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The Art of Loving Libby Green
Seventeen-year-old Dylan Marshall is practically invisible.
No-one knows he is homeless and caring for his alcoholic father – and no-one knows he’s the infamous street artist ‘Xavier’, whose portraits are painted all over town.
Dylan’s only glimmer of hope is the chance to win a place in his dream art school. It’s his one chance to escape, and his last chance at a life away from the streets.
But Dylan didn’t count on Libby Green.
When the overachieving do-gooder catches him graffitiing, Dylan is sure his art school dreams are over. Instead, Libby offers him a bargain – help her with an art project, in exchange for her silence.
Libby Green is not what Dylan expected. And the longer they spend together, the harder it is to guard the truth of his life.
Dylan never expected to have another secret: the girl who could ruin everything makes his soul beam every colour imaginable.
No-one knows he is homeless and caring for his alcoholic father – and no-one knows he’s the infamous street artist ‘Xavier’, whose portraits are painted all over town.
Dylan’s only glimmer of hope is the chance to win a place in his dream art school. It’s his one chance to escape, and his last chance at a life away from the streets.
But Dylan didn’t count on Libby Green.
When the overachieving do-gooder catches him graffitiing, Dylan is sure his art school dreams are over. Instead, Libby offers him a bargain – help her with an art project, in exchange for her silence.
Libby Green is not what Dylan expected. And the longer they spend together, the harder it is to guard the truth of his life.
Dylan never expected to have another secret: the girl who could ruin everything makes his soul beam every colour imaginable.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
96 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 19, 2022
This book is one that you pick up and keep thinking about even after you finish it. Dylan is a very flawed and imperfect main character which makes him exactly what I want to read about. You don’t typically see books about homeless teens and what they go through, so it was refreshing to get a new perspective on life.
The connection between Dylan and Libby was undeniable right from the beginning. It was impossible not to root for them. I found myself smiling with him and disappointed when he was. You can feel his emotions right through the pages. I also loved the connection with art and how big it can feel when it’s the one thing holding you together.
The Art of Loving Libby Green is heartbreaking but lovely. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to believe in love and second chances again.
The connection between Dylan and Libby was undeniable right from the beginning. It was impossible not to root for them. I found myself smiling with him and disappointed when he was. You can feel his emotions right through the pages. I also loved the connection with art and how big it can feel when it’s the one thing holding you together.
The Art of Loving Libby Green is heartbreaking but lovely. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to believe in love and second chances again.
January 3, 2022
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I saw the cover reveal in May. I had to know if the words inside were as beautiful as the cover. They were and then some. I may have read the blurb at the time of seeing the cover but I certainly didn't when it came to sitting down to start reading it. I was taken by surprise at first. So much of what I read is narrated by a female character so I really love when we get a male narrator. This book tells the story of a part of society we don't typically hear from and often over look.
My heart absolutely went out to Dylan. The best books are the ones that make you think. This book made me think about how lucky I am. It made me think about what I could do to make more of a difference. It made me think about just how much people are trying to hide of themselves and why. This book wasn't what I was expecting - it was so very much more.
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I saw the cover reveal in May. I had to know if the words inside were as beautiful as the cover. They were and then some. I may have read the blurb at the time of seeing the cover but I certainly didn't when it came to sitting down to start reading it. I was taken by surprise at first. So much of what I read is narrated by a female character so I really love when we get a male narrator. This book tells the story of a part of society we don't typically hear from and often over look.
My heart absolutely went out to Dylan. The best books are the ones that make you think. This book made me think about how lucky I am. It made me think about what I could do to make more of a difference. It made me think about just how much people are trying to hide of themselves and why. This book wasn't what I was expecting - it was so very much more.
