distress, and self-pity. It's only by coming out the other side that she'll learn that being beautiful has a whole lot more to do with what's on the inside than what's on the outside. While mainly about Ellie, the story revolved around her sister, Megan. Ellie and Megan appear to be exact opposites. Both are forced to face the core of who they are in a way neither expected. Ellie never had to work hard to make her life the way she wanted it, unlike her sister Megan, who to most is invisible. When Ellie has to restart her life she know she can't just go back to the way things used to be, but Ellie finding herself and accepting herself for who she was and what she is now....
My recommendations: I love this book.. The characters, the writing, the pitch, the tone, it's all amazing..Every word was a joy to read, and I was sad when it was done. Cindy Martinusen- Coloma has a way of writing that lets you live right alongside Ellie, feeling her happiness and heartbreak, dealing her pain (both physical and emotional), dreaming and hoping and wanting and living.. There was no sex in this book..but there was minimal bad language of the “she cursed” style. While many of the teen characters drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and smoked pot, Ellie didn't drink or do drugs. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, and clean reading. I liked and didn't like how everything in the book wasn't clean up. Sometimes you just want everything to work out exactly how you'd imagine but really we know that's not always true. So I think this book did a great job of portraying this situation with honesty...I wouldn't really call this a Christian novel as there was very little “God talk,” but God was mentioned here and there in the novel...But I think Christians and non- Christians would enjoy this book...
Ellie Summerfield is beautiful, popular, smart, and has a great, amazing boyfriend everyone wants. She has everything a girl could want-- she's Senior Class President, she has a calendar full of social engagements, volunteer commitments, and church activities...If you asked anyone at West Redding High School to describe her, they'd probably tell you that she's basically “PERFECT”...
The definition for the word PERFECT here describe Ellie is that; she has flawless grades, she is attractive to everyone around her...and she is the person that is mostly to succeed in life. But to Ellie, perfect is the last word she'd use to describe her life...Since childhood, Ellie has fought to overcome her grandfather's painful words that push her to be driven, determined, and successful to the detriment of those around her. She always strives to do more, be more, help more. But when a tragedy stops her world short, Ellie is confronted with her deepest fears and many question about her life: Why does she love her boyfriend, Ryan Blasin, and yet not feel in love with him?..Why does her sister, Megan Summerfield, always make her feel like she's doing something wrong?..Why do her parents have all of these plans for her that don't mix with the ones she has for herself?... What is her life really worth..?
She may have been able to answer all of those questions on her own, before the accident. But the car crashed, then caught on fire. Her maybe-friend, Stasia couldn't make out of the car. And Ellie doesn't look quite as beautiful as she used to.(she was burned badly on her left side of the body). When her face is that of a monster, and her faith in God and family and friends and just about everything else has been tested, when the “perfect” of her life is gone, Ellie struggles through physical pain, emotional distress, and self-pity. It's only by coming out the other side that she'll learn that being beautiful has a whole lot more to do with what's on the inside than what's on the outside. While mainly about Ellie, the story revolved around her sister, Megan. Ellie and Megan appear to be exact opposites. Both are forced to face the core of who they are in a way neither expected. Ellie never had to work hard to make her life the way she wanted it, unlike her sister Megan, who to most is invisible. When Ellie has to restart her life she know she can't just go back to the way things used to be, but Ellie finding herself and accepting herself for who she was and what she is now....
My recommendations: I love this book.. The characters, the writing, the pitch, the tone, it's all amazing..Every word was a joy to read, and I was sad when it was done. Cindy Martinusen- Coloma has a way of writing that lets you live right alongside Ellie, feeling her happiness and heartbreak, dealing her pain (both physical and emotional), dreaming and hoping and wanting and living.. There was no sex in this book..but there was minimal bad language of the “she cursed” style. While many of the teen characters drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and smoked pot, Ellie didn't drink or do drugs. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, and clean reading. I liked and didn't like how everything in the book wasn't clean up. Sometimes you just want everything to work out exactly how you'd imagine but really we know that's not always true. So I think this book did a great job of portraying this situation with honesty...I wouldn't really call this a Christian novel as there was very little “God talk,” but God was mentioned here and there in the novel...But I think Christians and non- Christians would enjoy this book...
