Review: Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn't outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself.
Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don't scare her. They don't keep her away. In fact, they don't make any difference at all to her.
But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering.
Or maybe she's just a girl who needs love just like he does.

Doesn't that sounds absolutely amazing?!

I have been waiting to read this book since I first heard about it back in March. I couldn't find it anywhere! Then finally this week I came across one copy sitting on a bookshelf at an independent bookstore. I squealed in joy! I lunged toward it and held it in my hands so tight that the only way anyone would be able to break it from my grasp would have had to knock me upside the head with a sturdy copy of Breaking Dawn.

I just finished the book...
As soon as I turned the last page I heard my brain's choir singing "wha wha whaaaaaa." I was completely let down! This book could have been amazing. The idea of having a teenage boy being a double amputee,but finding love is just brilliant. Not only is the plot idea intriguing, but the story is told from both Lucious and Aurora's point of view. Unfortunately ideas can only go so far. The characters weren't developed in the least and they didn't grow throughout the novel. I felt like I didn't know Aurora at all and only knew Lucius in the slightest. I know it was a short book at only 208 pages, but I figured the author would have gotten to the point and not waited to the last page to have everything play out.

The main plot points in the story would have been fun to read about, but in a lot more detail. I enjoy fast paced reads every once in a while, but this was beyond fast paced. If more thought was put into the situation that the characters were going through it would have been a better book. I think so much more could have been discussed and looked over, instead of just the obvious being written.

I hated Aurora. Sorry, but I'm being honest here. She seemed way to self-centered and just unintelligent. I would love to tell you more about what rubbed me the wrong way about this character, but there's just so much lack of content. Lucius is a little better, he's witty and persistent.

Characters: 2/5
Creativity: 3/5
Voice: 1/5
Impact: 2/5
Overall: 2/5

However minus the bad points Crazy Beautiful still managed to get a point across. You really don't know what you have until it's gone. Lucius can't do everyday activities with ease due to lack of hands. It made me appreciate all of the blessings that I have in my life.
*And I love, love, love the title.*

I have heard mixed reviews for this books so I would recommend getting it at your library. The concept of a normal teen boy with a disability and an all accepting girl makes a great love story... if only it were more developed!!



  1. Aw, it sucks when books you hope are amazing turn out to be a letdown! And I don't think I would be able to deal with Aurora either, she doesn't sound very appealing. great review!

  2. Thanks Audrey!
    I would have loved if Aurora was a total brain and a little crazy, but that's just me haha :)

  3. How disappointing for you! I will look for this one at my library. I hope that the next book you highly anticipate is worth the anticipation. Happy reading!

  4. This one is on my to-read list, but like you, I've read a lot of mixed reviews on it. I think I'll see if my library has it. I really like the premise of the book, but I'm a stickler for characterization, so I'm not sure if I'll enjoy it or not. Either way, I'll probably give it a shot eventually. Thanks!

  5. Aw, sorry to hear this one was a disappointment! Also, LOL at the Breaking Dawn line :D

  6. Natalie- I'm glad your giving it a shot since the plot idea was pretty good.

    Danya- Haha, Breaking Dawn is an awesome defense weapon :D

  7. Great honest review! This one never really called out to me and I've seen mixed reviews about it. Probably not one for me but yeah, love that title!

  8. The title is the greatest! :)

  9. Aw, I'm sad you didn't like it as much as I did. But, I like how you were honest. CRAZY has been getting mixed reviews a lot... hmm... I myself, personally liked it though! Thanks for your review! :)

  10. I know I was so upset I didn't like it. My friend just adored it and can't understand why I didn't.
    Thanks for stopping by Mavie! :)

  11. I hate it when a book lets you down! I may still give it a try just because it's one that really made me go ...OOOO when I heard the plot. Thanks for being honest!