Finished “All The Ugly And Wonderful Things” last week and can not stop thinking about it

Submitted by Icankeepthebeat t3_z8insu in books

The writing and the characters just absolutely captivated me, particularly Renee. I think she’s the first character that’s ever so wholly captured my own personal essence. I felt like I saw myself reflected back in a book. I was in tears as Wavy described the dinner they had with Renee’s parents.

Never has a book made me so wildly uncomfortable before. I was so grossed out by Kellan while simultaneously wanting him to save Wavy. I wanted a murdering, pedo drug dealer to save a 10 year old?! My own feelings made my stomach turn! A cloud of shame hung over me as I read this bizarre “pedo’s how-to”. The entire time I was reading I felt guilty/shameful. I think that feeling only made the novel better though.

Wavy’s story ended much like I imagine most peoples lives end - without closure, pretty fucked up, and not bettered by the experience…How human.

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Shanstergoodheart t1_iyc0ose wrote

It's a good book, well written. It gives you a lot to think about. However, having read it and having learned some backstory on the author. I don't think the author is coming at it from the mindset that we all are.

It's just like," it's fine. It's true love. It's a good thing. Wavy's encouraging it. It's fine. That thing didn't actually happen that way. It's fine. He's a lovely man. It's fine. Everyone is just prejudiced. It's love".

No it isn't fine. Kellan should have shut that shit down the moment it started getting icky. Aunt was 100% in the right and she's framed as a villain.

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Icankeepthebeat OP t1_iycy9ah wrote

Replying to Shanstergoodheart (#796,866)

Yea I read some stuff on the author too. But I’m not 100% convinced her intentions matter. She told this amazing awful story. Seemingly her life experiences gave her the clay to mould…and the sculpture she made is beautifully fucked up. I’m not sure it’s on her as the artist to define what it means to society.

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cdd543 t1_iydrn8z wrote

One of my favorite books. I also liked the Reckless Oath We Made.

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