December 6, 2010
Beautiful is a heartbreaking realistic young adult novel. The characters show growth, originality, personality and are easy to relate to.
Ellie is in a horrible accident and we see the transformation not only of her looks but of who she is. She fights for her life and to realize what true beauty is. She doesn't completely lose who she was before the accident, but she realizes a lot of things about herself, and her family and she makes it all into something better. I connected better with Megan though because of her personality type. She is funny, sarcastic and tells it like it is- she also is learning a lot about herself in this book, and walks away from a negative relationship because of it. She is a bit of an outcast, and I relate with that.
There are two quality guys in this book and they both support Ellie through it all. I like that Ellie tries to be selfless about them in her life, and how she handles things. It is not a love triangle persay, because even though it shows a glimmer of possibility for relationship with one of the guys, he is really just mostly a friend, and I like he keeps it that way to preserve their friendship, knowing that differences would probably tear them apart if they were more. So I really appreciate how that is written because it is not often that you see a quality friendship in YA with opposite sexes without him being gay or being romantically involved.
Beautiful is well paced, and has a wonderful driving plot, with supporting and interesting sub-plots. I didn't ever feel like there was too little, or too much going on, it is very well balanced. It explores hope, healing, friendship, and religion. Don't let that turn you off though, it flows very naturally and I never felt like it was preachy. It was brought up at appropriate times and it was always personal opinion and not saying what should be believed.
Though we are taken on Ellie's journey of healing, I really appreciate how nothing is magically fixed- it is planted in reality and there is no magical pill. There is lots of hope, and she grows, changes and heals, but nothing is overnight. It has a great ending but it is not all tied up and handed to her. I would recommend this to my readers who like contemps, realistic ya, or if you want an emotional read that will make you think.
Ellie is in a horrible accident and we see the transformation not only of her looks but of who she is. She fights for her life and to realize what true beauty is. She doesn't completely lose who she was before the accident, but she realizes a lot of things about herself, and her family and she makes it all into something better. I connected better with Megan though because of her personality type. She is funny, sarcastic and tells it like it is- she also is learning a lot about herself in this book, and walks away from a negative relationship because of it. She is a bit of an outcast, and I relate with that.
There are two quality guys in this book and they both support Ellie through it all. I like that Ellie tries to be selfless about them in her life, and how she handles things. It is not a love triangle persay, because even though it shows a glimmer of possibility for relationship with one of the guys, he is really just mostly a friend, and I like he keeps it that way to preserve their friendship, knowing that differences would probably tear them apart if they were more. So I really appreciate how that is written because it is not often that you see a quality friendship in YA with opposite sexes without him being gay or being romantically involved.
Beautiful is well paced, and has a wonderful driving plot, with supporting and interesting sub-plots. I didn't ever feel like there was too little, or too much going on, it is very well balanced. It explores hope, healing, friendship, and religion. Don't let that turn you off though, it flows very naturally and I never felt like it was preachy. It was brought up at appropriate times and it was always personal opinion and not saying what should be believed.
Though we are taken on Ellie's journey of healing, I really appreciate how nothing is magically fixed- it is planted in reality and there is no magical pill. There is lots of hope, and she grows, changes and heals, but nothing is overnight. It has a great ending but it is not all tied up and handed to her. I would recommend this to my readers who like contemps, realistic ya, or if you want an emotional read that will make you think.
January 21, 2010
"Beautiful" is a young adult novel that has some romance. Adults will also enjoy this story. The novel asks the question, "Where does a person's worth come from? What happens when you peel back the trappings of a person's life and expose what's left?"
While mainly about Ellie, the story also revolved around her sister, Megan. Ellie and Megan appear to be exact opposites. Both are forced to face the core of who they are in a way neither expected. (I normally don't like back cover descriptions that refuse to say what the pivotal, life-changing moment is in the story, but the author handled this surprise so well that I'm not even going to hint.)
I cared about the characters. They were complex and faced realistic, tough struggles. I was left feeling like these characters really existed somewhere and had lived through this. The pacing was very good, and I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. The wording used in the story seemed a bit formal compared to what I'm used to in YA novels, but it fit Ellie.
