Gary Soto Reviews

Added October 27, 2006

Accidental Love

Author: Gary Soto
Publisher: Harcourt Inc.
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: January 2006
Genre: Young Adult: Contemporary/Romance
Format: Hardcover
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 0-15-205497-7
Author Email/Website: www.garysoto.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Accidental Love is intentionally terrific! Gary Soto has written a book that will resonant with young people because it touches on reality. Sensitive, funny and oh so sweet, this story is right on target.

After Marisa's cell phone got mixed up with a geek's phone, she set out to make the switch. But when she meets the skinny nerd, with his white socks and bony elbows, she does something totally amazing. She falls in love. Rather than figure out why a big, bold chola like herself would be attracted to a puny nerdito, Marisa decides to just enjoy this wonderful new feeling. Yet, not everyone is happy with the relationship which makes this odd couple want to even out the score.

Excellent writing, realistic characters and dynamic dialogue cause this book to have a high level of creativity and credibility. The author smoothly captures the relationship issues that comprise an inner city school, giving readers a taste of the times. The sweet romance between Marisa and Rene has a tender quality, as this tough girl opens her heart to an outcast. A variety of emotions are expressed, running the gamut of rejection to an exhilarating revelation. From the beginning to the ending, this book offers surprises and a string of successes. Young people will be encouraged by these characters, but most importantly, they will be impressed by their sense of individuality and honest thinking. Gary Soto is to be commended for providing young people with a novel that speaks with a voice they can understand and appreciate.

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.