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Beautiful Mess

Claire Christian

4.09 · Rating details · 658 ratings · 156 reviews

Since Ava lost Kelly, things haven’t been going so well. Even before she gets thrown out of school for shouting at the principal, there’s the simmering rage and all the weird destructive choices. The only thing going right for Ava is her job at Magic Kebab.

Which is where she meets Gideon. Skinny, shy, anxious Gideon. A mad poet and collector of vinyl records with an aversi ...more

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Paperback, 286 pages

Published August 28th 2017 by Text Publishing

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4.09 ·

Rating details

· 658 ratings · 156 reviews

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Sep 01, 2017 C.G. Drews rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star, aussie-authors, contemporary, mental-illness, read-2017, young-adult

I am totally totally onboard with the title here. Because this book was thoroughly beautiful and I had FEELINGS. At least three of them. Maybe four. It was wild for a while. But yet it is also a bit of a mess, starring a really predictable and unsatisfying ending that kind of made me feel like a dead frog. HOWEVER!! I still highly loved this book! It's about depression and anxiety and it was super well written. I also just read Definitions of Indefinable Things...which is very very similar. But ...more

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Aug 19, 2017 Sue Gerhardt Griffiths rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017, giveaway

Wow. Just wow. So beautiful. So raw. So gripping.

I was spellbound by Ava and Gideons’ story. The author has created two authentic characters, one struggling with grief and the other with anxiety and self-esteem issues, their emotional journey’s are beautifully written with a touch of humour added to the mix. I laughed and cried in equal measure in some parts of this book.

This is so, so good, everyone should read this novel!

Love the cover, fitting to the story.

A huge thank you to Text Publishin ...more

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Sep 02, 2017 Marianne rated it it was amazing

4.5★s

Beautiful Mess is the first novel by prize-winning Australian novelist and playwright, Claire Christian. When she actually attends, Ava Spirini is in Year 11 at MacGreggor State College, but her regular outbursts in the months since the death of her best friend, Kelly Waititi, have her on shaky ground. Insulting the principal, Mrs Bryan, abusing the school assembly and punching a classmate? Only so much can be excused due to grief before there are consequences. But they just don’t get it: “ 4.5★s

Beautiful Mess is the first novel by prize-winning Australian novelist and playwright, Claire Christian. When she actually attends, Ava Spirini is in Year 11 at MacGreggor State College, but her regular outbursts in the months since the death of her best friend, Kelly Waititi, have her on shaky ground. Insulting the principal, Mrs Bryan, abusing the school assembly and punching a classmate? Only so much can be excused due to grief before there are consequences. But they just don’t get it: “…she wasn’t just my best friend, she was my soul sister. And that kind of love doesn’t end. You can’t just move on from that.”

Hanging out (and more) with Kelly’s older brother, Lincoln is a way to be closer to her friend, though she’s not sure how Kelly would feel about that. At least her single Dad backs her up in every way, and her boss, Ricky at Magic Kebab, keeps her entertained.

Gideon Franks-Meyer is in Year 12 at Ava’s school. Despite unfailing support from his mums, Mandy and Susan, and his older sister, Annie, his battle with anxiety and depression has been a long and hard one. While he saw Ava’s assembly meltdown and remembers Kelly, he’s sure she won’t recognise him when he turns up to do dishes at Magic Kebab. He’s there because his therapist has suggested taking a “small, safe risk”. Friendship with this fiery girl might be possible if he can overcome crippling shyness; if she doesn’t think his poetry and record collection uncool; it’s probably more than he could wish for.

An alternating narrative gives both Ava and Gideon a voice: they are smart and perceptive, and between them, have many wise words to offer on mental illness. Their story features grief, guilt, self-harm (suicide and cutting), anxiety, depression, love, and friendship. It highlights society’s fixation on being normal and demonstrates the importance of finding the right therapist. Gideon’s poem “Broken” brilliantly encapsulates depression.

While there’s heartache, this is by no means a sombre tale and there’s plenty of humour in the dialogue: “’Do you actually have condoms?’ Susan says. I quickly interject, ‘Yes, I bought them.’ The last thing I need is a trip to Woolies with my mothers to buy condoms. I can just picture the argument in the aisle about which brand is best for durability and ethical production… Besides, what would either of them know about buying condoms?’”

