Scan barcode
novelvisits's review against another edition
5.0
{My Thoughts}
What Worked For Me
Much More Than a Mental Illness Story – The core of Everything Here is Beautiful is certainly the mental illness of younger sister, Lucia, but the book itself is much more. It’s a story of immigrants, those coming to and those leaving the U.S. It highlights the differences in the quality of life for immigrants and for expats in different parts of the world. It’s a story of family, big and small, those we’re born into and those we create. It’s a story of love tested by the rigors of life. And, yes, it’s a story of mental illness in the midst of all that. It’s a story of how mental illness can sap the life out of everyone it touches, especially those who love the affected. Lee’s spotlight on Lucia’s schizophrenia/bipolar disorder is done with a delicate hand, never overwhelming the rest of her story, but always present.
“That first hospital stay, I was a compliant patient, a Sweet Asian Doll, and for this I was branded with a Severe Lifelong Mental Illness. Later, I would be told I had a twenty percent chance of maintaining a full-time job, a twenty-five percent chance of living independently, a forty percent chance of attempting suicide, a ten percent chance of succeeding.
I was twenty-six years old.”
The Humanity of Her Characters – It’s not every writer who can so thoroughly imbue her characters with life. Miranda, the older, responsible sister was so much more. She wanted her own life, but it was constantly tainted by her fears for her sister. The push and pull between those two parts of herself felt vividly real. Lucia, wanting so much from life, but facing demons often out of her control made the core of this story. Manuel, the father of Lucia’s daughter, was the character I most admired. An undocumented immigrant from Ecuador, Manny took responsibility when Lucia could not. Tied to a woman he wasn’t sure he loved, Manny did the very best he could to make a good life with Lucia and their daughter.
“He remembered still, that promise he’d made all those years ago. For my daughter, I will try. He had kept that promise a long, long time. He had stuck by Lucia. This was love, or this was duty, he could no longer tell the difference.”
Multiple Perspectives – Everything Here is Beautiful unfolds in long chapters with alternating perspectives. I loved those of Miranda, Manny, and Yohan (Lucia’s husband). Two that were more focused on places were also excellent. I liked Lucia’s sections slightly less, but overall the different perspectives served to weave together an exceptional story.
The Last Chapter – Though there was nothing shocking about the last chapter, it came together with such emotion and finesse, that I’d be remiss not to mention that it felt just right.
What Didn’t
Epilogue – I tend to not to care for epilogues, and the one here is no exception. There was nothing wrong with Lee’s epilogue. It just wasn’t needed. In my opinion the story was complete without it.
{The Final Assessment}
If you haven’t already guessed, I really loved this story. The characters were so rich, so vivid, and the story both hopeful and heartbreaking. It was a book I couldn’t put down and I know it’s a story I’ll not soon forget. Grade: A-
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.
What Worked For Me
Much More Than a Mental Illness Story – The core of Everything Here is Beautiful is certainly the mental illness of younger sister, Lucia, but the book itself is much more. It’s a story of immigrants, those coming to and those leaving the U.S. It highlights the differences in the quality of life for immigrants and for expats in different parts of the world. It’s a story of family, big and small, those we’re born into and those we create. It’s a story of love tested by the rigors of life. And, yes, it’s a story of mental illness in the midst of all that. It’s a story of how mental illness can sap the life out of everyone it touches, especially those who love the affected. Lee’s spotlight on Lucia’s schizophrenia/bipolar disorder is done with a delicate hand, never overwhelming the rest of her story, but always present.
“That first hospital stay, I was a compliant patient, a Sweet Asian Doll, and for this I was branded with a Severe Lifelong Mental Illness. Later, I would be told I had a twenty percent chance of maintaining a full-time job, a twenty-five percent chance of living independently, a forty percent chance of attempting suicide, a ten percent chance of succeeding.
I was twenty-six years old.”
The Humanity of Her Characters – It’s not every writer who can so thoroughly imbue her characters with life. Miranda, the older, responsible sister was so much more. She wanted her own life, but it was constantly tainted by her fears for her sister. The push and pull between those two parts of herself felt vividly real. Lucia, wanting so much from life, but facing demons often out of her control made the core of this story. Manuel, the father of Lucia’s daughter, was the character I most admired. An undocumented immigrant from Ecuador, Manny took responsibility when Lucia could not. Tied to a woman he wasn’t sure he loved, Manny did the very best he could to make a good life with Lucia and their daughter.
“He remembered still, that promise he’d made all those years ago. For my daughter, I will try. He had kept that promise a long, long time. He had stuck by Lucia. This was love, or this was duty, he could no longer tell the difference.”
Multiple Perspectives – Everything Here is Beautiful unfolds in long chapters with alternating perspectives. I loved those of Miranda, Manny, and Yohan (Lucia’s husband). Two that were more focused on places were also excellent. I liked Lucia’s sections slightly less, but overall the different perspectives served to weave together an exceptional story.
The Last Chapter – Though there was nothing shocking about the last chapter, it came together with such emotion and finesse, that I’d be remiss not to mention that it felt just right.
