A review by lyzz
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This is a sweet romance between two Jewish girls, Shana and May set during Christmas time in Washington DC. The meet-cute happens when Shana's mom accidently hits May with her car when dropping Shana off in DC to participate in a winter internship at the Smithsonian on paleontological ichthyology (dinosaur fish!).  They met again when Shana takes a short-term job walking a neighbor's corgi who happens to be May's Dad.  They have a cute non-queer date at the National Portrait Gallery.  May is majoring in climatology.  They both get so excited talking about climate change and dinosaur bones and it made me excited too.   

I loved how this book tenderly explored the excitement and hesitation that goes with being vulnerable with someone, especially when you are young and inexperienced. It also gentles looks at how do you manage all these big new emotions from taking over your life and interfering with the other things that are important. Shana sees that her new romance is impacting her coveted internship.  

I also loved how well the book handled intimacy and communication about intimacy. Shana has suffered a sexual assault and learning how to share that and ask for what she needs is done authentically.  

Tropes: Forced proximity 
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