When I read the summary of “Beautiful and Terrible Things,” by S. M. Stevens, the many important issues she described as part of the story arc seemed too much for one book. I wondered how she would do it. Racism, immigration, homophobia, self-harm, and the greed of corporate America—for starters. But kudos to this rising star author. She nailed it!

This unique novel is important not only because it addresses these potential minefields of social discord straight on, but it also reveals an array of diverse characters who navigate those obstacles with grace and passion. We find ourselves loving each one for their respective successes, as well as the honesty of their struggles.

In addition to providing content and characters we care about, the author pulls us in with her superb writing: authentic dialogue, descriptive narrative, and intriguing metaphors.

“Beautiful and Terrible Things” takes a penetrating look at our society—in all its glory and dysfunction. In the end, this modern saga of friendship, compassion, dedication, and love succeeds in eliciting hope in its readers.

S.M. Stevens’ Beautiful and Terrible Things examines the interconnected lives of six unique individuals. Stevens writes with vivid detail as she weaves together a story of friendship, secrets, love, and betrayal. The characters are expertly drawn and the plot meticulously constructed, taking the reader on a journey through the triumphs and tragedies of the characters’ lives. Stevens’ compassionate exploration of her characters results in a multi-perspective account of what it means to be a young adult in America today, culminating in a resolution that will stick with you long after the final page. I highly recommend this book!

Wow!!! (Listened on Audible)
This book reminded me of “Friends”, but with a more diverse set of characters that dealt with major issues. Stevens was able to incorporate topics such as racism, homophobia, transgender, mental health, immigration, corporate America, and environmental issues, to name a few, and it didn’t feel forced…at all!

The last 2/3 definitely picked up, which I was grateful for as the beginning called for me to put it down and disengage at times. But I’m beyond thrilled that I kept with it.

I absolutely fell in love with the six friends and would love to be included in their friend group, if given the chance. I think this is due to amazing character development and the narrator, Nicole Cash. Nicole brought the huge number of characters, big and small, to life with her voice and how she depicted each personality. I actually felt like I could visualize them and see how they spoke and interacted with their mannerisms.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, I do NOT give them out easily, but Beautiful and Terrible Things earned each star by telling a story that interwove heavy topics, evoked feelings and emotions, and made me angry and satisfied many times over.

Thank you S.M. Stevens! I cannot wait for what is next to come from this author and I’ll be searching for anything narrated by Nicole Cash!

Beautiful book ❤️ The story follows 6 friends and shows what true friendship is, including the hard times. It is an uplifting novel covering topics such as racism, homophobia, self harm and mental health issues. You can never truly know what's happening in another person's life....but friendship is so important and can help you through the toughest times.
Highly recommend.

An extremely diverse group of six friends face up to some of life's most challenging moments in this page-turner by new-to-me author S.M Stevens. The title accurately portrays the types of poignant and memorable milestones and losses that young adults might have to deal with. Charley, a bookstore owner crippled by the death of all those she has loved is the main character, but Xander, the quirky idealistic leader of the group is a real standout. Highly recommended for authentic dialogue and wonderful character development.

A thought-provoking tale about the issues facing a generation of young people, told through a variety of perspectives and world views. The variety and complexity of the issues form a complicated web - although few things facing this generation of twenty-somethings could be termed simple, the sense that action can produce results is never lost. An empowering story about the consequences of both action and inaction. Compassionate and thoughtful to the last. Loved it!

Beautiful and Terrible Things is not just a story about overcoming adversity but also a reflection on the intrinsic beauty that can be found in life's most formidable moments. It challenges readers to consider the enduring impact of human connections and the personal strength that can emerge from hardship. This novel remains with you, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the complexities of life it navigates.

A story of transformation, this novel challenges, inspires, and ultimately leaves a lasting impression.

Charley Byrne’s world is a cocoon, spun from fear and solitude. Working in and living above a bookstore, she finds solace in the silent company of books. The charismatic Xander Wallace pulls her away from the familiar and introduces her to his group of friends and his interests as an activist. She initially thrives, but these newfound connections bring their own trials and difficulties, sending Charley into a downward spiral.