I wouldn't really call this a Christian novel as there was very little "God talk," but God was mentioned here and there. In fact, I felt it could have used a bit more explanation. It was clear why Ellie began to doubt that God cared about or even paid attention to the details in each person's life, but I didn't quite follow why she changed her stance to what it was on page 258. Anyway, I think most Christians and non-Christians would enjoy the book.
There was no sex. There was minimal bad language of the "she cursed" style. While many of the teen characters drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and smoked pot, Ellie didn't drink or do drugs. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, clean reading.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
While mainly about Ellie, the story also revolved around her sister, Megan. Ellie and Megan appear to be exact opposites. Both are forced to face the core of who they are in a way neither expected. (I normally don't like back cover descriptions that refuse to say what the pivotal, life-changing moment is in the story, but the author handled this surprise so well that I'm not even going to hint.)
I cared about the characters. They were complex and faced realistic, tough struggles. I was left feeling like these characters really existed somewhere and had lived through this. The pacing was very good, and I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to know what happened next. The wording used in the story seemed a bit formal compared to what I'm used to in YA novels, but it fit Ellie.
I wouldn't really call this a Christian novel as there was very little "God talk," but God was mentioned here and there. In fact, I felt it could have used a bit more explanation. It was clear why Ellie began to doubt that God cared about or even paid attention to the details in each person's life, but I didn't quite follow why she changed her stance to what it was on page 258. Anyway, I think most Christians and non-Christians would enjoy the book.
There was no sex. There was minimal bad language of the "she cursed" style. While many of the teen characters drank alcohol, smoked cigarettes, and smoked pot, Ellie didn't drink or do drugs. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as well-written, clean reading.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
January 25, 2010
I could take a guess what Beautiful was about based on the book summary and book cover but I pushed it out of my mind so I could fully enjoy the book and be in the present moment with Ellie as everything happened. And I am sure glad I did because this book was beautiful and heartbreaking.
Ellie never had to work hard to make her life the way she wanted it, unlike her sister Megan, who to most is invisible. When Ellie has to restart her life she knows she can't just go back to the way things used to be, but what can she make of her life now? It's about Ellie finding herself and accepting herself for who she was and who is know is.
One thing I hadn't realized about Beautiful was that it was a sister story! Not only do we hear things from Ellie's point of view we get to know Megan as well, who I rather liked also! It's about them really getting to know each other after having lived in the same house for 17 years and really not actually knowing each other.
I liked and didn't like how everything in the book wasn't clean cut. Sometimes you just want everything to work out exactly how you'd imagine but really we know that's not always true. So I think this book did a great job of portraying this situation with honesty. Maybe you'll never exactly know where you stand with the boys in your life, or maybe for awhile you didn't want to believe in God or maybe your plans for the future had to be completely re-written.
One thing I wanted to address was this is a Young Adult Christian Fiction story (my first actually) but I found it very relatable as someone that is not a Christian. It's a very universal story.
Overall, Beautiful was beautiful and honest and heartbreaking.
Ellie never had to work hard to make her life the way she wanted it, unlike her sister Megan, who to most is invisible. When Ellie has to restart her life she knows she can't just go back to the way things used to be, but what can she make of her life now? It's about Ellie finding herself and accepting herself for who she was and who is know is.
One thing I hadn't realized about Beautiful was that it was a sister story! Not only do we hear things from Ellie's point of view we get to know Megan as well, who I rather liked also! It's about them really getting to know each other after having lived in the same house for 17 years and really not actually knowing each other.
I liked and didn't like how everything in the book wasn't clean cut. Sometimes you just want everything to work out exactly how you'd imagine but really we know that's not always true. So I think this book did a great job of portraying this situation with honesty. Maybe you'll never exactly know where you stand with the boys in your life, or maybe for awhile you didn't want to believe in God or maybe your plans for the future had to be completely re-written.
One thing I wanted to address was this is a Young Adult Christian Fiction story (my first actually) but I found it very relatable as someone that is not a Christian. It's a very universal story.
Overall, Beautiful was beautiful and honest and heartbreaking.
