March 3, 2019 – Mind of Luxe

Book Title: Field Notes on Love
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Series: None (Standalone)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: March 5th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Having just been dumped by his girlfriend, British-born Hugo is still determined to take his last-hurrah-before-college train trip across the United States. One snag: the companion ticket is already booked under the name of his ex, Margaret Campbell. Nontransferable, no exceptions.

Enter the new Margaret C. (Mae for short), an aspiring filmmaker with big dreams. After finding Hugo’s spare ticket offer online, she’s convinced it’s the perfect opportunity to expand her horizons.

When the two meet, the attraction is undeniable, and both find more than they bargained for. As Mae pushes Hugo to explore his dreams for his future, he’ll encourage her to channel a new, vulnerable side of her art. But when life off the train threatens the bubble they’ve created for themselves, will they manage to keep their love on track?

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by Bibliophile Soprano.

MY THOUGHTS

Look, I’m still pretty doped up by this book while writing this review so I apologize if this is too all over the place.

I’m so excited to be a part of this blog tour, especially since I loved this book so much! Field Notes of Love follows two strangers from different parts of the world as they take a one-week trip to find themselves, only to have discovered each other along the way as well. I loved getting to know Hugo and Mae, and seeing the changes in their interactions as they spend more time with each other. They become so supportive of each other without compromising their own endeavors. Plus, both their banters and deep conversations are so interesting to read about!

I was whizzing through this books, so engrossed in their story, that I didn’t even realize when it was ending. Their affection for each other wasn’t a slow-burn but I enjoyed reading about it nonetheless. But what made me love this even more is the fact that this book isn’t just a love story; it’s so much more! This also touches up on self-discovery and what it’s like to experience the world on your own, while you’re young. It also highlights the importance of support towards dreams. And, not to mention, the great familial aspect in the book.

As much as I loved reading about Hugo and Mae as a couple, I also cherished them both as individuals. Being part of a sextuplet, Hugo has a big warm family that has always stuck together from day one. They clearly love and support each other but, as I assume most people do, he can’t help wonder what it would feel like to be on his own for a change. To be known as Hugo, and not only as a part of a sextuplet. And then there’s Mae, a would-be filmmaker who was told to “live more” and so, she did. Together with her two dads and wonderful grandmother, they have an admirable family dynamic which adds up to my fun reading experience.

The ending of the book did feel quite abrupt and I could have done with a bit more time with Hugo’s family (since I love big families) but aside from that, Field Notes on Love is spectacular. I went through a lot of emotions with this one and I highly recommend it! I’ve only read and loved one other book from the author before but I could tell that Jennifer E. Smith is gonna be one of my auto-buy authors!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER E. SMITH is the author of eight books for young adults, including Windfall and The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. She earned a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and her work has been translated into thirty-three languages. She currently lives in New York City.

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