You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
I'm not sure what book people read when they say it was meh, or they say that there was insta-love. It takes a special kind of book to make me feel like my heart was ripped out of my chest and sent through a paper shredder and still make me come away loving it.
A Need So Beautiful made me cry from probably the last 70 pages on. Let's start with what I liked about the novel, shall we?
The whole premise, the whole idea of the novel is a new spin on the Angel lore - if that's even what this is, it's hard to say for certain. The idea of The Forgotten. A messenger of the light, if you will, whose destiny is to help people she's compelled to - her Need - and to bring light to their lives until she fades away. Until everyone she's ever known, ever loved, ever met, forgets she even exists. Her existence will literally be erased once she's gone.
I really loved that Young skipped the whole boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl skip off into the sunset idea. We come into the book with an already established relationship between Charlotte and Harlin. I loved that. I was so glad to see how much they loved each other, the plans they had for their future and we even got to see their first kiss. But then they just went and broke my heart. I also loved the supporting characters, even if we didn't see much of them. I loved little Alex and the insite we got into him, if brief. Mercy and Sarah. Young did a fantastic job of making me care for the little guys.
As great as the writing is, I'm not sure when these characters suddenly took a vice grip to my heart. One second I'm reading along, liking everyone just fine, and the next I'm halfway through the book and the tears are just rolling down my cheeks. Literally. I had to put the book down a few times to catch my breath and clear my blurry vision so I could actually continue on. A book hasn't made me cry this much since I read Never Let Me Go.
A Need so Beautiful made me think what I would do if I was in Charlotte's shoes. It made me wonder what would happen if I was a Forgotten. Would I accept my fate? Would I accept that my parents, all of my friends, anyone I've ever known would simply forget I existed? Go on like I never was at all? People - I - ponder that on a normal level. People toy with the idea of how long their memory will last after death. Who will remember you until they die? With who will you become just a fleeting memory? A whisper? Was I ever really anything to begin with? It's tough to think of that, but this book is all of that on a whole other level.
People need to read this book. It's beautiful and I'm sure the sequel, A Want so Wicked will be just as heartbreaking, if not more.
A Need So Beautiful made me cry from probably the last 70 pages on. Let's start with what I liked about the novel, shall we?
The whole premise, the whole idea of the novel is a new spin on the Angel lore - if that's even what this is, it's hard to say for certain. The idea of The Forgotten. A messenger of the light, if you will, whose destiny is to help people she's compelled to - her Need - and to bring light to their lives until she fades away. Until everyone she's ever known, ever loved, ever met, forgets she even exists. Her existence will literally be erased once she's gone.
I really loved that Young skipped the whole boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl skip off into the sunset idea. We come into the book with an already established relationship between Charlotte and Harlin. I loved that. I was so glad to see how much they loved each other, the plans they had for their future and we even got to see their first kiss. But then they just went and broke my heart. I also loved the supporting characters, even if we didn't see much of them. I loved little Alex and the insite we got into him, if brief. Mercy and Sarah. Young did a fantastic job of making me care for the little guys.
As great as the writing is, I'm not sure when these characters suddenly took a vice grip to my heart. One second I'm reading along, liking everyone just fine, and the next I'm halfway through the book and the tears are just rolling down my cheeks. Literally. I had to put the book down a few times to catch my breath and clear my blurry vision so I could actually continue on. A book hasn't made me cry this much since I read Never Let Me Go.
A Need so Beautiful made me think what I would do if I was in Charlotte's shoes. It made me wonder what would happen if I was a Forgotten. Would I accept my fate? Would I accept that my parents, all of my friends, anyone I've ever known would simply forget I existed? Go on like I never was at all? People - I - ponder that on a normal level. People toy with the idea of how long their memory will last after death. Who will remember you until they die? With who will you become just a fleeting memory? A whisper? Was I ever really anything to begin with? It's tough to think of that, but this book is all of that on a whole other level.
People need to read this book. It's beautiful and I'm sure the sequel, A Want so Wicked will be just as heartbreaking, if not more.
From my blog review:
"I started reading A Need So Beautiful back in June. I didn't really know what it was about, I had found it because it showed up in my Goodreads recommendations and it seemed interesting enough. OK and I'm not even going to lie the cover is beautiful. I mistakenly started reading this right before my vacation. I was so busy during my holidays that I wasn't able to focus on the book and really dive into the story. And what a shame - this book was astonishingly good. Suzanne Young does such a wonderful job describing the characters, their feelings, their relationships and their surroundings.
A Need So Beautiful is about girl named Charlotte who experiences what she calls "The Need". The Need draws and pulls her towards people that need guidance or help. Whenever Charlotte tries to resist the need or go immediately toward the need she experiences immense pain. She needs to hide this from her friends, family and even her boyfriend, Harlin as no one knows what she is going through and Charlotte feels that they will think she is crazy. As the Need starts to get stronger and stronger, things start to happen to Charlotte and she finds herself in the middle of something she has little to no control over.