October 31, 2021
The story
Dylan is 18 and months away from leaving school. He is a street artist (Xavier) whose spray can art is constantly being erased as soon as it pops up around town. Having lost his beloved mom in an accident a few years ago, Dylan is left to fend for himself, when his dad doesn’t pay the rent, they are evicted and forced to live in their car or on the streets. Food is something that is shoplifted and caring for their dog Bear is an extra challenge. When the popular head girl Libby Green finds out Dylan is homeless, will she out him to everyone at school? Will Dylan have what it takes to get the full scholarship to the prestigious art school?
My thoughts
I don’t usually seek out YA writing but responded to the author’s request for ARC readers and was blown away at how this story made me feel. I suppose that even when we are 40-somethings who now have spouses, children and responsibilities, the scary feeling of being 18 and on the precipice of adulthood but not having much control over things is a part of us. This story had me super-invested in Dylan’s day to day existence and reality, and just how hard survival was for him. Acceptance by the adults around him didn’t come easily and there wasn’t much kindness. Libby is a complicated character, she knows what is happening with Dylan and tries to help him but also admires his art and obviously likes him although she remains in a relationship with Luka until confronted by the fact he is involved with her best friend. This story sucked me right in and held my attention in a powerful way. If my kids were a bit older, I would love for them to read this. 👍👍
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author but this opinion is 100% my own.
Dylan is 18 and months away from leaving school. He is a street artist (Xavier) whose spray can art is constantly being erased as soon as it pops up around town. Having lost his beloved mom in an accident a few years ago, Dylan is left to fend for himself, when his dad doesn’t pay the rent, they are evicted and forced to live in their car or on the streets. Food is something that is shoplifted and caring for their dog Bear is an extra challenge. When the popular head girl Libby Green finds out Dylan is homeless, will she out him to everyone at school? Will Dylan have what it takes to get the full scholarship to the prestigious art school?
My thoughts
I don’t usually seek out YA writing but responded to the author’s request for ARC readers and was blown away at how this story made me feel. I suppose that even when we are 40-somethings who now have spouses, children and responsibilities, the scary feeling of being 18 and on the precipice of adulthood but not having much control over things is a part of us. This story had me super-invested in Dylan’s day to day existence and reality, and just how hard survival was for him. Acceptance by the adults around him didn’t come easily and there wasn’t much kindness. Libby is a complicated character, she knows what is happening with Dylan and tries to help him but also admires his art and obviously likes him although she remains in a relationship with Luka until confronted by the fact he is involved with her best friend. This story sucked me right in and held my attention in a powerful way. If my kids were a bit older, I would love for them to read this. 👍👍
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author but this opinion is 100% my own.
November 1, 2022
Oh my gosh, I loved this book so much.
This was such a page turner. I felt like I was racing at full speed on a push bike, just like the main character.
Heartbreakingly beautiful, believable and so emotional. I'll be thinking of this story for a long time.
I scored a free copy thanks to TikTok, and straight away went to download the author's next one... Sadly it's not available yet.
This was such a page turner. I felt like I was racing at full speed on a push bike, just like the main character.
Heartbreakingly beautiful, believable and so emotional. I'll be thinking of this story for a long time.
I scored a free copy thanks to TikTok, and straight away went to download the author's next one... Sadly it's not available yet.
July 4, 2022
This book needs 10 stars and I need a box of tissues and an aspirin. Omg! The feels the pain the love it’s all there. Amazing work so well written and I am not forgetting these characters ever. I want everyone to read this. I can’t tell you the story just read this!
November 1, 2021
I’ve lost count of how many times I cried while reading this book and I’m not even joking lmao I didn’t thought it would be THIS sad!!! it was so so good tho!!!
I felt so bad for Dylan, he didn’t deserved any of that, he was such a good person, so talented, but life wasn’t so kind to him, some of the worst things came free to him, it was so sad seeing him struggling and trying to survive… in a lot os parts of the story I was a sobbing mess, seriously, my heart broke into a million little pieces!!!
and then there was lots of stuff happening, I was SO SCARED, I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t know what was going to happen to him, to Bear, his dad… I was in angst and despair lol but Dylan was such a strong person, he was only 18yo ffs… he shouldn’t have to deal with all of that stuff… I could never handle all of that… and he managed to face everything and was able to bounce back, and I’m so glad there’s was a few people there for him in the end, he wasn’t alone anymore! I was really emotional when he got support…
and Libby!!! She was a really nice girl, and was kind to him… art and Libby were literally the sigh of relief to Dylan, i loved their interactions, Dylan was so so in love with her, it was the cutest thing ever! He would do anything for her. She gave him strength to keep going… And he really deserved that ending, and then I was finally dropping happy tears lmao
I’m really happy I had the opportunity to read this amazing book!
I felt so bad for Dylan, he didn’t deserved any of that, he was such a good person, so talented, but life wasn’t so kind to him, some of the worst things came free to him, it was so sad seeing him struggling and trying to survive… in a lot os parts of the story I was a sobbing mess, seriously, my heart broke into a million little pieces!!!
and then there was lots of stuff happening, I was SO SCARED, I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t know what was going to happen to him, to Bear, his dad… I was in angst and despair lol but Dylan was such a strong person, he was only 18yo ffs… he shouldn’t have to deal with all of that stuff… I could never handle all of that… and he managed to face everything and was able to bounce back, and I’m so glad there’s was a few people there for him in the end, he wasn’t alone anymore! I was really emotional when he got support…
and Libby!!! She was a really nice girl, and was kind to him… art and Libby were literally the sigh of relief to Dylan, i loved their interactions, Dylan was so so in love with her, it was the cutest thing ever! He would do anything for her. She gave him strength to keep going… And he really deserved that ending, and then I was finally dropping happy tears lmao
I’m really happy I had the opportunity to read this amazing book!
November 7, 2021
Oh I don't know where to begin, this book is amazing and it is so well written. I was crying a lot but in a good way and my heart was breaking for Dylan at times and at the same time I was hoping that he would have the best.
Dylan Marshall is an street artist that calls himself Xavier. His life isn't perfect and he is homeless, he got his dad that is an addict and well isn't really taking care of his son. But Dylan isn't giving up on his art and he works hard to get into an art program where he could fulfill his dreams.
Libby Green, the girl that makes Dylan's heart beat a bit faster and the one that knows who he really is. She is the one that makes him feel like someone is there for him.
This story is amazing and wow this is an new author to me and I will keep checking out Bellebird's books.
Dylan Marshall is an street artist that calls himself Xavier. His life isn't perfect and he is homeless, he got his dad that is an addict and well isn't really taking care of his son. But Dylan isn't giving up on his art and he works hard to get into an art program where he could fulfill his dreams.
Libby Green, the girl that makes Dylan's heart beat a bit faster and the one that knows who he really is. She is the one that makes him feel like someone is there for him.
This story is amazing and wow this is an new author to me and I will keep checking out Bellebird's books.
November 9, 2021
This hooks you in from the off and doesn't let go. Incredibly moving and I felt myself wanting to take care of Dylan so much. A rare and honest telling of teenagers in very difficult circumstances. Lots to think about and very moving.
I like the graffiti dialogue and it makes for a potentially interesting debate.
Thoughtful, unusual, striking.
I like the graffiti dialogue and it makes for a potentially interesting debate.
Thoughtful, unusual, striking.
July 6, 2023
How was he homeless and nobody did anything about it till the very end of the book??
November 4, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
This book was so good! I finished most of it in one sitting and I loved following Dylan’s story throughout the book
This book was so good! I finished most of it in one sitting and I loved following Dylan’s story throughout the book
November 2, 2021
You know a book is a good one when you devour it in two sessions and you're completely satisfied but at the same time you wish you still had 100 chapters left to read 'cause you just don't wanna let go of its story. This is exactly what happened to me while reading The Art of Loving Libby Green. I loved it!
