Beautiful Country
Beautiful Country
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Brief
Beta320
Novel • Fiction
Beijing, China • 2000s
2016
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Beautiful Country by J.R. Thornton follows a young American boy who moves to China and navigates cultural and personal challenges while participating in competitive sports. Through his experiences, the boy learns about friendship, identity, and resilience in a foreign environment, blending coming-of-age themes with cross-cultural exploration.
Nostalgic
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
1,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Beautiful Country by J.R. Thornton offers a vivid exploration of cultural immersion and identity through the eyes of an adolescent protagonist. Positively received for its authentic portrayal of life in China and the emotional depth of friendships, some critics note its pacing as uneven. Overall, it delivers a compelling narrative rich with cross-cultural insights.
Who Should Read Beautiful Country?
A reader who would enjoy Beautiful Country by J.R. Thornton is likely interested in coming-of-age stories, cross-cultural experiences, and sports. Fans of John Knowles' A Separate Peace and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner might appreciate the novel's exploration of friendship, identity, and personal growth in the context of international settings.
1,055 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Beijing, China • 2000s
2016
Adult
14-18 years
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