I wanted more development for Cassie and why she was choosing to leave her good girl image behind. In some ways Cassie's fast descent makes sense, especially given her age, but I wish the author would have described it a bit more. We know Cassie's family moved for a reason and we're led to believe it's some big secret, but we never find out what. One moment Cassie is a good girl and the next she's pulled into Alex's world-there's no explanation how she got there.

The story seems to jump around too much without much explanation or back story. I guess 7th and 8th grade readers who are reading the gritty books allready and can get this one at the public library would be the prime audience. So I don't know who the audience really is.

It's also a bit odd because the character is so young, but I don't know how many middle school libraries could really carry it and I don't know if older teens would read about the addictions of a 7th grader. But adults will see the many faults that are in the book. I can see readers who love gritty realistic fiction devouring this one. It's very gritty and perfect for fans of Ellen Hopkins. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Beautiful is an interesting little book. Cassie's life spins in a downward spiral and she finds herself in a twisted friendship with Alex with now way out. She finds herself drawn into a strange friendship with Alex and soon Cassie is in a world with drugs, sex, secrets and lies. Add to Goodreads About the Book: When thirteen-year-old Cassie moves to a new town, she wants to leave behind her smart good girl image.

Amy reed beautiful