How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow puts a Jewish twist on the classic Christmas enemies-to-lovers story. With dog walking, fossils, and a relatable main character navigating her first year of university, this one has so much to love. Fans of Hallmark movies will not want to miss this entertaining holiday read.
Title: How to Excavate a HeartAuthor: Jake Maia Arlow
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: November 1, 2022
Rating:
Becky Albertalli meets Casey McQuiston in this sapphic Jewish twist on the classic Christmas enemies-to-lovers rom-com, as college freshman Shani’s internship is interrupted by a whirlwind winter fling.
It all starts when Shani runs into May. Like, literally. With her mom’s Subaru.
Attempted vehicular manslaughter was not part of Shani’s plan. She was supposed to be focusing on her monthlong paleoichthyology internship. She was going to spend all her time thinking about dead fish and not at all about how she was unceremoniously dumped days before winter break.
It could be going better.
But when a dog-walking gig puts her back in May’s path, the fossils she’s meant to be diligently studying are pushed to the side—along with the breakup.
Then they’re snowed in together on Christmas Eve. As things start to feel more serious, though, Shani’s hurt over her ex-girlfriend’s rejection comes rushing back. Is she ready to try a committed relationship again, or is she okay with this just being a passing winter fling?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
After getting dumped by her girlfriend, Shani heads to DC for winter break to do an internship at the Smithsonian. Swiftly upon her arrival, she and her mom almost run over a stranger, and Shani finds herself off to a rough start with the locals. However, when she takes a dog-walking gig, she is shocked to learn that the owner’s daughter is the girl she almost ran over. As the two get to know each other better, they find themselves getting closer, but Shani must first decide if she’s ready for another relationship.
❀ Relatable Main Character
Shani is a relatable main character, and I loved her voice. She has just finished her first semester of university, and the author does can excellent job capturing all the feelings of starting this new phase of one’s life. What I especially enjoyed about Shani is the way she makes mistakes as she navigates all the changes in her life. This makes her realistic, and through some of her messier moments, she is able to grow.
❀ Complex Relationships
Throughout the book, the author also delves into many complex relationships. We see Shani’s interactions with her mom, who she fights with but still loves, with her ex, who left her with lingering trauma in the aftermath of their breakup, and with May, as their relationship develops and they learn to communicate. These dynamics reveal more of Shani’s personality and bring even more complexity to the story.
❀ Diverse Holiday Read
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow is a holiday rom-com that I’m sure many will be able to relate to. I enjoyed the mix of the holidays with fossils, and the main character is realistic as she navigates her first year of university and the different relationships in her life. This is a great read for those looking for a diverse holiday read that will leave them with a smile.
About Jake Maia Arlow
Jake Maia Arlow (she/they) is a podcast producer, writer, and bagel connoisseur. She studied evolutionary biology and creative writing (not as different as you might think) at Barnard College. They've lived in various places, but can always be found with an iced coffee.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Great review! I hadn’t heard of this one. It sounds like a great holiday read.
It’s a great addition to a holiday tbr! 🙂
The cover is very cute
It sure is! 🙂
Fantastic review! This book seems so lovely, I need it on my TBR 🙂
Thanks! I hope that you enjoy it when you get the chance to give it a try! 🙂
So many holiday reads are focused on Catholics/Christians, so it’s nice to see the Jewish faith represented here!
Yes! I am loving that there are more diverse holiday books out there! 🙂
This sounds really sweet. And I love that Shani is in college; we need more of that in books.
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…{Book Review} A Marvelous Light by Freya Marske
Right?! I am so happy that we are getting some upper YA books these days. 🙂
Great review, Olivia! This sounds like such a cute read. I love the diversity and how Shani does an internship at the Smithsonian. I love some talk about fossils! Also, how cute is the dog on the cover. And it looks like the cutie is wearing shoes against the now. *heart eyes*
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Nonfiction November 2022: Worldview Changers
HA!! Yes! There are so many fantastic aspects to this story! 🙂
A wonderful review! I love a story with relatable characters and a beautifully diverse storyline!
Thanks so much! It is a great read! 🙂
I actually just saw this one today and added it to my TBR. Glad to hear it is one I should definitely get my hands on.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…E-galley Review: Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
Oooh! I hope that you love it! 🙂
the cover!!! <3 this sounds and looks so cute
That cover is so perfect! 🙂
thanks for your review. this sounds like a good read
Thanks for the great review! The book sounds awesome.