Say it with me now… REPRESENTATION MATTERS!
Now that we’ve got that settled, it’s time to get pumped about Helen Hoang’s new novel, The Heart Principle. It’s the third book in The Kiss Quotient series (along with The Bride Test), which features characters on the spectrum. I am obsessed with this series because it is so refreshing to read the perspective of someone who sees the world differently than you do, and Hoang does such a beautiful job of it. That is in part because she is autistic herself and weaves in genuine experiences on the page.
The Heart Principle introduces us to Anna, a violinist who finds herself struggling to perform music due to the pressure that came along with internet fame. In the midst of the struggle to get through a single piece of music, her longtime boyfriend Julian decides they should have an open relationship for a little while so he can make sure she’s the one he wants to marry. (Cue rage.)
In her hurt, Anna turns to a dating app for a one night stand, because if he gets to play then she should too, right? That’s where she meets Quan. You might remember his name if you’ve read the first two books because he is Michael’s best friend and Khai’s cousin. He’s also looking for a one night stand just to get back to feeling normal after testicular cancer.
Their first attempt doesn’t get off to a great start due to nerves, so they decide to give it another shot… or two. This prolonged period gives them time to get to know each other a little better and you know how that’s gonna go.
There’s also a whole family drama side of Anna’s story. Her sister is unsupportive of Anna seeing a therapist and her diagnosis of autism. Anna is trying to process what the new information means for her and her longstanding desire to make everyone happy, and that stress gets even worse when their father has a stroke and needs in home care.
There are so many pieces to The Heart Principle that make it such a well-rounded story. It’s a combination of romance, family drama, and memoir that takes you on an emotional journey. It all carries so much more meaning once you read the author’s note at the end. I highly recommend you do that.
I hope Hoang continues this series, because diversity in fiction is so important and she does such a wonderful job of opening a window into a world many of us don’t know firsthand. Move The Heart Principle to the top of your TBR pile.
Literary HypeWoman 