While this novel may be branded as Young Adult, it is certain to appeal equally to older readers. The characters are endearing despite their sometimes unwise decisions and occasionally poor behaviour, the dialogue is believable and the story is important and uplifting. A brilliant debut from an author to watch.
...more

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Jun 09, 2018 Farhina ↯↯ The Wanderer Of Inked Adventures rated it it was amazing

This review and many other can be found on shelovestoread

"And I've got to keep sorting my shit out, because life is messy.
But fuck, it can be beautiful. "

This is my new favorite mental health book that deals with depression and anxiety. 💓

This was just so beautifully written, and flowed so nicely. And had someone of the most beautiful quotes and relatable liners, that made me go hell ya, me af!

"You do not need to apologize for being on the planet. You have a right to be here. What you have t ...more

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Mar 15, 2019 K. rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019, audience-young-adult, australian, contemporary, deals-with-mental-illness, difficult-topics, library, loveozya, setting-australia

Trigger warnings: grief, death of a friend (in the past), suicide (in the past), mental health, self harm (in the past), violence.

3.5 stars.

I'm clearly going to be on Team Unpopular Opinion where this book is concerned, but I just.........didn't really get the type, to be honest. I really loved Gideon's story and his voice. But I had a hard time with Ava and I honestly can't pinpoint why.

That being said, I loved that therapy played such a significant role in the story and I loved the emphasis ...more

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May 16, 2017 Text Publishing rated it it was amazing

Shelves: australian, fiction, ya

‘Tender and absorbing, this debut novel from Australia tackles challenging topics…with an open and loving hand. It deals with myriad emotions and allows the healing process to be organic. The sweetness of the characters rises above the darkness they carry, and their honest desire for acceptance…will resonate with a wide range of readers.’
Booklist

‘A book full of heart and hope. Claire Christian’s voice leaps off the page, brimming with energy and verve.’
Judges' comments, Readings Young Adult Bo ...more

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Sep 21, 2017 Kelly (Diva Booknerd) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loveozya, text, bookgasm

Ava is barely surviving in the depths of despair after her friend takes her own life. As the moments pass Ava is inconsolable, engaging in abusive and destructive behaviour, now expelled while involved in a non committal sexual relationship with Lincoln. Seeking solace in one another. Ava is an incredible character, her despair is palpable as she navigates life after Kelly, a vivacious young woman who was diagnosed with depression and committed suicide.

Gideon is a quiet, young poet with anxiety, Ava is barely surviving in the depths of despair after her friend takes her own life. As the moments pass Ava is inconsolable, engaging in abusive and destructive behaviour, now expelled while involved in a non committal sexual relationship with Lincoln. Seeking solace in one another. Ava is an incredible character, her despair is palpable as she navigates life after Kelly, a vivacious young woman who was diagnosed with depression and committed suicide.

Gideon is a quiet, young poet with anxiety, baring the pain of self harm. With the assistance of his councillor and medication, Gideon performs Slam poetry by sharing his experience with small audiences. Throughout the quiet, solitary moments, Gideon meticulously considers scenarios, moments of reflection while retreating to the sanctuary of his bedroom until bravery ignites.

Beautiful Mess is a wonderful reflection of complexities of adolescence. Palpable, poignant and captivating, the narration of two adolescents finding moments of solace in one another. Six months prior, Ava lost her childhood friend Kelly to depression, leaving behind a family in despair. Ava feels unsupported by her peers and teaching facility, offered counselling without compassion and understanding. Ava's father is a single parent and a wonderful support, compassionate and maternal while Ava momentarily finds comfort in a physical, although considerably toxic relationship with Lincoln. Ava's narrative also examines mental health through her own undiagnosed depression after losing Kelly and enrolling in The Alternative Program, who offer counselling and education for teens unsupported by the traditional education system.

Gideon is an extraordinary young man who upon the advice of his therapist, composes slam poetry as a instrument to express his experiences with illness. Gideon is often socially incapacitated and with the encouragement of his family, engages in acts of bravery to defy his social anxiety. A wonderfully peculiar young man, Gideon is disengaged with the online world and preferring to communicate through the artistry of writing letters in which he and Ava communicate. The concept was charming and allowed both Gideon and Ava to share their experiences while easing Gideon's transition into the tentative friendship.

Kintsukuroi they call it. They take broken pieces of porcelain and they repair the cracks with gold. Making it as it was, but new again. They believe that the cracks can make something more beautiful, more valuable.