The thing I liked the most about this book is the impeccable job the author did in creating true characters with tangible feelings. Reading The Art of Loving Libby Green was an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. If this book were a colour... well... it wouldn't be just one. It would be an explosion of colours... each one describing the feelings its story unraveled in me while reading it.
It would be
🖤 black like the main character's despair (so well described by the author that I could feel it my bones);
💙 blue like the turmoil I felt in my belly while reading his whole story;
🧡 orange like empathy and the feeling of wanting to reach out to him and help him;
❤ red like the sense of protection I felt towards him and my willing to fight with him and for him;
💛 yellow like the gleam of hope that made me root for him from the start;
💖 pink like the cuteness I felt for him while "watching" him falling in love;
💚 green like my hope to see him succeed in his life;
🤍 white (combination of all colours) like the feeling I have that all the characters of this book will linger in my mind for a long time.
To me, these are the colours Bellebird James used in the art of writing this beautiful book and I can't wait for everyone to read it and let their colors burst.
The Art of Loving Libby Green is Bellebird James's debut novel and I definitely can't wait to read whatever she has in store for the future. I have the feeling it's going to be sooo good!
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The thing I liked the most about this book is the impeccable job the author did in creating true characters with tangible feelings. Reading The Art of Loving Libby Green was an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of it. If this book were a colour... well... it wouldn't be just one. It would be an explosion of colours... each one describing the feelings its story unraveled in me while reading it.
It would be
🖤 black like the main character's despair (so well described by the author that I could feel it my bones);
💙 blue like the turmoil I felt in my belly while reading his whole story;
🧡 orange like empathy and the feeling of wanting to reach out to him and help him;
❤ red like the sense of protection I felt towards him and my willing to fight with him and for him;
💛 yellow like the gleam of hope that made me root for him from the start;
💖 pink like the cuteness I felt for him while "watching" him falling in love;
💚 green like my hope to see him succeed in his life;
🤍 white (combination of all colours) like the feeling I have that all the characters of this book will linger in my mind for a long time.
To me, these are the colours Bellebird James used in the art of writing this beautiful book and I can't wait for everyone to read it and let their colors burst.
The Art of Loving Libby Green is Bellebird James's debut novel and I definitely can't wait to read whatever she has in store for the future. I have the feeling it's going to be sooo good!
Thank you to the author for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 14, 2023
So loved Dylan he was really cool and I definitely feel myself rooting for him. It was only in his POV which was cool but I would have liked Libby’s too.
Dylan is a really good street artist who is a voice for those who don’t have one. He’s kind, empathetic, but he’s homeless so he also does what needs to be done (steals for several stores for survival) which is sad and brutal.
His dad is a legit piece of shit. I hated him so much all he did was bully Dylan and ruin anything good they had. Dylan knew this but stuck with him because of a terrible promise his mom made him make when she was dying which I find incredibly selfish as she knew before she died the dad was a POS.
Libby I thought was selfish too. I felt like Dylan only fell in love with her because she was the only person to notice him. She gets mad at him for sleeping in her gallery when she knows he’s homeless and there’s a blizzard going on outside…seriously? He was living in a tent come on. She was supposed to be so sympathetic, but gets mad over that.
Anyways the main theme was him being homeless he fell in love with Libby very quickly but I felt that it was mostly about being homeless his struggles and how shitty he was to everyone who wanted to help. And how shitty everyone was to him. Idk for loving being in the title I was expecting more of a love story. It does have a happy ending but they don’t even get together until like the last chapter. Just wanted more of a romance but maybe that’s on me? I thought it would be more of a YA romance read but no. Anyways I still loved Dylan and this definitely pulled on my heartstrings I was routing for him through the whole book.
Dylan is a really good street artist who is a voice for those who don’t have one. He’s kind, empathetic, but he’s homeless so he also does what needs to be done (steals for several stores for survival) which is sad and brutal.
His dad is a legit piece of shit. I hated him so much all he did was bully Dylan and ruin anything good they had. Dylan knew this but stuck with him because of a terrible promise his mom made him make when she was dying which I find incredibly selfish as she knew before she died the dad was a POS.
Libby I thought was selfish too. I felt like Dylan only fell in love with her because she was the only person to notice him. She gets mad at him for sleeping in her gallery when she knows he’s homeless and there’s a blizzard going on outside…seriously? He was living in a tent come on. She was supposed to be so sympathetic, but gets mad over that.
Anyways the main theme was him being homeless he fell in love with Libby very quickly but I felt that it was mostly about being homeless his struggles and how shitty he was to everyone who wanted to help. And how shitty everyone was to him. Idk for loving being in the title I was expecting more of a love story. It does have a happy ending but they don’t even get together until like the last chapter. Just wanted more of a romance but maybe that’s on me? I thought it would be more of a YA romance read but no. Anyways I still loved Dylan and this definitely pulled on my heartstrings I was routing for him through the whole book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
A gripping page-turner about the silent struggles of a young artist & his desperate need to hide his secrets from the one girl that matters.
“The Art of Loving Libby Green” is a fabulous read. Compelling and heart-wrenching, I wasn’t able to put this book down. The writing is engaging and captivating. I was invested in Dylan’s daily struggles from the get-go and rooting for him every step of the way. I love how the author subtly showed how teens and young adults are vulnerable and need a guiding force in their lives. And sometimes, the decisions they make are probably not as sound as they think they are.
The characters were well thought out, and each sub-plot was tied to Dylan’s character development. The moments between Libby and Dylan, their friendship and budding love for each other, were sweet. But the driving force of the book was Dylan himself, and I loved every moment of it. My only problem in this almost perfect story was Libby herself, who was complicated yet sometimes cliche. Libby showed strength and depth but fit a stereotypical popular girl persona at times.
Though the title gives an impression of a YA romance, this book is so much more than that, and I enjoyed reading this one.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The full review was originally posted on Reedsy
“The Art of Loving Libby Green” is a fabulous read. Compelling and heart-wrenching, I wasn’t able to put this book down. The writing is engaging and captivating. I was invested in Dylan’s daily struggles from the get-go and rooting for him every step of the way. I love how the author subtly showed how teens and young adults are vulnerable and need a guiding force in their lives. And sometimes, the decisions they make are probably not as sound as they think they are.
The characters were well thought out, and each sub-plot was tied to Dylan’s character development. The moments between Libby and Dylan, their friendship and budding love for each other, were sweet. But the driving force of the book was Dylan himself, and I loved every moment of it. My only problem in this almost perfect story was Libby herself, who was complicated yet sometimes cliche. Libby showed strength and depth but fit a stereotypical popular girl persona at times.
Though the title gives an impression of a YA romance, this book is so much more than that, and I enjoyed reading this one.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The full review was originally posted on Reedsy
March 8, 2022
Yeah... ow, my heart.
Dylan Marshall is 18, loves art, and may, or may not have feelings for fellow student, Libby Green. He also bounces in and out of homelessness while constantly worrying over often-absent alcoholic father. All he can think about is getting through each day without getting arrested, or worse; but one day, Libby finds out his secret - that he's actually the street artist, Xavier. Dylan's two realities collide and all the careful walls he's put up start to crumble down.
Wow, this was an emotional read. I loved Dylan - loved his flaws and insecurities and that despite his, really, really poor choices sometimes, he is a good guy. I appreciated how he wasn't cast as someone who needed to be "fixed", and that his relationship with Libby grew out of friendship. I knew they would end up together, but I'm glad the plot did not revolve solely around their feelings. This is so much more than just a love story. The author did a great job delving into Dylan's character so I really felt a connection with him, but I do wish I learned more about Libby too. Overall, a deep and engaging novel that kept my attention from beginning to end. A wonderful read!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Bellebird James for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dylan Marshall is 18, loves art, and may, or may not have feelings for fellow student, Libby Green. He also bounces in and out of homelessness while constantly worrying over often-absent alcoholic father. All he can think about is getting through each day without getting arrested, or worse; but one day, Libby finds out his secret - that he's actually the street artist, Xavier. Dylan's two realities collide and all the careful walls he's put up start to crumble down.
