Breaking Beautiful
Walker Children's
ISBN-13: 9780802723529
Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.
Review
Allie is devastated by an accident that left her fighting for her life and her boyfriend Trip losing his. Now dealing with the loss of her memory from the time she was getting ready for the dance until she woke in the hospital, Allie is losing herself in an unexpected emotion - relief. Because no one knows that Trip used to abuse Allie, verbally and physically. Except for a few of his friends that just stood by and watched. Allie was too ashamed to tell anyone and she still is. But someone doesn't want Allie to move on and is leaving threatening messages in her locked. When it turns out that Trip's death might not have been completely an accident. both Allie and her best friend Blake (who might be becoming something more) are thrown under suspicion by the entire town. Can Allie remember what happened and save them both from uncertainty? But will it turn out to be what she expected when she finally does? Allie was a very strong main character. It takes a lot of strength to deal with being in an abusive relationship, especially when your self-esteem is as low as hers obviously was. Her twin brother Andrew, who suffers cerebral palsy, was another very strong character in the book. He supported Allie, even when she felt like giving up on life and not trying anymore. I think the reality of the plot was surprising because a lot of authors skate over the fact that not every parent notices when something like this is happening. And when they find out not everything turns into rainbows and puppies either. I loved Blake for being angry, but unwilling to stop trying to save Allie (even from herself near the end of the book). This was definitely worth the read. The only complaints that really keep this from being a five star book are the cheesy ending and Allie's block-headed whining for the first half of the book.
VERDICT: 4/5 Stars
*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published April 24th, 2012.*
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