Charming as a Verb

by Ben Philippe

From the award-winning author of The Field Guide to the North American Teenager comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han. 

Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy New York City neighbors. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.

There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself.

Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. . . .

This is a sharply funny and insightful novel about the countless hustles we have to keep from doing the hardest thing: being ourselves.

• ISBN10: 0062824147
• ISBN13: 9780062824141
• Publish Date: 12 November 2020 (first published 13 October 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 13 March 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc
• Imprint: Balzer and Bray
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 336
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

Henri had many talents, and his charm was one of his secret weapons. A chameleon, who could easily fit into all school cliques. A persuasive orator, who dominated at debate. An entrepreneur, who created a successful dog walking business. He was also a first generation American, who was under a LOT of pressure from his parents to achieve their dream of him attending Columbia, and for once, his charm might not be enough to help him attain this goal.

I fell in love with Philippe's writing via the greatness that is The Field Guide to the North American Teenager. That story had incredible characters, spectacular humor, and lots of emotional depth, and I saw all those elements on display in Charming as a Verb as well.

FIVE REASONS TO READ CHARMING AS A VERB

1. Henri was a first-class narrator. I loved his voice! He was witty and snarky and authentic. He elicited a multitude of laughter from me with his many observations, while also appealing to my heart with some of his hopes and fears.

2. The romance was fantastic. Who knew blackmail could turn into more? Henri and Corrine were polar opposites, personality-wise. She was "intense" and wanted to learn his charming ways, but she also brought a lot to the table. Wow! Just, wow! Henri really met his match with Corrine. She was one of the few, who could resist his charm, and it forced him to be more real with her. I also loved how they challenged each other and the way they grew together.

3. The bromance won my heart. Henri and his best friend, Ming, had a great friendship. Every time they were on page together was a special treat. I have to say, I am such a fan of seeing more male friendships, where they openly share their emotions. We need these depictions.

4. Anyone who is going through or has ever experienced the college admissions process will be able to relate to Henri's struggle. There is the stress with getting all the applications in, keeping your grades up, and padding your "resume" so that the colleges notice you. There is also the pressure to achieve, which may be intrinsic or extrinsic. Getting into college is a major process and a B I G decision. That was all explored and captured so well in this book.

5. OMG, the dogs! My first reason for picking up this book was because Ben Philippe wrote it, but when I saw that cover! I knew I HAD to read it. And friends, that cover was not a tease. Henri walked some fabulous furry friends, and I loved getting to know them all.

Another book by Philippe for my favorites shelf! He combined standout characters with the perfect amount of humor, romance, and emotion. I was delighted to be part of Henri's world and grateful to accompany him on this journey.

Overall: This book really lived up to its name. I was utterly charmed by this story and absolutely loved it from beginning to end!

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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