Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
Grade: YA
Rating: 5/5 Stars


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. (Description from Goodreads)


~ * ~ * ~
I am in awe of Stephanie Perkins. She's created another fantastic story that you can't help losing yourself in. I didn't want to put the book down and had to force myself to go to sleep last night because my eyes didn't want to stay open. 'Lola and the Boy Next Door' explores the idea of first love and second chances, and Stephanie couldn't have done it better than by setting up a romance between neighbours; who better to fall for than the boy next door?

Lola and Cricket are adorable to read. Despite being awkward around each other, the idea of never truly being able to let go of your first love makes all those little moments more enjoyably. They have a history to overcome and a love rediscover. Although there are obstacles in their path, to see them push through problems and find each other waiting at the end was so uplifting, you can't help smiling every time they're on the same page. It's so easy to get caught up in their journey; I wish it hasn't ended.

I admire Lola. Not only is she talented (I thought I was pretty good at sewing, but Lola has insanely awesome skills in the creative fashion department), but she's found a way to express herself at such a young age. While she questions who she is throughout the novel, it's obvious her doubts will be short lived. She is who she wants to be and that's part of what makes her so cool.

I loved seeing Anna and Etienne again. It was nice to see what they're up to and knowing they're happy and together still made me smile.

A heart-warming, adorable romance story that I will be recommending to everyone. A book to read over and over again.
5/5 stars


Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads