Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

The Book of Broken HeartsJude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.
Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?
Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?
Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

I swear, every single Sarah Ockler book takes my breath away in ways I can never even begin to imagine before I start reading. The Book of Broken Hearts made me laugh, cry, and swoon like no other book. From the very first page, I connected with the story (and characters). Ockler sculpted a wonderfully addicting story that is difficult to put down.

In addition to being having an adorable romance, The Book of Broken Hearts also deals with more serious subjects. Jude has to learn how to come to terms with her father’s declining health, while still keeping her sanity. Though the summary of the novel offers a glimpse into the familial aspect of the story, I don’t think it does that part of the book justice. Jude’s family (especially her father) play a huge part in the story. The non-romantic relationships in The Book of Broken Hearts make it even more special. They add depth to the characters, and to the story.

Jude, the novel’s main character, is fantastically written. A lot of the times in Contemporary YA Romance books, the main character is not very memorable and lacks a strong personality. Jude, however, is neither of these things. She’s headstrong and intelligent. She is impeccably caring and family-oriented. Emilio, the adorable swoon-worthy love interest in this novel is well written also. He’s cute, but also intelligent and genuinely caring towards Jude. Their relationship is complicated, yet they make it work.

The Book of Broken Hearts is one of my favorite contemporary novels (along with Ockler’s other novels), and is something I’ve reread multiple times. Ockler’s writing is beautiful, well-paced, and unforgettable. These characters will capture your heart from the very beginning. The Book of Broken Hearts is a must-read for anybody, especially those looking for a meaningful yet cute summer read.

FTC- I received a copy from the publisher, however, I also purchased a final copy.

1 comment:

Lea (YA Book Queen) said...

You can't ever go wrong with a Sarah Ockler book. They are always fantastic!

You've got me so excited to start reading my copy now :)