How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
Published by HarperTeen on November 1, 2022
ISBN: 0063078724
Pages: 369
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Shani arrives in D.C. for a winter internship just after being dumped by her girlfriend at the end of their first semester of college. She’s heartbroken, lonely, and determined to focus on nothing but her work at the Smithsonian. It doesn’t help that she isolated herself from her best friend during her intense (and now over) relationship, or that she hasn’t come out to her mom yet.

Then she meets May. Attraction blossoms, and, though the tropes of a rom-com are present, the characters are realistically awkward, fumbling in their interactions, and unsure of themselves and each other. Shani’s insecurities from her past relationship – one that slowly reveals itself to have been a bad one on many levels – plague her decision making and confidence. Through it all, the vulnerability brought on by that intense crush/first love situation between Shani and May is palpable and sweet. The characters – particularly the main characters, but supporting cast as well – felt genuine. Best of all, the ending was not wrapped up with a kiss and a gallop into the sunset: it was complicated, honest and a little messy, as is life, but left room for a future despite that. Readers will root for Shani and May, both individually and as a couple. A welcome addition to YA shelves.

Reviewed by Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library