The author masterfully creates characters as diverse as the city they live in, each bringing a unique perspective, enriching the narrative with depth and authenticity. Xander’s infectious energy becomes a catalyst for Charley’s transformation, drawing her into a vibrant world of activism and friendship. The bookstore is depicted as a haven of comfort. The city streets, filled with the undercurrent of social unrest, are portrayed with raw intensity. This novel is a powerful exploration of friendship, love, and betrayal. The bonds forged between Charley and her newfound companions are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The betrayals that follow force Charley to confront her deepest fears and vulnerabilities. Yet, it is through these trials that she ultimately finds her strength and resilience. A must-read for those seeking a story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally meaningful.

In Beautiful and Terrible Things, the reader is introduced to Charley, who likes things the way they are, and has almost become a recluse in her apartment above the book store where she works, more like manages. She hasn't really lived in a really long time, and believes, strongly believes in a curse.

I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Charley has built her own personal haven, and then in walks Xander, and her life is about to change, and she may just be resistant to change. The story is full of self-discovery, looking deep inside yourself, and knowing who you can and can't trust. It's a remarkable story that you want to read again, and again. Charley is stronger than she knows, and sometimes, doesn't trust herself to make the right decision. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. A reader can get lost in the story. Some of the pages, you end up reading slower than others, so not to miss anything. You get a soulful look into Charley, and so does she. Beautiful and Terrible Things is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review.

Beautiful and Terrible Things is ambitious in its willingness to take on prejudice—and its consequences—in its many forms. Among the consequences it describes are mental health crises and tension-filled scenes of encounters with police. (The writing here is at its best.) Through much of her novel, Stevens offers a call to empathy and a promise to the world’s disenfranchised that not only can they fight back; there are people, not necessarily among the oppressed, willing to gather on their behalf. This book gets five stars for its depiction of activism, in its many forms and on behalf of a variety of causes: Racism (including in the context BLM), LGBTQIA+ rights, and anti-anti-immigration. The characters are challenged by illegal (or at least immoral) eviction, police violence, and violent prejudice. It shows us that not only can oppression be intersectional, but so can be the friendships and alliances that form around resistance to it.

A beautiful and powerful novel that tackles hate—racism, sexism, homophobia, and citizenship/immigration—through the eyes of a group of late twenty-something friends struggling with love, work, and their role in society. Stevens writes from a multitude of perspectives and backgrounds to give the reader an intimate view of the effects of oppression, both as the victim and the bystander. Stevens uses an imaginary city to represent the ills inflicting all of our neighborhoods, while not once coming across as preachy or writing from a soap box. Rich with heart, this novel was at times hard to read because of the ways the characters inflict pain upon themselves, but also relatable in how they stumble along their journey toward love and acceptance. Long after you turn the final page, this novel will stick with you, in particular the themes of equality and the obligations we have as citizens to be an agent of change. Highly recommend!

A compelling and timely read for today’s society.

If ever there was a title that so aptly described the premise of a novel, Beautiful and Terrible Things fits the bill perfectly. Stevens takes readers on an emotional journey through the life of Charley Byrne, a young woman on the brink of rediscovering herself, and the effects the new group of friends has on her outlook on life. Throughout the novel, themes of social justice, identity, and resilience, are woven together, offering readers a thought-provoking reflection on the power of friendship, and how even the smallest interaction can shape the lives of others. A thought-provoking novel for our times. Whether you're drawn to stories of friendship, social activism, or personal growth, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

A poignant, whirlwind read that grabs you. A story so relevant it vibrates.

A moving, character driven story that includes frank explorations of contemporary debates on migration, and the implications of immigration law and enforcement on both migrants and those whose lives they touch. Thoughtfully conceived–an engaging read!

A deep dive into interpersonal dynamics among a group of young adult friends who live on the cutting edge of intersectionality and identity politics. For readers not familiar with pansexuals and the children of lesbian parents, Stevens’s story will introduce them to their full humanity. Others will see themselves in these characters. And what a pleasure to find realistic and sympathetic depictions of Guatemalan and Colombian immigrants, which could have been drawn from my practice as an immigration attorney! Fear and hope, pain and compassion tie these friends to each other. Ultimately, they have much to teach us about the beauty and love that defines real friendship. It was hard to leave these characters behind at the end.

