There was a time when all Tess had to worry about was homework and her annoying little brother. But now with her brother gone Tess worries about everything and homework is just one more thing that causes her anxiety; slowly it feels like everything is slipping out of control.

After her brother Tess's life becomes dark, her home silent and happiness something that no longer exists within her family. Her parents are having trouble dealing with the aftermath of the incident, her mother especially is not coping falling into a great depression and Tess is left to try and deal through things on her own. At least she would be alone if it wasn't for Ned.

Ned is the one person Tess can trust, the one person she can talk to and the only one who understands her. Tess knows that Ned loves her and anything he may say is for her best, he wants her to be the best. If she can just control her study, control her eating, then maybe she will become smart enough and thin enough to be good enough to be loved.

beautiful monster is a compelling story with a lead character you really feel for. This is story about a devastating and traumatic event that cripples a family and leaves one girl forever changed. A sensitive and insightful look at how one girl deals with a number of difficult issues namely grief, depression, and eating disorders. Some events not only change your life but leave you forever changed.

Everyone deals with tragedy in their own ways but no one should have to deal alone. ( )