THINGS I KNOW ABOUT LOVE

Livia, 17, is determined to find romance. She’s fought leukemia most of her teen years and hasn’t had much time for boys. Now she’s flown from her native England to visit her older brother, an American Studies major at Princeton University, who is staying in the States over the summer. The expats of Princeton seem to adore her, particularly her brother’s friend Adam. In her private blog, Livia chronicles her history of failed relationships and the thrill of finding what she believes to be true love with Adam. Near the end of the trip she falls ill, and upon returning to England she learns that her leukemia is back. The premises of the book, both the blogging and the romance, get off to a shaky start. Livia is a friendly, observant person, though, which makes the idea of every attractive young man in Princeton falling in love with her more palatable than one might think. And Nicholas Sparks fans will rejoice at Livia and Adam’s doomed relationship. Good for a quick cry. (Fiction. 12 & up)