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19 Love Songs by David Leviathan is a collection of short stories that overflows with love. Containing works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, as well as stories inspired by the author’s previous novels, this anthology showcases David Levithan’s signature emotional writing style. As it features uplifting stories about different kinds of love, this is the perfect read for Valentine’s Day.
Title: 19 Love Songs Author: David Levithan
Also by this author: Another Day (Every Day #2)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 17, 2020
Rating:
The New York Times bestselling author of Every Day, Someday, and Two Boys Kissing is back with a short story collection about love--perfect for Valentine's Day or year-round reading!
A resentful member of a high school Quiz Bowl team with an unrequited crush.
A Valentine's Day in the life of Every Day's protagonist "A."
A return to the characters of Two Boys Kissing.
19 Love Songs, from New York Times bestselling author David Levithan, delivers all of these stories and more. Born from Levithan's tradition of writing a story for his friends each Valentine's Day, this collection brings all of them to his readers for the first time. With fiction, nonfiction, and a story in verse, there's something for every reader here.
Witty, romantic, and honest, teens (and adults) will come to this collection not only on Valentine's Day, but all year round.
Review: 19 Love Songs by David Levithan
Containing 19 different “tracks,” this is a unique collection of stories all about different types of love. Throughout the anthology are stories of friendship, falling in love, and even one about a Taylor Swift fanfiction writer. A few of the stories also feature characters from the author’s previous books, such as Every Day and Two Boys Kissing. I was especially impressed by the mix of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry throughout this collection, as David Levithan’s mastery of each genre truly showcases his skill.
❀ Unique and Enjoyable Stories
Each of the stories within this anthology are unique and enjoyable in their own way, but I particularly enjoyed the Every Day inspired story, Day 2934. This is an incredibly heartwarming tale about A on Valentine’s Day, and it spotlights a mother’s love for her son as they spend the day together. I was also touched by one of the works of nonfiction about how the author’s parents met, and I found that the anthology’s final poem dedicated to the Freedom to Read foundation is the perfect conclusion to such a moving book.
❀ Poetic Writing Style
What makes David Levithan’s work shine is his poetic writing style. Each sentence is packed with emotion, and he perfectly captures feelings of nostalgia, hope, and love throughout each story. I believe that what makes this book so emotional is the fact that is inspired by the stories he has written as Valentine’s Day gifts for his friends, and I truly felt the love that went into each work as I was reading.
❀ Captures the feeling of love
19 Love Songs by David Levithan is the perfect anthology to warm any reader’s heart. With its mix of genres, handful of familiar characters, and poetic prose, this collection perfectly captures the feeling of love. Fans of David Levithan will not want to miss this beautiful book, and for new readers, this collection serves as a strong introduction to his work.
About David Levithan
David Levithan (born 1972) is an American children's book editor and award-winning author. He published his first YA book, Boy Meets Boy, in 2003. Levithan is also the founding editor of PUSH, a Young Adult imprint of Scholastic Press.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
19 Love Songs sounds like a great romance, thanks for sharing your review and have a terrific weekend!
Same to you! 🙂
I haven’t read any of the related books, but it doesn’t stop this one from sounding good based on your review. I’m glad it warmed your heart!
It was perfect for the season! 🙂
David Levithan is a favorite author of mine but I haven’t read a book of his in a while. In the past I’ve always enjoyed his books and I’m sure I’d love this one as well.
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Can’t-Wait Wednesday: The War That Made the Roman Empire by Barry Strauss
I think you will really love this one, Stephanie! 🙂
Didn’t know about this book! I really want to read it now since I loved Every Day!
It is so much fun seeing these characters come back! 🙂
I love poetic style! And I love when old characters make a comeback. I should read it 😉
Yes! I think you will enjoy it! 🙂
Aww, this sounds so sweet, and I love the mix of genres; that isn’t something I’ve seen before in a short story collection.
It has such a unique mix! 🙂
I’m absolutely reading this! It’s perfect for the Valentine holiday! Thanks for the recommendation!
I hope that you love it! 🙂
nice for Valentine’s
I’ve really got to read something by this author soon! I might even want to start with this one. Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…ARC Review: Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe
This sounds really good. I very much want to read.this.