Thursday, June 30, 2011

A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL by Suzanne Young

Okay, today I'm talking about a book I really loved. I mean, I talk about a book I love every Thursday, but A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL by Suzanne Young is wonderful. I enjoyed the writing. I loved the longing in the main character. I swooned over the softness in the male MC, Harley. I adored the not-run-of-the-mill ending.

And the premise! A brilliant premise that doesn't feel cookie-cutter or overdone. A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL genuinely read unique.

Okay, so you probably want to know what it's about now, right? Here's a brief synopsis, from the lovely Suzanne herself!


About THE BOOK:
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less:
A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL is about a girl compelled to help people, even though doing so is slowly erasing her existence. (Nice. 25 characters left.)

And the official blurb: We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be forgotten.

Charlotte's best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she's cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what's really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become—her mark on this earth, her very existence—is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny—no matter how dark the consequences?


About THE AUTHOR:
Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes. I was writing murder mysteries starring my friends back in junior high. I think a few of them are still floating around somewhere.

What made you decide to go that “extra step” and seek publication?
A push from a family member. Otherwise I’m not sure I would have considered it possible.

Quick! You’ve been chosen to go on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?
Dental floss. I’m an obsessive flosser. (Oooh, good one. I enjoy flossing more than the average person too.)

And the most important of all: bacon or chocolate?
BACON. (Hallelujah! I swear I can feel the heavens opening up.)

So see? You must pick up this book at your favorite bookstore today! It's amazing.


I've also read about 12 books over the past week or so--I'm on a total reading kick. I've added most of them to my upcoming Thursday features. They're THAT GOOD. Are you in a reading high? A slump? What are you reading now that you've enjoyed?

16 comments:

Donna K. Weaver said...

Wow. That almost seems like a no win situation. Hmmm ... I wonder what the not-run-of-the-mill ending is.

Gotta add it to my to read list, I guess. =D

Unknown said...

Thanks for this review. I keep seeing this book around but didn't know what it was about. It sounds good though. I'll have to add it to my list of books I want to read. I've been re-reading Harry Potter before the last movie comes out.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I have an ARC of this and can't wait to read it. Funny that Suzanne picked dental floss.

I'm jealous you read so many books this week. I just read THE GATHERING by Kelley Armstrong for an August interview. It was awesome. Can't wait to hear what you've been reading.

Matthew MacNish said...

I love that cover, the lighting is so ... soft.

Suzie F. said...

Wow! 12 books...you're on fire! I'm reading a lot now too. I finished JANE EYRE last week, and just this morning finished GIRL, STOLEN by April Henry.

Thanks for the review, Elana!

Theresa Milstein said...

A Need So Beautiful was already on my list, but now I'll have to put it up higher on said list.

YaY for another bacon person!

I'm reading Hourglass, Leviathan, and Nightshade City. But I've writing and editing a lot , so I'm not reading as much.

Christine Fonseca said...

I really am looking forward to reading this...man, too many books!

Jessie Humphries said...

I really love reading blurbs, hooks, and synopsis now that I have taken your class. It is truly an art. This one sounds really clever.
I am reading Divergent by Veronica Roth right now. I love it.

Jessie Humphries said...

I really love reading blurbs, hooks, and synopsis now that I have taken your class. It is truly an art. This one sounds really clever.
I am reading Divergent by Veronica Roth right now. I love it.

Peggy Eddleman said...

A Need So Beautiful sounds awesome!

I'm definitely in a reading slump. Rewriting my query a zillion times over the past week or so has melted my brain. (Although it's tons better now, thanks to your query class at Storymakers. Thank you, thank you!!)

I just finished Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter. LOVE everything she writes!

RaShelle Workman said...

Elana - I recently read about this book somewhere else, too. It does sound fresh and interesting. I'll be picking it up for sure.

As for my reading habits, lately... I've started yours! Finished Tiger's Curse and Tiger's Quest. Right before that Witch Song and before that... well, you get the idea. Love to read, too.

Krispy said...

Been hearing good things about this one!

I'm at a reading plateau. Still reading and enjoying, but going much slower than before. I'm reading White Cat by Holly Black right now, and it's good!

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

I've got to get to this soon! Can't wait. Beautiful commentary on A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL, Elana, and excellent interview! Love that Suzanne would bring floss. Ha!

Patti said...

Totally having a reading high right now. It feels like I can't read enough. This book sounds very intriguing.

LynNerdKelley said...

Just hearing the Twitter version makes me want to read it. 12 books in one week, that's terrific. I want to read but there're too many distractions.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Super cool concept!

See Elana's recent blog posts

Recent Posts Widget