Reviews

Love in English by Maria E. Andreu

alannar2422's review against another edition

5.0

I could NOT put this down. There is this certain feeling where you love a book so much, you don't want it to end, but you also are very curious to know how it ends. So naturally, you finish the book and scream when its over. Which is exactly what I did. WOW. I am a Puerto Rican , born in Florida speaking english first then spanish. I have had many friends who did not speak english and went through what Ana and Neo did. Not understanding the language, not fitting in, and having people who did not want you there. Because of my parents I had the liberty of not having to feel out of place in the US except for distinct circumstances regarding color and cultural background... but in the sense of learning a language and leaving your old life behind for a new one. This book was amazing because it showed that different perspective that most Americans do not understand. The side where you live in a foreign country and have to learn a language as well as all the customs that come alongside it. I loved Ana as a character, her words were magnificent and the way she was herself in every situation is enchanting. Altagracia is a friend we all wish to have, with her extroverted, unique, and caring personality. Neo was also a wonderful character and complemented Ana so well, since being in a foreign country was a journey they took on together. His personality was so charming, not to mention his good looks, penchant for always having snacks and Greek background. His love and talent for architecture was so admirable and again reminded me to never settle for anything less than the qualities Neo presented. I loved him is all I can say and he is now on the list of best book boyfriends of all times. Mr. T was an amazing teacher. One us students can only wish for. The way he strived to understand his students despite their startling differences and give them memories to cherish. He gave them a safe place to make friends and just be themselves. Not to mention all the times he went out of his way to take them places, buy them food or understand their daily struggles. He is a marvelous person. This novel was so delightful because you almost never see a YA book about a hispanic character to this degree and with such depth. I would also like to mention how proud of myself I am right now that I know what Agapimu means because of my love for Greek mythology. I also love that word and will never say my love in such a basic way any longer. Thank you Maria E. Andreu for giving us hispanics a voice and highlighting struggles so many of us go through. Lowkey mad at myself for finishing this book in a day but it is what it is .,.

kellylacey's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book from start to finish. It reminded me of Judy Blume’s writing but with modern-day feels. When Ana moves with her Mother from Argentina to live her new life in America her whole life gets turned upside down. Her father left previous to create the roots of their new life. His English is very good and now he has expectations for Ana to fit in, stay on top of her grades and learn better English.

It is already tough for any student navigating the daily struggles of school, emotions, boys, girls and studying. Throw into the mix not being able to understand English and the weight of all of that is immense for Ana. What brings respite is the friends she makes in her ESL class and who is this boy in maths that makes paper birds?


Ana is a likeable strong female character and I am sure she will inspire many readers. Although she is meant to be 16 in the book I felt she and the other characters were a little younger. I really loved Neo, he was just as lost as Ana and the two complimented each other so much.

The awkward laugh out loud moments are what make this book extra special. I lived in the ’80s and as Neo and Ana experience some culture from then I was in fits of giggles.


The book is perfect escapism and hopes there are further books with these characters.

Te lo recomiendo mucho!

ki4eva's review

emotional medium-paced

3.0

nisanre's review

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book was cute and a nice palet cleanser from some of the heavier books I've been reading/listening to off and on this year. The characters were cute, the story was cute. I really liked the idea of writing a character who is learning English and the way Andreu describes the confusion that comes from navigating an entirely different world. 

lt_reads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

mrsraglandreads's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

gkathh's review against another edition

2.0

It’s a fine book. The story is cute but it was really predictable and I felt like I was reading a story I could have written in middle school. It was a very quick read once I actually started to read it, but it took me a little while to be interested enough to finish it.

marghebookstagram's review against another edition

4.0

Una lettura fresca, dolce, capace di indurci in riflessioni sulle nostre capacità di comunicazione senza risultare banale o scontato. Lettura consigliata per uscire dal blocco del lettore o per staccare la spina in periodi particolarmente intensi

autumn_panda's review against another edition

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

staciam's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed the audiobook of this story.