If I Knew You Were Going to Be This Beautiful, I Never Would Have Let You Go - Hardcover

[A] beautiful and honest coming-of-age story. a stunningly evocative portrait of a down-on-its-luck town and its people. "Booklist," starred review"Chicurel's perfect pitch for the characters' patter ... is blunt, cynical, often profane and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny.... The author's masterful writing makes this short stay in Elephant Beach worthwhile." "Kirkus Reviews"
Told in interconnected short stories, this deeply moving and beautifully written book shines a bright light on the intensity of teenage friendships. It evokes the era in vivid details . The relationships are so relatable that the book is as compelling as it is profound, making it a perfect choice for book clubs. " Long Island Woman"
"If I Knew You Were Going to Be This Beautiful, I Never Would Have Let You Go "is a startling book of linked stories. This is not just another coming of age tale, but a wise, clear look at what it was to be a young woman at singular time in our country. Chicurel s portrait of a small town in the 70s speaks volumes about who we are as a culture. Debut collection is misleading here. This is a beautiful, accomplished book. Katie Crouch, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Girls in Trucks "and "Abroad"
"A provocative story of unlikely friendships, unmatched compassion and learning to accept downtrodden people for who they are. With prose as clear as glass and words that carry even the most complicated of images, Chicurel reveals her characters best moments, their worst moments and moments of which they may only dream. The book reminds us that sometimes, something as simple as a beachfront view is enough to make something beautiful. And other times, the best things are in front of us without our knowing it." Bookpage
"If I Knew You Were Going to Be This Beautiful, I Never Would Have Let You Go" is a dazzling debut collection that brings to mind the books of Richard Price and the films of Martin Scorsese. The characters in the stories burrow deeply under your skin and stay there. Wonderful, vivid, funny, heart-wrenching and authentic. I did not want this book to end. Julie Klam, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Friendkeeping"

"A wonderful coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War." Hannah Beckerman, author of "The Dead Wife's Handbook""