A beautifully crafted story of friendship and self-discovery set amidst the harsh realities of today’s world. Superb!

An engaging story about love and friendship that doesn't shy away from the hard things in life. Stevens' very contemporary novel boldly tackles racism, immigration and environmental concerns through the experiences of a group of young friends who are themselves facing mental health and identity issues. As a psychotherapist, I found this a realistic portrayal of what many young (and old) people face. (At least the ones I want to hang out with!) Stevens doesn’t pathologize her characters, instead, she helps the reader understand how they each came to have what some might consider "issues" and made me hope that each one could be helped with the balm of kindness and understanding offered by their friendship. I related to the vivid descriptions of marching for social justice and I found myself rooting for this group of friends and hoping that beauty stands a chance.

SM Stevens’ brilliant novel, “Beautiful & Terrible Things” carries the emotional weight of Hanya Yanagihara’s “A Little Life” with characters resembling a diverse version of “The Big Chill.”

The book offers a poignant exploration of modern urban life for 30-something adults through the eyes of Charley Byrne, who overcomes her self-imposed isolation thanks to the quirky Xander Wallace and a diverse group of friends. Stevens’ story deftly navigates themes of social justice, friendship, and personal growth, capturing both the joy and angst of contemporary society.

Stevens left me with the lesson that we are born as we are, but live lives shaped by the transformative power of friendship.

First to disclose that SM Stevens asked me to review a draft of Beautiful and Terrible Things to ensure the verity of the emotional health issues described. Much went into the writing of it, and the result is a human and heartfelt novel. Some have noted its diversity, but to me it feel contemporary and read. Stevens is a good writer and her story, while modern, could find a place in any era. Charley, her protagonist, brings us into the story part way through hers. Her past is as relevant as her future. This is what a novel looks like when the author takes the time to produce something special, striving for excellence. Highly recommended.

Wow, this book will make you think and analyze our society. It’s an incredibly well written story about friendships, hardships, racism, mental health, sexuality, depression, grief, and love. I devoured this book and, rooted for the characters and in the process, learned a lot about various races and cultures. Charley is such a relatable character who we get to see change and grow in a beautiful way. There are so many important themes in this book, it’s almost hard to name all of them, but it’s an important and timely story, that everyone in some way can relate to. You will fall in love with these friendships and their journeys to accept themselves and each other.

Beautiful and Terrible Things is a wondrous read! The historical reader (and author) that I am, I wasn't sure what to expect from this contemporary novel, but the theme of social justice challenges and acceptance--or not--of individualism attracted me to the story and I found it difficult to put down. S.M. Stevens has an excellent on-the-pulse feel for what's happening in American society, how horribly stressful it is, and what friendship and love are all about, thus the title of the book is fitting. This is a bold, upfront, and true-to-life story. Bravo, S.M. Stevens.

Much like finding love when you’re least expecting it, sometimes a book comes along and literally takes your breath away. “Beautiful and Terrible Things” by S. M. Stevens stole my heart from the first page. Perhaps it is because of my neurodivergent brain, but I’ve never felt as seen as I did after becoming acquainted with the characters in this novel. Charley’s anxiety-ridden, obsessive thoughts to Xander’s quirkiness and stimming, I immediately felt at home in their world. Stevens has done a commendable job of representation in the immersive story—from neurodivergence and mental health to race and gender fluidity, this book is heavy on inclusivity. Readers of all backgrounds will find something that resonates with them.

The author has successfully woven a tale of friendship, love, and identity amidst the chaos of today’s dangerous climate, where there is so much hatred and intolerance. Still, together, the friends find moments of beauty that uplift them. I don’t think there has ever been a more appropriate title for a novel than S.M Stevens’ “Beautiful and Terrible Things.” For readers who love stories about transformation, revolution, and advocacy, don’t miss out on this emotional and highly inspirational reading experience.