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December 7, 2014This book is an amazing, inspiring, heartwarming book about a girl named Ellie Summerfield who was the world’s definition of perfect. She is popular, pretty, and volunteers for charities.She has a boyfriend,Ryan, who says he loves her, but she can't say the the same to him. To her life this is one small problem in a perfect life until she is driving home with her friend and she gets in a car crash. The car crash kills her friend and burns her badly. She is horribly scarred on her whole left side and she feels like everything that made life worth living for is gone. She isolates herself, starts smoking, and dumps her boyfriend who tries hard to get her back, but she won't talk to him because she thinks that she does not deserve him. Then she and her sister,Megan, started to talk. Megan was the absolute opposite of her. She was negative about almost everything, her mood and how she acted was the absolute opposite of Ellie's which was bright and positive. After the accident they switch. Ellie sees just about everything negatively and Megan tries to help her through it. This book is about the love of God and how he has a solution for everything. You just have to ask and he will help you through whatever you are going through. Throughout this book the bond between Ellie and Megan is fixed after years of being broken, she discovers how much Ryan really loves her, finds out what is really important in life, and most of all Ellie gains a closer relationship with God. One of the things that she didn't have before the crash. This book will make you cry, laugh and want to read it again and again. It is one of my favorite books! You should read it.
January 5, 2010
Beautiful stirred my heart several times. I found my eyes welling with tears of both heartache and joy as Ellie discovered herself for the first time while she healed from the accident. The author did a great job with character development and making them three dimensional. I loved the interaction between the heroine and the guys in her life. There were some amazing heroes and secondary characters in this book. Even the parents were genuine and believable. I didn't see any plastic characters or artificial faith.
This story had depth and heart. It in no way trivialized the trauma this girl went through and did a great job pointing out how sometimes what people say in awkward situations just hurts people more (God has a plan - true, but grieving people don't necessarily want to hear that when they are hurting.) I, too, felt her pain and the grief she went through. Everything she experienced made sense and was totally fitting her situation. In short, I was this girl. I went through the valley with her, which explains its profound impact on my heart.
I can totally see this novel opening the eyes of many girls who have taken the good things in their life for granted. And like Ellie's sister, Megan, this story should change them. After going through something like Ellie experienced, most things do seem awfully petty and stupid. I highly recommend this book.
This story had depth and heart. It in no way trivialized the trauma this girl went through and did a great job pointing out how sometimes what people say in awkward situations just hurts people more (God has a plan - true, but grieving people don't necessarily want to hear that when they are hurting.) I, too, felt her pain and the grief she went through. Everything she experienced made sense and was totally fitting her situation. In short, I was this girl. I went through the valley with her, which explains its profound impact on my heart.
I can totally see this novel opening the eyes of many girls who have taken the good things in their life for granted. And like Ellie's sister, Megan, this story should change them. After going through something like Ellie experienced, most things do seem awfully petty and stupid. I highly recommend this book.
January 21, 2011
Wow. I loved this book. Really. Loved.
Raw, powerful emotions were stirred up in me throughout the book. The author has created some witty, fun, deep characters that I couldn't help but love.
The story was told in alternating points of view between Ellie and her sister Megan, which I found really enjoyable. There wasn't any of the disruption or confusion caused by the switching POV that sometimes happens. It was smooth. The writing was brilliant too. Everything felt so real. Vivid, almost.
I adored Ryan. In one word? *swoon*. Ellie (Elspeth), in my opinion, is a great female protagonist. As much as I felt that, sometimes, she was slightly selfish, I could never bring myself to dislike her. The challenges she faces... I couldn't comprehend. Megan was hilarious. Such a great secondary character.
All in all... I really just loved this book. The message it sends out is so important, too. Things can change fast, and you need to learn love who you are. Once you do, the world is your oyster. We all have challenges to overcome, but with the right people around you, you'll be okay.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend 'Beautiful' to anyone looking to read it :)
Raw, powerful emotions were stirred up in me throughout the book. The author has created some witty, fun, deep characters that I couldn't help but love.
The story was told in alternating points of view between Ellie and her sister Megan, which I found really enjoyable. There wasn't any of the disruption or confusion caused by the switching POV that sometimes happens. It was smooth. The writing was brilliant too. Everything felt so real. Vivid, almost.
