I. W. Gregorio has a track record for compelling and unique stories, and I've been a fan since reading None of the Above back in 2017. Gregorio's This is My Brain in Love is a bit more low-key but still an important perspective for young adult readers. This story centers around two teenagers, both at different points in their mental health journeys. Will Domenici's mother is a doctor and therefore his anxiety disorder was diagnosed pretty early on in his life. He's used to therapy sessions and coping mechanisms to help him get through stressful-for-him situations that other's take for granted, like talking to someone on the phone. So when he gets to know Jocelyn Wu better the more time they spend together at her family's Chinese food restaurant, he recognizes a soul like his -- one in need of help. But Jocelyn isn't ready to start her mental health journey just yet, nor is she really willing to admit she has any issues that need to be addressed other than the family's failing restaurant and her overbearing, but well-meaning, old-school parents. Gregorio does a great job capturing what it's like to be a teenager with a crush as well as a teenager with expectations and anxiety issues, and the complexity of how the brain is affected by all of it. This is a sweet but realistic story with ups and downs, and a host of likeable characters. Minor mention of physical affection between the main characters and a few curse words sporadically throughout the story, so I would lean towards grades 7+.

**Thank you, NetGalley, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**

The recently awarded Schneider Family Book Award, This My Brain in Love is a nuanced look at mental health issues in the communities of color. After years of missing New York City, Chinese American Jocelyn Wu has finally settled in Utica. She’s got a best friend who understands and supports her and is doing well in school despite being constantly be mistaken for Peggy Chen, the popular and only other Chinese girl at school. When her father announces that their family has to move back to the city because their restaurant is bankrupt, Jocelyn is determined to keep her family business afloat and steps in the role of business manager after her parents reluctantly agrees.
Biracial Will Domenici (Nigerian/Italian) is a budding, driven journalist who has been passed over as editor for his school paper due to lack of investigative skills. He was advised to find real life experience to help build his investigative and communicative skills, which is hard for Will who lives with acute anxiety.
Jocelyn and Will's worlds collide as Jocelyn hires Will to help with the restaurants social media marketing. Sparks fly, and what started out as a summer internship becomes a full-blown romance—one that Jocelyn’s father, Mr. Wu, stipulates can continue only if the pair fulfills the terms of a contract that include raising the restaurant’s revenue by thirty percent before the end of the summer.
This is My Brain in Love is told from dual perspective. Jocelyn and Will are equally lovable and fully developed characters. As we watch Jocelyn take on a mission with initially selfish motives slowly develops into a career path, which highlights her strengths. The pressure of the restaurant's success, her own desire to succeed, and her parental expectations start to wear her down and she begins to suffer from her own mental health issues. Though Jocelyn is unable to figure out what is 'wrong' with her, Will immediately notices the signs of depression through years of his own therapy for his anxiety. As he attempts to help Jocelyn, she withdraws. Can their relationship survive?
What I appreciated the most in this book that it addresses complex issues such as navigating interracial relationships and the stigma of mental health with sensitivity and nuance. Will communicates his difficulties of his anxiety honestly and his desire to help not fix Jocelyn is genuine. It is also important to note that Jocelyn's and Will's relationship with their mental health do not miraculously disappear at the end of the story because of their romance, but they have created a supportive network for each other. Readers who are looking for romance may be slightly disappointed as it is really a subplot, but it is sweet and adorable. This is My Brain in Love is the best book that I have read thus far that depicts mental health within a smart romance.

This book wonderfully captures the experiences of anxiety with in a compelling story of two complexly developed, authentically, diverse characters. Even for students who do not struggle with anxiety, the courage of these characters to go outside their comfort zone to tackle problems -- both personal and societal -- in inspiring. A must have for high school library collections.

Teen romance is not really my genre of choice, so when one gains my respect like this one did, it's noteworthy. At first, the plot of this book was entirely predictable. But after the first third, it takes some interesting variations. Starting with the contract with Jocelyn's father and the early acknowledgment of their mutual attraction. And then we have the frank conversation about mental illness and it's stigma within certain populations, especially among certain ethnic groups. We see the shame associated with their condition in both families, the shame with medication tempered with real medical concern surround it's use. The mental illness element then becomes a true conversation, not just a lecture. And there are no magic cures, no sudden fix via therapy or medication either one. It's learning coping mechanisms but acknowledging that it's not always enough, that sometimes we need chemical assistance. That conversation alone makes this book worth reading.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review this title ahead of its release date.

THIS MY BRAIN IN LOVE is told by two POV's, Jocelyn and Will and set in Utica New York. Joc is the daughter of Chinese restaurant owners, struggling to keep afloat. She crosses paths with Will whom she hires to jumpstart the business, otherwise, her family would have to move. He helps with social media, getting the accounts out of the Stone Age, and narrowly missing death by a Chinese father when he falls for Joc and vice versa.

Joc is a clever and down to earth protagonist that we can all relate to. But she is also a perfectionist and can come across as callous at times. Will, having anxiety himself, recognizes something in Joc that concerns him. Will is an all-around nice guy and is so super sweet to Joc and her family and friends. I loved him as a love interest and protagonist.

Both main characters are persons of color. Will is half Nigerian and Joc is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Together, they were a refreshing pair. Unlike a lot of YA contemporaries, their eventual romance is held back by more than just outside interference. Although we do have the classic, harsh Chinese parents who set restrictions on their relationship. But Will's habit of not wanting to make people uncomfortable about his condition and Joc's denial of her own makes for a rocky road.

Joc's friend, Priya is the best, but I did wish we saw more of Will's friends. The references to movie culture and food drew me in. I am a sucker for any book set against a restaurant, food truck, ANYTHING WITH FOOD. I am familiar with American Chinese food (my fav!) but I loved learning about Nigerian food and I promptly looked for restaurants in my area!


Against the backdrop of yummy Chinese food and teenage love, is the topic of mental health and the stigma that holds people back from properly addressing their concerns. I think this book hit the mark with how most people feel when faced with the idea that they may have depression, anxiety or any other mental illness. This book will resonate with the YA community for its diversity and realistic portrayal of mental illness.

BEWARE: this book will make you hungry.

While not my to my tastes, this is a solid contemporary multi ethnic YA romance that focuses on contemporary issues including prejudice, social anxiety, family finances, and being "seen" in the way you want to be seen. YA romance fans are sure to enjoy this work

Thematic chapter headings playing off of the "This is your brain on drugs" campaign which leads to an ending where both of the protagonists end up on drugs. Oh, should I have said, "Spoiler alert?" Cause there was a disclaimer at the start. Everyone is okay. Prescriptions can make you okay.

A story on the acceptance of mental illness through race and class issues, the message is driven home through hope, first love, and a desire to succeed that is a human quality, not one tied to gender, race, economic class . . . everyone wants it, but how do you get it?

As a Journalism Education Association member, I appreciate Will's dedication to information integrity and a desire to be more Bob Woodward.

On the other hand, the book really does have a lot going on. All of the themes are on point for a bit of zeitgeist, but everything all at once? Take a deep breath before you dive in!

#ThisIsMyBraininLove
#MustRead
Brilliant book about race, family, and finding ourselves in a mixed up world.