As a therapist who believes in the power of books and films to heal, I pay attention when a client mentions a book that moved him. When several clients mention the same book, I take notice. And when, on top of multiple clinical recommendations, I observe my adult daughter reading Heart the Lover on vacation—unable to put it down—I move it to the top of my list.

Unlike many Lily King fans, I have not read the companion novel Writers & Lovers, which functions as both a prequel and a sequel to Heart the Lover. I likely will. Still, I experienced this book as a deeply satisfying stand-alone work—one marked by elegant, heartfelt prose that captures both the innocence and the complexity of youthful exploration and young love.

Readers follow........

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