A wonderful inclusion of diversity. The late Kelly is bisexual and Maori, Ava is of Greek heritage, Gideon's parents are in a female, same sex relationship and the discussion of depression, suicide and anxiety was magnificent and wonderfully represented. I appreciated the reiterating of the importance of prescription medication and counselling. Too often young adult literature promotes the mental well being of adolescents as an illness to be remedied by a love interest and I applauded the discussion of mental illness as a chronic condition that fluctuates upon a wellness spectrum, Gideon a quintessential example.

Claire Christian is a captivating, compassionate and remarkable debut author composing a narrative that will linger long after the final page. Exquisite Australian young adult literature. ...more

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Aug 05, 2017 Danielle rated it really liked it

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. It was so, so good.

Full review to come on my blog: www.thechroniclesofdanielle.wordpress...

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Feb 27, 2019 Myhyggeligbooklife rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bücher-2019

Ava und Gideon, zwei Teenager gefangen in ihren eigenen Welten.

Ich mochte Ava und Gideon sehr, Gideon trotz ein paar seiner schrägen Marotten sogar noch ein bisschen mehr, da er greifbarer war als Ava. Ava und Gideon leiden, sie leiden unter ihrer Vergangenheit, der Gegenwart und der Zukunft. Beide sind Gefangene ihrer eigenen kleinen Welt und nur zusammen können sie es schaffen, dort auszubrechen.

Für mich war "Du bringst mein Leben so schön durcheinander" ein sehr poetisches, stilles und tie ...more

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Aug 14, 2018 Samantha (WLABB) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs, 2017, contemporary, diversereads2018, mentalhealth, outsideus, ya, romance, 2018-debuts

The title did a good job setting me up for a story that was both beautiful and messy. This book was a total emotional rollercoaster, and I have to admit, I really loved the ride.

• Pro: My heart belongs to Gideon. I fell in love with this awkward, tenderhearted, skinny boy, who wrote amazing slam poetry, loved his family to pieces, and bravely fought his depression.

• Pro: The poetry featured in this book was incredible. I don't think any of the poems failed to bring tears to my eyes, but I also ...more

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Aug 09, 2017 Sprinkled Pages rated it liked it

debating between 3.5 stars and 4 stars

i liked how well written this was and the exploration of grief as well as the fantastic characters! at times, it wasn't as relatable but still a solid and addictive read.

for more, read my no spoiler book review: https://sprinkledpages.blogspot.com.a...

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Apr 10, 2018 Monica Haak rated it really liked it · review of another edition

een heel mooi ontroerend boek met zware onderwerpen maar toch echt een mooie uitwerking.

recensie binnenkort op myperfectbooklife

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Apr 08, 2018 Grace rated it liked it

LOVED:
- The Anxiety Representation
and
- The Poetry aspects

BUT
I didn't find interest in the characters and everything else besides the things above.

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Aug 17, 2017 Jocelyn (foxonbooks) rated it really liked it

I raced through this 'issue-heavy' Aussie YA this week. Raw, honest and really engaging, I related so well to the protagonists even though I've not been in a similar situation. A great read.

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Mar 25, 2018 Irene rated it really liked it · review of another edition

“Het leven dat kon ze verdragen, het leven omarmde ze vol, maar van de pijn kon ze niet winnen.”

Nadat Kelly zelfmoord heeft gepleegd, is Ava kwaad op de wereld. Ze maakt het zichzelf onmogelijk op school en voelt zich nergens meer prettig.
Totdat Gideon bij Magic Kebab komt werken. Gideon is Ava’s tegenpool: hij trekt zich het liefste terug in zijn eigen wereld met muziek en poëzie.
Een bijzondere vriendschap ontstaat tussen hen, ondanks de bagage die ze allebei met zich meezeulen.

Je leest vanuit ...more

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Apr 17, 2018 Jennifer rated it really liked it · review of another edition

"Maybe being bored is a good thing. Because what that actually means is that things aren't like they were. And that's all I ever really want, for things to never be like they were."

"I tend to not really make choices that are based on my own happiness and so I figured I'd start trying to do that a bit more."

"It doesn't feel exciting. It just feels...nothing. which completely freaks me out because what if it's not what I want? What if there is nothing to be excited about or look forward to anymore ...more

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Jan 18, 2019 Jenna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie, faves, ya

An absolutely stunning exploration of grief, mental illness, love and friendship. My heart is very full.

