The Book of Love

I have been a huge fan of Kelly Link's short stories for years, so I was very excited about the idea of her writing a novel. The Book of Love did not disappoint. The characters were all richly developed, and their relationships with each other were so engaging. I really got lost in the fates of these fictional strangers in this little seaside town, and worried what would happen to them when the gods come calling. Beautiful book. Amazing writer.

I love stories about teenagers because that age still feels so vivid to me--the highs and lows, the drama, the dawning of the harsher realities of the world, and the big, big love that comes alongside it. Kelly Link's first novel has all of this--plus magic, and a group of friends whose complicated relationships with themselves and with each other kept me reading this book long past my bedtime. This small act of rebellion made me feel even closer to the teenager I once was.

The Book of Love is the debut novel by MacArthur Genius Grant winner Kelly Link, who is already famous for her short stories (including my favorite story, "Magic for Beginngers").

I've been waiting to read a novel from Kelly for years, and this one somehow exceeded my expectations. It's got an ensemble cast, but centers on sisters Laura and Susannah and the transformation of their lives when magical entities, with their own chaotic and cruel agendas, come to town.

It's odd, funny, heart-breaking, and heartening all at once. It features truly great love-to-hate-them villains, too.