Reena can't remember a time when she didn't like Sawyer, even though he never seemed to notice her that way. Then one day, he finally does and neither predicted how intense their feelings would turn out to be. Unfortunately, life is extremely messy and that reflects in their relationship. When Sawyer suddenly vanishes with no notice, Reena is left heartbroken...and pregnant. Three years later, Sawyer turns up again and meets his toddler-aged daughter. Full of anger and hurt, Reena will have to decide if she's ready to have Sawyer back in her life at all.

HOW TO LOVE by Katie Cotugno is one of the most refreshing and original books I've read this year. I'm not sure that I've ever read another book that shows love in a light this messy, sometimes cruel, and without a doubt, real. This is not a sweet book that brings tragically torn apart lovers back together; it is a book that takes two people who are so faulted, so human, and puts them in a love that is far too powerful not have doses of bitterness, betrayal, hurt, and just plain mess in it. The beautiful thing about this novel is that it not only shows that, but it somehow manages to put a tender and hopeful tone under it that these characters, even the reader, clearly needs to make it through.

Beyond the moving themes of the novel are some other excellent elements. The dialogue and voice of the characters feels very natural. People trip over their words and say the wrong thing like we are all guilty of, but sometimes in the midst of all that, they find a wonderful truth. I also really love the side characters of Reena's family and her friend, Shelby, that take the story to another level of depth.

HOW TO LOVE is now on my list of favorite contemporary YA books. I would highly recommend it to fans of Nyrae Dawn, John Green, and Ellen Hopkins.