Reading Reflection: Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster

by Jamie McGuire

Published May 26th 2011

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

The book reminded me of this quote...
“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.”
― Marilyn Monroe

I absolutely loved this book.  For the past few years I submerged myself in these young adult/middle grade paranormal romances: vampires, werewolves, psychics, telepathics, angels, etc.  Though I like this genre, I needed a change and Beautiful Disaster satisfied that itch.

It seemed so much simpler, realistic.  Bad boy falls for good girl.  Good girl fights attraction for bad boy.  Good girl doesn't have such a good girl background.  The relationship between Abby and Travis was anything but normal.  They presented a clear case of codependency, playing games with each other at every turn.  But... you wanted them to work it out.  You fought against your logical sense that told them to run and seek counseling and rooted for them to find a way to be together.  I loved Abby's attitude toward Travis, she wasn't easily impressed with his charms like every other girl.  He had to win her over.  I liked Travis' vulnerability, he absotuley needed her to survive... well, to continue trying to be a better person.  She grounded him.

Their relationship turmoil seemed to drag on at certain points and I became bored occasionally, impatient for the next up or down in their relationship.  It was realistic to me, like a real dysfunctioal relationship and I wanted to know if they can over look each other's flaws.  I even liked the supporting characters, America might be one of my favorite of all times.  She wasn't overly annoying which is constantly found in other novels I read.  I loved their friendship and once you find out about Abby's past you appreciate the bond they have so much more.  It was a real group of friends and demostrates how their relationships affect one another.  Overall, it was a very good read and I recommend it to anyone.