Beauty in the Broken: A Review of All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
Some books are unforgettable—All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood is one of those books. It’s raw, beautiful, and deeply uncomfortable in all the ways that make you question your own judgments. I picked this up not quite knowing what I was in for, and by the end, I was completely wrecked. I must admit that I nearly put it down (I don’t want to give it away, but it might become obvious why)..
The story follows Wavy, a young girl growing up in a chaotic, neglectful world surrounded by addiction, violence, and abandonment. Through her eyes, we see the harshness of her reality and the small pockets of tenderness she clings to—especially in her complicated relationship with Kellen, a man who becomes her unlikely protector. Their bond is the heart of this book, and it is as troubling as it is tender. Greenwood doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable; she leans into it with such care that you’re left grappling with your own feelings about right and wrong, love and survival.
One of the things I loved about this book is how Bryn Greenwood gives a voice to the voiceless. Wavy’s story is not one of pity or easy answers. She is resilient, fiercely independent, and achingly vulnerable all at once. Her world feels so real, so lived in, that you can’t help but root for her even when the lines of morality blur.
It’s not an easy read—there’s nothing neat or tidy here. It’s messy, heart-wrenching, and, at times, hard to sit with. But isn’t that what the best books do? They make you feel deeply, challenge your perceptions, and leave you a little changed.
I don’t say this lightly, but All the Ugly and Wonderful Things is a five-star read for me. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind, in your gut, and makes you want to talk about it with someone immediately after finishing. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re ready for a story that’s as haunting as it is beautiful, I highly recommend picking this one up, because life is too short to read bad books.