Love and Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Lee Alexander

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My rating: 5 stars

Book summary:

Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.

The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.

By the time he learns she's ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared).

 

Read what Tanja thought about this book here.

Love and Other Unknown Variables or That Feeling When You 

Laugh and Cry at the Same Time

      Every once in a while you find a book that manages to surprise you. Just when you think how you've read every possible plot twist out there, bam! -  there goes your heart and soul, whisked away in that latest book you have read and that should have been called The Biggest Emotional Roller Coaster Ever.

      Yes, Shannon Lee Alexander, that is the sound of my heart breaking into million pieces. And I blame you for it! You and your brilliant novel.

If you liked TFIOS, you will love this book even more. 

      I know I did! Unlike many other readers, I wasn't that much impressed with John Green's novel (you can read my review here). I did like a general idea of the story, there were few really awesome parts - but I could not get over his writing style. 

      What does this have with Love and Other Unknown Variables? First, writing is absolutely amazing. (I'm favoring female authors, so what?) It is funny and thought provoking without that nagging feeling that author is trying too hard. Story flows so naturally and  keeps you on your toes all the time. Tanja made a great list of things that LAOUV makes you do - read her review as soon as you finish with mine - you feel everything, you cry and laugh, it makes you think about everything (even some of the things that never crossed your mind before). In the end, you are so grateful for the things you have, for every person that is important in your life, you will hug your sister or brother and tell them how much you appreciate them. You will remember that teacher from high school that opened your eyes to new things or you will remember that class full of pranksters who challenged you and made you  a better teacher because, by the end of the day, we all learn from each other.

I really need to read To Kill a Mockingbird!

     I have never read a book that made me  want to read Harper Lee. I usually end up rolling my eyes and thinking: "Not again!" It would be awesome if I could find used and loved copy like the one Charlotte gave to Charlie. 

In the end...

      I would love to recommend Love and Other Unknown Variables to everyone. If you are fan of The Fault in Our Stars, you will love this book. If you did not like it - I am absolutely sure that Shannon Lee Alexander will win over your heart just like she did mine. Fans of sweet love stories and young adult authors like Melina Marchetta and Jandy Nelson, must read this book. And if you are math geek - well, what are you waiting for?

Happy reading,