Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith - HIGH

Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith, 278 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2019. $19.

Language: PG (8 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Once Hugo was headed on a cross-America train trip with girlfriend to escort her to college in California.  His life is already mapped out – he and his siblings (the Surrey Six) are headed to their local university.  When his girl dumps him, she gives him the trip as a consolation – but he needs another Margaret Campbell stat, because everything is in her name. Along come Mae – she’d been accepted to USC, but not to the film school, which was her dream. She’s sure if she can get to USC early she can convince them to accept her.  So now two complete strangers are spending days sharing train compartments, hotel rooms, and a whole lot of togetherness.

Mae and Hugo’s story is so absolutely sweet in all the right ways. I listened to the audio version and loved following their adventures and growing interest in each other.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS