This brings me to another part of what I loved about Charming as a Verb: the side characters. But what Philipe begins to ask, just as we are used to Henri’s charm, is: what is Henri’s dream? It’s a thread that is explored throughout the pages as Henri is pulled into a blackmail scheme that ends up being more than each of them bargained. He’s incredibly driven and committed to his future, as well as part of an ambitious immigrant family focused on truly making it. All the pressure he feels, not only in terms of finances, but also in terms of his family’s dreams. The ways his growing up experiences are vastly different than his peers. But what Philippe doesn’t shy away from, and what makes this book so emotional, is Henri’s narration of what lies behind the scenes. He seems to be balancing all these plates at once, twirling them with flare and smiles.
Henri is, for lack of a better word, charming. Henri’s Narrative Voiceįrom the beginning of Charming as a Verb, I fell for the narrative voice. As he navigates the incredibly privileged school he goes to and the wealth, and opportunity, gap between his classmates. But one that illustrates its depths as Henri navigates being a first generation child of immigrants with their own dreams.
It’s a story that begins on full charm mode. Charming as a Verb is a story about dreams and ambition, sacrifice and mistakes. And the college he will be going to in the fall is Columbia, they just don’t know it yet. Balancing the FATE academy, his dog walking business, and his reputation for being probably the seventh most popular teen, he’s going places. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Edelweiss. Soon what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for. Henri agrees, seeing a potential upside for himself. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school.
There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. But his easy smiles mask a burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University. 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. Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. That’s absolutely the same for Charming as a Verb! Keep reading this book review to find out why I loved this one too! Summary I’ve come to associate Philippe with endearing characters who are not only relatable with their quirks and dreams, but also with their fears and mistakes. I am a HUGE fan of Philippe’s debut, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager.
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