Review Detail

YA Contemporary Romance, THE ANATOMICAL SHAPE OF A HEART is a mouthful title for a book. But that is how it is. It's a pretty title, don't you agree?

Let's start with the plot. Beatrix has a chance meet with Jack, who is doing some illegal stuff. He's a graffiti artist who has been spray-painting certain words all over the city of San Francisco. Together, they begin to discover new things and Beatrix is drawn into Jack. It's the standard romance plot, which involves the meet cute, a couple of teenagers, the begrudging attraction, and the full-blown romance. But it has just the right touch of fresh air to make the book interesting and not so high on the cheesy scale.

Beatrix is an artist who is studying anatomy. She happens to meet Jack at the right place and right time. (Cue Journey's "Don't Stop Believing.") Her world changes, and doors open for her thanks to Jack. But she wants to know more and more about him, not just his illegal graffiti/art. They begin to understand each other, and she falls hard. Watching her fall in love is like watching a romantic movie. Violins singing, hands covering the mouth, and a gleeful smile just threatening to break across my face.

Jack totally reminds me of Flynn from TANGLED. Of course, he probably doesn't steal anything (except for Beatrix's heart), but he does commit a few crimes here and there. He's a total charmer, and he's so sweet. Fangirl worthy, for sure.

The romance... It's adorable. Take my word.

The anatomy mentioned in the book is most certainly fascinating, and though I'm not very, very familiar with the human body, it seems that the author does know what she is talking about. (Of course, someone with more knowledge of the human body may be better at seeing the errors, if there are any.) And the city is well-portrayed. (Again, it is limited to what I know. But I can tell you all that I have been to San Francisco.)

The ending is one of the most touching parts of the book, if a bit tad convenient. But still, it's such a sweet and tender way to end the book and leaves me very happy for the rest of the day. (And believe me, I needed this book. I was studying hard, and this book is like a little light keeping me sane for the entire day.)

Overall, THE ANATOMICAL SHAPE OF A HEART is a stellar book that keeps me turning the pages to the point that my tutor snapped at me to put it down or else she'll confiscate it. Fans of MY HEART AND OTHER BLACK HOLES will enjoy this.

Rating: Four out of Five