A review by jmboff
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

5.0

I devoured this book in less than 48 hours. The title is absolutely accurate. We watch Wavy grow up over a course of over a decade. We endure her losses, her grief, her trials, her upbringing (or lack thereof). Her coping mechanisms not common, but understandable (her eating disorder, lack of communication, minimal attachment, and straying from bonding/intimacy) But through all of the shitty circumstances, she still has a few glimmers of shining stars in her life (Kellen, Donal, and I like to think Amy and Renee as well). I LOVED the character development and growth of all the characters through the book. I also LOVED the multiple viewpoints. There was just enough input from all the right characters at the right times. My heart was breaking in the tragedy of parts 3&4 and even in part 5 during the process of Kellens parole. But in the end, my heart fluttered and I actually had CHILLS!

Though the subject matter for some may be disturbing (violence, drugs, abuse, pedophilia, sex, etc.), These are unfortunately realities for so many children. In this fictional story, knowing that Wavy had one beautiful thing amidst all the ugly was truly fantastic.