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All the Ugly and Wonderful Things

A Novel

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All the Ugly and Wonderful Things

By: Bryn Greenwood
Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie
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About this listen

A beautiful and provocative love story between two unlikely people and the hard-won relationship that elevates them above the Midwestern meth lab backdrop of their lives.

As the daughter of a drug dealer, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. It's safer to keep her mouth shut and stay out of sight.

Struggling to raise her little brother, Donal, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible adult around. Obsessed with the constellations, she finds peace in the starry night sky above the fields behind her house until one night her stargazing causes an accident. After witnessing his motorcycle wreck, she forms an unusual friendship with one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold.

By the time Wavy is a teenager, her relationship with Kellen is the only tender thing in a brutal world of addicts and debauchery. When tragedy rips Wavy's family apart, a well-meaning aunt steps in, and what is beautiful to Wavy looks ugly under the scrutiny of the outside world.

A powerful novel you won't soon forget, Bryn Greenwood's All the Ugly and Wonderful Things challenges all we know and believe about love.

©2016 Bryn Greenwood (P)2016 Audible, Inc. Coming of Age Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"Jorjeana Marie was meant to narrate this gripping story, which takes place in meth country in the Midwest. Neglected, abused 8-year-old Wavy Quinn is stargazing when she unintentionally causes Jesse Joe Kellen, an ex-con employee of her drug-dealing dad, to crash his motorcycle. Marie grippingly portrays this troubled pair who befriend each other after Wavy saves his life. Things come to a head when their relationship is misunderstood. In addition to deftly presenting the lead characters, Marie perfectly renders Wavy's adorable little brother and beloved grandmother. Some chapters are written from other characters' viewpoints over a period of 15 years, and Marie presents those flawlessly as well. Listeners will be eager to hear what happens next, always rooting for Wavy and Kellen." ( AudioFile Magazine)
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Most relevant

If you could sum up All the Ugly and Wonderful Things in three words, what would they be?

Opens your mind.

What did you like best about this story?

The unique story and characters. I read a lot but the unorthodox personalities and unpredictable plot were refreshing to me. Definitely thought-provoking.

Which character – as performed by Jorjeana Marie – was your favourite?

Kellen because he has been misunderstood all his life but finally finds someone who 'sees' him.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Life is Ugly yet Wonderful.

Any additional comments?

This is the first audiobook that I've wanted to start re-listening to from the beginning right after l processed the ending of the book. This is excluding the countless of times l had to re-listen to sections of the book because of the power of their words. The narration captured the characters, the scenes and the emotions perfectly. Not an easy feat considering there were a dozen plus POVs! This is not a story for the faint-hearted but trust me the feelings you experience are worth every moment of your time. It's so stimulating to step out of your comfort zone and be challenged to open your mind. Life is never black and white, nor is Love (in fact it is far more than 50 shades).

A first for me ...

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It's very rare that a book -an audio book - satisfies in every aspect but this audiobook, well, it grabbed me from the first word and didn't let go until the final full-stop. Writing this review is a way to hang on just a little longer.
I'm not going to give away this story, only to say that the title sums it up pretty well. I cried and laughed and thought 'Gosh, how lucky am I to have lived the life I'd been granted.' For even though this is a work of fiction it is sooo close to the truth it hurts.
Bryn Greenwood and ...thank you for your honesty, bravery and dedication in telling this story.
Jorjeana Marie you are a truly gifted story teller! You captured each and every character perfectly! One of the best audiobook acting narrations I've ever heard!

BRILLIANT!!

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I really enjoyed this book. The performance was also enjoyable. Well written. Couldn't stop listening.

Wow!

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At first the narratives fro. different characters threw me off and I didnt think I would like it... I was so wrong. the different narratives help develop the story more. At times I thought I wouldn't be able to get thru parts of the story because of the graffic nature of some parts but I managed and it was soooo worth it.

cringe worthy and heartfelt romance with HEA

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really thought provoking read. Children stuck in a world consumed by mental health issues, drugs, violence and the meaning of family challenged

Disturbing, Sad but hopeful...

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