The Book of Broken Hearts

April 1, 2013
The summer before college, Jude Hernandez is taking care of her father, who is rapidly deteriorating from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Hoping for a miracle, she hires a young, local mechanic to fix up her Papi’s beloved Harley. Emilio Vargas is good at his job and kind to her father, and Jude realizes he has “taken better care of my heart than anyone I’d ever known.” But Jude swore years ago to avoid all Vargas men after two of Emilio’s brothers stomped on the hearts of her older sisters; she even signed her promise in their homemade Book of Broken Hearts. The severity of the family feud is somewhat contrived, but Ockler’s (Bittersweet) portrait of Jude’s father’s illness is tragic and true. Lyrical writing helps readers understand Jude’s complicated emotions, including whether to trust Emilio with the “fragile, eggshell words” that describe Papi’s condition and why she is so attached to the summer motorcycle project. Teens will swiftly understand that it is Papi who is most likely to break Jude’s heart, and Emilio may be the key to healing it. Ages 14–up. Agent: Ted Malawer, Upstart Crow Literary.

September 2, 2013
Young Jude is the last of her sisters still living at home. She spends the summer helping her father fix up his vintage motorcycle and even enlists the services of a handsome young mechanic. However, she quickly realizes that the mechanicâwith whom she becomes infatuatedâis a Vargas brother: someone she promised her sisters she would never date. Smoothly narrated by the youthful-sounding Zilah Mendoza, the novelâs inherent charm shines through. Mendozaâs rendition of Jude is similar to her narration, but her ability to breathe life into the character in a simple yet realistic manner truly makes this audio edition great. Mendozaâs voice is naturally likeable and friendly, just like Jude. Ages 14âup. A Simon Pulse hardcover.

December 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-The youngest of four sisters and a recent high school graduate, Jude Hernandez is responsible for caring for her father, who was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. His excitement at finding his old motorcycle in the garage gives Jude an idea: if they restore it, maybe it will help restore his lost memories. As an added plus, it keeps them at home and away from her father's potential public meltdowns, which are growing more frequent. Together, they hire the cheapest mechanic they can find-Emilio Vargas. But the hitch is that her older sisters hate his older brothers and made Jude swear an oath to never get involved with a Vargas. The teen is finding it harder to ignore what a great guy Emilio is, and how patient and kind he is with her father. But as the motorcycle project nears completion, her father seems more lost than ever. This is a poignant look at how hard it is to witness a loved one lose memories. Jude tries hard to be everything to everyone, including her family and former good friends, without much support from the latter. Through it all, Emilio stands by her, and the revelation that he is also no stranger to heartbreak helps cement his trustworthiness in Jude's eyes. While the oath is a little overplayed, the feelings Jude has are not, and teens will identify with her struggle.-Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ

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