young adult book review: The Heart Is Not a Size

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The Heart Is Not a Size
Beth Kephart has been on my authors I want to read list for years. Even though I this book was the first of hers I've read, I'm often intrigued authors who write in multiple genres.

The Heart is Not a Size is a novel told in two parts. The first half of the novel tells the story of Georgia and her best friend Riley. Georgia sees a flyer promoting a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico, and she convinces Riley to go with her. The second half of the book explores their time in Mexico.

Kephart infuses Georgia with observations and realizations of a somewhat omniscient narrator, but this duality actually works. Kephart's writing is deceptively simple. She writes beautifully, and action occurs in between words and sentences as well as in them. Kephart's writing will enchant readers of all ages. Technically it's young adult fiction, but really it's a novel narrated by a teenage girl. This novel deals with some serious subject matter, but it doesn't dwell on it. It's not a book about an issue. It's a representation of these characters lives through the lens of a gifted writer.

I'm certainly glad I read my first Beth Kephart novel, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her fiction and nonfiction. I'm also looking forward to meeting her at Book Blogger Con. You can check out Beth's blog too.

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Pages: 256
Release date: March 30, 2010
Source: ARC from Traveling ARC Tours

Comments

  1. S. KrishnaMarch 30, 2010 at 10:28 AM

    I enjoyed this one as well. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beth KephartMarch 30, 2010 at 10:33 AM

    wow. thank you so much! I always have to hold my breath when reviews surface (I never actively look for them, since I have a touch of Georgia's panic disposition).

    Take care and yes, can't wait to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 30, 2010 at 8:03 PM

    Sounds like a great book - thanks for the tip :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jan von HarzMarch 31, 2010 at 12:40 PM

    This sounds very interesting. Love the setting and the two parts.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tribute BooksMarch 31, 2010 at 1:18 PM

    good review, will add it to my list.

    ReplyDelete
  6. April (BooksandWine)March 31, 2010 at 7:47 PM

    Ah, I can't wait to read this book! So awesome to see you really enjoyed it.

    Personally, I find it hard to class things as YA or adult, I mean, yes some books are clearly in one age category, but others seem to sit right on the line, as this book seems to.

    ReplyDelete

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