A Review for Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Posted by Jess
Release Date: April 24th, 2012

Finished Date: November 30th, 2012

Publishers: Walkers Children's
Source: Bought

Format: E-book

Pages: 365

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

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When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

The Review: What a rollercoaster! I'd wanted to read this one for a long time. And I finally got the chance. And it most certainly didn't disappoint at all!

This book is pretty intense, which I expected when going into it. Allie's story is incredibly extraordinary and it touches on so many real life issues, that it's a wonder I managed to hold it together. 

The story itself is well paced, always something happening, naturally it's full of mystery as Allie doesn't remember anything from the night of the car accident. Allie as a character...well she's ok. I found it hard to like her to begin with, I found myself pretty much screaming at her to grow a spine. This may sound harsh considering everything that could happen to one single person, does to Allie, but I'm not a fan of weak heroines, and Allie is one to begin with, which is understandable but I could only go so far before I wanted to shout at her. But maybe that's the reaction the author wanted for her readers, I don't know. In time Allie learnt to deal with the cards she was dealt and grew up, got strong and became a new person.

This story touches on very real situations and Jennifer Shaw handled them all really well. You'll see what I mean when you meet Trip. Jennifer handled the abusive relationship really well, and this is portrayed in all of Allie's inner monologues and flash backs to the days and weeks before the accident that killed Trip (this isn't a spoiler it's in the synopsis). Jennifer Shaw most definitely has a knack for story telling, and this is one of those books that I could not put down, it was a great read. It had plenty of elements you need in a YA book. The whole plot of the story sowed together nicely, and when everything came to light you found yourself saying 'Of course, why didn't I see that?'. 

Breaking Beautiful is an extremely well written book, with interesting and unique characters and a story that will have you guessing until the very end. A read most definitely recommended :)