Good reads for young adults—book review on HEART ON MY SLEEVE by Ellen Wittlinger

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.