Scan barcode
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.
westontori's review against another edition
3.0
The first half is an enthralling story, but the second half kind of just dissipated, almost like two books smushed together. Also was pretty repetitive, both in literal phrases and plot points. However, the beginning was beautiful, and it is worth a read.
lgmaxwell722's review against another edition
4.0
From the beginning my heart hurt for Miranda and Lucia. Two sisters who are bound by a fight to control mental illness. Lucia, younger is full of energy and runs headlong into life. Miranda finds herself forever being her sisters keeper. The whole story kept me on edge, when would Lucia’s crash come and how would it impact those she loves?
gabipowell's review against another edition
5.0
As the older sister of a sibling with a mental illness, I resonated so deeply with the characters within this novel.
The author beautifully relayed the chaos and its effects from all angles and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate her exploring those corners.
The author beautifully relayed the chaos and its effects from all angles and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate her exploring those corners.
rhodaj's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cami19's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cemills's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 I'm a sucker for stories about sisters which is why I have had this book on my TBR for so long. I would say that this story was more about relationships in general, though. How do you maintain relationships with people? With your significant other, with your friends, with your parents, with your sister?
I also really liked the question posed throughout this book "how do you separate someone from their illness?" Especially a serious illness like schizophrenia. How do you know where their illness stops and they begin? Reading the parts from Lucia's point of view I was struck by how rational she seemed; even when she was losing it again towards the end and wanted to find Yonah, didn't Manny do the same thing with Suzi? Really underlines the complicatedness of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
I also really liked the question posed throughout this book "how do you separate someone from their illness?" Especially a serious illness like schizophrenia. How do you know where their illness stops and they begin? Reading the parts from Lucia's point of view I was struck by how rational she seemed; even when she was losing it again towards the end and wanted to find Yonah, didn't Manny do the same thing with Suzi? Really underlines the complicatedness of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
barbaraskalberg's review against another edition
3.0
It took me almost half the novel to really get into the story. Mental illness hits close to home as I grew up with a bipolar dad. This story does a good job of showing the amazing person Lucia is and how she doesn't want to be defined and hemmed in by her diagnosis. It also shows how terribly hard such a disease is on the ones who love her.
cmcclure9's review against another edition
4.0
I was engaged with these characters until the end. A heartbreaking look at the toll mental illness takes on everyone involved.
readingandsunshine's review against another edition
5.0
Everything Here is Beautiful is the story of two sisters - Lucia, who is kind and beloved, can quickly change to dark and confrontational, as she is schizophrenic and often refuses her medication, and Miranda, her older sister who is always trying to protect her, but also is always trying to fix her. Their relationship changes from tight knit to tumultuous and estranged as Lucia's illness becomes their relationship.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in 2 days. It was heart breaking, and difficult to read about the struggles Lucia faced and her opposition to take medication, but also beautiful. The characters were very real and raw. Miranda was doing her best to help her sister, but often behaved in a way that was hurtful to Lucia and damaging to her own marriage.
It reminded me a lot of Before I Let You Go, which was one of my favorite books this year.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in 2 days. It was heart breaking, and difficult to read about the struggles Lucia faced and her opposition to take medication, but also beautiful. The characters were very real and raw. Miranda was doing her best to help her sister, but often behaved in a way that was hurtful to Lucia and damaging to her own marriage.
It reminded me a lot of Before I Let You Go, which was one of my favorite books this year.