The Story of Beautiful Girl

By: Rachel Simon

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1968. Lynnie, a young white woman with a developmental disability, and Homan, an African American deaf man, are locked away in an institution: the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded, and have been left to languish, forgotten. Deeply in love, they escape, and find refuge in the farmhouse of Martha, a retired schoolteacher and widow. But the couple is not alone - Lynnie has just given birth to a baby girl. When the authorities catch up to them that same night, Homan escapes into the darkness, and Lynnie is caught. But before she is forced back into the institution, she whispers two words to Martha: "Hide her."

And so begins the 40-year epic journey of Lynnie, Homan, Martha, and baby Julia - lives divided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet drawn together by a secret pact and extraordinary love.

©2011 Rachel Simon (P)2011 Hachette Audio

oh yeah

This book took me awhile to get into, despite the fact that it is gripping, moving, compelling, from the first paragraph. There was no problem with it holding my interest. However, some things in the story seem - especially at first - a bit far-fetched. It required some suspension of disbelief. Once I was past a certain point in the novel, however, what had been bothering me along those lines of believe-ability evaporated. The last few hours especially are "driveway material" - if you've been listening in the car, it's likely you'll be hunting for some headphones as soon as you get in the house.

Bottom line for this reviewer: a beautiful, moving novel.

Wonderfully sad.

I've listened to this book three times within two years. One reason I liked this book is because the story is so different from anything I've heard or read before. The narrator gave such an EXCELLENT performance and really gave life to the characters. I think it's a book for women more then men and ladies I encourage you to listen. It's sad but you won't want to stop listening.

Wonderful display of "six degrees of separation."

What did you love best about The Story of Beautiful Girl?

This story reinforces the importance of treating EVERYONE you come in contact with dignity and respect. A full life is had not by proving how much better one is than another but by experiencing all the amazing talents and beauty in the people around you. So many people have amazing talents and perspectives.

What about Kate Reading’s performance did you like?

Wonderful performance. I could picture the characters in her voice.

A Beautiful Story!

A great, feel-good story about a young woman with a mental handicap, and her struggles in and out of a "school" for the disabled. A bit of history about the 70's and 80's institutions for the disabled, a bit of a coming of age story, and a lot about love in all it's forms.

I teared up. A lot.

overly dramatic

Despite the sad theme its a very predictable love story. The novel starts out pretty intense and with some surprising twists but the further it progresses the more it levels out to a story with happy end.
An extra star for the excellent narration: well done!

Never saw it coming....

This book started out a little slow but as I read on the plot got more interesting. The unknown horrors of mental institutions knocked me off my feet. No one should be subject to this kind of abuse, especially if the persons are knowingly unable to fend for themselves. Beautiful ending for the main characters. Good read!

Worthy subject matter but kind of average.

This is a nice book but the story is a bit cheesy and over emotional. The characters were a bit one dimensional.

Wonderful Story

this was the first book by Rachel Simon I had read and will definitely find others by her. the story hit home a bit as I have an Uncle with down syndrome and thankful my grandparents opted to include him in their daily lives instead of excluding him. the characters are all intriguing, especially the three the story follows throughout. highly recommend.

Wonderful Story. Well written.

Really holds on to you emotionally. Very difficult to put down. A thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Compelling and Beautifully Written

This story spans a lifetime and brings us through tragedy and mistreatment to self determination and hope. The characters are real and understandable as they navigate through a world they are not initially able to control and is filled with mistreatment and misunderstanding.
They are beautiful people. Their amazing journey was a truly amazing story.