Learning to Swear in America by Katie Kennedy is so original as it tells the story of a young physicist trying to save the world, and the main character has got to be up there with my favourites. As well, the side characters enhanced my enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this book as it is amusing, profound, and wholesome at the same time.
Title: Learning to Swear in AmericaAuthor: Katie Kennedy
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Genres: Contemporary, Sci-Fi, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: July 5, 2016
Rating:
Brimming with humor and one-of-a-kind characters, this end-of-the world novel will grab hold of Andrew Smith and Rainbow Rowell fans.
An asteroid is hurtling toward Earth. A big, bad one. Yuri, a physicist prodigy from Russia, has been called to NASA as they calculate a plan to avoid disaster. He knows how to stop the asteroid: his research in antimatter will probably win him a Nobel prize--if there's ever another Nobel prize awarded. But Yuri's 17, and having a hard time making older, stodgy physicists listen to him. Then he meets Dovie, who lives like a normal teenager, oblivious to the impending doom. Being with her, on the adventures she plans when he's not at NASA, Yuri catches a glimpse of what it means to save the world and save a life worth living.
Prepare to laugh, cry, cringe, and have your mind burst open with questions of the universe.
Review: Learning to Swear in America by Katie Kennedy
❀ Funny and Heartwarming
This book tells the story of a Russian genius who is sent to America to stop an asteroid from wiping out California. Along the way, he meets a girl who shows him that he can actually have a life outside of NASA and lead a somewhat normal life. I loved the details about astrophysics in the book, as this is something I’ve never read before. It is clear that the author did her research before writing. This story is funny and heartwarming, and I would definitely read another book about Yuri’s adventures.
❀ An Incredible Main Character
Yuri is such an incredible main character, and I couldn’t get enough of him. He faces many challenges being a seventeen year old physicist, but he continues to try to convince the others that his theory is correct. Yuri is also very realistic since he has his flaws. He lacks social skills since he spent his whole life working hard, but honestly, this made me love him even more. Despite being awkward, Yuri is the king of sass, and reading his narration made me smile many times.
❀ Quality Side Characters
One aspect of the book that I especially enjoyed was the side characters. Dovie and Lennon are pretty much Yuri’s opposites, but they create a nice balance in the book. As well, they are so developed, and by the end of the book, I felt like I knew them. Their interactions with Yuri are both adorable and hilarious, and I appreciated how snappy the dialogue is. Quality side characters are important to me, and I was glad to see this book come through in that department.
❀ A Wholesome Book
Learning to Swear in America by Katie Kennedy is a wholesome book about friendship and saving the world. I enjoyed the loveable main character and the developed side character. It was hard to say goodbye to this story, and I would for sure be interested in a sequel.
About Katie Kennedy
Katie Kennedy is the author of Learning to Swear in America and a history professor in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (closer to Wisconsin, really). She studied Russian history in college. She has a son in high school, and a daughter in college.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I recently read What Goes Up and really enjoyed it, and have been wanting to read this book as well. I love books about friendship too. Sounds like it was great!
I just added that one to my TBR! I am so happy to have discovered a new favourite author. 🙂
Glad to see it looks like you enjoyed this book!
I have not heard of this author before and I am really interested in reading this book after reading your review. It seems like a unique idea for a story.
I hope that you enjoy it if you do give it a try! 🙂
i can’t wait to read this one! Now I’m wondering if I should try the audible. Maybe both? LOL It sounds so good:)
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Ooooh!! I would love to know how the audio version is if you do go that route! 🙂
This sounds like a great book, and Yuri sounds like a lot of the engineers I went to college with!
It really is a great read and the characters are fantastic! 🙂
I’m glad to hear this is a good read. I was interested in reading it when it first came out but then just kind of forgot about it so I’m glad to read your review and be reminded of it.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday – KILLING NOVEMBER by Adriana Mather
It was one that I received for Christmas, actually! My mom has taken an interest in my Goodreads TBR, so I was pleasantly surprised to be reminded of it as well. Definitely one to read! 🙂
This sounds really fun, my sister read it and like it too. I love it when characters are scientists in books, and I also appreciate the dynamic of Eastern Europeans in America. (sorry if this comments twice, I was having trouble posting!)
Shanti recently posted…Tis the season of rereading–plot summaries or plot forgeteries?
Yes! There are so many fantastic characters that are so interesting to read about. 🙂
Great review! I haven’t heard of this book but it really sounds like an interesting read especially the characters! I”m glad you enjoyed it!
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Thank you! I’m glad that I had the chance to read it. 🙂
I wasn’t super interested in this one until reading your review… especially the “friendship and saving the world” because those are two of my favourite things, especially combined. Thank you for putting me onto it, it’s definitely on my TBR going into 2019!
Kelly @ Wandering Through Books recently posted…Review: The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
I hope that you do enjoy it when you give it a try! I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it. 🙂
This sounds like a must read! I hadn’t heard of it before. Putting it on my list now.
I hope that you enjoy it! 🙂
This sounds like a great read, wonderful review.