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An Oldie but
goodie, which means it’s definitely worth taking off the shelf for a second or third
read.
At first glance
at the text of HEART ON MY SLEEVE by Ellen Wittlinger, published by Simon &
Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2004, I doubted I’d get through the entire
novel. It’s written in the format of emails, instant messages, and letters. I
roll my eyes often enough just looking at my own inbox and sigh many times
before I tackle answering the eons of mail any one day can bring. (Not that I
don’t like chatting, but I guess it’s one of those “all things in moderation”
things.)
I’m glad I started
reading this gem. After the first page, I couldn’t quit. Wittlinger
artistically travels through the hearts of teenagers enduring long-distance
relationships, the angst of jealousies and break-ups, and the hopes and dreams
shared by all young girls during the crucial time of self-discovery, not only
in discovering who they are at the moment, but in discovering who they truly
want to become.
From the
sometimes selfish inner thoughts of a teenager, and the often snarky wit, to
the admission of mistakes, readers will live through the lives of youngsters
embraced in a tight circle, despite the miles between them.
It’s near
impossible not to laugh with Chloe and her friends, and feel their joys and
pains. The teen language never falters, nor does the heart in this book. Read
it with a box of tissues by your side.
