The Half-life of Planets by Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin

The Half-life of Planets
Emily Franklin and Brendan Halpin
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Release Date: June 15, 2010
Pages: 224

Rating: 4 stars

Liana is an aspiring planetary scientist . . . and also a kissing addict. This summer, though, she plans to spend every kissworthy hour in the lab, studying stars. Hank has never been kissed. He’s smart and funny and very socially awkward, because he’s got Asperger’s syndrome. Hank’s plan for the summer is to work at a music store and save enough to buy the Fender Jazzmaster he craves. What neither Liana nor Hank plans for is their fateful meeting . . . in the women’s bathroom at the hospital. But their star-crossed encounter could be the very best kind. Two veteran YA authors tell, in alternating chapters, the story of two kids who discover that the best parts of people can’t be summed up easily.

This is an absolutely adorable summer read. In alternating point of views, you hear a great story with awesome writing – all wrapped up in a gorgeous cover. This is one you don’t want to miss!

I absolutely loved how the story was told in alternating point of views. I love hearing both characters thoughts! It was easy to get caught up in the story right away. The secondary characters, like Hank’s player brother Chase, keep the story moving. I loved romance of the story. Hank and Liana are such an unlikely couple, and you see them bond over music, science, and life.

Liana bugged me a bit. She was very driven on this note and thinking she was a slut. I felt like SO much of her story was just on that, and I would’ve liked to see a bit more of Liana beyond her focus. Liana seemed like a character who had so much story to tell, but we only got a little sliver of it. On the other hand, I absolutely adored Hank. He was such a cutie and just had so much charm. When he did something wrong, you still had to love him for it. He also just says things as they are, which is something you really have to admire him for. I loved the other characters in the book. I thought Hank’s mom was really cool!

This is a great book for those looking for a sweet read. The Half-life of Planets has a wide range of characters, all bringing something great to the story. This is an entertaining read that can really bring you to understand others who may be a bit different from you.