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Mar 12, 2018 Donna rated it really liked it

Shelves: cbca_2018, 2018, teen_scene, bildungsroman, australian_author, relatable, flawed_charater, authentic, character_driven, thoughtful

Beautiful mess will leave you in just that ... a beautiful mess.

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Aug 11, 2017 Diem rated it it was amazing

Shelves: love-oz-ya, young-adult

4.5

I haven't finished a book in one sitting in a long time.

I loved this, you guys. Loved it. It made me very weepy and achey. But also made me all shivery and happy.

Do yourself a favour and grab yourself a copy of Beautiful Mess when it comes out.

And the cover, I love it even more now that I've finished reading about Ava and Gideon.

Proper review to come on the podcast.

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Nov 07, 2017 rachel rated it liked it

Shelves: rep-dis-nd-ci, contemporary, rep-poc

i hate that those last fifty pages made me go from 'this is the most represented i've ever felt' to 'what the hell did i just read make it stop'

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Jul 04, 2017 Trisha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arty, contemporary, diversity-in-ya, dual-narrators, family, friendship, geeky, grief-loss, humour, mental-illness

Intense, inclusive, insightful.

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Mar 13, 2019 Karschtl rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: via-netgalley, young-adult, set-in-australia, read-in-2019, first-love, illness, mourning

It's okay to be not okay

Das hier ist nicht nur ein - zugegeben sehr süßer - Boy meets Girl Jugendroman, sondern vor allem eine Geschichte über Trauer, Depressionen, Selbstverletzung, Suizidgedanken. Ein unglaublich wichtiges Thema, ganz besonders für diese Zielgruppe. Und Claire Christian hat das Ganze sehr einfühlsam und realistisch umgesetzt.
Sie lässt uns an den Gefühlen von Ava und Gideon teilhaben, beschreibt ihr Kennenlernen und die sich daraus entwickelnde Beziehung. Die Kapitel von Ava u ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 Tara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, contemporary, grief, gritty, loveozya, made-me-cry, mental-illness, sad, swoon

This beautiful mess got me deep inside in all the right places. I connected heavily with the characters, their experiences and their feelings. It is one of those books that I want to go back and start again straight away so I can get back in the story and help figure stuff out.

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Oct 11, 2018 Isabelle rated it it was amazing

Gideon forever has my heart and that is all I will say about this book without crying.

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Jun 06, 2018 Gabby rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars.
This was such a beautiful and heartbreaking story about grief and pain and love. I loved it so so much - a new favourite!

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Jan 23, 2019 Faith rated it really liked it

I so did not expect that to be so good.

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Aug 14, 2017 Joan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 01, 2017 Anna rated it really liked it

there were a lot of things I love about this, aside from the gorgeous cover.
I felt it attempted to show the effects of mental illness, not just have them talk about how sad they are. it actually impacts Gideon and Ava's lives in the opening scenes of the novel.
I also love the depiction of seeing a psychologist (you can tell I'm a psych student). It's presented really positively. They liked their psyc, they didn't see them because they were "mad", and it's was helpful
both teens liked their par ...more

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Jun 18, 2017 Rob De rated it it was amazing

Having had the pleasure of meeting Claire at this years Text award night I was very keen to read her book. It was the winner of the Text award last year, which automatically guarantees it will be published, emphasising why it is such a great award for up and coming authors.
It is a truly touching story of broken and damaged young people trying to navigate their way through real problems. The two main characters are the essence of the story- Ava, whose best friend has committed suicide, and Gideon ...more

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May 16, 2017 Clare Snow rated it really liked it

Shelves: cover-love, australian-author, grief, text-prize-shortlist, text-prize-winner, book-group, aust-2017-pub, read-challenge-aus-readers-2018, read-challenge-loveozya-2018, anxiety-disorder

TW: Suicide, Self harm

I have things to say, including: I finished 3 days before book group! WTF I'm sure book groupers have things to say too. I might write things after.

And reading this finished my two February Book Challenges. Didn't think that was gonna happen.

I love this cover. It has shiny.

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About Claire Christian

Claire Christian

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Claire Christian is a novelist and playwright who lives in Brisbane. She has had three plays published by Playlab, and her play Bloom was shortlisted for the Griffin Award in 2009. She was one of the YWCA Queensland 125 leading women in 2013. Beautiful Mess won the Text Prize for Young Adult & Children's Writing in 2016.