I adored Ryan. In one word? *swoon*. Ellie (Elspeth), in my opinion, is a great female protagonist. As much as I felt that, sometimes, she was slightly selfish, I could never bring myself to dislike her. The challenges she faces... I couldn't comprehend. Megan was hilarious. Such a great secondary character.
All in all... I really just loved this book. The message it sends out is so important, too. Things can change fast, and you need to learn love who you are. Once you do, the world is your oyster. We all have challenges to overcome, but with the right people around you, you'll be okay.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend 'Beautiful' to anyone looking to read it :)
December 2, 2013
Ellie has her life completely under control. She has a 4.0, a perfect boyfriend, good friendships and is involved in every charity and school group she can be. She is also an avid church-goer and an all-round wonderful person. But deep down, Ellie is extremely unhappy. She doesn't get a chance to analyze this discontent until her life changes in one split second. As a result of a tragedy, Ellie is burned on half her body and must undergo extremely painful procedures and months in the hospital. She comes out scarred, both inwardly and outwardly, and must examine her life, her relationships and her view of perfection and beauty. Through it all, Ellie realizes what a shell her former life was, and she also gains perspective on what is really important in life. She loses herself, but also finds what she was looking for.
This was a beautifully written story about life, its unfairness, and how we cope. Ellie's character was relatable and her emotions were believable. I loved the changes she went through and felt that even through the bitterness and cynicism, the message about coping with tragedy and moving forward were well portrayed.
This was a beautifully written story about life, its unfairness, and how we cope. Ellie's character was relatable and her emotions were believable. I loved the changes she went through and felt that even through the bitterness and cynicism, the message about coping with tragedy and moving forward were well portrayed.
April 16, 2013
I don't know where to start besides this is one of the best books I've ever read and I hate to read so that pretty good right? Well it was about this girl names Ellie that has an awesome boyfriend and is popular with good grades!!! One day on the way home with her friend after a party at her friends house she gets in a car accident and her friend Stasia died on the spot. The doctors thought she wouldn't make it, even though he did she had to spend 5 months in the hospital with a serious burn on the left side of her body, from her face to her leg.
I absolutely loved this book. It made me think about how lucky I am, and that people do have to live with things like burns. It thought to myself that nothing can stop me from doing my best all time and nothing can stop me from doing that. This has been such an inspirational book, and I hope you guys take the time to read it and understand that life has more to it then being popular and "beautiful", it has meaning and don't take advantage of it. Please pick up this book and read it now! I hoped this helped and you get as inspired as I did!! :)
I absolutely loved this book. It made me think about how lucky I am, and that people do have to live with things like burns. It thought to myself that nothing can stop me from doing my best all time and nothing can stop me from doing that. This has been such an inspirational book, and I hope you guys take the time to read it and understand that life has more to it then being popular and "beautiful", it has meaning and don't take advantage of it. Please pick up this book and read it now! I hoped this helped and you get as inspired as I did!! :)
July 26, 2015
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL !!!! ;) I LOVED IT I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT !!! I THOUGH THE WHOLE STORY WAS TRAGIC AND AMAZING AND JUST WONDERFUL!! I LOVED THE ENDING. I HATED THAT SHE DID NOT LOVE HER BOYFRIEND RYAN ... LIKE WHY NOT??? ....HE LOVES YOU BUT I LOVED THE WHOLE PLOT !! I ALSO LIKED WILL AND HONESTLY I REALLY DIDN'T CARE WHO SHE WOULD END UP WITH BUT I HOPE IT'S WITH RYAN I HOPE IN THE FUTURE THEY CAN BE TOGETHER AS FOR WILL THEY AGREE D TO JUST BE FRIENDS! WHAT HAPPENED TO HER REALLY DOES SUCK BUT I GUESS IT HAPPENED FOR A REASON.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE WAS WHEN RYAN GAVE HER A NOTE AND IT BASICALLY SAID " EVERYONE WAS DISFIGURED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. SOME PEOPLE ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. IN SOME PEOPLE, WE SEE IT IMMEDIATELY IN THEIR FACES OR BODIES. BUT EVERYONE HAS BROKEN PLACES. JUST LIKE EVERYONE HAS BEAUTIFUL PLACES. YOU'LL USE YOUR SCARS AND YOUR BEAUTY FOR THE PURPOSE GOD MADE YOU FOR (COLOMA 281)." HE LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING THAT AND I HOPE THEIR FUTURES BRING THEM TOGETHER; I WISH THERE WAS MORE TO THE STORY OR A SECOND BOOK! I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE IT'S REALLY AMAZING !!!! :D