Tons of emotion in this. Feels sort of like living with a drama queen teen. Even the characters you don't relate to do feel real and I would guess that was thanks to the large number of resources she used for background. Read the afterward. Some good information there. I liked the ending.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Beautiful & Terrible Things is a tale of repressed feelings, hidden pasts, and tortured hearts woven around the need for love and acceptance.

This close-knit circle of friends with deep-seated issues revealed through flashbacks, supports each other until someone causes unexpected hurt and alienation. Through her skillful writing, SM Stevens created an electrifying window into this diverse group of three-dimensional characters who you will come to appreciate and care about.

At times it can seem a bit preachy, especially from the perspective of the social activist, a very unique character. I love how he speaks. But in the lessons learned through a tragedy that affects them, they come together in a surprising twist of love and acceptance.

A truly memorable book that leaves your heart pounding.

Reading something outside our comfort zones can help us understand the world around us. Beautiful and Terrible Things is not the type of book I would ordinarily read, but I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read an advanced review copy. Just wow. I was provided with an advanced review copy, and my opinions are my own.

Although I have shelved this book as NOT Christian fiction, some progressives would disagree with me because the story is full of love. Full of caring about other people. Now, for my review.

Provocative. S.M. Stevens tackles today's tough topics by cleverly creating challenging fiction. Imagine the 90's sitcom Friends in 2024. Life has changed, and this novel shows just how much. Beautiful and Terrible Things is not, by any means, a romcom. It's eye-opening. These believable and fascinating characters must take a political stand, and their actions have consequences.

Because of the author's fearless approach to immigration, sexuality, gender issues, mental health, and a few other hot topics, you'll know on which side of the argument you stand after reading this provocative story.

The six young men and women we meet in Beautiful and Terrible Things share a warm, I’ve-got-your-back camaraderie that reminded me of the cast of Friends. But unlike the all-White, all-heterosexual group of Manhattanites in the TV sitcom, this is a far more diverse and complex ensemble.

So well-drawn that each character seems nuanced and real, the millennials in this story span a wide range of ethnicities and sexual proclivities. They grapple with issues of love and attraction, mental illness, immigration, personal loyalty vs. social responsibility, and more. Their stories form a richly interwoven tapestry that causes us to laugh, cry, and reflect. The underlying message: Like this appealing and sympathetic band of young people, life itself is not always black or white. And sometimes beautiful intentions can yield terrible consequences. Stevens has delivered an ambitious and absorbing novel.

Superb writing. Another tour de force by S.M. Stevens.

Beautiful and Terrible Things is extremely relevant to the world we live in today. It’s about a diverse group of friends, each with their own struggles, principles, and wishes for a better world for all.

Charley is new to the group. I love that she manages a bookstore and lives above it. How cool is that! Her anxieties are understandable given her difficult past. Xander introduces her to his friendship group and, at first, she starts to relax in their company. They are mostly a good bunch, although I wouldn’t necessarily condone some of Xander’s behaviour. I love that they take her under their wing though. My heart goes out to her when she realises her life might be about to be turned upside down. I was rooting for her whole time and hoping for a positive outcome.

I do have to mention that this is the first book I’ve read with a gender-neutral character. Sunny is a very easy to like character and I have absolutely no problem with anyone living their life however they wish to, but when I read they/them I automatically imagine more than one person (as per definition). I did have to keep reminding myself that it was just Sunny, and I can’t pretend that it didn’t interrupt the flow of the story for me a little bit at times. I imagine it’s something I will get used to it though as I’m sure it will become more commonplace in books.

I think younger readers especially will relate to these characters. They have an important story to tell, not least about the importance and power of friendship.

S.M. Stevens’ novel, “Beautiful and Terrible Things,” skillfully illustrates the complexity of modern life in the United States, and includes issues such as race, gender, mental health, corporate greed, and immigration. The story revolves around six friends, all with seemingly different demons and different ways of fighting those demons. When tragedy strikes, they discover that standing together makes all the difference—that together, they can face the world.

There is that old saying about not judging a person until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Stevens has done an excellent job in helping the reader walk those miles. Drawing us deeply into the characters’ lives and emotions, we develop a strong sense of empathy, not only for them, but for people like them who live in the real world. I dare say that I am not quite the same person I was after finishing the book. A strong five stars!

