If you crave a YA love story that's both sweet and grounded in real-life challenges, this book is a winner! "Sick Kids in Love" does a phenomenal job showing what it's like to have a chronic illness - without turning the story into a tragedy. There's genuine humor, honest reflections on pain and resilience, and Jewish rep to boot. Readers with chronic illness will feel truly seen, and anyone looking for fresh, emotionally authentic romance will be hooked by Isabel and Sasha's chemistry.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you need fast pacing or lots of external drama, you might find this one a bit slow. Some found Isabel's introspection frustrating and the running "question" notes at the start of chapters unnecessary. If you're easily irritated by overthinking protagonists or prefer high-stakes plots over day-to-day life, this might not be your jam.

Heartfelt, witty, and honest - a rare, uplifting look at young love and invisible illness. Perfect for readers who want representation, sweetness, and reality in their YA romance.

About:

Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz is a heartwarming and realistic story about two teenagers, Isabel and Sasha, who both have chronic illnesses. The book beautifully explores their journey of falling in love, navigating relationships, and dealing with the challenges of living with invisible disabilities. Moskowitz's writing style is described as raw, honest, and humorous, capturing the profound and hilarious moments in the characters' lives while addressing serious issues with sensitivity and authenticity.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed; Isabel navigates her struggles with chronic illness, while Sasha's supportive nature offers a refreshing dynamic.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging and relatable, combining humor and poignant moments, though some elements like chapter starters were considered extraneous.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around two teens with chronic illnesses who meet in a hospital, emphasizing their experiences and budding romance, while realistically portraying their health struggles.

Setting:

Set largely in a hospital, the environment plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' relationship and experiences with their illnesses.

Pacing:

While the pacing is engaging initially, some readers felt it lagged in the middle due to minimal conflict.

“Hospital” should be a setting on white noise machines. The nurses laughing at the station and the sound of their squeaky sneakers on the floor. The rush of the pneumatic tubes sending blood back and ...

Notes:

The main characters, Isabel and Sasha, both have chronic illnesses.

Isabel has rheumatoid arthritis, while Sasha has Gaucher disease.

The book realistically portrays the daily lives of teens with invisible illnesses.

The characters are Jewish, adding cultural representation to the story.

The author, Hannah Moskowitz, has her own experience with chronic pain.

The story avoids romanticizing their illnesses, showing the ups and downs they face.

Many readers felt represented, especially those with similar chronic conditions.

The book combines humor with serious themes, making it a lighter read despite the subjects it tackles.

Sasha's character is described as caring and sensitive, providing emotional support to Isabel.

The initial chapters include random questions that some readers found unnecessary.

The book is targeted toward a young adult audience but resonates with adult readers as well.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book carries medium content warnings for chronic illnesses, emotional struggles related to health, and themes such as self-doubt and internalized ableism.

Has Romance?

Sick Kids in Love features a high level of romance as it centers around the love story between Isabel and Sasha.

From The Publisher:

An ALA Sydney Taylor Award Honoree

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Isabel has one rule: no dating.

It's easier-

It's safer-

It's better-

-for the other person.

She's got issues. She's got secrets. She's got rheumatoid arthritis.

But then she meets another sick kid.

He's got a chronic illness Isabel's never heard of, something she can't even pronounce. He understands what it means to be sick. He understands her more than her healthy friends. He understands her more than her own father who's a doctor.

He's gorgeous, fun, and foul-mouthed. And totally into her.

Isabel has one rule: no dating.

It's complicated-

It's dangerous-

It's never felt better-

-to consider breaking that rule for him.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (6):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

czanel840

Incredible

6 months

As a person with invisible chronic illness, Ibby’s thoughts made me feel SO SEEN. The romance is hecka sweet, as well.

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Sick Kids in Love

Hannah Moskowitz

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