Love In English

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Synopsis:

A fresh, breakout YA novel that is layered with themes of immigration, cultural identity, and finding your voice in any language. 

Sixteen-year-old Ana is a poet and a lover of language. Except that since she moved to New Jersey from Argentina, she can barely find the words to express how she feels.

At first Ana just wants to return home. Then she meets Harrison, the very cute, very American boy in her math class, and discovers the universal language of racing hearts. But when she begins spending time with Neo, the Greek Cypriot boy from ESL, Ana wonders how figuring out what her heart wants can be even more confusing than the grammar they’re both trying to master. After all, the rules of English may be confounding, but there are no rules when it comes to love.

With playful and poetic breakouts exploring the idiosyncrasies of the English language, Love in English is witty and effervescent, while telling a beautifully observed story about what it means to become “American.” 

Review:

If you’re looking for a contemporary romance in young adult fiction you’ve got to read Love In English. And it’s just in timefor Valentine’s Day! It has all the parts that make up a perfect teen romance. A love triangle between the main character, the cute boy that sits next to the main character in class, and the more mysterious boy (space) friend from another class, plus a quirky best friend, and a compassionate and caring teacher.

What I liked about this story was that although it checked off all the perfect romance/high school tropes, it had some depth to it that I wasn’t really expecting. The story was refreshing. The main character definitely grows throughout the story as most main characters do. But it wasn’t a full makeover that made her beautiful on the outside so that the boys would notice her. It was deeper than that. The boys aren’t cute and troublesome or cute and mean. They’re more complex characters than that. And I love how the author used poetry to help the main character, Ana, find her voice both literally and metaphorically.

Verdict:

Definitely take the time to read this novel that’s all about finding your voice and sometimes finding love along the way!

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Need to Know:

Title: Love In English
Author: Maria E. Andreu
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: February 2, 2021
Page Number: 336 pgs.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.