Wow, this was an emotional read. I loved Dylan - loved his flaws and insecurities and that despite his, really, really poor choices sometimes, he is a good guy. I appreciated how he wasn't cast as someone who needed to be "fixed", and that his relationship with Libby grew out of friendship. I knew they would end up together, but I'm glad the plot did not revolve solely around their feelings. This is so much more than just a love story. The author did a great job delving into Dylan's character so I really felt a connection with him, but I do wish I learned more about Libby too. Overall, a deep and engaging novel that kept my attention from beginning to end. A wonderful read!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Bellebird James for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2023
This book about a homeless teen sure made me appreciate my nice, warm house! Dylan was a lot more tolerant of his father than I think I would’ve been, promise to his mother or not. Sure, his father was all he had after his mother died, but his father was uncaring and incredibly selfish. I was puzzled about Libby’s motivation to be with Luka. He was mean, rude to other people, and pushed her to drink at the party. It was also strange how she acted sweet to Dylan, even borderline flirty, right in front of Luka. I liked the character of Mrs. Reed, the counselor, and the part she played near the end of the novel.
Unless I missed something, some things didn’t seem to mesh. I’m not sure how Dylan could’ve mistaken Luka for Mr. Campbell if Luka was a bulky guy. And it seemed unrealistic that Dylan kept slugging concrete, yet he never seemed to have any serious pain or broken bones afterward. I don’t see how Dylan’s dog Bear survived while Dylan was at school, or why she didn’t wander off in search of food, water, and warmth. Sometimes I forgot he had a dog.
It would be cool if this book were a movie, because I’d get to see Dylan’s actual street art! The romance between Dylan and Libby was sweet, a cautious build of trust, making mistakes, and eventual forgiveness.
Unless I missed something, some things didn’t seem to mesh. I’m not sure how Dylan could’ve mistaken Luka for Mr. Campbell if Luka was a bulky guy. And it seemed unrealistic that Dylan kept slugging concrete, yet he never seemed to have any serious pain or broken bones afterward. I don’t see how Dylan’s dog Bear survived while Dylan was at school, or why she didn’t wander off in search of food, water, and warmth. Sometimes I forgot he had a dog.
It would be cool if this book were a movie, because I’d get to see Dylan’s actual street art! The romance between Dylan and Libby was sweet, a cautious build of trust, making mistakes, and eventual forgiveness.
January 23, 2023
The story was engaging, and kept my interest. Dylan's trials with his father and trying to manage his difficult life as a homeless teenager with an irresponsible alcoholic father while trying to hide what's going on from his schoolmates and instructors made for an interesting read. However, there were numerous places where I was pulled out of the stories by inconsistencies or just "Huh?" moments.
For example:
For example:
October 16, 2023
I loved this book! And it was a pretty quick read, too. There are a lot of themes and lessons to explore, but the overarching theme, as expressed by the main character, is empathy. Going along with that is the realization that nobody's life is how it appears to be. Dylan starts out by assuming that everyone at his school is well off and has a comfortable home life, and is determined to hide from everyone that he's homeless. He realizes, as he goes through, that nobody's life is perfect. He also realizes the importance of accepting himself for everything that he is and everything that he's going through. As he starts to accept himself and his circumstances, he is able to accept help and start turning things around.
Even though it's a short book, there really is a lot to unpack and think about. I'm sure I will be thinking on it for a while. We often do overlook people who are experiencing homelessness and tend to think of them as someone other than ourselves, even other than human. But the truth is, we are the same. It only takes one moment, one unfortunate turn of events, to put us in the exact same position. A little empathy could do us all some good.
