The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk combines grief and music to create a poignant read. There are three different stories that all connect, and there is so much diversity in the book. While I liked all of the characters, Shay was my favourite, and her story touched me the most.
Title: The Beauty That RemainsAuthor: Ashley Woodfolk
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 16, 2018
Rating:
Music brought Autumn, Shay, and Logan together. Death wants to tear them apart.
Autumn always knew exactly who she was—a talented artist and a loyal friend. Shay was defined by two things: her bond with her twin sister, Sasha, and her love of music. And Logan always turned to writing love songs when his love life was a little less than perfect.
But when tragedy strikes each of them, somehow music is no longer enough. Now Logan can’t stop watching vlogs of his dead ex-boyfriend. Shay is a music blogger struggling to keep it together. And Autumn sends messages that she knows can never be answered.
Despite the odds, one band's music will reunite them and prove that after grief, beauty thrives in the people left behind.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk
This book tells the story of three different people each coping with the loss of a loved one. It is interesting how it touches different types of loss with different types of relationships, such as a best friend, a boyfriend, and a sibling. I feel like this book focuses more on the grieving process than the actual plot, which makes for an emotional read, but I would have also liked to see more of a storyline. I enjoyed the use of multimedia, such as emails and short blog posts, and it is a very effective way of showing how the characters deal with loss. The Beauty That Remains is also a realistic story, and it is sure to resonate with anyone who understands the power of music.
❀ Three Alternating Perspectives
There are three alternating perspectives in this story, and it really demonstrates how everyone grieves differently. Each of the characters is diverse, and they have complex personalities. However, I did feel like Shay and Autumn’s voices are very similar, and it was sometimes hard to tell them apart. All three stories are somewhat connected by a local band, but I wish the main characters interacted with each other more. Other than that, I enjoyed all of the characters, and I wouldn’t say that there was one in particular that I disliked.
❀ Shay’s Story is Powerful
Of all the characters, I liked Shay the best. She loses her twin sister to cancer, and she has to adjust to her new life as an only child. I enjoyed reading about the music blog that she helps run, and she has some supportive friends that also manage it. Shay’s story seemed the most powerful to me, and I couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to lose a twin sister.
❀ An impactful Story
The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk is an impactful story about loss and music. The three points of view add dimension, and my personal favourite was Shay. This book is worth the read, but make sure you have a box of tissues nearby!
About Ashley Woodfolk
Ashley Woodfolk graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in English and her life-long love of books led her straight to the publishing industry. She's a member of the CBC Diversity Committee and markets books for children and teens. In her abundance of "spare" time, she writes contemporary YA. Indie movies, beer, books, and burgers are a few of her favorite things. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and pit bull puppy, Winnie. THE BEAUTY THAT REMAINS is her debut novel.
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This book I am sure would make me cry. I have lost both my parents in a very short time and although it has been years, everytime I think about them…I cry so reading about different people’s grieving processes will make me greave again. I like the review and think I would like to read this one. Who doesn’t like a good cry or emotional book every now and then?
That would make this a very difficult read for you. Sometimes it is best to avoid those things that are triggers, for sure. I do appreciate these deep novels, but it is good to shake things up with those upbeat books as well. 😉
Oh wow… now this sounds like an amazing read. I don’t think I would pick it up alone with reading the synopsis and seeing the cover but your review has hooked me even though it sounds like a book that would make me cry. <3
Stephanie – Bookfever recently posted…Review: Fourth Debt by Pepper Winters
It is definitely one that you have to prepare yourself for! 🙂
Beautiful review, I am so glad you enjoyed this book! I got lucky enough to read it early as well, and I really enjoyed it, it was so emotional and Shay was my favorite just as well 🙂 <3
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Great review! It really sounds like an incredible read! I’m glad you loved it! I’ll definitely pick it up when I’m in the mood for an emotional Contemporary book.
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Such a great review <3 When I finally get over my aversion to sad books I'll pick this up.
I love this cover!
Ash recently posted…Hey! It’s A Giveaway!!! In Celebratin Of Ash’s 25th Birthday!
This sounds emotional and heartbreaking, and uplifting at the same time. I am looking forward to this one. I wish the cover had caught my eye, but at least I found it on your blog!
Love learning about a new book!
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What a wonderful premise to the book.