Beautiful and Terrible Things is a must-read microcosm of today’s America in all its diverse fearsomeness. Yet at the same time, it still manages to be an intimate story of contemporary friends struggling to support one another while fending off their own personal demons and afflictions. The fact that the book can be both of these things at once is a credit to author S.M. Stevens’ talent.

Reserved bookworm Charley is finally drawn out of her shell by the promise of kinship or even romance among a group of five close-knit friends, who take her in as the newest member of their crew. These finely-drawn characters run a gamut of ethnicities and sexual persuasions, exploring heavy topics together like racism, immigration, environmentalism, and social ethics. We watch examples of these unfold in their intertwining lives, engaging the reader through their rocky attractions, anxieties, identity issues, and emotional highs and lows.

The complex story lines pull you through to a tumultuous conclusion, which dissects a social protest gone awry from multiple points of view and ensnares several of the novel’s emotionally vulnerable characters. You’ll be intrigued from start to finish by this terrific group of confidantes, especially in light of our current political environment. Don’t miss it!

Take Charley, a reclusive bookshop manager haunted by loss and a perceived curse; drop her into the world of quirky Xander and his close-knit group of diverse friends. Locate them all in an America teeming with activism about social issues related to gender, race, immigration and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Sprinkle drops of loss, angst, self-discovery, and resilience, and you have the contemporary adult frame in which S.M. Stevens sets her new book Beautiful and Terrible Things.

Armed with the results of extensive research, and a deeply felt commitment to authentic portrayal of her characters and the contentious issues they face, Stevens introduces an array of diverse characters to whom an equally diverse array of readers should relate. Even while the group emerges as a microcosm of the wider society, each voice is distinct, adding layers of complexity, and enhancing the narrative with unique perspectives. But they are also well-drawn individuals who come alive on the page as they grapple with their own demons, making their personal journeys as significant as the turbulent journey they embrace together.

While some scenes may have benefitted from trimming, the best are taut, intense, and thought-provoking - a feast for book clubs and other discussion groups browsing shelves for strong but palatable doses of stark realism. One question groups will confront is whether Terrance is right that "human beings have evolved to a point where empathy is no longer necessary for their survival.” Upon reading this, I shuddered just as Sunny did, but through the struggles and triumphs of this group, Steven suggests we have not. The story gives us hope she is right.

S.M. Stevens skillfully unveils the complex character of Charley Bryne, a woman with a troubled past who finds solace in the bookstore she manages. Her confidence, once robust, has waned, and she now seeks refuge in the store, her modest apartment, and a predictable routine that includes feeding the standoffish cat named Baggage. The arrival of Xander, an environmental activist, disrupts her solitary existence with his intellectual fervor and inquisitiveness about Charley. His influence leads her to meet his heterogeneous friends, setting the stage for a transformative journey.

The setting is painted with a broad brush of various colors and textures, depicting nearly any contemporary city in America. The people living in the diverse neighborhoods are threatened by the climate of suspicion, hatred, and prejudice on one side, with families, love, and hope on the other. S.M. Stevens uses her character diversity to give readers an inside look at a myriad of sensitive, emotionally charged topics, including racism, homophobia, transgender, environmental convictions, big business, mental health, and immigration, making it a compelling read for those interested in contemporary fiction and social issues.

S.M. Stevens' "Beautiful and Terrible Things" is a compelling book that will appeal to readers from all backgrounds. The story is engaging from beginning to end, and readers will find it challenging to pick a favorite character in this tale of hope, love, friendship, and identity.

September 8, 2024
Stevens’ use of Frederick Buechner’s quote in the beginning of this novel is an especially apt one: “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” The author could well have whispered this into the ears of her six characters before setting them off on their separate journeys. Stevens does a remarkable job of allowing readers into their lives—their worlds. Fighting against social injustice is key to their group identity. Understanding the human psyche is key to knowing how Stevens was able to write such a gripping novel.

