Love & Other Theories

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 22, 2015

Review

A contemporary romance, Love & Other Theories is about a group of high school girls who have created a set of theories on love that they use to keep from getting hurt by boys. The story is told from the perspective of Aubrey, the main character. The theories state that they should never get emotionally involved and to always detach and be less available. They think that by not being clingy and wanting things from the boys, the boys will like them better and they won't get emotionally hurt. Aubrey is still recovering from her last dalliance with Trip, who ditched her when he went to college, when a new boy shows up at school. Nathan is cute and seems to pinpoint Aubrey right away. Aubrey uses the theories on him, and they are together from that very first meeting. Aubrey is so happy and thinks the theories work so well…until Nathan starts to detach and spend time instead with her best friend, Shelby. Aubrey is left questioning the theories and the entirety of her friendships and relationships. The story takes place over the span of a year, their senior year of high school. Aubrey has a great character arch and shows real growth throughout the book. The same can't be said for most of the other characters. There is sex in this book, though it doesn't go into great detail. The book focuses on teen relationships, both romantic and friendly, and has a bittersweet tone. Recommend to fans of Sarah Dessen, Katie McGarry, and Gayle Forman.

Overall Book Score: good