What Didn’t
Epilogue – I tend to not to care for epilogues, and the one here is no exception. There was nothing wrong with Lee’s epilogue. It just wasn’t needed. In my opinion the story was complete without it.
{The Final Assessment}
If you haven’t already guessed, I really loved this story. The characters were so rich, so vivid, and the story both hopeful and heartbreaking. It was a book I couldn’t put down and I know it’s a story I’ll not soon forget. Grade: A-
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.
newamsterdame's review against another edition
3.0
The way the structure of this book reflects its central conflicts-- the way that people can never really know the entirety of each other, or even themselves-- is incredibly brilliant. The book shifts between narrators and points of view, giving us episodic glimpses into the lives of two sisters and the people they bring into their family. Lee plays with narrative and perspective in order to weave together a story that leaves the reader with a lot of lingering questions, but not confusion. It's a coherent narrative that is shaped by the fracturing effects of mental illness. Ultimately, I think this novel is about the search for intimacy, and the ways in which numerous things beyond our control-- mental illness, cultural exchange, closed borders, our basic personalities-- keep us from the intimacies we crave and need. In that way, it can be a tough read. Ultimately, however, it leaves us on a hopeful note-- that despite the struggles, it is never too late to form new bonds and hold onto them.
whotaylor's review against another edition
4.0
Slow at beginning and occasionally throughout middle, but the intriguing story and characters helped me push through. I always appreciate books that talk through alternate perspectives, and this has plenty of it!
rseykora's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
preshsam's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful story of love, mental illness and family. This was so heartbreaking to read but was so real. I felt so many emotions, anger, sadness, happiness and at times, hope.
jencraun's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED this book. The aspects of love and responsibility are well articulated in the relationship between sisters and partners. I especially enjoyed the thought perspective of mental illness; stepping into the mind of Lucia and her struggles were the strongest aspects of the book for me. Also the navigation of the boundaries of responsibility within family relationships.
d_hryniuk's review against another edition
4.0
This story wasn't very exciting, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I appreciated how the author tackled the subject of mental illness and its impact on people around the person who's suffering. It was interesting to see that not only close family members felt the effects, but even those who didn't have a strong presence in their life could get caught up in it.
For me personally, everything described in the book was new. I live in a country where people rarely talk about mental health issues. They usually attribute them to laziness or believe that people can easily snap out of it.
It was sad to see Lucy making irrational decisions while she tried to fight her mental illness. Her sister, Miranda, wasn't always kind, but I understood her. I'm the oldest child too, and I've had to take care of my younger sister and cousins since we were kids, so I know how it feels to want to control my sister's life. It's easier for me to let things be because my sister is an adult who can take care of herself, but for Miranda, it wasn't that simple.
At the same time, I felt sorry for Lucy because she desperately wanted a normal life - a job, kids, and the freedom to make her own decisions. It was tough for her to accept that her life had to be different. I really wanted her to succeed.
For me personally, everything described in the book was new. I live in a country where people rarely talk about mental health issues. They usually attribute them to laziness or believe that people can easily snap out of it.
It was sad to see Lucy making irrational decisions while she tried to fight her mental illness.
Spoiler
The parts where she had just given birth to Essy were the hardest for me to read.At the same time, I felt sorry for Lucy because she desperately wanted a normal life - a job, kids, and the freedom to make her own decisions. It was tough for her to accept that her life had to be different. I really wanted her to succeed.
fracturing's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. The story is close to my heart. Overall, a very sympathetic portrayal of mental illness and the impact it has not only on the sick person, but also their entire support system. I expect my family would be able to identify with this.
It’s nitpicky, but I was put off when we got one section of first person from Lucia and third person for the balance.
It’s nitpicky, but I was put off when we got one section of first person from Lucia and third person for the balance.
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
A tale of mental illness and the toll it takes on families. Lucia and Miranda are sisters. Their mother brought them from China to America when Lucia was still in utero and Miranda was about 9 years old. They were very close as children, but grew apart as adults. The love and bond of sisterhood kept them connected. Lucia was either a schizophrenic or bipolar.
I never really loved or even liked any of the characters, but it was well written, so I am giving it 3 stars. It was a heartbreaking story of mental illness.
#EverythingHereIsBeautiful #MiraTLee
I never really loved or even liked any of the characters, but it was well written, so I am giving it 3 stars. It was a heartbreaking story of mental illness.
#EverythingHereIsBeautiful #MiraTLee
erstreetman's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautifully written book about family and mental illness, with the point of view that sometimes there's no right answer. The story, spanning some 40 years, is skillfully out-of-time. With almost no references to music, fashion, or current events, each chapter could be Right Now.
Generally, this type of non-genre fiction is not my style, but the audiobook was charmingly performed by a full cast, and that added to my enjoyment of the novel. I can see why it was one of the top books of 2018.
Generally, this type of non-genre fiction is not my style, but the audiobook was charmingly performed by a full cast, and that added to my enjoyment of the novel. I can see why it was one of the top books of 2018.