How to Love audiobook

This book sucks big time! It made me say the words “dumb” and “stupid” in several places and several times. It made me shake my head so hard, it felt like it was going to come off. It broke my heart. It made me shed tears and in the end it made me grin-this goofy grin. And that’s why it sucks because it made me feel all these emotions I wasn’t planning on feeling and in my vocabulary, when a book does that to you, it’s definitely good!I know you probably peg me for an angsty reader and you probably think that I should change my GR name into Aj the Angsty Reader but there is a limit to the level of angst I could take on. If it’s too much, you know I’d give up my principle and dnf it without second thought. This debut novel however, has just the exact amount of angst to make it realistic and plausible, to make the reader empathize with the characters and their problematic situations. I wouldn’t delve too much into the plot of the story because I’d like for you to go in the book blind and go with it as it flows. One thing’s for sure though, the writer has this easy way of luring you into her writing and into her characters making it hard for you to put down the book. I read it in one day, actually. The narrative shifts between a “Before” and an “After” and I was equally hooked by both narratives. Even though I disagree with a lot of the MC's actions and choices, this is such an addictive and intriguing read and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

3.5 starsIt's so hard for me to collect my thoughts about this book. I nearly unhauled this and at this point, I'm unable to determine if whether I should have or not. I kept this because I've never read a book on teen pregnancy before, and I really wanted to try this. I fell in love with the writing of this book. Katie Cotugno isn't necessarily the most brilliant writer, but she makes such clever analogies and her sentences flow so well that I was really rather impressed. And usually I hate now-and-then perspectives, but I actually felt like the Before and After layout of this book was done really well and I was never bored with one chapter or the other. These two factors by themselves, combined with the fact that I was genuinely enjoying the storyline at first, would have made it a five star book for me. But very quickly, I found myself really disliking Sawyer. And he, along with the negativity he brought into this book, is really what brought it down for me. He was a complete jerk and still expected to be loved, which I didn't agree with. There was so much angst--too much angst-- in the relationship between Sawyer and Reena that I was so exasperated and wished she would just dump him for good. Reena has a boyfriend in the "After" chapters, and I hated how Sawyer came onto her even though he knew that she was in a relationship. How he cruelly demanded that Reena tell him she loved him. I just never understood him or his motives or his personality, and since the book literally centers around their relationship, I found myself growing detached. Overall, this book was just an experience. I think it's really important because it handles the topic of teen pregnancy well. So well, that I was extremely uncomfortable reading this book at times. Not because it was graphic, but just because I was able to put myself in Reena's shoes for a moment and imagining myself in her situation was horrible. This book made me feel so vulnerable and gross, and I'm kind of impressed that it brought out that reaction in me. Putting this down, I seriously feel more concerned about making meaningful relationships and being responsible within those relationships. I can only imagine other teens reading this and feeling the same way; hopefully it touched someone to be able to see and understand how rough being a young mom is. It certainly enlightened me about the topic, and I'm left feeling grateful that I'm in a family of people who support me and that i'm single af and don't have to worry about Reena's situation happening to me.

I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. It was gripping and adorable. The characters were definitely very flawed but I still enjoyed it none the less.

the most beautiful and heartbreaking masterpiece of a contemporary i've read this year.RTC

