Beautiful and Terrible Things
by S.M. Stevens
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Pub Date Jul 18 2024 | Archive Date Jul 30 2024
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Description
"A beautifully crafted story of friendship and self-discovery set amidst the harsh realities of today's world. Superb!" -Eileen O'Finlan, author of Erin's Children
Charley Byrne isn't really living. At age 29, she hunkers down in her apartment above the bookstore she manages. Then quirky activist Xander Wallace lures her out of social exile with the prospect of friendship and romance. Charley joins Xander's circle of friends diverse in their heritage, race, gender, and sexual orientation. She thrives—even leaving her comfort zone to join protests in a city grappling with social justice ills.
But the new friendships bring back-to-back betrayals that threaten the bookstore—Charley's haven—and propel her into a dangerous depression. Can her friends save the store? And Charley?
The characters in the contemporary novel Beautiful and Terrible Things by S.M. Stevens will feel like old friends to many readers and offer an eye-opening perspective on the world today to others. They represent the real people behind the statistics and show how individuals can choose many different paths to social justice engagement.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
2024 Literary Titan Silver Book Award Winner
"Beautiful and Terrible Things by S.M. Stevens is a compelling literary novel with resonant themes and characters that stay with readers after the last page is turned." -Readers' Favorite
"S.M. Stevens creates a fine juxtaposition of beautiful and terrible moments in a life already frayed by self-destructive tendencies, depression, and isolation. It's highly recommended for diverse audiences interested in how social and political consciousness evolves and how self-analysis influences that process." -Midwest Book Reviews
"Beautiful and Terrible Things is not just a story about overcoming adversity but also a reflection on the intrinsic beauty that can be found in life's most formidable moments." -Literary Titan
"The six protagonists have the type of friendship that makes the reader think, I want to live in that city and be a part of that group. They are almost like the Friends gang, only more diverse and set in the 2020's." -Julie Sara Porter, Reedsy Discovery
"A potent juxtaposition of things painful to bear and inspiring to behold, Beautiful and Terrible Things is an eloquent novel that fully lives up to its name." -Indies Today
"A poignant, whirlwind read that grabs you. A story so relevant it vibrates." -Tina O'Hailey, author of Dark Drink
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781685134471 |
| PRICE | $6.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 392 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Rally R, Reviewer
This felt like watching a movie drama. I could picture all the well written characters and envision the settings. It takes you through the ups and downs as they experience it. I wish I could have read it a little slower to take it all in. I will be re reading this again but I feel everyone should give this story a chance. It is so real and the situations complex and diverse. I am glad I was given the chance to try this one.
