Beautiful Mess (ePub)

'This is a strong, character-driven story from a talented playwright and novelist, which tackles some hefty issues with lightness and humour. It is an impressive debut.' Books+Publishing

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 aversion to social media. He lives in his head. She lives in her grief. The only people who can help them move on with their lives are each other.

The winner of the 2016 Text Prize, Beautiful Mess is funny and sad and a bit screwed up and romantic and absolutely real. In other words, a lot like life.

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 YWCA Queensland's 125 leading women of 2013.

'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 Book Prize

'A raw, affecting coming-of-age story that starts a conversation about mental health.' Readings

'Beautiful Mess is a powerful, poignant novel about love, loss, and learning that even though we might feel cracked or broke at times, we are still beautiful...Claire Christian must be commended for tackling some of the most confronting themes in YA with sincerity and heart.' Written Word Worlds

'An engrossing read that brings together Ava and Gideon, two emotionally flawed and troubled characters not unlike Libby and Jack in Jennifer Niven's Holding Up the Universe or Eleanor and Park of Rainbow Rowell's book of the same title.' Readings

'Beautiful Mess tackles young adult issues head on, but with a lightness of touch that lifts it from the dark topics it explores. A debut novel with memorable, authentic characters that touch your heart, float into your life and leave you wanting more.' Magpies

'A truly touching story of young people trying to navigate their way through real problems. I highly recommend this novel and congratulate Claire on a great debut.' Lamont Books

'Claire is such a lovely bubble of positivity. I'm excited to see what she brings to Aussie YA.' Danielle Binks, Alpha Reader

Beautiful Mess is a stunning read. Claire Christian has delivered a raw and moving debut with beautifully flawed, well-drawn characters who you can't help but fall in love with.' Gabrielle Tozer

'Claire Christian delivers an honest and searing depiction of the flow-on effects of grief...A book with a lot of heart and hope and a useful compass for teens facing similar issues.' Kids' Book Review

'Bittersweet and funny...A beautiful book with important words to say about mental health, love and brokenness.' Paper Fury

'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. Claire Christian is a captivating, compassionate and remarkable debut author composing a narrative that will linger long after the final page.' Diva Booknerd

'Beautiful Mess is the most sensitive explanation of depression and how it affects lives that I have ever read. If...