At first glance, Henri Haltiwanger (otherwise known as “Halti” or “HH”) seems to have life in the palm of his hand. He’s first-generation American, the son of hard-working Haitian immigrants; he’s a good student at the prestigious FATE Academy, where he’s well-liked; and he runs a dog-walking business for upscale New Yorkers.
The one thing he wants more than anything is to go to Columbia University. It’s also his father’s dream for Henri, so there’s added pressure and worry about whether he’ll get in.
But one person isn’t impressed with Halti—his fellow student and neighbor, Corinne Troy. Super-smart and “intense,” she discovers the scheme Halti has been running with his dog walking business, so she blackmails him. She wants him to help her become more likable and appear to be less driven to her peers.
Before long, “Cori” is actually pleasant to be around, and she and Halti start to lean on each other more and more, and share their personal challenges and fears. She helps Halti see what his dreams could be instead of what he thinks they must be, and they both let down their guard to let each other in.
But when Halti cracks under the pressure, things fall apart. It's time for him to prove that he’s more than just a charming guy, and that he is deserving of the opportunities he so desperately seeks.
I really liked this book. I enjoy Ben Philippe’s storytelling (I enjoyed his first book, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager) and thought these characters were terrific. (I especially loved Halti’s bromance with his best friend, Ming.)
Charming as a Verb really captured the pressures that teenagers face, particularly the children of immigrants. I’ll admit I was annoyed by one thing Halti did and it almost made me stop reading, but after a bit I realized how someone in his position might do the same.
Philippe is so talented, so I can’t wait to see what he does next!
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