Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger

ISBN: 978-0-689-84154-5
Originally published in 1999 (this edition Simon Pulse, NY 2008)
224 pages

Plot Summary

John has only one friend in high school and his home life is similarly lonely as he's been shuttled back and forth between his divorced distant parents. He doesn't understand why his mom won't even hug him - he thinks she must find him too unappealing to even touch. He only has his writing to sustain him and is excited to meet fellow zine writer, Marisol. He falls in love with her even though she told him upfront that she's a lesbian.

Critical Evaluation

This is a different take on star-crossed love, with the main character falling for someone who can never love him in the same way. The book also explores how divorce can devastate the kids, especially when they blame themselves. The book also plays with our perceptions of lesbians, from John thinking that Marisol would never want to go to the prom because she's a lesbian to her mom who tries too hard to accept and understand her. The book's not preachy in any way though and focuses on how communication is key in understanding one another.

Reader's Annotation

John's life is predictable and boring and he doesn't even know if he's gay or straight because he's never loved anyone until he meets fellow zine writer, Marisol. He falls hard for her even though she's a self-proclaimed Puerto Rican Cuban Yankee lesbian.

Author Info

Ellen Wittlinger is the critically acclaimed author of teen novels Blind Faith, Heart on My Sleeve and others. She received her MFA from the University of Iowa. A former children's librarian, she lives with her husband in Massachusetts.

Genre

Realistic LGBT YA novel

Curriculum Ties

Life Skills or a Writing class possibly

Booktalking Ideas

1. John (Gio) takes Marisol to the prom.

2. John goes away to Cape Cod with Marisol and his parents are frantic with worry.

Reading/Interest Level

High school for both

Challenge Issues and Defense

lesbian main character, teenage runaways

Realistic portrayal - nothing graphic

Printz Honor and Winner of the Lambda Literary Award

Why I Included This Book

We used it in our presentation of controversial YA literature and it was the winner of many awards. After reading Luna, I was interested in the portrayal of the lesbian writer in the book.