Review: The Heart Is Not a Size
By all outward appearances, Georgia has everything going for her – she’s a good student, she’s responsible and she has her share of friends. Inwardly though, she struggles with anxiety, so when she notices a flyer looking for young people to travel to Juárez, Mexico to help the people there build community, she’s eager to go.
Georgia convinces her parents that it’s okay and talks her best friend, Riley, into going with her. Upon arrival in Juárez, Georgia wonders what she’s gotten herself into. After she settles in, the trip turns out to be one of self-discovery for her and she grows immensely while she’s there.
The Heart Is Not a Size is a fantastic book about growing up and discovering the world. Georgia is a wonderful character and I hope there are many young people like her out there these days. I think most teen-agers can relate to her insecurities and self-doubt and even her struggles with her best friend, Riley. I know I could, and it’s been a long time since I was a teen-ager. Georgia thought,
The heart is not a size, Sophie had said; and I knew she was right – that there was no measure for the people we were becoming, no limit to what we might become.
The trip to Juárez turned out to be a life changing event for both Georgia and Riley and their experience really made me think – about how fortunate I am and about what I can do to help those who aren’t as fortunate. It also served as a reminder to me that most people are the same no matter where they live.
I’m a big fan of Beth Kephart‘s work, so it was no surprise to me that I loved The Heart Is Not a Size. Beth’s writing is so lyrical, I imagine she carefully considers each and every word in her books. This is the third one of her books that I’ve read and I’ve found myself lost in each one of them. This is a book that can be enjoyed by teen-agers and adults and I recommend it to both.
Check out the Facebook fan page and this great contest for The Heart Is Not a Size.
Challenges: Beth Kephart Reading Challenge, Books Won Reading Challenge
I won this book from Beth Kephart Books. I am an Indiebound Affliate.
Bermudaonion's Weblog 
I really love your review. Want to read the book.
You made me cry.
Thank you.
b
I am so excited to read this book as part of her tour. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about her, and she is so present on the blogs, that I love her already.
Perfect review! Absolutely perfect!
I’ve heard so much about Beth Kephart, I really need to read one of her books! Thanks for a great review.
This book sounds awesome. I love books that show teenagers growing up. I would love to have travelled like Georgia when I was that age, so this type of book helps me relive my youth. I haven’t read any by Beth Kephart but I shall definitely look her up.
Kathy, lovely review. I enjoy reading about teens making good choices and also know that it is a time of transition. I have not read this author before but I fully intend to. This seems like a good place to start!
Must read this book! Great review, Kathy. I can’t wait until I can buy more books – this will definitely be on the list.
I love your review Kathy. I really enjoyed this book too. So many wonderful insights and observations on life and friendship!
I’ve only read one book by this author and am now even more eager to read everything by her.
Since I’ve started blogging to my delight I’ve rediscovered YA fiction. There are some real gems in the genre. This sounds like another one!
sounds wonderful! I’m glad you liked it so much!
Sounds great. I must admit that I haven’t heard of this author before and although I don’t read too many YA books, I will keep this one in mind, as it sounds wonderful!
Thanks for the wonderful review, this one sounds like something I would pick up for my granddaughter.
I really enjoyed this book as well. Great review!
I don’t think Ive read about this one before. It sounds great. I hope there are lots of young people like this too!
This sounds like another fantastic book from Kephart. I cannot wait to meet her at BEA!
Great review! This might make a nice book for my daughter and I to tackle as a joint read. It sounds like it would be satisfying to both of us, for different reasons. Thanks!
Kephart sounds like a wonderful writer. Terrific review, Kathy!
I like books where the characters have life-changing events. It sounds like the characters are quite lovable.
Good review, sounds like something I would enjoy reading too.
I need to get my hands on this! I love her writing too (in Nothing But Ghosts at least).
What a terrific review. Thanks, Kathy!
I’m a fan of hers also Kathy and this sounds like a great read!!
Can’t wait to read this one — sounds fantastic! I’m a sucker for coming-of-age novels centering around teen girls. I guess because I was one?
It definitely sounds like something my daughter would like. Thanks for letting me know that it would be appropriate.
Sounds like a wonderful book. I think it would make a good movie too!
I’ve seen this book around, and i’ve already added it to my wishlist. It seems like a book I would really enjoy.
This author is new to me but I think I really want to read this book.
I have never heard of this author. I really love finding new to me authors. After reading your review, I will be putting this one on my to buy list. It sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the great review.
Great review!! This book sounds different from most YA books I read, so I will be checking it out!!
I love the cover. Thanks for the review!
I really enjoyed this one too! It was the first Kephart I read, but I look forward to reading more.
I see Beth and her books all over the blogosphere…I really do need to read one of her books!
Lovely review! This sounds like a nice, heartwarming story.
I definitely am going to have to read some Kephart soon!
I’ve got to read Beth’s books. I have her Ghosts book on my shelf and look forward to reading it. This sounds wonderful.
I enjoyed Nothing But Ghosts so I feel confident that I’ll likely enjoy this one as well. Beth is a very eloquent writer!
This is definitely something I’d read, Kathy! Thanks for the review.
I have this book up for next month — I can’t wait to read it.
Ah, Beth writes so beautifully, doesn’t she?