I do not want to give too much away as this is an amazing book with a very good ending and it would be a tragedy to ruin this for anyone that wants to read it.
The only thing I did not like about this book was that she did not trust her boyfriend Harlin enough to tell him what she was going through. I thought this was somewhat contradictory as throughout the whole book Charlotte is always refers to how wonderful their relationship and Harlin is her soulmate.
The ending threw me... I was not expecting the book to end like it did and I was sobbing. Crying so hard, and not in a bad way as I thought it had a great ending. Again I do not want to reveal why because I want this to be spoiler free :)
I cannot wait to read A Want So Wicked, the second book in the series."
"I started reading A Need So Beautiful back in June. I didn't really know what it was about, I had found it because it showed up in my Goodreads recommendations and it seemed interesting enough. OK and I'm not even going to lie the cover is beautiful. I mistakenly started reading this right before my vacation. I was so busy during my holidays that I wasn't able to focus on the book and really dive into the story. And what a shame - this book was astonishingly good. Suzanne Young does such a wonderful job describing the characters, their feelings, their relationships and their surroundings.
A Need So Beautiful is about girl named Charlotte who experiences what she calls "The Need". The Need draws and pulls her towards people that need guidance or help. Whenever Charlotte tries to resist the need or go immediately toward the need she experiences immense pain. She needs to hide this from her friends, family and even her boyfriend, Harlin as no one knows what she is going through and Charlotte feels that they will think she is crazy. As the Need starts to get stronger and stronger, things start to happen to Charlotte and she finds herself in the middle of something she has little to no control over.
I do not want to give too much away as this is an amazing book with a very good ending and it would be a tragedy to ruin this for anyone that wants to read it.
The only thing I did not like about this book was that she did not trust her boyfriend Harlin enough to tell him what she was going through. I thought this was somewhat contradictory as throughout the whole book Charlotte is always refers to how wonderful their relationship and Harlin is her soulmate.
The ending threw me... I was not expecting the book to end like it did and I was sobbing. Crying so hard, and not in a bad way as I thought it had a great ending. Again I do not want to reveal why because I want this to be spoiler free :)
I cannot wait to read A Want So Wicked, the second book in the series."
Full review on my blog
This book was wonderfully written - from the relationships, to her emotions and to the heart pounding ending. The story flowed very well for me and I found myself racing through it and sitting in shock as it ended. I had some tears in these eyes of mine. What I loved most about this was that it was so very unique from all the other paranormal books I've read. If you tend to shy away from the typical heavy paranormal offerings but still want something a a little other-worldly...I'd say this is an excellent pick for you. The emotional response you will have to this book is something that, for me, has been unmatched in most paranormal books. It's got a strong plot with a unique and refreshing twist on paranormal but only treads lightly in that realm. I think the next book will probably be a bit more heavy on the paranormal realm and I am surely excited for that as A Need So Beautiful was STELLAR and she's got me hooked. I need to find out what happens to my girl Charlotte!
This book was wonderfully written - from the relationships, to her emotions and to the heart pounding ending. The story flowed very well for me and I found myself racing through it and sitting in shock as it ended. I had some tears in these eyes of mine. What I loved most about this was that it was so very unique from all the other paranormal books I've read. If you tend to shy away from the typical heavy paranormal offerings but still want something a a little other-worldly...I'd say this is an excellent pick for you. The emotional response you will have to this book is something that, for me, has been unmatched in most paranormal books. It's got a strong plot with a unique and refreshing twist on paranormal but only treads lightly in that realm. I think the next book will probably be a bit more heavy on the paranormal realm and I am surely excited for that as A Need So Beautiful was STELLAR and she's got me hooked. I need to find out what happens to my girl Charlotte!
A Need So Beautiful introduces us to Charlotte Cassidy, an orphan living with her foster mother and several other foster children. Charlotte suffers from uncontrollable compulsions which she calls her “need” that compels her to seek out certain people and help them in some life-changing way. These compulsions come over her randomly and manifests as a physical ache deep within her that is only relieved when she completes her task. She has tried to keep all of these compulsive “needs” hidden from everyone, but her best friend seems to have an idea that something is a bit different about Charlotte. When Charlotte begins to realize that these “needs” are not only taking over her life, but may also end it, she has to come to terms with who and what she really is and decide which path to take.
