Waiting on Wednesday (20)

The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Publishing date: May 11, 2010
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Goodreads / Amazon
Description:
If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment building by the SATs and college applications—and by the secrets she keeps. Connelly's few friends think that her parents are divorced—but they're not. Connelly's father died when she was two, and she doesn't know how.

If Connelly is the Rapunzel of her school, Jeremy Cole is the crown prince, son of a great and rich New York City family. So when he sits down next to her at lunch one day, Connelly couldn't be more surprised. But Jeremy has a tragic secret of his own, and Connelly is the only one he can turn to for help. Together they form a council of two, helping each other with their homework and sharing secrets. As the pair's friendship grows, Connelly learns that it's the truth, not the secrets, that one must guard and protect. And that between friends, the truth, however harsh, is also beautiful.

This lovely and memorable debut by Alyssa B. Sheinmel contains many of the hallmark themes found in young adult literature—friendship, coming of age, finding a place to belong, and overcoming the death of a loved one. Emotionally moving from start to finish, The Beautiful Between introduces a strong new voice to the genre, a voice with a long future ahead of it.

Now doesn't that just sound so darn sweet? I love the fairy tale reference and hope it's in the book also, because I adore fairy tales and retellings. Connelly and Jeremy's relationship sounds beautiful! And I find perfectly seeming characters who are actually lonely and secretive are one of the best possible. And yay for debuts!

Can't say I'm a fan of the cover, but the description more than makes up for it! (Actually, on my photobucket account, this cover is saved right beside the cover for Blood Promise. The Beautiful Between's cover just pales in comparison I'm afraid. Although if it's going for the old and broken look, it's working. :P)

So y'all, what say you? And what's your pick this week?

WoW hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.