Even though it's a short book, there really is a lot to unpack and think about. I'm sure I will be thinking on it for a while. We often do overlook people who are experiencing homelessness and tend to think of them as someone other than ourselves, even other than human. But the truth is, we are the same. It only takes one moment, one unfortunate turn of events, to put us in the exact same position. A little empathy could do us all some good.
March 6, 2022
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book, since I’m not very familiar with art/ art styles. But, as things in the story progressed, I was intrigued by the type of art the main character, Dylan, excelled in.
This story kept me engaged and wanting to flip the pages faster than I could read! I enjoyed learning about Dylan’s hard life and gained a different prospective of teenaged homelessness. When you can’t control the life your parents indulge in, it makes it harder for the kids involved to live average, every day lives. Kids end up parenting their parents.
You feel for Dylan as the story digs further into his life and the challenges he is faced with. If I were in Dylan’s shoes, I probably would have crumbled even before things got really bad.
The title makes this story seem like it revolves around love, but that is far from the truth. This story is a slice-of-life with major turns and twists, with a sprinkle of romance - a well-rounded book in my opinion.
Loved every second of it!
This story kept me engaged and wanting to flip the pages faster than I could read! I enjoyed learning about Dylan’s hard life and gained a different prospective of teenaged homelessness. When you can’t control the life your parents indulge in, it makes it harder for the kids involved to live average, every day lives. Kids end up parenting their parents.
You feel for Dylan as the story digs further into his life and the challenges he is faced with. If I were in Dylan’s shoes, I probably would have crumbled even before things got really bad.
The title makes this story seem like it revolves around love, but that is far from the truth. This story is a slice-of-life with major turns and twists, with a sprinkle of romance - a well-rounded book in my opinion.
Loved every second of it!
January 18, 2022
I received an ARC via Voracious Readers Only and this is my honest review.
Dylan is homeless and has to take care of his always drunk father. He does street art to cope with it. His only hope to get out of his current situation is to win a place at his dream art school. But that has to put on hold because an overachiever, Libby catches him graffitiing. In exchange for her silence, he needs to help her with art project for the school's ball.
This book contains heavy topics like alcoholism and cheating. The characters were high school students but they weren't cringy at all, actually their struggles might be relatable to a lot of teenagers. I like how the romance was not a main theme for this book, it's much more than that (the romance was a bit slow but it felt real). My favourite was when Dylan clapped for Luka and tried to see Luka's personality in a different perspective.
Overall, this book is a hidden gem and I enjoyed it.
Dylan is homeless and has to take care of his always drunk father. He does street art to cope with it. His only hope to get out of his current situation is to win a place at his dream art school. But that has to put on hold because an overachiever, Libby catches him graffitiing. In exchange for her silence, he needs to help her with art project for the school's ball.
This book contains heavy topics like alcoholism and cheating. The characters were high school students but they weren't cringy at all, actually their struggles might be relatable to a lot of teenagers. I like how the romance was not a main theme for this book, it's much more than that (the romance was a bit slow but it felt real). My favourite was when Dylan clapped for Luka and tried to see Luka's personality in a different perspective.
Overall, this book is a hidden gem and I enjoyed it.
August 13, 2022
This book hits you in the feels in the best and worst ways. It is an emotional coming of age story that focuses on 17 year old Dylan who lives for his street art and helping to keep his alcoholic father alive while living on the streets, attending high school and trying to figure a way out of his situation.
Enter Libby Green, the beautiful head-girl with a heart of gold. She never looks down on him and recognises and celebrates his insane talents.
This book is gritty, fast paced and eye opening. Dylan is flawed, but his heart is in the right place. Make sure you have the tissues ready for this one!
Enter Libby Green, the beautiful head-girl with a heart of gold. She never looks down on him and recognises and celebrates his insane talents.
This book is gritty, fast paced and eye opening. Dylan is flawed, but his heart is in the right place. Make sure you have the tissues ready for this one!
