Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts
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Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts
The stunning debut novel by the winner of the Allen & Unwin Commercial Fiction Prize. If you loved Lessons in Chemistry and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you will adore Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts.
Mickey Bloom is a five-foot-tall, dyslexic girl, often bullied and convinced she's nothing special. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers running, a talent that unveils a new side of her: powerful, strong, and extraordinary. However, Mickey's newfound success comes at a cost. The relentless training and immense pressure to win break her spirit, shattering her dreams.
Years later, Mickey finds herself in a dead-end job and entangled in a relationship with a drop-kick boyfriend. Her life takes another turn when her mother becomes seriously ill. Nursing her mother back to health becomes a pivotal moment for Mickey. In a desperate attempt to overcome her grief and find herself, she takes up running again. A chance encounter with a stranger reignites her dreams and shows her what it means to run in the right direction.
This compelling debut novel exposes the physical and emotional sacrifices demanded of our sporting elite while celebrating success without flinching from examining its brutal costs. From the aching miles to the soaring highs, Shapiro's storytelling is chilling yet ultimately heartwarming, capturing the stamina and spirit required to chase dreams.
Sue Orr, author of Loop Tracks, remarks, "Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts is sophisticated storytelling that will capture the racing hearts of its readers." Kirsten McDougall, author of She's a Killer, adds, "You don't have to be a runner to get the high, just read this book!"
With its unforgettable portrayal of change, family, and grit, this is a narrative about what it truly takes to achieve your dreams. Josie Shapiro's accomplished debut has the compulsive forward motion of a world-class race, making it an essential read for anyone who has ever strived for greatness.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro portrays the journey of an underdog athlete, Mickey Bloom, who discovers her passion for running, which transforms her life. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of the agony and ecstasy of marathon running and its deep character development. Critics highlight the powerful and high-quality writing that captures the essence of both the sport and personal growth, making it a compelling and memorable read.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781991006448
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 16 May 2023
Country: New Zealand
Imprint: A&U New Zealand
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 12.0mm
Width: 155.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 288
About the Author
Josie Shapiro has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Auckland, where she was awarded a Wallace Arts Scholarship for her work.
Her writing has appeared in journals and anthologies, and she writes book reviews forNew Zealand Listener, the Academy of New Zealand Literature and Ketebooks.co.nz.
She lives with her husband and two daughters in T?maki Makaurau Auckland.
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