3.5/5 The cover for this book is gorgeous as are the words on the pages but this one fell a bit short for me. One thing I did appreciate was how she wrote and presented mental illness. She shows it from all points of view, including Lucia who is the one with the illness.

I appreciated the reality of the ending but it didn’t make it that much easier.

I would like to see more books deal with the reality of mental illness like Ms. Lee does in Everything Here is Beautiful.

"Everything Here Is Beautiful" by Mira T. Lee is a heartwarming and heart-wrenching story about a woman dealing with mental illness and the people around her trying to help her live a normal life as she tries to fight the pharmaceutical influence of what it means to have that normalcy. In the beginning, it felt like a three-star book as the characters' relationships seem distant but then the purpose becomes clear, and with the first-person narratives, the characters come alive more as so does the struggle.

It starts with Miranda aka Jie, a put-together woman who's attending the unexpected wedding of her younger sister Lucia. Their mother had recently died, and she feels she has to protect Lucia though she was marrying Yonah, an Israeli grocery store owner whose English needs work. It's a surprising match for Lucia, a journalist who loves words. It takes a few years before Lucia starts to act strangely where Yonah calls Miranda. But it turns out Lucia is on a spectrum of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and has had breakdowns before.

Miranda wants Lucia to take her pills, but Lucia gets restless and eventually falls for Manny, an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador. Lucia had taught English in Ecuador and feels that connection so much she returns there. Once she realizes she's pregnant, she comes back to New York to be with Manny. They have daughter Esperanza, but the postpartum experience leads to another mental break where Lucia is hospitalized. Jie comes to the rescue again. This pattern continues as Lucia tries to balance motherhood and love with Jie forgoing motherhood and love — she marries and moves to Switzerland but her husband never understands the sisterly situation — until things come to a head that leave both sisters trying to cope with the inevitable.

The story again has depth with the characters' point of views texturizing how they handle Lucia, and Lucia explaining how she handles her mental illness. It's also a story that goes through so many years yet it's effortless to keep up and get wrapped up in their lives.

Wow. What a book! Everything Here is Beautiful is compelling, unputdownable, and a must-read. This beautiful story explores the complexities involved with someone living with mental illness and the impact it has on them and their loved ones. Talk about food for thought.

Lucia has dreams and wants to live her life, but her schizophrenia makes it rather difficult at times. She struggles with the ups and downs, voices in her head, and desire to get help. Her older sister, Miranda, tries hard (above and beyond) to help her. She puts her life on hold and tries to get Lucia the right medical help and medications - anything to help try and control the schizophrenia. Of course, this type of relationship is combative at times and makes for a rather strained sisterhood. Life is definitely not easy for either sister.

Told from alternating points of view, we get both sister's perspectives on the situations in their lives, their shared past, and their desires and wants for the future. Its heartbreaking to read at times, because the author, Mira T. Lee provides a realistic and honest portrayal of someone dealing with mental illness. We get the good, the bad, and the ugly realities of it all. Plus, we get to understand how the family feels having to endure watching, living, and helping their loved one suffer with this complex illness. Its eye-opening and sad at the same time. The writing is just terrific and these characters are unforgettable - Everything Here is Beautiful is such a fantastic story!

I would most definitely this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE Everything Here is Beautiful!!

This is a sad and beautiful story about mental illness. It is told from multiple perspectives so you get to see how it impacts everyone's lives. I highly recommend this book.

The prologue of Everything Here is Beautiful takes place on a summer day in New Jersey. Mei is outside playing and calling for her sister, Jie to come out and look at a spider web. It is here first house with a yard, before that they lived in Third Uncle’s basement.

When we meet the sisters again, they are Miranda and Lucia. The rest of the story is told through Miranda and Lucia and also from Manny, Lucia’s Ecuadorian husband.

Lucia is not formally give a name for her diagnosis, but she hears voices. She also has manic phases and depressive phases. This is her story.

