In North of Beautiful, seventeen-year-old Terra has her entire life mapped out. She’s going to Stanford on a scholarship and then she’ll become a doctor like her dad. But when Tedrosāthe gorgeous new boy at schoolātells her he loves her, everything changes. Suddenly, there are things more important than grades and college and stable livesā¦ There’s the future they could have together that seems impossibly perfect. And then there are all the ways it could fall apartā¦ With honesty, humor, heartache, and beautiful writing, debut author Justina Chen deftly explores one girl’s struggle to find herself in an uncertain world.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for the young adult who struggles with self-identity. Terra, the protagonist of North of Beautiful, deals with the idea that her future has been predetermined by society and herself. She must find a way to break out from under this weight in order to discover who she truly is and what she wants in life.
Pros :
- The author writes beautiful, lyrical prose.
- The protagonist is realistically flawed and relatable.
- It’s a thoughtfully written exploration of growing up and making tough choices.
Cons :
- The book is too sappy and unrealistic
- The characters are unlikeable and uninteresting
- The story feels forced
Learn more about the author
Justina Chen is the author of North of Beautiful and has an MFA from Vermont College. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a corporate lawyer and taught high school English in Manhattan. She lives with her husband in San Francisco.
Reader Reviews
“A story of first love, family secrets, and self-discovery that is both poignant and humorous. Justina Chen has a true gift for storytelling.”
“This book will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. I fell in love with the characters and found myself rooting for them until the very end.”
“A stunning debut novel about a girl who learns to live for herself. Terra’s parents have always had high expectations for her, but she’s never been able to meet themāuntil now. With Tedros’ encouragement, Terra begins to see herself in a new light and takes steps toward defining her own future.”
“North of Beautiful is one of the most beautiful and eye-opening novels I have ever read. Terra’s journey toward self-discovery is inspiring, harrowing, and ultimately rewarding.”
