Oct 2, 2013

How To Love By: Katie Cotugno Review

How To Love
Author: Katie Cotugno
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 389
Rating: 4/5
A copy was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Before: Reena Montero has loved Sawyer LeGrande for as long as she can remember: as natural as breathing, as endless as time. But he’s never seemed to notice that Reena even exists…until one day, impossibly, he does. Reena and Sawyer fall in messy, complicated love. But then Sawyer disappears from their humid Florida town without a word, leaving a devastated—and pregnant—Reena behind.                      
After: Almost three years have passed, and there’s a new love in Reena’s life: her daughter, Hannah. Reena’s gotten used to being without Sawyer, and she’s finally getting the hang of this strange, unexpected life. But just as swiftly and suddenly as he disappeared, Sawyer turns up again. Reena doesn’t want anything to do with him, though she’d be lying if she said Sawyer’s being back wasn’t stirring something in her. After everything that’s happened, can Reena really let herself love Sawyer LeGrande again?                                                                             
In this breathtaking debut, Katie Cotugno weaves together the story of one couple falling in love—twice.

     How To Love was probably one of the most real love story I have ever read. It's a book about love, forgiveness, and the struggles, frustrations and happiness that come along with it.


     How To Love is about a girl named Reena who at the age of sixteen, got pregnant with her boyfriend Sawyer's baby. Before she has the chance to tell Sawyer that she is pregnant, Sawyer runs off leaving Reena behind to raise their baby on her own. Fast forward a few years and Serena is now a single mom living with her parents while raising Hannah and trying to move on with her new boyfriend Aaron. Reena's father still can't look at her the same way, and with motherhood Reena must put her dreams aside so she can focus on her daughter. Out of nowhere, Sawyer suddenly returns from his voyage and immediately takes interest in winning back Reena's heart, and becoming the father to the kid he didn't know was his. In theory, this is a dream come true, however past struggles and new obstacles make Reena and Sawyer's reunion one that tests the survival of love.

     How To Love is told in alternating chapters that flip from present to past. This component made How To Love even more interesting because while reading about present Reena and Sawyer trying hard to work through their issues, we also get to have the experience of  finding out what the roots of those issues really are. This style also makes it so that within an only 389 page standalone novel, character growth is still able to be seen.

     The relationship between Reena and Sawyer can only be described as a complicated one. Their relationship sprouted as a result of a tragedy and their early time together wasn't without its complications. However amongst their hardships is this beautiful, complete love for one another that seems to overcome the negativity. In addition to that, their daughter Hannah acts as this rock that grounds the both of them and as a result, creates this family dynamic that is heartwarming and sweet.

Overall....
     Overall, How To Love definitely surprised me with its intensity but it is also the reason why I think I was drawn to it so much. This is no typical cookie-cutter love story. It is instead one filled with complications, hardships, and an unconditional kind of love that is absolutely emotionally breathtaking. If your looking for a read that will renew your sense of hope and belief in second chances, pick up How To Love! Have you read How To Love? What is your idea of a perfect love story? Be sure to let me know in the comments below! Keep Reading!


Your Y.A. Bookworm,
Caitlin <3


1 comment:

  1. Well, the concept of this book looks really good and the cover so catchy
    I am definitely adding this to my TBR
    YOur reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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