With great care, Stevens reveals integral details of characters’ lives and friendships with each other. We learn about their beautiful and terrible pasts. It isn’t long before I felt like I knew Charley, Sunny, Xander, Jess, Terrance, and Buwan; they felt like actual people in my life. As true for any deep or growing friendship, emotional intimacy isn’t always present, but Stevens focuses on the deeper moments in friendships with laser beam precision. She does a great job capturing it. We probably see through Charley’s eyes more than the others, as she is—like we are as readers—the ‘new kid on the block’ because the other five have been friends for quite awhile.

While there are many novels for adults about groups of women who are friends (The Group by Mary McCarthy or many of Maeve Binchy’s novels), there are fewer about deep connections in a group of men and women. And of course there was the hit TV show ‘Friends,’ and the movie, ‘The Big Chill,’ about a group of friends who reunite after one of them dies. Whereas big-screen tend to focus on the comedic in friendships, novels are better able to capture the complexities of friendships. At least the better ones like this one. While romance buds between a few of the characters here, this is primarily a book about a group whose connection becomes vital for each of them to thrive in their individual lives.

It isn’t simply clever wordsmithery that brings these character to life, but Stevens’ ability to realistically portray them through their interactions. Beautiful and terrible things do happen to them. Because Stevens knows how to make her characters living beings, we empathize and experience both their joys, as well as their sorrows. I hated the book to end because I so wanted to know what was going to happen next in their lives. This is truly a poignant and powerful read!

S.M. Stevens’ novel, Beautiful and Terrible Things lives up to its name. It's a Contemporary Literature that is about a beautiful friendship among six diverse fascinating individuals but it is also about the terrible things that happen to them as they try to maintain that friendship against their various struggles.

The best thing about this book are the well developed characters. The six protagonists have the type of friendship that makes the Reader think, “I want to live in that city and be a part of that group.” They are from various ethnicities, diverse backgrounds, three genders, and have different outlooks on life yet strive to retain loyal connections with each other. They are almost like the Friends gang, only more diverse and set in the 2020’s.

This is a book that should be on every nightstand, dealing with difficult issues with empathy and authenticity. It’s what our country needs right now. The narrator brought the story and diverse characters to life - each one distinct and unique which allowed me to know them and feel as if I was a part of their group of friends. Highly recommend!

Beautiful and Terrible Things, a novel by S. M. Stevens captures the awkwardness that sometimes comes with making new friends. A group of very different millennials become something bigger than themselves as they navigate societal, career, relationship, and family challenges. Bu, perhaps the most challenged, is the heart of the group and the story, which follows the friends as they leave their comfort zones for something more. Beautiful and Terrible Things is a nuanced portrayal of each of these individuals and their disparate coming of age experiences. Excellent read.

I couldn’t put this book down! There is such a unique array of characters, each with their own interesting stories and backgrounds. I fell in love with the characters and found myself feeling very emotional at all the crazy things that happened to them. The themes and events are all relevant to the world today, and the author handled some very dark topics with grace and sensitivity. I feel like a better person after reading this book!

This felt like watching a movie drama. I could picture all the well written characters and envision the settings. It takes you through the ups and downs as they experience it. I wish I could have read it a little slower to take it all in. I will be re reading this again but I feel everyone should give this story a chance. It is so real and the situations complex and diverse. I am glad I was given the chance to try this one.

Initially whilst reading through the early pages of this book, I’m not sure what it’s supposed to be about and although part one is mainly an introduction to the characters in this book, although Charley is the main character I’m quite drawn to Xander who is so quirky and full of life.

This book once it picks up, is so beautifully written, so powerful and touching there are times when you feel as though you are actually there, experiencing all the hardship and pain and circumstances that the cast and their families have endured, you feel it all and I loved every second of it. I highly recommend that you read this book, it’s full of emotions and tears and there’s even some laughter. But it shows how the group deals with loss, companionships and societal issues that can have a negative effect on the character’s wellbeing. I also think that this book would be excellent for book clubs everywhere.

The only criticism I have of this book is that every time “Sunny” is having a conversation with “Charley”, the author keeps using they or their or them instead of her or she. So it gets very confusing as to whether there are other people with them or it’s just the couple having a conversation between themselves.

Couldn't put it down. Loved it!