I seriously have started and stopped writing this review about 4 times. I'm sucking it up now and completing it though. Every once in a while I read a book that totally exceeds anything I was expecting… a book that leaves you practically speechless with how incredibly it is written and the story it tells. That is what How To Love was for me. I’m not entirely sure what I can say about this book right now, so forgive me if none of this makes a bit of sense. First of all, it’s told in a wonderfully unique way. You get the before and after. Before and after what you ask? Well, before and after the whirlwind that is Sawyer LeGrande. Reena has loved Sawyer LeGrande for what seems like ever. She and her best friend Allie have watched and daydreamed about him forever. Sawyer, who is a few years older than them, has never seemed to notice. Until he does. Only it’s not Reena who captures his attention it seems. So when she loses her best friend over a stupid fight she focuses instead on her dreams. Graduating from high school a year early and getting early admittance to Northwestern are her big focus. She has dreams of traveling the world and becoming a travel writer and she knows she will succeed. Then something devastating happens… she loses the friend she never had the chance to make amends with. And then she finds herself pulled into Sawyer’s crazy life, and Sawyer isn’t exactly the perfect person she’s created in her mind. Six months later, he’s gone and she’s now trapped in a life she didn’t want or see for herself… her dreams of leaving and making something of herself down the drain. Almost three years later, Reena has accepted her new life, and while Sawyer disappeared without a word, she finds herself in a new relationship with that of her daughter Hannah. Only, things of course can’t be easy. She feels as though her father hates her. Raised in a very Catholic household, the news that she was pregnant was not one of celebration. But Reena has taken each hit and every disappointment in stride, hiding her anger and sadness in order to keep the peace. Sawyer’s parents who were once staples in her life have basically disappeared. Suddenly, Sawyer is back and she isn’t sure how to handle it. To say she has mixed feelings would be an understatement. AND That’s kind of all I want to tell you about the plot. So let’s talk about the things I fell in love with. Reena. This girl had me feeling every single damn thing. But I think what I loved most about her was that yes, this thing happens but instead of letting it ruin her, she is strong and she is determined and she is in love with this unexpected gift. I loved that even though she was so young, and believe me, she at times acted her age, but when she HAD to grow up... she did. And she did it with so much determination. Sawyer... man I really wanted to dislike him. I mean the way he's portrayed and the things he does. *I'm shaking my head right now* BUT I couldn't. Cotugno writes him in a way that while yes, at times I was angry with him, you also can't help but have a soft spot for him. As the chapters progress and his own story unfolds, I found my opinion of him changing. Things aren't always as they seem on the outside."Nothing about you, my dear, has ever been lost on me."

Okay, so this wasn't the light, cute, fun read I was looking for, but wow, this book was pretty good. What a great story that realistically portrays a situation that happens all-too-often in a way that captures your heart.The reason I liked this story so much was because it wasn't about a girl in a rough or trashy neighborhood that got pregnant by the typical bad boy. Serena and Sawyer are from devout Christian families, and they deal with issues that real teens deal with - whether it's Serena's studious attempt to graduate a year early so she can leave town or Sawyer finding escape through music and other substances. Maybe Allie's and Leo's situations were a bit too much, but I think they were both necessary, especially the latter, to kind of make the story work.And I really connected with Serena in this book. Yeah, she was a bit stand-offish at the beginning, but if I were a private person who had a friend like Allie, I would probably be that way too. Don't get me wrong, Serena did come across as a bitch for a good portion of this book. But at the same time, she really does go through a lot, and I can't imagine having to deal with the situations that she's had to face - with Sawyer, with the baby, with her family's change, with moving on. And she made her fair share of stupid actions, but you can't help who you fall in love with sometimes, and really, I can't see it ending up any other way for her.The romance itself was realistically good. Serena and Sawyer both had their great moments, making them wonderful companions. At the same time, they had their fair share of arguments - over stupid things, over ridiculous things, over legitimate things, real issues that couples deal with all the time.I wish I got to know Lydia more and why she decide not to be there for Serena, and what Roger's problem was with Sawyer. And Cade was there, but not. I really love Soledad and Shelby (although I did feel that fact about her at the end just came from nowhere), and it was heartwarming to see Serena patch things up with Leo. And Aaron - it breaks my heart.Overall, it was refreshing to read something that happens enough but does not get enough attention - but in such a way where you can actually connect with the characters. Props to Cotugno on her debut.Previously: I am on a YA chick-lit binge/marathon - in desperate need of a GOOD cute, fluffy read.

3.75/5 stars I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this book, but I ended up enjoying it. Besides a few things, it was great.

So I hugged the book after finishing it... For 1 minute straight while lying on my bed... I just can't form the words to express how much I loved this book

