A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
June 21st, 2011 from Blazer & Bray
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
Charlotte Cassidy has no beginning - she doesn't remember being dropped off at a hospital at age 6 - and soon enough, she finds out that her life will come to an unusual end. Charlotte suffers unusually painful episodes that literally compel her to speak to perfect strangers about things that no one knows. In a sense, she is helping them with something from their past. Her episodes have been happening more often and they are harder to keep from her motorcycle riding boyfriend, Harlin. (With a name like Harlin, you know he is smokin' hot!) Her BFF Sarah knows a little bit about her situation and thinks Charlotte is psychic (she's not), but Sarah is too wrapped up in her train wreck of a life to think too hard and long about it. Eventually, Charlotte realizes that she is part of something much bigger than she ever imagined and she will will have to accept her fate and loose everything or rewrite the ending to her story and stay on Earth long before her time is up.
This gut-wrencher was an easy, breezy book to read. The language was simple and had an authentic teen voice. We aren't bombarded with medical terms as to why Charlotte is suffering from these episodes. We simply accept them as they are and continue to be wrapped up in the story. Charlotte, Harlin, and Sarah all have typical teenage issues and each character brings something special to the table. Harlin is the boyfriend every girl dreams of. He is devoted, selfless, and only wants the best for Charlotte. He knows she is keeping a secret(s), but he is understanding and patient with Charlotte all the same. I was frustrated with Charlotte for keeping the most important aspect of her life from Harlin, but in the end....I understood. Charlotte is afraid of losing Harlin. Who would love a girl who shone bright gold and drops anything and everything at the drop of a hat to seek out a stranger in need? Her best friend Sarah is nothing like Harlin. Sarah is that girl with an a-hole father who is never happy with his daughter. Sarah can't live up to his expectations and she gets herself into all sorts of trouble. Again, frustrating but very characteristic of a girl who feels helpless. Charlotte loves Sarah regardless of her faults and self destruction, and finds herself longing to be near her loved ones as she struggles with her decision. A decision she has to make all on her own regardless of the human and supernatural opinions being thrown at her.
A Need So Beautiful is a heart wrenching story that will keep you guessing until the very last second. Long after the book ends, you will be asking yourself the same questions Charlotte did. Who are the most important people in your life? Would you rewrite the ending to your own story? I really felt for Charlotte as she struggled with her identify and how she fit into the world. Isn't that something everyone goes through at least 2 or 3 times in their life? We may not all have a glorious destiny like Charlotte, but we can learn a lesson from her. She wants the same things we all want; love, acceptance, and most of all....to be remembered. Grab your tissues, kids. This is one bright and beautiful ride.
5 stars
Add to Goodreads
Need more? A Want So Wicked comes out in 2012!
You can find Suzanne Young HERE
