Reviews

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

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gwalt118's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating in its exploration of mental health facilities in the mid 20th century. That's a topic that we don't often discuss, yet one that we definitely should. The characterization in this story was magnificent. I loved watching all of the characters change and become more dynamic throughout the novel. The reader is required to make many inferences along the way, but that makes the book more fun and engaging. I was legitimately sad when this one was over, not because the ending was sad (it's not), but because I wanted an excuse to keep reading about the characters.

cstaude's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book. It made me laugh, cry, and think. All good thinks in a really good read!

dylpickle_'s review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

wordsbetweenlines's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was beautiful. And sad.

My aunt picked this one up for me and I knew nothing about it.

It intertwines a widow, a deaf man, a girl with a developmental disability and a baby.

It’s a slower paced book that takes the time to build the characters and their lives as it spans decades.

cherylg123's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

24marsha's review against another edition

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4.0

Great story. Loved Martha and the joy and happiness she found in her old age. It is very sad to think of the lives of those with disadvantages during this time but it was a good reality check. Loved how brave Kate was even if I wanted her to do more. But I think I am to cynical for that much of a happy ending though so it loses a star.