Katie Cotugno’s novel, “How to Love,” is a beautiful and heart-wrenching story about the complexities of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The novel follows the intertwined lives of Reena and Sawyer, two teenagers from a small town in Florida who find themselves unexpectedly falling in love.

The book is told in alternating timelines, switching between before and after a life-changing event that profoundly affects both characters. In the before timeline, we see how Reena and Sawyer’s relationship blossoms from friendship to romance, despite their differences and the obstacles they face. In the after timeline, we witness the aftermath of their breakup and how they navigate their way back to each other.

Cotugno’s writing is raw and honest, delving deep into the emotions of her characters as they struggle with love, loss, and betrayal. Reena is a strong and independent protagonist who is forced to confront her own mistakes and insecurities, while Sawyer is a complex and flawed character who must learn to forgive himself and others in order to move forward.

One of the most compelling aspects of “How to Love” is the exploration of the theme of second chances. Cotugno shows that love is messy, complicated, and sometimes painful, but it is also worth fighting for. The novel challenges the notion of happily-ever-after endings and instead presents a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of relationships.

Overall, “How to Love” is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they have finished it. It is a story about love in all its forms – the good, the bad, and the messy. If you’re a fan of contemporary YA fiction that explores complex relationships and tackles difficult subject matter, then “How to Love” is definitely worth adding to your reading list.