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!