I had such a difficult time writing this review. I thought the premise was incredibly fascinating and original. The compulsions that basically ruled Charlotte’s life were intriguing in the way they came upon her as well as in the way she fulfilled each task. I felt her frustration that these “needs'’ would so often take her away from what she preferred to be doing and she seemed to be powerless to control when and where these compulsions would overtake her. I can’t imagine having my life ruled by these impulses to help other people even when I didn’t particularly want to. It was almost as if Charlotte was a slave whose will was forced to follow the whims of these compulsions. Understandably, she resented this. Charlotte has the basic desires of many teenagers, to spend as much time as possible with her boyfriend and when she’s not with him, to hang out with her best friend. When her body began to show physical changes because of these impulses, she began to search for answers and a way to stop what was happening to her. As much as I would love to make a difference in the world and in other people’s lives, would I be willing to do so at the expense of my own life and my own happiness?
While I loved the premise, I often felt a bit of a disconnect with Charlottes character. Her obsession with her boyfriend was a bit much at times but some of that could be explained by the fact that, because of the “needs,” she may have naturally tended to invest that level of intensity into everything including her relationships with others. There were also quite a few holes in the plot as well as many unanswered questions about the mythology behind “The Forgotten.” Throughout the story, I alternated between being fascinated by and put off by a condition that would seem to push Charlotte toward what is essentially suicide and I really would have liked a lot more clarification about that. Then there were the secondary characters, Monroe and Onika and boyfriend Harlin. These characters seemed a bit weak and one dimensional. There was definitely a disconnect as far as they were concerned. I was left with more questions than answers by the end of this book. For some reason, all of the pieces of the puzzle didn’t quite come together for me.
With that being said, the plot and characters were certainly strong enough to hold my interest throughout the entirety of this book and after that jaw-dropping ending, I will definitely be back for more. I am eagerly anticipating reading A Want So Wicked, and I hope that what I did not understand with this book will be cleared up in the sequel.
Much of the disconnect I felt may have been due to the narration in the audio I listened to. This was one of the worst audio narrations I’ve ever listened to. It truly speaks to the strength of the plot and story that I was able to listen to this complete audio. The English? accent that this narrator used for Monroe and the Russian? accent used for Onika was painfully annoying as was the cloyingly cutesy voice used for Charlotte’s best friend Sarah. If want to get this book, choose the print or eBook.
Ultimately, I enjoyed A Need So Beautiful because of the original premise and interesting main character. While I felt the book had some definite flaws, I would still recommend it to those who have been looking for something fresh and new in YA fantasy.
I had such a difficult time writing this review. I thought the premise was incredibly fascinating and original. The compulsions that basically ruled Charlotte’s life were intriguing in the way they came upon her as well as in the way she fulfilled each task. I felt her frustration that these “needs'’ would so often take her away from what she preferred to be doing and she seemed to be powerless to control when and where these compulsions would overtake her. I can’t imagine having my life ruled by these impulses to help other people even when I didn’t particularly want to. It was almost as if Charlotte was a slave whose will was forced to follow the whims of these compulsions. Understandably, she resented this. Charlotte has the basic desires of many teenagers, to spend as much time as possible with her boyfriend and when she’s not with him, to hang out with her best friend. When her body began to show physical changes because of these impulses, she began to search for answers and a way to stop what was happening to her. As much as I would love to make a difference in the world and in other people’s lives, would I be willing to do so at the expense of my own life and my own happiness?
While I loved the premise, I often felt a bit of a disconnect with Charlottes character. Her obsession with her boyfriend was a bit much at times but some of that could be explained by the fact that, because of the “needs,” she may have naturally tended to invest that level of intensity into everything including her relationships with others. There were also quite a few holes in the plot as well as many unanswered questions about the mythology behind “The Forgotten.” Throughout the story, I alternated between being fascinated by and put off by a condition that would seem to push Charlotte toward what is essentially suicide and I really would have liked a lot more clarification about that. Then there were the secondary characters, Monroe and Onika and boyfriend Harlin. These characters seemed a bit weak and one dimensional. There was definitely a disconnect as far as they were concerned. I was left with more questions than answers by the end of this book. For some reason, all of the pieces of the puzzle didn’t quite come together for me.
With that being said, the plot and characters were certainly strong enough to hold my interest throughout the entirety of this book and after that jaw-dropping ending, I will definitely be back for more. I am eagerly anticipating reading A Want So Wicked, and I hope that what I did not understand with this book will be cleared up in the sequel.
Much of the disconnect I felt may have been due to the narration in the audio I listened to. This was one of the worst audio narrations I’ve ever listened to. It truly speaks to the strength of the plot and story that I was able to listen to this complete audio. The English? accent that this narrator used for Monroe and the Russian? accent used for Onika was painfully annoying as was the cloyingly cutesy voice used for Charlotte’s best friend Sarah. If want to get this book, choose the print or eBook.
Ultimately, I enjoyed A Need So Beautiful because of the original premise and interesting main character. While I felt the book had some definite flaws, I would still recommend it to those who have been looking for something fresh and new in YA fantasy.
