The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.31, 2014, under Real life, Romance, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? Mostly girls (maybe some guys who love motorcycles), 13 and up, who like coming-of-age books with family problems, romance, heartbreak, and humor.
The goods on this book: Jude “Juju” Hernandez has just finished her senior year of high school, but her personal plans are on hold because of her overwhelming concern for her father, who has early onset Alzheimer’s. In his younger years, before his marriage and four daughters, he had ridden his Harley Davidson all around Chile, and Juju believes that if they can bring his old motorcyle back to life, he will get better. When she sets out to find a mechanic to lead them in this summer project, her only option is Emilio Vargas, a cute guy with a surprising ability to get along with Juju’s dad, even when he becomes agitated. There is a problem, though. Years earlier, Emilio’s cousin broke off an engagement with one of Juju’s three older sisters (“the holy trinity), and they had forced Juju to join them in a sacred oath to never have anything to do with a Vargas. Juju must navigate the opinions and probable wrath of her older sisters while guiding the motorcycle project with her dad, trying to sidestep Emilio’s charms. How can she pull off the impossible? If you’re looking for a book that is on the mature side yet not heavy, try this sweet-spirited book that balances heartbreak with heartwarmth. It might even make you want to ride a motorcycle. I guess my only complaint is that I wanted Juju to be fixing her own motorcycle, but then it would be a different book.
This book is an ALA Best Book for 2014 nominee.
The details: 357 pages; 2014 Review by Samrarian
