A review by raix
Conditions of a Heart by Bethany Mangle

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"Contemporary Teen Romance" is not a genre that I normally read, but I genuinely enjoyed this book. I thought the writing style was engaging, and I liked the humour even though the story deals with difficult topics and emotions. I feel like with YA there's sometimes a tendency for it to sound like it's talking down to teenagers or making light of their problems. I didn't get that feeling with this book, even at the times when the characters' ages really did define their actions (like Brynn's fights with her sister). I liked the element of the romance being with her ex who she's still so in love with. The obstacle between them is her own ability to be open about herself, and I enjoyed that there was the opportunity for that growth. As someone with a chronic illness I can relate to Brynn's sense of grief and hopelessness, but I really enjoyed her character growth as well when she starts to reconsider what her future might look like. I'm really glad I picked this book up because I enjoyed it from beginning to end! 
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