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Thursday, September 29, 2011

"Lola and the Boy Next Door" by Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 29th, 2011
Publisher: Dutton
Format: Hardcover
Age Group: Young Adult

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.



So... I want to start living life in costume. I mean, how fun is that? Lola was fun and spunky and definitely had a personality and style all her own. I loved how close she was with her dad's, even if they got a little overprotective on her at times. Her dad Andy makes pies for a living and some of the pies they were enjoying, oh my, it made me hungry. Andy definitely seemed like the softy of the two, while her dad Nathan was more of the protective disciplinarian, but it was so obvious how much both of them loved her. They know something happened years ago, but they don't know exactly what, so they are really concerned when the Bells move back in next door and Lola starts to freak out a little.  Lola's best friend Lindsey, private detective in training, knows they are back in town and has Lola's back. She tries to find out the circumstances for her, so she knows who all is here and how long they are staying. Lola doesn't want to see Cricket because he broke her heart years ago and she's not ready to deal with him. Plus, Lola has a boyfriend now. Max. Ick! I never warmed to Max. I thought he had a bad attitude and his personality left a lot to be desired. Not to mention the age thing. I don't think 6 years difference is that bad, as long as the youngest isn't a teenager, but I'm okay with not liking him anyway because I needed all the room in my heart to fall in love with Cricket! Swoon! He was nerdy and shy and tall and adorable! Not to mention his awesome fashion sense :0) I was so amused by all of Cricket's little inventions, nerdy boys are awesome! Cricket was just a really nice guy. Not only was he so patient with and good to Lola, but he was seriously devoted to his family, his sister especially. Calliope is a figure skater and the Bell family pretty much revolved around her, but he never hesitated to be by her side.

The Cricket amazingness aside, Lola was a fantastic story. Stephanie Perkins writes wonderful characters and does such a good job creating the worlds they live in. I quite enjoyed spending time in San Francisco and dressing up with Lola everyday! Spending time with her awesome friends and family wasn't too hard, either, and I can definitely see myself revisiting her world over and over. This is definitely a must read if you are a contemporary fan, a love story fan, or if you are just a person with eyes who knows how to read! Pick it up and enjoy the ride :0)

Oh! I forgot to mention, we get to hang out with Anna and Etienne, again! I won't say how, but they definitely make an appearance in Lola's life :0)

2 comments:

  1. Alright I wanted this, now I want this even more, next paycheck this will be mine along with Anna and the French Kiss (yes I am that behind on some of my reading acquisitions)! Great review, you should tell Stephanie she should give you a commission :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. @Crystal Lol, Thanks Crystal! It really is that good, so is Anna! I'm constantly trying to get people to read Anna and now I can add Lola to the list :0) I hope you love them!

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