What Beauty There Is

Cory Anderson's 'What Beauty There Is' is an intense and searingly honest young adult novel for readers aged 12-18. It follows Ava, who has lived in isolation under the control of her merciless father, and Jack, who is struggling with poverty and the threat of foster care for his younger brother. Their paths collide when Jack seeks drug money that sent his father to prison, only to find himself hunted by Ava's father. The novel explores themes of survival, family loyalty, and the difficult choices made under extreme pressure, offering a powerful narrative about finding courage and connection amidst brutality.

A 2022 William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist, What Beauty There Is is Cory Anderson's stunning novel about brutality and beauty, and about broken people trying to survive—"Intense, brutal, and searingly honest," perfect for fans of Patrick Ness, Laura Ruby, and Meg Rosoff. To understand the truth, you have to start at the beginning. Ava Bardem lives in isolation, a life of silence. For seventeen years, Ava’s father, a merciless man, has controlled her fate. He’s taught her to love no one. But then she meets Jack. Living in poverty, Jack Dahl is holding his breath. He and his younger brother have nothing—except each other. With their parents gone, Jack faces a stark choice: lose his brother to foster care or find the drug money that sent his father to prison. He chooses the money. Suddenly, Jack’s and Ava’s fates become intimately—and dangerously—linked as Ava’s father hunts for the same money as Jack. When he picks up on Jack’s trail, Ava must make her own wrenching choice: remain silent or speak and fight for Jack’s survival. Choices. They come at a price.