Latest Read: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Here are the basics ...
Book: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Site: http://www.stephanieperkins.com/
Category: Young Adult

Summary: 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. (Adapted from goodreads.com) 

My thoughts…

The good:  I don't know why I always hesitate with Stephanie Perkins books.  With Anna and the French Kiss, it was the cover (and title).  Then with Lola, I was just so sure that it couldn't surpass how much I enjoyed Anna.  How wrong I was! I absolutely loved this book.  Lola is a wonderful character.  She would have me laughing out loud one minute and then angst'ing along with her the next.  She's 100% teenager without being annoying.  Instead she reminded me of how I felt at that age and how strongly I felt about my crushes.  Plus.. I totally have a soft spot for the whole boy next door thing (mine was across the street).  And I know I tend to hate on high schoolers talking about forever and "the one", but it happens.  I mean you don't necessarily marry your high school sweetheart but you think about it! I thought the author did a good job of making Lola realistic while also letting her grow and make very mature decisions.

I feel like more than anything, it's the characters that brought the book to life.  Aside from Lola, I loved everyone around her.  Her parents, her best friend Lindsay who's obsessed with Nancy Drew & Veronica Mars (!), even Anna & Etienne make an appearance, giving us a glimpse into what happened after the "happily ever after".  Even the not-so-pleasant characters had a purpose or role to play.  And of course, the second best character was Cricket! I enjoyed how his relationship with Lola progressed.  All the tension, history, getting to know each other again, everything. Very well-done and romantic.

The bad: Nothing to critique!

Do I recommend?:  Yes! If you're in the mood for a heartwarming read, I definitely recommend.  I also recommend reading Anna and the French Kiss first (although you don't have to).

Happy reading!