We Were Beautiful

As soon as I sat down to read WE WERE BEAUTIFUL, I was instantly immersed in Mias story. Reading this book was like watching a master artist sketch and then paint an exquisite work of art, giving glimpses of the scene until finally the whole stunning picture is there before your eyes. The characters drew me into their story, and I found myself unable to stop reading as much to get to know them better as to find out the truth of the tragic night that set the story in motion. When a book brings me to laughter and tears, and I want to climb inside to hug the characters at the end, its an amazing book! While the book does deal with serious teenage issues (domestic violence, drinking and driving, abandonment), I would not hesitate to share it with middle schoolers. These are problems that kids are already aware of, and need to know how to deal with. This story does that, without any kind of instructional voice. For those looking for more upper MG/early YA, WE WERE BEAUTIFUL is perfect – just exactly the right amount of romance, while also giving friend and family relationships depth and importance, as well as Mias perceptions of herself. The discussion questions and author interview at the end make the book ideal for book clubs or small groups. I really loved everything about it, and am so grateful I got to read it!
I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I also preordered the book because I loved it!

Although guilt, doubt, and family disconnect are typical YA fiction story topics, rarely are they rooted in the primary cause of this story. Nor are they always handled so deftly as they are by author Heather Hepler. The cause of guilt and disconnect are revealed slowly, and the story’s pacing and development are well done; I felt curious rather than impatient or annoyed. Our heroine Mia is experiencing some serious situations – but she is interesting and creates empathy rather than being pitied and depressing. This is a difficult topic to address, and Mia’s situation is certainly a big deal, to be sure – but the story ends with hope that is messy but still real.

When Mia Hopkin’s sister Rachel dies in a tragic accident, her family completely falls apart. Mia was also seriously scarred (both body and emotions). Although she can’t remember much of anything about the accident or it’s surrounding circumstances, she knows she is to blame.

Mia unhappily goes to New York for the summer to stay with a grandmother she’s never met, and immediately starts a job at a diner as a baker’s assistant. Yet with all of these major challenges and huge life changes, she is still willing to cautiously try new things. The “flavor” of the city and the diner and huge Brunelli family that embrace Mia, along with the budding relationship with her grandmother and some rich new friendships – all are well written, believable, and interesting.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was thought provoking with tender and laugh out loud moments. It is easy to recommend this book!

I was provided a complimentary copy by Blink Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Tragedy can strike any person at any time and it can change your life. Here we find Mia, who is terribly scarred following an accident that changed the lives of her entire family. In the beginning, all we know is that something irrevocable has happened creating a vast distance between Mia and her father, and necessitated her moving in with her grandmother.

The gaps of the story are slowly filled in as Mias memory comes back. This book is really interesting, because the story is told through Mias memories as they are returning to her. In a way, the format of the book mirrors Mias journey perfectly. Nothing is completely clear to her, but as her memories come back, more of her past is revealed to both herself and the reader.

I really loved Mia. I cant imagine being scarred in that way, and I cant imagine losing my sister. She survived something truly horrific, only to wish that she hadnt, and to face the reality that maybe others wished she hadnt. Im not really sure how Mia was able to pick up and move on, but I really love books that can put me in a situation that I could never imagine on my own. Its like really getting to live in another world.

My favorite part about Mia and the writing in We Were Beautiful is how accurately Heather Hepler portrays teenage love and insecurity. Even in an overwhelming amount of stress, being a teenager is a universal rite of passage. Hepler brings amazing clarity and humor to this difficult and exciting time in a persons life. The characters are wonderfully well developed, some with eccentric personalities. Her new friend Fig and her large extended family balance out Mias propensity for introversion and introspection.

Honestly, this book was a delightful and intuitive read that I thoroughly I enjoyed. Its completely fresh and perfect for young adult book readers.

* Special thanks to Sheila Roberts, MIRA, and PUMP UP YOUR BOOK for providing a copy of The Summer Retreat in exchange for an honest review.

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