MY FAVORITE QUOTE WAS WHEN RYAN GAVE HER A NOTE AND IT BASICALLY SAID " EVERYONE WAS DISFIGURED IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. SOME PEOPLE ARE WORSE THAN OTHERS. IN SOME PEOPLE, WE SEE IT IMMEDIATELY IN THEIR FACES OR BODIES. BUT EVERYONE HAS BROKEN PLACES. JUST LIKE EVERYONE HAS BEAUTIFUL PLACES. YOU'LL USE YOUR SCARS AND YOUR BEAUTY FOR THE PURPOSE GOD MADE YOU FOR (COLOMA 281)." HE LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING THAT AND I HOPE THEIR FUTURES BRING THEM TOGETHER; I WISH THERE WAS MORE TO THE STORY OR A SECOND BOOK! I RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE IT'S REALLY AMAZING !!!! :D
May 12, 2010
What I liked: I love how this novel was unique and didn't bring another cliche plot-line to the teen chick-flick genre. The issue was real, and Ellie had to go through the tough side of things to realize what true beauty is. This novel was definitely subtle about God. I don't think there was any part of this novel that was too preachy. The characters were very well-developed, and Cindy Martinusen-Coloma's style of writing is outstanding. I would love it if this book were turned into a film, or perhaps television series.
What I disliked: It took me a while to read only because it made me depressed each page I read, and a "happy, perfect ending" didn't exactly happen like I had hoped for. But that's what makes this novel so real. Life isn't all about happy lives and satisfying endings.
Other comments: Reading this book showed me that I should definitely be more thankful for my appearance. The author did a great job weaving this message into the novel. I would recommend this book, even if you aren't a Christian.
What I disliked: It took me a while to read only because it made me depressed each page I read, and a "happy, perfect ending" didn't exactly happen like I had hoped for. But that's what makes this novel so real. Life isn't all about happy lives and satisfying endings.
Other comments: Reading this book showed me that I should definitely be more thankful for my appearance. The author did a great job weaving this message into the novel. I would recommend this book, even if you aren't a Christian.
goodreadingguide-com
November 9, 2014Flor's review: Beautiful
-It is a fairly predictable story about Ellie, a beautiful, popular girl who suffers a severe accident and looses everything she thought important, forcing her to re-asses her priorities and what defines her as a person.
-There are some interesting discussions about faith in God which was strong in Ellie as long as things were on the right track but is sorely tested once the accident takes place. She really struggles to see “God’s plan” in her pain.
-There is a romantic plot developing throughout the novel but it is clean and even edifying as Ellie’s popular boyfriend stays around even after the accident and matures fast as he tries to support her.
-Note that there are some issues with Ellie’s older sister who is a rebel and a bit promiscuous. Not too descriptive and she changes a bit towards the end.
-Overall, it’s a good romantic novel for young teenagers who are not used to reading a lot; it is easy to get through but will bore the more avid readers.
It would also be too predictable for girls over 13 years old.
-It is a fairly predictable story about Ellie, a beautiful, popular girl who suffers a severe accident and looses everything she thought important, forcing her to re-asses her priorities and what defines her as a person.
-There are some interesting discussions about faith in God which was strong in Ellie as long as things were on the right track but is sorely tested once the accident takes place. She really struggles to see “God’s plan” in her pain.
-There is a romantic plot developing throughout the novel but it is clean and even edifying as Ellie’s popular boyfriend stays around even after the accident and matures fast as he tries to support her.
-Note that there are some issues with Ellie’s older sister who is a rebel and a bit promiscuous. Not too descriptive and she changes a bit towards the end.
-Overall, it’s a good romantic novel for young teenagers who are not used to reading a lot; it is easy to get through but will bore the more avid readers.
