Compare to Deb Caletti in quality of writing. Need to read more of hers. ( )

I loved this book. It still remains one of the few to this day that I've read more than once; and at the time, it was the first I've read that connected with my own struggle to understand my own sexuality, even if I had yet to confront it.

It certainly isn't the most prolific read, but it's a good read nonetheless. ( )

I’ve had this book on my wish list for years, so I was so happy when I finally got my hands on it. Thanks Mom!

I was expecting to like Hard Love, but I ended up loving it. It was so good that I read it in one sitting. I know that isn’t saying much since it’s not a very big book, but I’ve been struggling with reading lately, so the fact that I was able to do that surprised me.

I basically loved every single thing about this book. I think the only thing I didn’t like was that Marisol is always saying she’s a lesbian. I understand why she is always saying it, but after a while it’s just like you’re gay, we get it. Other than that I had no problems. This might even be one of my favorite books now. I really need to get my hands on Love & Lies: Marisol’s Story. ( )

While dealing with emotional trauma from growing up in a broken home, John falls in love for the first time with Marisol, a lesbian.

For some reason I expected this book to be gritty, but I actually found it rather sweet, or maybe bittersweet. I can relate to John's romantic angst, as I imagine most people could -- I've certainly been there, more than once, loving somebody who couldn't or wouldn't love me back. This is a Printz honor book, and though I don't always love the Printz committee's selections, I agree with them in this case. Recommended. ( )

Excellent YA lit. The characters break out of the mold of boring, conformist high school character and succeed in being fascinating, original, believable characters who fully exist outside their high schools' social structures. I really enjoyed the author's mix of John's friendship with Marisol with his relationships with his parents. A mother who ceased to touch him at all after her divorce and a father who considers Friday-night dinners fulfillment of his paternal duties added to the complexity of John's character. Without being either dull or overwrought with drama, "Hard Love" manages to elicit honest emotion in a world of convincing, interesting characters. And it's even funny too. ( )