Did I read the same book?...

[Megan]

Maddie wrote: "Yes, the author bashed people giving bad reviews and started full out arguments with them."
LMBO! I never heard of this! Where was this at? Goodreads/Amazon etc or on her Facebook? I can see if the drama was brought to her FB why she would "handle" it (although just deleting the comment could work too) but going other places is just LOOKING for trouble.

Also with my acronym use it makes me laugh at how off topic this post got. Happy I'm not the only one with a trailing mind.

[Maddie]

I believe some was on Goodreads, but I'm not sure. There was a bit on Amazon where she argued with a reviewer who classified Beautiful Disaster as "young adult", even though that was how Amazon listed it.

[Megan]

Wow, I lost a little respect for her. She wrote a book, in some parts a not that greatly edited book, she should take the criticism. If I give the book to my brothers I can assure her they'd hate it, not because they're assholes but because NA/YA and especially romance is not their genre.

The way I look at is (if I were an author) as long as my book is a little over 4 stars, (like all of her books are) I'd be happy. The low scores should make her want to be a better author.

[Maddie]

I thought I was the only one who noticed how atrociously it was edited. Glad to know I was wrong on that. I, too, want to be an author but I already know well enough that if people leave negative reviews, you really should ignore them, because the more positive ones are really what you should pay attention to. Why? Because if you really enjoy it, criticisms shouldn't stop or worry you. I would accept constructive criticism from people I trust, though. But I think ignoring negative reviews on sites like Goodreads is only going to help you, because then you won't be tempted to start something...or build a reputation. ;)

[Mindy]

Eh, I loved it. Reading about dysfunctional relationships entertain me. Although, I was a bigger fan or Travis than I was of Abby.

[Maki]

I'm 20 and I completely disliked this book. I like reading some young-adult romance from time to time, but this was terrible! The characters were awful, the situation was ridiculous, the whole thing was stupid and immature. Not my kind of book AT ALL. I had to drop it halfway through, I just didn't care what happened to them.

[[deleted user]]

The editing and grammar errors were so glaring that I was offended as a reader. Sub-par plot and characters aside, this was just terrible.

[Maya]

This book was plain crappy. I didn't get what the whole point was, that whole relationship was just red flags of unhealthy love. I take that back what they had isnt love. He was hot headed, stupid, violent, knocked almost every guy. I mean come on... who will honestly get away with beating up a football player in the cafeteria full of students, and football team... seriously seriously wtf. Then abby was just annoying, i didnt get what was the point of going back to Vegas to get married.

I read the comments the author made on Amazon it was stupid of her to do. Every person that makes a book needs to be prepared for reviews that hate their book because i absolutely despised and couldnt believe people were raving about it. one review even said she loved it, and even though she was in an abusive relationship and the signs in theirs reminded her of her past...

it was crap crap crap is all i can say and now it is being made to a movie. seriously wtf. its like any crap can now be made.

[Tarra]

I am so glad that I am not the only person that thought Beautiful Disaster was pure crap. I didn't care for either Abby or Travis. I felt like I was reading a scene from a Jerry Springer episode. This book did not live up to the hype and all the rave reviews. Kept asking myself was I reading the same book as everyone else?

[Therese]

Every chapter I just kept wishing for it to be over. I was surprised to see a lot of people giving it a 4. The book depicted women as shallow objects. I really thought it was a fantasy fiction. Like the author was fantasizing a hot, masculine, unbeatable guy who pretty much threatens everybody when he doesn't get it his way. Wtf? I kept reading cause I was hoping that it was gonna elaborate more on Abby's family problem. hell. She didn't even explain how she became bad luck to her father. Or even if she did that doesn't make any sense. And I still can't believe the explanation to Travis shutting everybody out is his mom dying. He was three?! Why the hell is this book published?

[[deleted user]]

I don't know which is worse- the fact that it was published or that it's been picked up for a movie!!

[BEE]

I can go on a wild rant on this book. It was ok, but Abby & Travis drive me mad. bitch slap to them both

[Goddess]

I agree - the book was really annoying. What is wrong with the characters. Every girl is a slut or skank with the exception of America, Abby and Kara (who is a nerd and therefore of course doesn't count as normal).

And all these girls are walking STIs but of course Travis is clear of these STIs (someone didn't advise the author that condoms don't protect you from all STIs if you sleep around). Anyway, I digress.

I thought this was interesting though:

On Sexist and Misogynistic Language in YA Lit:

http://crunchingsandmunchings.wordpre...

And, so, this is a post about how and why words matter a whole heck of a lot, especially in YA lit, when we know that they are being consumed by readers whose identities and views about the world are in the process of forming.

[Hayley]

I like a book to be different from all other books. I'm sick of reading about the same type of girl, Ana Grey (50 shades) Bella Swann (Twilight), I find it unrealistic that ALL girls are like this.
BD has 2 non conventional characters, love em or hate em they are not like Bella or Ana,they are quirky, weird and annoying just as real people are very diverse. Someone's gotta tell the story of the messed up people.
I like it for that reason.

[Delaney]

Hayley wrote: "I like a book to be different from all other books. I'm sick of reading about the same type of girl, Ana Grey (50 shades) Bella Swann (Twilight), I find it unrealistic that ALL girls are like this...."
I have to agree with you Hayley. I read it and liked it, it was sooo different from the usual love story, with all the problems, and out there characters. And I've never read 50 shades, and won't, but the majority of my books are romance, and all have a problem here or there but they always happily end up together. This was just different to grab and hold my attention. Plus the fact that the 2nd book, is the same time frame, but from Travis' perspective! I LOVE THAT. I haven't read it yet, but just like with Midnight Sun, I love having that duel perspective.

[Sleepy]

Hayley wrote: "I like a book to be different from all other books. I'm sick of reading about the same type of girl, Ana Grey (50 shades) Bella Swann (Twilight), I find it unrealistic that ALL girls are like this...."

Yes i completely agree, regular people in real life are dysfunctional so why not write about a dysfunctional relationship. Loved this book, one of my favorites!

[Goddess]

Hayley wrote: "I like a book to be different from all other books. I'm sick of reading about the same type of girl, Ana Grey (50 shades) Bella Swann (Twilight), I find it unrealistic that ALL girls are like this...."

There are many books out there that do not have women such as those two. I loath Twilight and 50 Shades. Hence I'm thankful to say there are loads of books that have great heroines.

I found Abbey a weak willed female. But it's most likely because I've read books that feature strong women (even chick lit has female protagonist who are pioneers). But I think the reason why people didn't like the book it because it's geared for the YA market hence the sexist and misogynist themes are inappropriate. If it's for adults - then fine. But this anti-feminist backlash prevailing in YA books is concerning.

Btw - I'm not criticizing you!! I'm just highlighting why it was considered inappropriate :-)