It would also be too predictable for girls over 13 years old.
July 3, 2012
Well, this really was a fantastic book. It reflects everything I believe about beauty and the real value of our lives. The writing was awesome and the characters had depth. I enjoyed Megan the most. I really loved her character because she was not only smart but had such a great, if dry, sense of humor which really added to the story. Also, the story itself was incredibly moving. It was very sad at times. I really felt for Ellie and the incredible pain she endured. She too was a great character but I liked her even more after her accident. She really changed for the better. God transformed her heart through a horrific and painful experience. God does the same in our lives. Beauty from pain.
On a more personal note, God really spoke to me throughout reading Beautiful. The message I received was simply that I don't have to be perfect, outwardly or inwardly. God looks at my heart and the beauty within it. I really did love this book; it's message and story will remain in my heart. To Cindy Martinusen-Coloma, (author of Beautiful) a job well done and thank you very much.
On a more personal note, God really spoke to me throughout reading Beautiful. The message I received was simply that I don't have to be perfect, outwardly or inwardly. God looks at my heart and the beauty within it. I really did love this book; it's message and story will remain in my heart. To Cindy Martinusen-Coloma, (author of Beautiful) a job well done and thank you very much.
August 13, 2016
When Ellie gets in a terrible car crash, the perfect life of the perfect girl is shattered. Her life suddenly becomes fragile and she quickly discovers who her real friends are and who truly loves her.
Beautiful is a book that causes you to reflect on how you might respond in a similar situation to Ellie's. It was interesting to see Ellie's reaction to the changes in her life and the struggles she dealt with--struggles she never anticipated experiencing. After becoming involved in the story, I loved that the final chapter fasts forward a bit into the future to show whether or not "they lived happily ever after". This book has religious undertones that make you think about your relationship with God and your trust in Him and His plan. While it is a bit religious, it will also appeal to non-religious audience as it is quite subtle and infrequent. This was an excellent read that deserves 4.5 stars!
For full review go to http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
Beautiful is a book that causes you to reflect on how you might respond in a similar situation to Ellie's. It was interesting to see Ellie's reaction to the changes in her life and the struggles she dealt with--struggles she never anticipated experiencing. After becoming involved in the story, I loved that the final chapter fasts forward a bit into the future to show whether or not "they lived happily ever after". This book has religious undertones that make you think about your relationship with God and your trust in Him and His plan. While it is a bit religious, it will also appeal to non-religious audience as it is quite subtle and infrequent. This was an excellent read that deserves 4.5 stars!
For full review go to http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
May 1, 2011
I enjoyed this book. It took till after the first 70 pages to really get into it, but in the end it was great. At first it was kinda hard to connect with the characters; Ellie was the epitome of perfection--or so everyone thought--but she was stand-offish, not just to other characters but to me as a reader. It wasn't till after the accident that I really started to feel a connection to anyone because that is when you see everyone's true character--in the face of tragedy.
Ellie's journey through pain and suffering was at times frustrating; her self-pity, her efforts in secluding herself and pushing everyone away was hard to get through, but understandable and part of her healing process. But through it all, you see the greatest of the characters like Will, Ryan, and Megan.
Overall, this story was beautiful one; it started with tragedy and ended with Ellie's self-discovery, hope, and new view on life. It starts out slow, but in the end definitely worth the read.
Ellie's journey through pain and suffering was at times frustrating; her self-pity, her efforts in secluding herself and pushing everyone away was hard to get through, but understandable and part of her healing process. But through it all, you see the greatest of the characters like Will, Ryan, and Megan.
Overall, this story was beautiful one; it started with tragedy and ended with Ellie's self-discovery, hope, and new view on life. It starts out slow, but in the end definitely worth the read.
June 3, 2012
I didn't know that a book could affect the way I view things GREATLY after reading it.
Guess I'm not making sense. But what I'm trying to say is after reading this book, it got me thinking "What/Who has given worth to my life?" something like that. Some deep shit things like that.
But what I really love about this is I could picture and associate myself with Ellie. Maybe it has something to do with being an overachiever (though not to the point of wanting world peace and international humanitarian stuff like what Ellie wants). And I asked myself if I was really happy doing this and being like this.
