So many books come out each week that it makes it hard to decide what to read. We want to make that a little bit easier on you by sharing our favorite releases from the week and telling you our top 3 reasons why we think you’ll love them too!
This week our selection is Charming as a Verb by Ben Phillipe. Are you ready to hear more about this book and its author? Here we go…
Charming as a Verb by Ben Phillipe Published by HarperTeen on September 8, 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 336
Goodreads Buy the Book
Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.
There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.
Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . .
This is a sharply funny and insightful novel about the countless hustles we have to keep from doing the hardest thing: being ourselves.
3 Reasons You Should Read…
Charming as a Verb by Ben Phillipe
- GUYS! This one needs to be on your TBR List immediately. We love books about the senior year of high-school, maybe because there just aren’t that many and it’s such a big year of transition. Charming as a Verb takes on that transition in a wonderfully realistic way. There are teen struggles and teen humor and we are here for it!
- Get ready to fall in love with Henri Haltiwanger. Between a highly competitive and academic high-school, a dog walking side hustle, and being the son of immigrants he has a lot going on. But it’s safe to say that he’s definitely going to charm you.
- If you’re in the market for something witty, smart, and full of heart you are going to want to grab a copy of this one. We can’t recommend it enough.
Bottom Line:
Charming as a Verb is exactly the kind of coming of age-feel good contemporary that we love. Its characters leap off the page and have you smiling right along with them.
Verdict:
| Rating Report | |
|---|---|
| Cover |  |
| Characters |  |
| Plot | |
| Writing | |
| Swoon |  |
| Overall: | 4.5 |
About Ben Phillipe
Ben Philippe was born in Haiti, raised in Montreal, Qc, Canada, and now resides in New York. He is a graduate of the Michener Center for Writers at UT Austin and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University. He still doesn't have a valid driver’s license, which is both #beautiful and #brave.
This one is totally on my TBR! And I’ll definitely be ordering it for the school library where I work because I think my students will love it! Great review!
Lisa Loves Literature