Beautiful Mess

Gr 9 Up—Ava's best friend Kelly has recently committed suicide, and Ava has no idea why. As she struggles with guilt over not being a better friend, she turns to Kelly's older brother Lincoln for comfort, but their sexual relationship only confuses them both. When Ava is expelled from her school for violence and obscene language, she spirals further, both emotionally and physically. Enter Gideon, a new employee at the Magic Kabob where she works. Gideon has depression and scars on his arms and legs where he has cut himself repeatedly, but he makes Ava laugh and feel like her old self again. The narrative is told in alternating points of view, and readers are soon aware that the relationship means something more to Gideon than it does to Ava. The characters are engaging, and their emotional struggles are palpable. Ava's sudden emotional twists reflect her inner turmoil and confusion, while the potential return of Gideon's depression looms over the entire novel. The teens come across as authentic, though their voices are minimally differentiated. There is considerable mature language and some mildly graphic sex authentic to the age group depicted. While the majority of the plot is dark and grim, support from caring adults and siblings brings about an ending that is realistic and hopeful.