And this book somewhat gave me the chance to reflect on my life at this very moment.
I felt that strong connection with the protagonist that I thought when placed in the same situation with her I would probably be just like her.
Beautiful, touched something in my heart. A longing? A purpose? That I do not know. But after reading the book I felt glad I did :)
Guess I'm not making sense. But what I'm trying to say is after reading this book, it got me thinking "What/Who has given worth to my life?" something like that. Some deep shit things like that.
But what I really love about this is I could picture and associate myself with Ellie. Maybe it has something to do with being an overachiever (though not to the point of wanting world peace and international humanitarian stuff like what Ellie wants). And I asked myself if I was really happy doing this and being like this.
And this book somewhat gave me the chance to reflect on my life at this very moment.
I felt that strong connection with the protagonist that I thought when placed in the same situation with her I would probably be just like her.
Beautiful, touched something in my heart. A longing? A purpose? That I do not know. But after reading the book I felt glad I did :)
June 3, 2012
I didn't know that a book could affect the way I view things GREATLY after reading it.
Guess I'm not making sense. But what I'm trying to say is after reading this book, it got me thinking "What/Who has given worth to my life?" something like that. Some deep shit things like that.
But what I really love about this is I could picture and associate myself with Ellie. Maybe it has something to do with being an overachiever (though not to the point of wanting world peace and international humanitarian stuff like what Ellie wants). And I asked myself if I was really happy doing this and being like this.
And this book somewhat gave me the chance to reflect on my life at this very moment.
I felt that strong connection with the protagonist that I thought when placed in the same situation with her I would probably be just like her.
Beautiful, touched something in my heart. A longing? A purpose? That I do not know. But after reading the book I felt glad I did :)
Guess I'm not making sense. But what I'm trying to say is after reading this book, it got me thinking "What/Who has given worth to my life?" something like that. Some deep shit things like that.
But what I really love about this is I could picture and associate myself with Ellie. Maybe it has something to do with being an overachiever (though not to the point of wanting world peace and international humanitarian stuff like what Ellie wants). And I asked myself if I was really happy doing this and being like this.
And this book somewhat gave me the chance to reflect on my life at this very moment.
I felt that strong connection with the protagonist that I thought when placed in the same situation with her I would probably be just like her.
Beautiful, touched something in my heart. A longing? A purpose? That I do not know. But after reading the book I felt glad I did :)
March 28, 2014
I am having a wonderful reading month :) This book touched my heart in so many ways. It is a mixture of funny, sad, and hilarious. I just didn't want to put this book down. So i didn't. I read it in one sitting and just DEVOURED it. This novel had so much potential! I have never read into the contemporary christian fiction genre but i loved it. With me being a Christian, this was the perfect read.
Beautiful is about a girl named Ellie and she is like.. not the popular girl in school but the one who everyone knows because of her volunteer work and her grades. She is the girlfriend of Ryan and she just sometimes doesn't understand him.
So when they get in an argument at a party.. something bad happens, and her life is changed forever.
In the novel.Beautiful, you will find yourself laughing, crying and thinking. This book is a definite must read for everyone!
Beautiful is about a girl named Ellie and she is like.. not the popular girl in school but the one who everyone knows because of her volunteer work and her grades. She is the girlfriend of Ryan and she just sometimes doesn't understand him.
So when they get in an argument at a party.. something bad happens, and her life is changed forever.
In the novel.Beautiful, you will find yourself laughing, crying and thinking. This book is a definite must read for everyone!
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February 12, 2015�Beautiful� is both the title of the book and the story held within its pages.\nEllie Summerfield has it all � looks, grades, status, the guy. However, she feels like something is wrong. In her? � With her? � Around her? She�s not really sure. Something is just off. \nIn a moment, her world changes. Ellie is launched on a journey to find her true purpose and the real meaning of beauty.\nI really enjoyed this book. The characters were real people with real issues and real insecurities. Bits of the story are predictable just based on the back cover. However, that doesn�t make it any less satisfying to read. \nThere is some smoking and drug use in the book. However, it is presented negatively and without any glamour or endorsement. That would be my only somewhat caution, though.\n
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