Bookishrealm's Reviews > How to Excavate a Heart

I would be lying if I didn't say that this was a bit of disappointment. I think I was looking for something a little different and this isn't what I got with this particular title. CW: sexual assault.

How to Excavate a Heart follows the relationship between two Jewish queer girls: Shani and May. The first time they meet it's because Shani's mom almost hits May with her car. Shani is in town to a complete a month-long paleoichthyology internship. The two meet again while Shani completes a dog walking job, slowly become friends, and they find themselves growing romantic feelings for each other.

What Worked: The development of the side characters was exceptional! I really enjoyed Beatrice more than the main characters. She was fresh, exciting, and fun! While I was annoyed by the way in which Shani would become completed immersed in a relationship in unhealthy ways, I did think that it was a realistic portrayal of the experiences of those still in their teens. Although Shani is college age during the course of this novel, these feelings are realistic and are something that a lot people struggle with.

What Didn't Work:Shani was not a likeable character. AT ALL. Her lack of communication with her mom and with May really bothered me especially the moment where May was extremely transparent about her struggles with her dad and her sexuality. Their romance also happened rather quickly and in a way that just didn't always add up. They didn't have the opportunity to get to know each other well enough to make that romance work in any way shape or form. And finally, that last drop in the story, the reason why Shani is hesitant about sexual content caught me so off guard and felt so ill placed in the context of the entire story.

Overall, this wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't what I expected and I wanted so much more.