Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel


If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment building by the SATs and college applications—and by the secrets she keeps. Connelly's few friends think that her parents are divorced—but they're not. Connelly's father died when she was two, and she doesn't know how. If Connelly is the Rapunzel of her school, Jeremy Cole is the crown prince, son of a great and rich New York City family. So when he sits down next to her at lunch one day, Connelly couldn't be more surprised. But Jeremy has a tragic secret of his own, and Connelly is the only one he can turn to for help. Together they form a council of two, helping each other with their homework and sharing secrets. As the pair's friendship grows, Connelly learns that it's the truth, not the secrets, that one must guard and protect. And that between friends, the truth, however harsh, is also beautiful.


I am in love with this book. When I started reading it, the fairy tale comparisons really annoyed me, but I eventually got used to it. The Beautiful Between was lyrical and addictive. Alyssa Sheinmel has made a fan girl out of me, because even a month after reading it- I still can’t get this book out of my head.
When I’m reading, I don’t cry in front of people. The Beautiful Between hit me so hard that I cried in front of people while I was reading it.
This story was as emotional as they come. It is emotionally draining, yet oddly uplifting. I read it in an hour, in one sitting. I think that’s the way that this book needs to be read in order to get the full impact of the story that Sheinmel is telling. I can’t recommend this book enough to people and I really hope you read it.
Alyssa B. Sheinmel is an amazing author that you should all watch.

FTC- Library.

2 comments:

Alaine said...

WOW, that's a fantastic recommendation. Love your review, will keep my eye out for this one at my bookstore!

Liana said...

A book that made you cry? that's powerful stuff