Description:

Life is funny sometimes. And not always the ha, ha kind. Like that one time where a hot guy tried to kiss me and I fell. Down. Hard. And then found out I had cancer. I’m trying to be strong for my friends and my mom. And I’m trying so hard to be “just friends” with that hot guy, even though he seems to want so much more. But I won’t do that to him. He’s been through this before with his family, and I’m not going to let him watch me die. So, I tell myself: Smile Ellie. Be funny Ellie. Don’t cry Ellie, because once I start, I might not stop. **

Review

5 stars: "A Messy, Beautiful Life appealed to every side of me: the theater geek, the romantic, the comedy lover, and the sister/best-friend who knows that family is only partly about DNA. I loved Ellie's journey...and it's not every book that can make you ugly-cry and snort-laugh within a few chapters." -Rosemary Clement-Moore, author of Texas Gothic

5 stars: "Ellie's story flew off the page and took over my heart while tickling my funny bone and messing with my tear ducts." -Victoria Hanley, bestselling author of Seize the Story: A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write

5 stars: "This book has the perfect mixture of lighthearted, fun moments and moments that will shatter your heart. But it's beautiful and gives you all the feels. [...] Read this book!!!" -Nicole, Buchwolke Tumblr

5 stars: "One instant I was laughing and the next I had tears in my eyes when Ellie discovers that her world seems to be falling apart." -Sascha, Sascha Darlington's Microcosm Explored

5 stars: "The cover is beautiful. The story was beautiful, even if it was sad. The friendships will make you jealous and make you want your own pack. There was even diversity and LGBT representation in here that wasn't forced. This is a good example of how YA books should be done. I highly recommend this book!" -Lacy, A Ravenclaw Library

5 stars: "I absolutely loved the story to this. It shows that bad things can happen but that there's always some ounce of good happening at that same moment." -Jackie, Dauntless Books and Penguins

5 stars: "I found this book saddening at the same time it was an empowering story as young teen Ellie shoulders her diagnosis and faces it all head on. [...]  Jason was a great boyfriend to her and doesn't back away because of the cancer, but if anything, shows he's there for her even more. A beautiful duo to read about." -Eve, Being Unique Being a Reader

5 stars: "A Messy, Beautiful Life, a perfect name for a perfect book. Sara Jade Alan gives you feels you've never imagined while reading a book. I cried, laughed, swooned, got angry, cried some more, and was left with such heartwarming sentiment and a bit of sadness when it was over." -Wit and Wonder Books

5 stars: "Sara Jade Alan rocked this story. There were just the right amount of swooning moments to keep me turning the pages. If you love phenomenal writing, a story that will blow you mind and warm your heart, this book is for you." -Victoria Bunce, Educator

5 stars: "A Messy, Beautiful Life made me cry so many times as it made me laugh. I read it all at one go because I couldn't let go." -Sabina, I Speak Bookish

About the Author

Sara Jade Alan wrote her first comedy sketch during second grade recess, then cast it, directed it and made costumes out of garbage bags. Since then, she has performed in more than a thousand improvised and scripted shows all over the country. Currently she is one-half of the comedy duo, The Novelistas, who perform about writing and teach performance to writers. Originally from a suburb of Chicago, Sara now lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. sarajadealan.com