A Messy, Beautiful Life

"If only all of life were that simple—a morphine-drip for the soul." ~ 34%

I like to read books with settings in places I recently visited. So it was a pleasure to read an advance copy of A Messy, Beautiful Life that takes place in the north suburb of Chicago. The colorful cover reminds me of the Osaka Garden, with beautiful Japanese landscape, a waterfall, bonsai trees and foot bridges. It was my hope that the story within would be just as beautiful.

The problem with judging a book by its cover is...well, it can be misleading. And while the book cover and title is literally beautiful, the subject matter is not. Life can indeed be messy and downright ugly sometimes, especially if finding out you have a rare cancer called chondrosarcoma. As such is the life of 17-year-old Ellie. Her life is at its very best and very worst simultaneously; hence, messy and beautiful. She tries to be strong, funny and brave for her mom, friends, improv group and that hot guy. She doesn't want them to watch her die. So Ellie puts on a smile and tries her damnedest not to cry. #LiteraryBars

"I prefer tumorously challenged." ~ 47%

Sorry if you are on the verge of crying mere minutes into my book review. Sometimes we need a reminder to appreciate life to the fullest, the importance of family and building friendships. Author Sara Jade Alan writes about cancer and love in such a tender comforting way through well-developed characters and, at times, perfect dialogue.

I'll be careful not to compare this new release to that other cancer book that shall remain nameless but made me boo-hoo-wet-face in between pages and in movie theater. Nope. Instead I will say, fans of TFIOS should add A Messy, Beautiful Life to your immediate reading lists because I know you will appreciate this good read. And the cover is so public-friendly!

Happy Early Pub Day, Sara Jade Alan! A Messy, Beautiful Life will be available Monday, October 2.

Disclaimer: This book was received directly from the publisher for review purposes only. In no way does it influence my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: A Messy, Beautiful Life
Author: Sara Jade Alan
Published: October 2017
Pages: 212
Edition: Galley
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