August 27, 2022
This book is both warm and gritty, packed with nonstop action and yet also endearing. I was drawn in from the first chapter, and hooked until the end. Ultimately the story shows us that people are more than what we might see at first glance; the perfect head girl has her own set of carefully hidden problems and the overlooked, homeless street artist is a brilliant and empathetic young man. The Art of Loving Libby Green is an unexpected take on the rags to riches trope, and I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!
November 10, 2022
A must-read book that shows the hard truths behind what it’s like being a homeless teen. Dylan’s life is nothing but dead end after dead end with Libby and his art being the only bright spots in his world. He might be a slightly flawed character, but he’s a loveable one, leaving the reader wanting to see him get the girl and the happy ending. A fantastically well-written story full of all the feels.
January 11, 2023
Homeless artist struggling through grief and school still wins the girl of his dreams.
A homeless street artist whose medium is spray paint on buildings longs to go to SOFA, the School Of Fine Arts in norhern Australia. His mother is dead, his father a drunk, the girl of his dreams has placed him in the friend zone. Yet he struggles to keep going, to pursue his hopes. And, since this is a YA romance, you know at least some of them will come true.
A homeless street artist whose medium is spray paint on buildings longs to go to SOFA, the School Of Fine Arts in norhern Australia. His mother is dead, his father a drunk, the girl of his dreams has placed him in the friend zone. Yet he struggles to keep going, to pursue his hopes. And, since this is a YA romance, you know at least some of them will come true.
January 29, 2023
4.5 stars - Wow my emotions are all over the place after reading this book. Anger, sadness, elation, joy and love just to name a few. Dylan was given such a tough lot in life but kept pushing to be better and do more. I’m happy the author chose to finish it out in a positive light. Kids love unconditionally and after loosing one parent it would be so challenging to deal with a parent who has an addiction. He over came so much and did so well.
December 18, 2021
I’m not usually a YA reader, but I loved this book. It honestly was so well written and such a well thought out storyline that I felt like I knew the characters, could feel their feels and I didn’t want it to end. I want to know what happens to Dylan and Libby next! Fantastic read I highly recommend.
September 7, 2022
“Our bodies fit together perfectly. An instinctive thing takes over. My eyes close and I kiss her, our lips soft together, and she kisses me back. Standing on the roof, the music, the entire sky, and stars out in force watching from above. All the energy powering the universe flows in and around, igniting us with every colour imaginable.”
November 3, 2022
Absouletly devoured this book! I loved the emotion and heartache you felt towards Dylan. Really opens your eyes to the life struggles people go through without anyone around them knowing.
A great teen clean romance that really has you feeling like these characters are bound to be together and share a deep true love.
An excellent read, deep, emotional, shocking and romantic.
A great teen clean romance that really has you feeling like these characters are bound to be together and share a deep true love.
An excellent read, deep, emotional, shocking and romantic.
November 11, 2022
I had no idea what to expect and I was absolutely blown away by this book. A beautiful story that portrays a struggling teenage boy that has been through more heartbreak than he should at his age. He uses his art to show empathy and love because of Libby. Libby is compassionate, smart and giving. A beautiful read that will have you in tears. A must read! So hard to put down.
March 26, 2023
Incredible!
Such a deep and touching story. An inside look into a homeless street artist who is an incredible teenager in a lot of pain for various reasons. He is afraid to reach out and connect to others, but there's this one girl in his class who gets to break through. And it's incredible when she does.
Such a deep and touching story. An inside look into a homeless street artist who is an incredible teenager in a lot of pain for various reasons. He is afraid to reach out and connect to others, but there's this one girl in his class who gets to break through. And it's incredible when she does.
December 1, 2021
Bellebird James debut novel hit all the right YA notes. Sweet but not saccharine, heartwarming but not predictable. Her descriptions of butterflies and burgeoning young love between two unlikely candidates sweep you up and take you along for a beautiful ride.
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