Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

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Source: Bought
Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: September 29, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 338 pages

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.

It's official: Stephanie Perkins has made it on to my list of favourite authors. With the ease and grace of her previous novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door spins a spectacular story. DARE I SAY that I actually enjoyed it more than the first book?!

Lola is a delight to read about. Her character is so fun, with her bright and colourful costumes. She was unique and smart, but also had that vulnerable edge that made her seem all the more real to me. Plus, when she comes with her two dads? Total WIN. I loved how protective and caring they were.

Now, this sounds almost blasphemous to say, but... I think I like Cricket Bell more than Étienne St. Clair. I KNOW! It was a complete shock to me as well. This boy though - wow. He's brilliant, awkward, kind and thoughtful. He talks with his hands and has good fashion sense. He is TALL. I dare you to not fall for him!

Stephanie Perkins has this way of writing that makes you want to stay in the book for as long as possible. Everything feels real and magical. She completely captures those feelings of first love - the awkward and the glamorous. It's more than just that though. There is realness in the friendships, the conflicts, the parental disputes.

If you haven't read any of Perkins' novels, you are missing out, I'm telling you. Do yourself a favour and pick up Anna and the French Kiss as soon as humanly possible. Meanwhile, I will be daydreaming about Isla and the Happily Ever After.

Cover Comments: Fuuuun! I love the houses in the background and Lola's hair and expression. Her clothes could be a bit more costume-like, but I'm happy they at least made her outfit a little quirky.

5 of my most GLITTERY stars!