The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

Title: The Book of Broken Hearts
Author: Sarah Ockler
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Pages: 352
Source: Audiobook, Library

Summary from Goodreads:
Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

Review

“I was falling in love.
I am losing my father.
With Emilio Vargas.
To smoke and shadow.
My heart fluttered.
My heart aches.
To feel it.
To deny it.
Life.
Death.
Possibilities.
Endings.”

THIS QUOTE RIGHT HERE. This is what this book was about. And it broke me.

What the synopsis doesn't tell you is that Jude's father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. He is deteriorating before her eyes and she is helpless to stop it. Soon he won't even remember her. So that is why she is spending the summer with him, fixing up his old bike. It's in these moments that her father is most alive - recalling the days he rode around South America in his youth. Jude's dedication to her father and watching her cope with his illness was raw emotion. She was so strong, loyal, brave, kind. My heart went out to her. 

All the while Jude is falling in love with a boy she swore she wouldn't have anything to do with because of a pact she made with her sisters as a child. A pact her sisters won't easily let her forget. 

I loved everything about this book. I loved Jude and I rooted for her as she learned to stand up for herself and allowed herself to go after what she wanted. I loved her crazy sisters, even if they were so bossy and unreasonable at times. The family dynamic was honest and full of love. I loved Emilio and his swagger but also his patience and understanding when it came to Jude and her father. I loved the Spanish culture that was very present in this story. Everything was done so well. 

This book was beautiful.