It’s hard to really describe this novel. It goes so deep into what Lucia is feeling, her struggles with her medication. You also understand the depth of responsibility that Miranda feels. The tabs that she has to keep on her sister. The other characters that the surround the two sisters are also portrayed in depth, so the story does not just feel like it is about Lucia.

We watch Lucia blaze through life, in fits and starts. We hope for the best for her. We understand her happiness and her anguish, even when it is made up in her mind.

A fascinating, if not heart breaking look at living with and loving someone with a mental illness.

I received an ARC of the book.

**4.5 Stars**

As I was reading through reviews upon finishing the book, I caught Celeste Ng’s words, that she called it an ‘unflinching portrayal,’ and honestly there is no better descriptor. Everything Here is Beautiful is painfully evocative and brutally honest in not just the uphill battle with mental illness to either yourself or a very closed loved one, but the true definition of familial love. Love isn’t just easy or apologetic or simple; love is very complicated, frustrating, and impossible. Miranda and Lucia’s story tested the true bonds of that love, how far one would go to save her sister and how far she could go without losing herself.

There were times, while reading this novel, that it honestly ripped me apart. It wasn’t an easy story to read; not because it wasn’t well written, but because of how true it rang on both sides of the card. Lucia’s battle with a deteriorating mental illness was like watching a slow, brutal train crash, where I wanted to scream and beg and plead for mercy. But that crash didn’t just involve her, instead including everyone surrounding her–her daughter, her ex, her sister Miranda–and this perpetuating circle of ups and downs. And I think most of us can find ourselves in either sister, whether we’re fighting to save a family member from themselves or that we’re within that fight trying to find those moments of peace in our minds. Lee made both sides incredibly accessible, easing readers into their dilemmas to connect us on a more personal level, and in turn making it more gut-wrenching with each step forward.

I don’t think it’s possible to get through this story without crying and feeling torn or conflicted. Even still, I can feel that soul deep ache of how beautifully vivid and darkly sweet it was resounding in my heart. Lee wrote a complicated tale that read effortlessly on the page and came alive in the mind. And truly there aren’t words to describe how easily Everything Here is Beautiful will capture your attention and bring your heart into an arduous but fulfilling journey between two wonderful sisters.

Being so early in the year, I find this quite bold to say BUT this is my favorite book of 2018! I read it without knowing too much of the plot, which I suggest you do too. Hint: skip the Goodreads synopsis. I honestly think it gives away too much. Just pick it up and dive right in. You'll thank me later. The story is about Chinese-American siblings, Miranda and Lucia - the first older and responsible, the latter a free-spirit and suffering from schizophrenia. Knowing little about the story allowed me to go into it without any expectations. It is a story that is heavy, rich and often times uncomfortable to read. As little as we talk about mental illnesses, we talk even less about Asian-Americans living with them. I see this book as a good stepping stone in beginning this crucial discussion. I have a family member with a mental illness and I have been looking so long for a book that made me feel not so alone.

The story is told in multiple perspectives, sometimes in third person, other times in first person. It shouldn't work but it does, giving you a 360 degree look at how mental illness affects not only the person but those close to them. And when it is Lucia's turn to speak about her actions, you get an intimate portrait of a person struggling to reined in her "serpents." Lee does it with such sensitivity that my heart ached for Lucia. I was taken through an array of emotions, jumping from empathizing with the characters one minute to feeling frustrated by them the next. And I love that. It's what I look forward to in a book- characters so complex and multilayered that you can imagine them walking down your street.

I felt connected, inspired, and sadden by the characters' choices. I plunged into the book, reading into the early morning, eager to see where the characters ended up. There was a whole section where I felt extremely anxious and mad. I can't tell you which section- you’ll have to read the book so we can compare notes. This book is so good it shook me when it was over and I hated saying goodbye. All the stars!

Side note: This may sound weird but if you’re planning a literary dinner party, this book mentions a lot of food and would be the perfect inspiration.

I enjoyed so much of this story, I especially liked the different perspectives. The story itself is heartbreaking as would be expected when focusing on someone suffering from mental illness. The reason I didn't rate it higher was because so much of the story was slow. I also wanted more interaction between Miranda and Lucia. It's a good story, but in my opinion not great.