How To Love is by far one of the best debuts I've ever read. I truly had no idea what to expect from Katie Cotugno and I was completely blown away. How To Love almost fits into the new adult category rather than young adult. It's a much more mature story than normal YA books and I loved it. Younger readers can certainly get away with reading it (although there is drug use/alcohol use/sexual content) and older readers such as myself can truly enjoy it. While Sawyer and Reena are both in their teens, they are forced to deal with some much more adult issues and it was refreshing to read such a realistic story. There's college, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and so much more packed between these pages. Katie Cotugno tackles everything head on and doesn't shy away from the tough stuff. Everything is handled so well, especially the sexual content, and I would love to see more stories like this one in the future.The story is told from Reena's point-of-view alone but I really felt like I got to know Sawyer just as well I got to know Reena. Reena is a smart girl. She's funny (in a very sarcastic way), she's kind, and she's definitely a good girl. Sawyer is the opposite of Reena in almost every way. He's definitely a bad boy. He's got drug problems, he's in a band, he's living in a run down place with multiple other guys, and he's not good for Reena. That doesn't stop the two from falling completely in love with each other. This was definitely a case of opposites attracting. Personally I thought Reena and Sawyer were perfect together, at least the second time around. The story is told in alternating chapters; before and after. It's easy to see how their relationship isn't really all that healthy in the before chapters but both of them have changed drastically since then. They've matured (especially Reena, having to raise a baby), they're smarter, and they can see the truth of their relationship. The story is a very unique one and it completely drew me in. There were secrets between Sawyer and Reena that I just wanted to know and I couldn't stop reading until I knew every last detail. I was captivated from beginning to end.The last thing I want to mention about How To Love is the writing. It's gorgeous. I don't know any other way to describe it. Even if the story had completely sucked I would have kept reading just for the writing. However, seeing as the story was amazing, the writing was just the icing on the cake.Overall, just go read How To Love. Please. Even if you're not a contemporary fan, I really think everyone can find something to love about this one. I am highly anticipating Katie Cotugno's next book.

Rating: 4.5 StarsCotugno is the queen of the messy stories, and OH BOY! This was messy. Every time I got a handle on what was going on, I learned of another thing, that threw a monkey wrench in this romance. But, you know, me + second chance romance + Katie Cotugno -- this was bound to be a great read for me, and it was. It was so emotional, emotionally confusing, and emotionally satisfying. • Shelby wins a spot in the BFF hall of fame, because she was not only a great friend, but also at times, the voice of reason. • Solidad blew up the step-mother stereotype, because she was so wonderful and supportive, when Reena really needed it. • Sawyer seemed like one thing, but wow! He was complicated. The years apart was good for them, because Sawyer had a lot of demons to work through. • Reena was dealing with a lot after Sawyer left, and though she was suffering internally, she stayed strong on the outside, and I was so happy she was able to finally go after what she wanted. • I was rooting for these two the whole time. I just felt like they belonged together. Another amazing Cotugno book. You know I love her, and will always be waiting to read more of her books. *ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS

I had this great plan when I got back from BEA* to chronologically work my way through the books I picked up. Then I was looking through them one day and picked up How to Love, thinking, "I'll just read the first chapter and see what this is all about." I couldn't put it down. The story of these two people and their messy, complicated relationship, climbed right inside of me, and I couldn't move from this book on until I lived inside of them and experienced their story for myself. How to Love is told in alternating chapters of Before and After, chronicling Reena and Sawyer’s chaotic love story in high school, and then after, when Sawyer returns from an unexplained 2-year absence. The two time periods are woven together seamlessly in a way that increases both the intensity of the heartbreak and the rush of falling in love. I hated both Reena and Sawyer at times, and I was incredibly proud of them in others. But I was completely immersed in their world the entire time I read, and I never stopped FEELING. Before: Reena's been in love with Sawyer since she was a child. She has two dreams in life, dating him and traveling the world. One of those two goals seems much more attainable than the other, and it isn't a relationship with Sawyer. And yet, after years of feeling invisible to him, all of a sudden Sawyer notices her, and they form an immediate and explosive connection. But how long do they have until it all blows up, and what will the damage look like? After: Reena is raising her daughter Hannah. She still dreams of getting away from her small town, but is learning to accept the life she's been given. Of course being head over heals in love with her daughter helps. What doesn't, is the judgement she still feels from her family for getting pregnant in the first place. But all of the settling she's worked so hard to achieve, disappears when Sawyer shows up back in town. Before: Reena and Sawyer's relationship is a mess. They make terrible decisions, and I could see it all slowly unraveling around them. I wanted to tell Reena to stay away from Sawyer. That the boy she's loved all her life is't worth it. But I remember being there as a teen, and I was rooting for them despite the dread I felt watching them. These two have a lot of very big issues that they need to work through, although they ignore them. But I could still sympathize with both of them. Though I constantly wanted to yell at Reena "DON'T DO THAT!!!" I still liked her, and I could definitely relate to her. And despite everything, I was desperate for them to figure it out. After: What is great about this story is that while we are watching Reena and Sawyer fall in love for the first time, we simultaneously watch them reconnect again 3 years later. We see how they've changed and matured (and how they haven't). The contrast between the Before and After is incredible at times. It is breathtaking to see their transformation, and how well they fit the second time around. But healing takes time. These two have a lot of hurt between them, and some things can't be fixed. There were many times when I wondered if they'd ever be okay. I've read a lot of stories like How to Love, but I've never read one quite like this. What I mean is that the guy leaving his high school girlfriend unexplainably and then showing up unannounced years later is a popular theme. For some reason I'm drawn to stories of first loves finding each other again, but I've always found something about them lacking. Perhaps I'm just pettier than most, but usually, it's that I'm still angry at him when the girl is ready to forgive. How to Love hits all the emotional points that I needed to read. How to Love is an ode to first love. To being young and in love and making mistakes, but also what it means to grow up. This story is not about a girl saving a broken boy or vice versa. But it is about finding your own path, and how it changes both because of the choices you’ve made, and because of things out of your control. It is about holding on and letting go, and what it means to love and to forgive. And despite all the hurt and pain these characters cause themselves and each other, this story is about happiness and hope. Love Triangle Factor: MildCliffhanger Scale: Standalone Find this and other reviews on my blog Love is not a triangle

