Charming as a Verb

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i absolutely adored the characters and their voices (charming, sociable Henri and introverted, intense Corinne! I mentioned in the beginning how Henri is a people person and by that, I mean he talked a lot 😂 Not only on the outside, but also inside his head. So based on this little synopsis I provided, we can see that there's no crazy stuff goin' on, but there's just enough to fill a book.

I especially enjoyed the way Henri's ambition was described as well and contrasted to Corrinne and her mother. I loved the characters of Henry and Corrinne's parents, their friends, and even the teachers at school.

Her steadiness balances out Henri’s personality, and I liked reading about their relationship and the way it grew over time. I don't really have many complaints because this story is written in a way where you know what's happening, but you also know that it could have been written better. I still haven’t read Philippe’s debut, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager, but I’ve heard how much people loved the funny and lighthearted story and pleased to report that you can expect similar things of Charming. I love when YA books touch on this subject because it’s such a big deal for many kids at this age — getting the right scores, choosing the right universities, and even funding their education. But what makes Charming as a Verb stand out is not only how relatable the characters are, in their best of moments, but also in their worst.

For anyone itching for a Black-led YA rom-com, with legitimate moments of laughter, a fake/real dog walking business, and magical, life-altering train rides outside the city. A refreshing, captivating read, one which will definitely appeal to its teen target audience but will also satisfy older readers, who will appreciate its clarity and emotional acuity. And I'm lowkey cheating by counting this as my Haiti book for my challenge but this does represent an Haitian experience so I don't feel fully guilty.I think it’s definitely one that can find its audience if you enjoy a rom-com that explores some more serious themes, but it just was not for me.