Review of The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett


The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett


To be published on November 3, 2015 by Feiwel and Friends

Source: ARC for review from publisher

Pot Summary of The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she's spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps, she's ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. 

But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down. Jack is charming, wildly attractive . . . and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. 

On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is—and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix’s own family’s closet tear them apart? 

Review of The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett


What a heartwarming, heartfelt -- okay, you get the idea -- book! 

I'll admit to some skepticism at first, as this couple initially seemed a little too ... manufactured to me. They're quirky for sure: she's a Wednesday Addams lookalike who spends her spare time drawing cadavers. He's a mystery man with a rockabilly fashion sense and a whole lot of secrets. After they meet cute, their relationship progresses in a refreshingly leisurely manner.

Another thing I loved about The Anatomical Shape of a Heart were the strong family elements. Both Bex and Jack have some family issues, but I loved the way both of their families were an integral part of the story. And I loved the way the story captured the foggy, gritty atmosphere of San Francisco.

This book was just charming from start to finish -- an ideal YA contemporary romance. I thought it had a similar vibe to Lola and the Boy Next Door, so if that's a favorite of yours, give this one a try!

Comments

  1. One of my wish list books, so I'm glad that it's living up to the hype. Great review!
    Keisha @ Lekeisha The Booknerd

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  2. I've never read Lola and the Boy Next Door but I'm really excited to read this one. From the sound of it, it feels that it's my type of YA contemporary :D

    czai @ the Blacksheep Project

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    1. If you like this you should definitely try Lola. Both have a San Francisco setting, quirky main characters and a strong family element!

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  3. I really enjoyed this one. I thought that Bex and Jack were great characters and loved the art aspect. Definitely a good one if you liked Lola.

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  4. I love the premise of this and I love the sound of a more slowly paced romance!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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    1. I know, right? They are definitely intrigued with one another, but it's a bit of a slow burn, which is great!

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  5. I loved Bennett's Arcadia Bell UF series (she wrote the teenage boy SO well) and I'm really looking forward to reading this. I'm happy to hear that you loved it.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. It's just a well-crafted book, besides being fun to read. I'll have to look into her UF.

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  6. A contemporary YA with strong family elements? Count me in. And I love when the setting plays as much a part in the story as the characters. I love to be able to "feel" where the story is happening.

    Tanya @ Girl Plus Books

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  7. So happy that you loved this one and recommends it! I just got a copy and I'm super excited to dive in!

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  8. I thought this book was already on my list, but I guess not. It is now! Sounds cute. Great review.

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  9. I'm sooo happy you enjoyed this one!! It sounds like everything I love. I cannot wait to read it!!

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  10. Charming sounds pretty good, actually :)

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  11. Okay, the romance does sound a bit iffy, but I love it when family plays a huge part in romance books! <3 So glad you ended up enjoying this despite having a few qualms at first. :)

    Aimee @ Deadly Darlings

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  12. I'm really happy you enjoyed this one, Jen! I fell in love with it myself. And I loved the family aspect too. It was wonderful!
    Lovely review, Jen!

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  13. Ah, I'm totally in the mood for something charming - had some rather heavy literature of late! Glad you enjoyed - I've heard so many good things about this book!

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