I have been thinking about how to put my impressions of this novel into words. It is a beautiful story, of love and support and compassion. There is also so much pain and loss, and I think Ms. Lee struck exactly the right balance between the two emotional extremes. Mental illness is often portrayed in clinical, observational terms and frequently as patient vs. family/doctors. In this novel, the story is layered-- sometimes you sympathize with Lucia, sometimes with her sister and daughter, but most of the time you can see all perspectives and you feel equally for everyone involved. And it's not a contest of "choose one person with whom you will relate", or "pick which person is behaving correctly", which is the aspect I can't quite describe adequately. This is the best book I have read so far in 2018-- I reached out to the author to tell her so, and I hope anything I just wrote will make you at least curious to pick it up. The language is lush, the characters nuanced and engaging. You will be captivated immediately, and treated to a wonderful read.

This is a beautiful and engaging novel of two sisters, mental illness, love and identity. While it is a sad story, often very dark, it is ultimately one about forgiveness. Spanning decades and continents, this epic story touches on so many aspects of modern society and culture but also on the universal quest to find happiness while being true to the self.

Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee

Miranda was only seven years old when she immigrated to the United States from China with her pregnant mother. Lucia would be born a few months later. Miranda would learn to care for Lucia as if she was her own, while her mother worked, went to school and eventually moved them out of their third uncle’s basement. Their mother’s last request before cancer took her away, when both girls had grown into women, was for Miranda to continue watching over her sister. The sisters were close, best friends, confidants. Miranda could tell when Lucia was starting to slip, when the voices were starting to talk to her again. But Lucia hated taking the pills, was convinced she didn’t need them. Schizophrenia, bipolar or somewhere on the spectrum in between, Lucia’s diagnosis would change and the disorder would take its toll on both of their lives and relationships.

I had no idea what to expect from this novel. I love reading about relationships between siblings and I was really interested in how the story of these two sisters who lives are impacted by one’s mental disorder would be told. I found the alternating narratives throughout this story to be incredibly well done. Not only were there shifting character perspectives but there were changes from first person to third person throughout parts of the book as well. I enjoyed the intimacy provided in the first person. Lee would make it a point to write certain events from more than one character’s perspective. That really helped clarify situations especially when it was becoming obvious that Lucia’s mental state was changing. It also defined these main characters, who were very well written and had an amazing amount of depth. The shifts to third person were less personal but still satisfying. It subtlety changed the tone of the novel and increased the scope. It was in third person where Lee’s world building really began to shine.

I’m not familiar with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and have never had to manage a loved one’s diagnosis of either. Though aware of what these mental disorders are, I am not educated on how they can affect varying individuals or how they are treated. With that being said this story, in my opinion, handles mental health care very considerately. Lee does try to educate the reader on what schizophrenia is and the struggles that patients have to undergo to receive proper treatment. Lucia’s character was extremely complex and when the symptoms of her disorder began to take over it was discomforting. Anyone who has experience with either of these disorders should be aware that there are sequences within the story that can be unsettling

This is the type of novel that sucks you in early. It is completely unpredictable, yet intimate and at times frightening. I really enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed how beautifully crafted these characters were and Lee’s narrative. It’s a book that I would definitely recommend because it deals with a lot of complex issues. Not just mental disorders, but immigration, cultural differences, and familial ties. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel, but Lee crafted an amazing, emotional story that I couldn’t stop reading.

A truly beautiful book about a sad subject that is told from the perspective of beauty in the story. A lot of love, a lot of loss, looking at different points of view. With lush descriptions of various settings. This is one that will be valued by all readers.

What a complex book about sisters and mental health! 
Miranda and Lucia are super close sister, esp after the death of their mother. Miranda is the older responsible one while Lucia was the impulsive one and these traits are echoed strongly when Lucia starts having mental health break downs. Lucia leaves her husband in hopes to find someone to have a baby with. This is where Miranda moves to Switzerland to start a life of her own. 
Miranda has to leave that perfect life to save her sister yet again.....but will Lucia cooperate and get the help she needs or will this be the last straw that breaks this bond between these two. 
Mira T. Lee wrote a heart wrenching novel that I was unable to put down until the very last word.  I was able to relate to the storyline so much.

