Heart the Lover by Lily King

“this made me feel very real things”

“One of those stories where not a lot “happens” but somehow your entire emotional system gets rearranged. Beautifully written and quietly devastating. Can’t stop thinking about it.”

“If nostalgia was a book, this would be it for me! Loved every turn.”

“Very, very good.”

“Written with the superb wit and emotional depth .This book celebrates forgiveness, love and friendship.”

“This book is all nostalgia and yearning (complimentary).”

“Excellent morning weeping material”

“A captivating story from the get go and it’s a little hard to put my finger on what grabbed me. I liked how the setting — a college campus sometime in the 80s — was a contrast to the first person present tense point of view. I liked the dialogue. The inventive card games. The main character is learning to write, which makes the whole premise kind of meta, which is fun! Realistic plot where nothing earth-shattering happens, just the usual trials and tribulations of regular life. I’m gonna stop typing now and go reread it.”

“Newer to her work, but gobbled it up. Preordered heart, knowing literally nothing about the plot.”

“Quiet sob kind of book💔”

“ALLL the emotions - I read this in 2 days”

“This book is 10/10. I read it in 2 days. It really takes you back to first loves and all the feeling and growing from your 20s. Lily King is so good at capturing conversation and all the details of unsaid communication.”

“May book pick. Fast and furious read, like the love story itself. Some debate towards the end. Be transported to your younger years and have a tissue ready. 4.5/5”

“It’s not often I come across a book that when I finish it, I want to start it all over again. it’s a love story - true nostalgia for when you first discover relationships and crushes/ friends that become part of your story, and the impact of human connection”

“Read this one without realizing there was a book before it. Definitely would have read book 1 first, but it didn't change how wonderful this was as a stand alone.”

“Have been recommending this book to every woman I know.”

“This book slayed me with the combination of wit, elegant prose, and deeply moving coming of age character driven story.”

“Emotional and beautiful”