My rating: 5 of 5 starsA copy of How to Love was provided to me by Balzer + Bray for review purposes.Reena Montero is brilliant and full of substantial dreams for her future. Sawyer Le Grande is charismatic yet hindered by terrible addictions. Reena has been in love with Sawyer for as long as she can remember. The day he finally notices her was the day both of their lives were forever transformed. By the time Reena realizes she's pregnant, Sawyer has disappeared without a trace and she's left to suffer the consequences. How to Love alternates between Before chapters, when Reena and Sawyer are together, and After chapters, when Reena is a struggling single-mother before her 17th birthday.Oh my gosh, this book. I went into this with the preconceived notion that it'd just be a mediocre read because honestly, YA contemporary romances are not my thing. I've always found the majority of the romances are typically shallow and superficial, lacking any honest or true love. But this? This book managed to elicit such profound feelings from me that I was left feeling utterly bewildered at how impeccably Reena and Sawyer's story managed to speak to me.*sigh* Sawyer. He reminded me so much of another character that I read recently, Sutter from The Spectacular Now, and how self-destructive he was yet so charismatic and charming. (Although admittedly Sawyer was a far more redeeming character.) Sure he made some really jerk moves in the Before bits, but I couldn't help thinking his heart was in the right place. He's a highly dysfunctional character and it's easy to place the blame because of his addictions but once you get to that point that he's at, choosing not to do it is not as easy as saying yes or no because it's become a part of who he is. It's clear that the struggle to slay the demons within him is ongoing, but his love for Reena was forever evident even when he chose to leave without a word.'I think of how it felt to lose him, slow and painful and confusing, and how it felt to wonder if I'd ever really had him at all.'I heard all the negative things about Sawyer before going into this book and how he dragged Reena into his reckless behavior but I was somehow able to completely look past that and understand him and his situation a bit more than I was entirely comfortable with. I've been in a relationship much like theirs and yes, it's a destructive type. Going to the parties when I'd rather be home. Going because it's the only way to ensure that he stays somewhat safe. Knowing that you being his rock, his stability, is the only thing you can do for him as the demons within cannot be slayed. When you love a person, you're willing to stand with them through thick and thin and help them the only way you can think to. Sawyer may not have shown any visible progress in becoming a better person but Reena was the only thing in his life that helped him become the redeeming character we see in the After chapters. He came back into Reena's life intent on earning her love back. He was truthful and forthcoming with the issues he had and how he needed to leave to fix them. He was repentant but never actually apologized I believe because no sorry could ever fix what was done, only him being the support that Reena needed would change that. It was clear that he battled with the guilt of his actions.This was a hard review to write and I'm still not convinced I'm discussing everything I want to. This book left me with the worst bookish hangover I can remember in recent history. It managed to evoke a shocking amount of emotion from me and left me contemplating for days. How To Love is a beautiful and powerfully written story of love ingraining itself onto your very being.

An amazing contemporary book that was so real and cute.