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oatkeeper 's review for:
Foolish Hearts
by Emma Mills
This book took me by surprise! I was expecting a less than I got, honestly, and am really impressed. Foolish Hearts tells the story of Claudia's senior year of high school and her relationships. What's unique about this story, though, is it isn't just about a romantic relationship (as many YA contemporary novels are), it's also about Claudia's relationships with her friends (new and old), her parents, and her brother. Claudia gets roped into working on the school play to improve her English grade, and it opens the door to new friendships and interests. Throughout the course of the rehearsal process, Claudia learns hard lessons about the effects that growing up has on different personal dynamics.
I liked this so much more than I expected to. It felt real and more complex than a lot of young adult contemporary novels. Claudia was imperfect and dynamic. Specifically, her naiveté and obliviousness to the advances of a certain boy are incredibly accurate and make her feel very real. She isn't in-your-famous bashing on herself, but she just genuinely doesn't realize when people are interested in or impressed by her. It's endearing and reminds you of her youngness and how much she has to grow.
Another aspect of Foolish Hearts that I was really drawn to was its diversity. Teenagers of all different ethnicities and sexualities are represented with integrity and respect. Diversity is also emphasized in this book by challenging socially normative extracurriculars. Characters are enthusiastic players of online videogames, boy band fans, and theater. Furthermore, these characteristics aren't necessarily the point. It's just how these people are. They're interested in learning about each other and exploring each other's' interests without judgement which is unique and positive. I genuinely liked Foolish Hearts so much and I wish it had been around when I was in high school.
(more than 300 pages)
I liked this so much more than I expected to. It felt real and more complex than a lot of young adult contemporary novels. Claudia was imperfect and dynamic. Specifically, her naiveté and obliviousness to the advances of a certain boy are incredibly accurate and make her feel very real. She isn't in-your-famous bashing on herself, but she just genuinely doesn't realize when people are interested in or impressed by her. It's endearing and reminds you of her youngness and how much she has to grow.
Another aspect of Foolish Hearts that I was really drawn to was its diversity. Teenagers of all different ethnicities and sexualities are represented with integrity and respect. Diversity is also emphasized in this book by challenging socially normative extracurriculars. Characters are enthusiastic players of online videogames, boy band fans, and theater. Furthermore, these characteristics aren't necessarily the point. It's just how these people are. They're interested in learning about each other and exploring each other's' interests without judgement which is unique and positive. I genuinely liked Foolish Hearts so much and I wish it had been around when I was in high school.
(more than 300 pages)