Staff Pick
Sometimes, I need a good rom-com to escape into, and this second novel from Ben Philippe hits the spot. Henri is currently charming his way through his prestigious high school, trying to keep his parents happy, and earn some money walking dogs in order to reach his goal of being accepted into Columbia University. Things are going to plan until his classmate Corinne discovers that the dog walking company he works for is not what it seems. What starts as blackmail grows into friendship and romance. This book is very fun, romantic, and yes, charming. Recommended By Jennifer H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han.
Henri "Halti" Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star
debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful
first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his
wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning
ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.
There is only one person who seems immune to Henri's charms: his
"intense" classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri's
less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping
her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside
for himself.
Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for...
Review
"Henri's narrative swagger
effortlessly charms the reader, but it's his growing self-awareness that
gives this delightful novel its depth....An intelligently narrated
romance with plenty of witty banter and a diverse cast." Bulletin of
the Center for Children's Books
(Starred Review)
Review
"This humorous, first-person narrative with a conversational, almost conspiratorial, tone will captivate readers." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"...Phillippe turns up the charm in his sophomore novel....From its dynamic,
easy-to-love characters to the endearing prose, this novel easily
embodies Henri's cultivated suaveness, and his unusually confident
persona, bring a fresh perspective." Booklist
Synopsis
From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han.
Henri "Halti" Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.
There is only one person who seems immune to Henri's charms: his "intense" classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri's less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.
Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . .
This is a sharply funny and insightful novel about the countless hustles we have to keep from doing the hardest thing: being ourselves.
About the Author
Ben Philippe
is a New York-based writer and screenwriter, born in Haiti and raised
in Montreal, Canada. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University
and an MFA in fiction and screenwriting from the Michener Center for
Writers in Austin, Texas. He also teaches film studies and screenwriting
at Barnard College. He is the author of the William C. Morris
Award-winning novel The Field Guide to the North American Teenager. Find him online at www.benphilippe.com.