Latest Read: Two-Way Street

Here are the basics ...
Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
Publication date: June 26, 2007
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Borrowed from the library

Summary: There are two sides to every breakup. This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple but they worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. Then Jordan dumps Courtney for a girl he met on the Internet. It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. But it turns out Jordan still cares and he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. It has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Two-Way Street is funny. Like made me laugh-out-loud multiple times kind of funny. Both Jordan and Courtney's voices were clear and real and 100% teenager. Right off the bat, I was intrigued by their breakup. What happened and why would Courtney go on a road-trip with her ex? (Is she crazy?) Granted, she didn't want to anymore but her parents were making her. If that were me, I would've locked myself in my room or went online to buy a bus/train/airplane ticket instead. The book alternated between their point-of-views and between the past and the present. It sounds like it might be confusing with all the back and forth but the storytelling really worked for me. Because I was interested in both characters, their history and what would happen next. Almost immediately I was keeping my fingers crossed that these two crazy kids would work it out. There's definitely drama but it never felt over the top. I think the main factor that contributed to my enjoyment of the book was simply Courtney and Jordan themselves. Especially Courtney.

I related to Courtney a lot. She's what would you call the "good girl" and has spent her entire life never giving her parents anything to worry about. You can see why I relate. She's also a little inexperienced and has been crushing on a guy she's known since she was a kid (not Jordan). Again, I related some more. Then I got to this passage: "My friend Jocelyn says I'm too quiet. But I'm really not quiet. I just tend to come across that way to new people because I don't like to talk first. What if the other person doesn't want to be bothered?" And I thought, oh goodness, THIS IS ME. I think that all the time (I still do). There are a couple other things she says that evoked the same reaction. Then Jordan. He's such a teenage boy which means simply.. he's an idiot (and so his is best friend). But not in a mean way. Honestly, his thoughts probably made me laugh the most because I kept thinking, I can so picture this being the thought process of a 17 year old guy. The important thing was that his heart was in the right place and I completely bought the way his feelings for Courtney developed (and vice-versa).

Also - all the Myspace references? Totally took me back to my college years.

(Super minor) reservations: A few things happen "off-screen" to people important to Courtney and Jordan that we don't get to see and I kind of wish we had. Especially since those people played a role in their breakup. I do think the focal point is supposed to be their relationship so it didn't bother me too much.

Do I recommend?: Until I started reading this book, I didn't realize just how much I needed a feel good YA contemporary. It was perfect for my mood and if you feel similarly, pick this one up!

Happy reading!