The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

Summary:

Anna is struggling to live up to a successful career as a violinist after going viral. On top of it all, her long time boyfriend decides he want to try an “open” relationship before settling down with her. If that’s what he wants, then that is what Anna wants too. When Anna and Quan try to have a one night stand multiple times and fail, the arrangement change from one night stand to maybe something more. A family tragedy pulls them apart and thrusts Anna into a role that could be too much for her to bear. Can they fight for the chance at being themselves without expectations and fight for what they had at the same time?

My Thoughts:

I loved Helen Hoangs The Kiss Quotient and didn’t realize this book would follow the story for one of the characters from that book. I’m so happy she decided to have Quan as a main character.

Another unexpected aspect of this book for me was the serious undertone to the story. The book deals with topics like cancer and the autistic spectrum. If you read the author’s note at the end you may see why some of the story is such a loaded one.

I appreciated the perspective the author gave of someone on the spectrum and what dealing with day to day life looks like with that. I think even someone who isn’t on the spectrum or dealing with some of the issues in the book can find aspects relatable because of the view on societal expectations.

The author makes a really great point in both the story and in her note regarding caretaking. It’s something that I think is worth giving some thought to. 

This books was a great read for me but there are some instances in which the story was difficult to get through. Anna’s entire story and her feelings about expressing herself are hard to read at times. It can be heartbreaking in ways and difficult to read about someone suffering so much emotionally. 

I think the Anna’s and Quan’s character development stole the show while the romance was a nice addition instead of the main focus.

I think this was a great read but maybe not for everyone because of the serious undertone. With that said, I would still recommend checking this book out.