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A review by caffeinatedfae
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
3 1/2 Caffeinated Stars
CW: Ableism, Bullying, Death, Greif, Mental Illness, Suicidal Thoughts, Toxic Relationships, Graphic descriptions of being a caretaker.
As always, Helen Hoang's writing was beautiful, and everything was well done. The plot was interesting, characters were great, but this book's angst hit too close to home. My family is currently settling into our new normal, and the description of becoming a caretaker sits heavy with me after my aunt's death. I want to start by saying the descriptions were brutal and that seeing Anna dealing with it all was heartbreaking. The Heart Principle is one of those books that will stay with me, but I don't think I'll ever have the courage to reread it.
On to the happier bits, Quan and Anna were fun to watch. I loved seeing them interact with each other. I enjoyed that both of them were awkward in their way. Watching Anna grow, shift and change was intense at times but enjoyable. I wanted to yell at her and hug her at times. Quan was still that lovable character from the series, but I enjoyed seeing him more fleshed out. He too is battling his insecurities, so it was great seeing him grow with Anna.
The plot was well written and engaging though at times it did drag. My main complaint is that this book is marketed as a romance. I honestly don't think Quan and Anna's relationship was the central plot of this book. Personally, I wouldn't say that The Heart Principle is romance. Yes, there is an HFN, but Anna's relationship with her autism diagnosis and her family is central.
All in all, I enjoyed the book but felt a bit of a disconnect with how it was marketed.
CW: Ableism, Bullying, Death, Greif, Mental Illness, Suicidal Thoughts, Toxic Relationships, Graphic descriptions of being a caretaker.
As always, Helen Hoang's writing was beautiful, and everything was well done. The plot was interesting, characters were great, but this book's angst hit too close to home. My family is currently settling into our new normal, and the description of becoming a caretaker sits heavy with me after my aunt's death. I want to start by saying the descriptions were brutal and that seeing Anna dealing with it all was heartbreaking. The Heart Principle is one of those books that will stay with me, but I don't think I'll ever have the courage to reread it.
On to the happier bits, Quan and Anna were fun to watch. I loved seeing them interact with each other. I enjoyed that both of them were awkward in their way. Watching Anna grow, shift and change was intense at times but enjoyable. I wanted to yell at her and hug her at times. Quan was still that lovable character from the series, but I enjoyed seeing him more fleshed out. He too is battling his insecurities, so it was great seeing him grow with Anna.
The plot was well written and engaging though at times it did drag. My main complaint is that this book is marketed as a romance. I honestly don't think Quan and Anna's relationship was the central plot of this book. Personally, I wouldn't say that The Heart Principle is romance. Yes, there is an HFN, but Anna's relationship with her autism diagnosis and her family is central.
All in all, I enjoyed the book but felt a bit of a disconnect with how it was marketed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Death of parent, Grief, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, and Mental illness
Moderate: Infertility