Welcome back, book nerds! This week’s top book for discussion is Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland. It generated all kinds of buzz when it was published in 2016. It still is a hot topic among young adult readers, and can be found on display at countless books stores. I’m sure you’re wondering, is it worth the hype?
If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories that tug at your heartstrings and make you ponder the complexities of love and loss, then you’re in for a treat.
Let’s start with that intriguing title, shall we? Our Chemical Hearts — it’s like a promise of something beautifully chaotic, a journey into the messy, tangled emotions that come with falling in love. And trust me, this book delivers on that promise and then some.
At its core, Our Chemical Hearts is a coming-of-age tale that captures the bittersweet essence of adolescence. We follow the story of Henry Page, your average high school senior who’s just trying to navigate the choppy waters of teenage life. But Henry’s world gets turned upside down when he meets Grace Town, the enigmatic new girl with a past shrouded in secrets and scars.
Grace isn’t your typical YA love interest. She’s complex, she’s flawed, and she’s utterly captivating. From the moment Henry lays eyes on her, he’s drawn to her in a way he can’t quite explain. And thus begins their unconventional love story — a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you breathless.
What sets Our Chemical Hearts apart is its unflinching honesty. Sutherland doesn’t sugarcoat the complexities of love and loss — she dives headfirst into the messy, tangled emotions that come with it. From the euphoria of first love to the gut-wrenching pain of heartbreak, every emotion feels raw and real, hitting you right in the feels.
Amidst the tears and turmoil, though, there’s also plenty of humor and warmth to be found. Henry’s witty banter and quirky observations add a delightful dose of levity to the story, making it a joy to read even during the toughest moments. And let’s not forget about the supporting cast — each character feels like a fully fleshed-out individual with their own quirks and struggles, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
Now, let’s talk about the writing. Sutherland’s prose is simply stunning — lyrical, evocative, and brimming with emotion. She has a way of painting vivid pictures with her words, transporting you directly into the heart of Henry and Grace’s world. Whether she’s describing the sun-drenched streets of their suburban town or the quiet intimacy of their late-night conversations, every scene feels alive and vibrant, begging to be savored.
And then there’s the romance — oh, the romance. Henry and Grace’s relationship is anything but conventional, and that’s what makes it so compelling. Their connection is intense and all-consuming, but it’s also messy and fraught with obstacles. Sutherland perfectly captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with first love — the excitement, the uncertainty, the fear of getting hurt. It’s a love story that will make your heart ache and soar in equal measure.
Going even further, Our Chemical Hearts is more than just a love story. It’s a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels overwhelming. Grace’s mysterious past and her struggles with mental health add layers of depth to the narrative, shining a light on the importance of empathy, understanding, and self-acceptance.
And, let’s not forget about the themes of friendship and self-discovery that run throughout the book. Henry’s relationships with his quirky group of friends — Murray, Lola, and Henry’s twin sister, Sadie — are just as central to the story as his romance with Grace. These friendships are beautifully nuanced, evolving and deepening as the characters navigate the ups and downs of adolescence together.
Now, let’s talk about that ending. Without giving too much away, let’s just say that Sutherland doesn’t tie things up neatly with a bow. Instead, she leaves us with a sense of hope and possibility, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a glimmer of light on the horizon. It’s a poignant and powerful conclusion to a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Does Our Chemical Hearts get our stamp of approval?
Engaging Plot: Does the book have a compelling storyline that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end? The plot was like something out of a Lifetime movie, but with a touch of Hallmark and something else we can’t quite put our finger on. It was interesting and had us wondering what was coming next.
Well-Developed Characters: Are the characters multidimensional, with realistic motivations, flaws, and growth throughout the story? There was a lot of depth to the characters, but we aren’t sure their emotions were fully explored. Then again, it might have taken another 100 pages to answer all the questions their actions prompted.
Strong Writing: Is the prose well-crafted, with vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and a consistent narrative voice? The writing style wasn’t our favorite, but we cannot deny that it was well-crafted and realistic. Generally speaking, Krystal Sutherland knows how to write.
Emotional Impact: Does the book evoke a range of emotions in readers, from laughter and joy to sadness and empathy? To say the least, it was an emotional rollercoaster. So many highs, and so many unimaginable lows.
Originality: Does the book bring something fresh and unique to its genre or subject matter, avoiding clichés and predictable plot twists? We have never read a book like this. Just when we thought we knew where the book was going, everything got flipped upside down.
Pacing: Is the pacing of the story appropriate, with a good balance of action, exposition, and character development? It was on a believable timeline, but it could have been slowed down to further explore facets of the characters’ lives.
World-Building: Does the book create a richly imagined world that feels immersive and believable? The world-building felt familiar. Everything was crafted in such a way that it felt as if we had been there before.
Theme and Message: Does the book explore meaningful themes and deliver a message that resonates with readers? Depending on how you relate to the characters, you can pull so many different messages from this book. All of the triumph and tribulation revealed 100+ ways to handle conflict, build relationships, cope with grief, and so much more.
Resolution: Does the book provide a satisfying resolution to its central conflicts and story arcs? It wasn’t what we saw coming, but we also couldn’t really see anything coming. Overall, it was a great way to wrap everything up.
Overall Enjoyment: Most importantly, did we enjoy the book? While it wasn’t our favorite book, it was enjoyable. Though we wouldn’t read it again, we recommend giving it a try.
Have you read Our Chemical Hearts yet?
If you’ve read Our Chemical Hearts, what did you think of it? If you haven’t read it yet, are you going to?