This title did not allow me to download to my Kindle, therefore I could not read it for a proper review.

Lucia has a mental illness that constantly worries her loved ones. If she doesn't take the medication, she ends up putting herself or others in harm's way. This is a beautifully told story of a young woman's journey through love and motherhood while trying to outrun the demons her mind creates.

Provided by the Publisher and NetGalley

Thank you for the opportunity to read this title. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to read and review before it was archived. Reviews will be posted as titles are read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2217302335?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL is a story of family, love, mental illness, sisters, motherhood, loss, and hope. What are a person's responsibilities to a loved one who is living with mental illness? What are the responsibilities to others? To oneself? Lee examines these questions with a thoughtfulness and poignancy that respects the tough reality being lived by sisters Lucia and Miranda. Through multiple points of view and a distinctive writing style, Lee pushes aside superficial gloss and lets the reader enter the raw inner worlds of her characters. Lee is an exciting new voice in fiction and I look forward to seeing more from her.

{My Thoughts}
What Worked For Me
Much More Than a Mental Illness Story – The core of Everything Here is Beautiful is certainly the mental illness of younger sister, Lucia, but the book itself is much more. It’s a story of immigrants, those coming to and those leaving the U.S. It highlights the differences in the quality of life for immigrants and for expats in different parts of the world. It’s a story of family, big and small, those we’re born into and those we create. It’s a story of love tested by the rigors of life. And, yes, it’s a story of mental illness in the midst of all that. It’s a story of how mental illness can sap the life out of everyone it touches, especially those who love the affected. Lee’s spotlight on Lucia’s schizophrenia/bipolar disorder is done with a delicate hand, never overwhelming the rest of her story, but always present.

“That first hospital stay, I was a compliant patient, a Sweet Asian Doll, and for this I was branded with a Severe Lifelong Mental Illness. Later, I would be told I had a twenty percent chance of maintaining a full-time job, a twenty-five percent chance of living independently, a forty percent chance of attempting suicide, a ten percent chance of succeeding.
I was twenty-six years old.”

The Humanity of Her Characters – It’s not every writer who can so thoroughly imbue her characters with life. Miranda, the older, responsible sister was so much more. She wanted her own life, but it was constantly tainted by her fears for her sister. The push and pull between those two parts of herself felt vividly real. Lucia, wanting so much from life, but facing demons often out of her control made the core of this story. Manuel, the father of Lucia’s daughter, was the character I most admired. An undocumented immigrant from Ecuador, Manny took responsibility when Lucia could not. Tied to a woman he wasn’t sure he loved, Manny did the very best he could to make a good life with Lucia and their daughter.

“He remembered still, that promise he’d made all those years ago. For my daughter, I will try. He had kept that promise a long, long time. He had stuck by Lucia. This was love, or this was duty, he could no longer tell the difference.”

Multiple Perspectives – Everything Here is Beautiful unfolds in long chapters with alternating perspectives. I loved those of Miranda, Manny, and Yohan (Lucia’s husband). Two that were more focused on places were also excellent. I liked Lucia’s sections slightly less, but overall the different perspectives served to weave together an exceptional story.

The Last Chapter – Though there was nothing shocking about the last chapter, it came together with such emotion and finesse, that I’d be remiss not to mention that it felt just right.

What Didn’t
Epilogue – I tend to not to care for epilogues, and the one here is no exception. There was nothing wrong with Lee’s epilogue. It just wasn’t needed. In my opinion the story was complete without it.

{The Final Assessment}
If you haven’t already guessed, I really loved this story. The characters were so rich, so vivid, and the story both hopeful and heartbreaking. It was a book I couldn’t put down and I know it’s a story I’ll not soon forget. Grade: A-

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.