Synopses & Reviews
A pushy counselor, school bullies, a neglectful mother, and a dead father have tainted 17-year-old high school senior Michelle Pearces perspective on life. Shes become a social reject with a bad attitude. Her faith in the goodness of humanity is restored when she gets to know her newest coworker, Nathaniel Slater, a high school dropout who works three jobs to care for his dying grandmother. But their budding romance has little time to blossom before tragedy strikes, destroying Michelles hope in the world she lives in and threatening to tear her and Nathaniel apart.
Review
"Part of a new line of teen-written novels, Paper Hearts is penned by an eighteen-year-old author who writes teen angst with authenticity and power. The novel is an impressive achievement for a debut writer."
The Story Sanctuary
This book is filled with really awesomely crafted characters, from Michelle and Nathaniel to Nathaniels grandmother (what a gem!), from Michelles completely self-absorbed mother to her scumbag of a boss. It has a plot to matchthe plot twist came completely out of nowhere. . . . I was so completely blindsided. It was almost (but not quite) Fight Club level.”
karaelaine1991, Library Thing
Paper Hearts is a perfect title for this book because both Michelle and Nathaniel are fragile and vulnerable much like a paper heart. While Nate doesnt allow the worlds ugliness to dampen his spirits, Michelle uses her anger as a shield to ward off others before they can hurt her. I thought this was a great debut novel and I loved seeing Nate and Michelles relationship grow.”
68papyrus, Library Thing
"As Michelle mellows, it becomes increasingly clear that her life actually is tragic, and her sulky teen misanthropy is a reasonable reaction to a rotten lifea refreshing take. Savell offers readers hope within grim realism. . . ."
Kirkus Reviews
"The sweet beginning won me over and the end, though traumatic, was handled with care and written perfectly."
Jess, The Cozy Reader
Paper Hearts is a debut novel that will run your emotions through the gauntlet.”
Andrea, Bookish
Savells touching debut is a tribute to all those who have suffered abuse and survived. Her book contains strong characters, and although readers may not find the heroine, Michelle, to be very likable, its all part of the tale and becomes evident as the plot thickens. This story is an inspiration for survivors and a real eye-opener for those who are blind to the consequences of bullying and mistreatment of all sorts. The author handles harsh subjects such as rape with taste, showcasing her talent as a writer. A terrific YA for teenagers and adults alike.”
RT Book Reviews
Synopsis
A pushy counselor, school bullies, a neglectful mother, and a dead father have ruined seventeen-year-old high school senior Michelle Pearces perspective on life. A social reject living in self-imposed exile, Michelle has little use for anything or anyoneuntil Nathaniel comes along. A high school dropout who works three jobs to care for his dying grandmother, hes all but convinced Michelle that there is some good left in humanity.
And then humanity proves him wrong. The unforgivable happens, destroying Michelles newfound faith in life and threatening to unravel a love in the making.
About the Author
S. R. Savell is a writer pursuing an MFA. She lives in Hempstead, Texas.