Summary: Ever since she was a little girl, Charlotte has felt the Need—the unstoppable desire to help someone whose life needs turning around. Now, the Need has become more frequent; Charlotte feels compelled every single day, and it’s starting to interrupt her life. When Charlotte’s skin begins to peel back, revealing shimmering gold underneath, she discovers that she’s not who she thought she was—she’s a Forgotten, destined to leave the earth a better place. But there’s a price all Forgotten pay: they will not be remembered by anyone, including people they love.
My thoughts: Heartbreaking and full of passion, A Need so Beautiful is a sparkling addition to the YA genre. Suzanne Young’s take on angels is the most authentic I’ve read. Those compelled by the Need make painful sacrifices but in the end feel euphoria, making them both horrific and saintly to the reader. Suzanne Young’s concept of the ultimate sacrifice (being forgotten) is very thought provoking and close to home. How many times have we heard people say that their goal in life is to leave their mark on the world? It’s easy to put yourself in Charlotte’s place while reading, and the feeling it leaves is heart wrenching.
A Need so Beautiful isn’t all sad, however. There are fun moments, like the interactions between Charlotte and her shallow (yet hilarious) best friend Sarah. Plus, there’s an adorable, incredibly passionate romance between Charlotte and her boyfriend Harlin. Their relationship brings the trope of star-crossed lovers to an entirely new level. The love between the two is almost palpable, and you can’t help but feel devastated along with them as Charlotte discovers her fate.
Charlotte, despite being a Forgotten, thinks and acts just like a modern teen. Her higher purpose does nothing to weaken her authenticity. Charlotte is the girl next door at the beginning of the book—someone really easy to relate to—but the way she faces her obstacles is amazing, and she grows into an incredibly strong and selfless person (whether she wants to be or not).
Every character surrounding Charlotte has his or her own distinctive voice, which makes for an impressive cast of sub-characters. They feel just as real as Charlotte, and each and every one of them is enjoyable to read about.
A Need so Beautiful is an utterly fantastic book—it grabs you from the very beginning and never lets go. If you’re looking for an evocative, beautiful, unforgettable read, Suzanne Young’s latest is the way to go. You won’t regret it!
My thoughts: Heartbreaking and full of passion, A Need so Beautiful is a sparkling addition to the YA genre. Suzanne Young’s take on angels is the most authentic I’ve read. Those compelled by the Need make painful sacrifices but in the end feel euphoria, making them both horrific and saintly to the reader. Suzanne Young’s concept of the ultimate sacrifice (being forgotten) is very thought provoking and close to home. How many times have we heard people say that their goal in life is to leave their mark on the world? It’s easy to put yourself in Charlotte’s place while reading, and the feeling it leaves is heart wrenching.
A Need so Beautiful isn’t all sad, however. There are fun moments, like the interactions between Charlotte and her shallow (yet hilarious) best friend Sarah. Plus, there’s an adorable, incredibly passionate romance between Charlotte and her boyfriend Harlin. Their relationship brings the trope of star-crossed lovers to an entirely new level. The love between the two is almost palpable, and you can’t help but feel devastated along with them as Charlotte discovers her fate.
Charlotte, despite being a Forgotten, thinks and acts just like a modern teen. Her higher purpose does nothing to weaken her authenticity. Charlotte is the girl next door at the beginning of the book—someone really easy to relate to—but the way she faces her obstacles is amazing, and she grows into an incredibly strong and selfless person (whether she wants to be or not).
Every character surrounding Charlotte has his or her own distinctive voice, which makes for an impressive cast of sub-characters. They feel just as real as Charlotte, and each and every one of them is enjoyable to read about.
A Need so Beautiful is an utterly fantastic book—it grabs you from the very beginning and never lets go. If you’re looking for an evocative, beautiful, unforgettable read, Suzanne Young’s latest is the way to go. You won’t regret it!
I felt like the story never really got going. I read a blurb that said something about her boyfriend thinking she cheated on him, but the book never mentioned that, so why was it in the blurb? And it felt like it was coming to a crisis with their relationship but it never really happened...And CHarlotte (?? I can't even remember her name...) came to terms with having to die and leave everything behind pretty fast. And when she is about to jump and Harlin comes along there is no crisis of faith in the light or whatever, it just like "Oh, he's a Seer, it will be okay, he'll remember me" and off she goes! And the whole backstory of the Need and the angels or whatever it is is quite quickly passed over, especially the part about the Shadows and what Onika did to stay alive.
I felt like the story could have been developed a bit better, it felt rushed, but the backbone of the story was good. Some of the side plots could have been developed more, I think that would have benefited the book along with a slower developmet of the main plot.
I felt like the story could have been developed a bit better, it felt rushed, but the backbone of the story was good. Some of the side plots could have been developed more, I think that would have benefited the book along with a slower developmet of the main plot.