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Monday, January 28, 2013

Review- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Goodreads Summary:

INTENSE. DANGEROUS. ADDICTIVE.

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.


REVIEW:

I have no clue how to even begin writing a review for Beautiful Disaster, which is exactly what the title says it is- a beautiful disaster. 
After reading some reviews for Beautiful Disaster, it is clear that this is a book that readers will either love or loathe. I know that there are certain readers who found the book to be a little too out of the world, but honestly, when it comes to reading, it's an escape for me, like music is, and as long as I can escape into a new world and feel like I'm a part of it by doing nothing but simply reading, it works for me. Beautiful Disaster did exactly that. It worked. In its own messed up, disruptive, disturbing and different way, it was beautiful. And like my favourite band Boys Like Girls say in their song Let Go- 

there's beauty in the breakdown. 

It's just like what Abby says- when it's right and when it's good... it's beautiful.
Abigail 'Abby' Abernathy, daughter of famous gambler Mick Abernathy, moves to a new town for college along with her best friend, America to start a new life and leave her past behind. She was a well formed and well-rounded character. Abby is strong, simple and sweet. Her past was a complete cracker. It was variant, something that I'd never read of before and I loved getting to know every bit of it. For me, Abby is the luckiest girl in the world, but that's only because of my immense love for Travis.
Travis... Travis is... he's unbelievable, exceptional and completely mind blowing. Keeping aside his gorgeous looks and intricate tattoos, he was extremely nice as a person. Gentle and kind aren't the words that can be used to describe Travis, but in his own twisted way, he was that too. He calls Abby 'Pigeon' or 'Pidge' which is so F-ing adorable. His family of five brothers, Trenton, Thomas, Taylor and Tyler and Travis himself with his dad Jim was a bunch of joyful and charming people. Although Travis does seem a little over protective and over possessive, I think it's absolutely fine to be that way, because in the end, love does make the world go round and that's whats happened to the fighter and player- he is in love. I seriously want to hug Jamie McGuire for creating such an extraordinary character. Trav is my book boyfriend, he is perfect. I love him. Too much. 
Abby and Travis share a totally messed up, complicated yet simply beautiful relationship. It was amazing to see how a simple friendship and a simple bet can be so life-changing. I read that some people found the relationship to be quite abusive, but it is not. It is what it is and whatever it is, it is beautiful. I loved seeing how Abby and Travis went from being friends to best friends to lovers. It was amazing. 
Yes, the ending did seem a little crazy and not so believable. Yes, it didn't make sense for Travis to go around having sex with other girls while beating the shit out of the guys who just tried to talk to Abby. Then again, I'm happy that they both get their happily ever after, which they truly deserve and work things out. 
Shepley's following line from the book perfectly describes Abby and Travis.

“I wish you and Travis would just get your shit together! You're a goddamn tornado! When you're happy, it's love and peace and butterflies. When you're pissed, you take the whole fucking world down with you!” 

Abby's best friend America and Travis' cousin Shepley also shared a wonderful relationship. They were adorable and did things their own way which was cute. As individual characters, I liked how Mare was with Abby throughout even when Abby seemed to not return the same gesture. It was a little confusing to see America support Abby and Travis' relationship at one point and go against the idea of them being together the next instance. Nonetheless, the two girls shared a lovely relation and their friendship was fun to read. Shepley, on the other hand, is the prefect guy. He was absolutely beaut and excellent. Too bad he was made to stand next to Travis. I loved Shep for who he was as a person, but I loved Travis more. I would love to know more about Mare and Shep. *subtle hinting, Jamie*
Beautiful Disaster has been one of the most amazing books that I've read. I admit that it was over the top and surreal at times and it is a bit too much- too much of drama, but come on, we all want to believe that love happens and it does- in the most inexplicable and unimaginable ways possible. 
Jamie McGuire has written a beautiful story with characters that are beautiful in their own way. The author has crafted a beautiful story that will stay with me forever, bring a smile to my face, a pounding beat to my heart and a thousand crazy thoughts in my head every time I think of it- which is most of the time. There were some very very minute editorial mistakes in the book, but seriously, who cares when the story in itself weaves its charm and finds a way to your heart where you hold it dear. 
A cheerful, moving, sad and happy and intense read all at once, Beautiful Disaster is disastrously beautiful and beautifully disastrous. You will love it or loathe it. I loved it. Truly, madly and deeply.

RATING:



Sarika

20 comments:

  1. I always love when romances feature friendship as well. Too many just ignore the other relationships in the protagonists life!

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    1. I know, right! It's so lovely to see some really close and strong friendships! Thanks for stopping by, Steph! :)

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  2. Aww, I love your rating system! I haven't read this one yet, but it's on my list for sure. (: And you're right-- it doesn't matter how unbelievable the story is, we all wanna believe in the happy ending. Fab review, Sarika! (:

    Loves,
    Megan@The Book Babe

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    1. Aw! I just can't stop smiling after reading your kind words! I'm glad you agree with me. Thanks for stopping by, Megan! Also, I'm glad you like our rating system. :D

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  3. wow a 5?! This does sound interesting, and I yet have to read it!! I think the romance for this one will be one i will enjoy! Great review!
    - Farah @ MajiBookshelf

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    1. Oh, I'm pretty sure you'll love this one and so I hope you get to read it soon. It's a whooping 5 on 5! Thanks for stopping by, Farah! :)

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  4. wonderful review! It is this way with this book, people love it or hate it, no middle point! I wonder what would I think? I have to read it!

    Rhomy - I know that Book.

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    1. I would love to know what you think, which is why I suggest you read it ASAP! ;) Thanks for stopping by, Rhomy!

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  5. I harbor a small infatuation with very dramatic love stories. I am pretty sure this fits the bill, yes? Almost everyone I truly trust has loved this book to death, I don't know why I have not read it yet!!

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    1. If you love dramatic love stories, Ali, you must read this one! You'll love it. Better read it soon! ;) Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I loved, loved!!! Beautiful Disaster, its worth a million stars. The writing is amazing and the characters are damaged and fantastic. Great review!

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    1. I know! I wish I could give it a million, trillion, zillion stars! I'm glad you loved this one just as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by, Kristen! :D

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  7. I'm so happy you loved this book!! For me, reading is an escape as well and it's kind of irritating when people try to make it out as if the author is selling a message or trying to make people be with bad guys. Yes, their relationship truly is a beautiful disaster but that's what I loved about it.

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    1. Exactly what I think! You're so totally right, Annmarie! I couldn't agree more. :D But hey, bad guys are SO irresistible, so that's an advantage too. :P Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. I've heard nothing but good things about this one. Thanks for the confirmation.

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    1. Yay! :D I do hope you read it soon now. Thanks for stopping by, Faith!

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  9. I thought this book was fabulous in the beginning, but sadly I was disappointed later. I love your point about escaping into a book. I'm also willing to overlook some issues if it grabs me.

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    1. Oh, really! Ah, that's strange, but it's so good that you're planning to overlook it all! Good stuff, thanks for stopping by, Ivana! :D

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  10. Aw! The Pidge thing did frustrate me at the beginning as well, but you gotta love all things Travis! ;) I'm so excited for WD myself! Thanks for stopping by, Aman!

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  11. I really like your blog! To raise your mood, see yourself in brazilian butt lifting jeans! They enhance your body.

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