The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk

The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to Random House Books and Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk in exchange for an honest review. Woodfolk’s debut novel is a sad, sad book dealing with a trio of teens who try to make sense of the loss of three other teens (sister, friend and ex-boyfriend. The characters are well drawn, and authentic dealing with devastating grief, loss, love, and devastation. Each of the three teens narrates through chapters as they tell their stories, uncertainties, and speak to the power of friends, family, and relationships. As the book moves forward, the reader will be gripped by Shay’s, Autumn’s, and Logan’s loss, their sympathetic stories kept me turning the pages, as they use their love of music, friendship, and family to find “the beauty that remains” after their lives are irrevocably changed. This book stole my heart, teens will love this positive, affirming tear jerker. Highly recommended!

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We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was plunged to the depths of despair with Marin, as LaCour's main protagonist struggles with her life before, during, and now in the present, after the death/disappearance of her grandfather. Even though Marin and her grandfather have a great relationship; it was too weird- they did not go into each other's room?!? They did not relate all the time as their dynamics would suggest. And the way Marin deals with "things" after is just plain unbelievable, but then she did receive such a jolt and then she had to question everything in her life-unfortunately that ended in Marin fleeing from her best friend, Mabel and her wonderful supportive family. How she deals with her grief is so awfully lonely, I can't imagine- why would she not answer any of Mabel's endless texts? Why would she flee the police station knowing Mabel's parents were waiting? But the visit from Mabel at her college, the 3 days they spend together, gave me hope and such a wonderful feeling that with Mabel's love, help, and the support of her parents, Marin would heal, find answers and become hopeful once more.

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