Thursday 3 January 2013

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton Books
Publication date: September 29th 2011
My rating: 4 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.

Stephanie Perkins sure knows how to write a book which leaves you with a big smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling inside. She’s talented at creating instantly likeable characters that I wish they existed in real life, so they could be my friends too!

There’s always the worry in the back of your mind when you’ve adored an author’s first book, that will you enjoy the companion novel too? I had pretty high expectations going into Lola and the Boy Next Door and so was glad that my expectations were met.

Lola and Max have been going out for some time, for most of their relationship they have a great time, except when Lola’s parents go on at her about the 5 year gap and feel the need to interrogate Max at every Sunday brunch that makes Lola have little doubts of Max staying with her. But then the Bell’s move back next door. Lola has just got over her two year heartbreak since the last time they abruptly left, so it’s quite a shock to the system to see them back. Also things are quite different from the last time Cricket and his sister Calliope were here. Such as Lola is with Max now, their relationship is strong, but then as soon as Lola see’s Cricket she’s not sure, he’s the same sweet guy with mile high hair and ever since they missed their chance Lola’s in two minds, is she even with the right guy at all?  

Sometimes books that are often cheesy and predictable in places I can easily overlook. I knew what would happen in Lola and the Boy Next Door but I really didn’t care, sometimes these books are completely necessary especially when you’re having so much fun!

Lola was a cool mc, she was quirky, strong, funny, and she ended up ticking a lot of my boxes of what I like to see in a mc. Cricket where do I even begin with this guy? Firstly I honestly thought St. Clair was my favourite, but when you get a geeky charming boy with an adorable difficult equation face, it’s really hard to choose between the two. Don’t get me totally wrong I still totally love St.Clair, his appearance in this book made this book even more perfect, but being from the UK an English accent doesn’t do it for me, I’m more likely to melt into a puddle by hearing an American accent, so that reason alone quickly pushed Cricket up my favourite list. Also his sweet adorable gestures spoke such huge volumes compared to Max’s knee jerk reactions; I didn’t know he could be such a jerk. I had originally really liked Max, but as soon as Cricket had made an appearance I was like Max who?

All in all Lola and the Boy Next Door had everything that I love about contemporary ya. I recommend reading this when you need a quick pick me up or when you’ve had a crappy day, it will certainly cheer you up in no time!

Thank you Sam for reading this with me, you can read her lovely review here.

29 comments:

Maji Bookshelf said...

Its awesome that you got to enjoy this! Honestly for me, It really disappointed me.. I enjoyed Anna SO MUCH MORE! And its amazing how even though you were able to predict what might happen in lola, you didnt care! haha! Great review Jas!
- Farah @ MajiBookshelf

Tanja - Tanychy said...

It seems that we're lately reading the same books. I'm reading this one right now! :) As you said I assumed what was about to happen but never mind. I like Anna and I'm happy to see her in this book too :) Great review :)

Divergent Gryffindor said...

I really really need tov read this book! It seems like everyone has, and I'm the only one who hasn't :(

Book Passion for Life said...

Great review Jas. I still haven't read this one yet - mainly because I couldn't get into Anna but still, hopefully I'll read it soon.

Mel@Thedailyprophecy said...

I didn't really like St. Clair, but I do like the sound from Cricket! A geeky charming boy, hell yes :D While I wasn't blown away by her first book like most of the other people, I will give this a shot. Her writing-style was good after all and I think I will like these characters more. Great review :)

Mel@thedailyprophecy.

Beverley said...

This is another reminder that HAVE to read a Stephanie Perkins book this year - a goal to add to never-ending list XD I've only heard good things about Lola and the Boy Next Door and I'm super glad you enjoyed this too, Jas! I like the sound of cheesy and predictable, you're right - we all need it once in a while! And Cricket - he seems so sweet and adorable and I really need to meet him, like right now!!! Geeky and charming does it for me ^.^

Fabulous review as always, Jasprit <3

Gabby said...

I really really LOVED this one when U read it, as well. It has quickly become one if my favorite contemporary ever, I am glad you liked it Jas!
Amazing Review!!

Anonymous said...

Oh yay! I'm so glad that you got around to reading Lola, Jasprit! And you loved it! That's even better! :)
I loved your first paragraph on Perkins. I think you nailed it since you were spot-on about her writing style. I initially liked Max too, but when cute, adorable Cricket appearance I quickly forgot him.
And I agree, even though this book is terribly predictable, it's always fun to read such cute books!
Lovely review, Jasprit! :)

Jenny said...

Hahahaha I was definitely all "Max who?" when Cricket made his appearance as well! As soon as he showed up I just wanted Max to go away so things with Cricket could proceed. I just adore Stephanie Perkins's writing, her characters are so real - like I could just step in the pages and strike up a conversation with them:) Can't wait for Isla Jasprit!

Unknown said...

Oh boy, I've had Lola for over a year now and still haven't read it! I'm so happy you enjoyed the story, Jasprit. Lovely review!

Sara @ Forever 17 Books said...

Definitely big smiles and warm fuzzies. And I completely agree, I can overlook cheesiness and predictability if it is done right and a treat to read. I'm glad you enjoyed this companion and it didn't let you down! :)

~Sara @ Forever 17 Books

Rachel said...

Love that you like American accents! I always enjoy hearing British accents. Fanatastic cheerful review Jaspirt! Cricket sounds awesome!

Maja (The Nocturnal Library) said...

Haha, UK accent works for me every time!
And it's official, I am now the LAST person on this planet who has yet to read this little gem. I love that Lola is such a likable heroine, and I'm noticing lately that I really need a change, I'll have to read a contemporary or two to mix things up a little bit.
GReat review as always, love.

Sarah Elizabeth said...

So glad that you liked this one as much as the first one you read! I love books that make you feel cheerful :)

Unknown said...

Loved this books to bits! But I agree that sometimes, cheese is a required ingredient before you get to the sweet treat. :)

Delaney said...

This sounds like such an adorable book! But with a little something extra. ;D I get that same feeling when my friends would LOVE a book if I would think the same. Most of the time I don't but once in a while it aligns and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Keertana said...

Jasprit, I love that an American accent does it for you! I personally melt into a puddle of mush when I hear a British accent. I still loved Cricket though, because nerds are just always so attractive. I loved that St. Clair was a nerd in his own right too, so there was more to him than his beautiful face!(; I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Jasprit, as I did too and Lola surprisingly made herself as endearing of a heroine as Anna. I cannot WAIT for Isla now! :D

Aneeqah said...

Ok so I totally love how American accents are the accents that make you melt into a puddle, not British ones, haha. Very fitting. ;) But anyways, Cricket seems so swoon-worthy!! I also love how St. Clair is in this book. This makes me very excited! I don't think anyone could ever out-do St. Clair, though. I do hope Cricket comes close though! ;)

Fantastic review, Jasprit. I honestly need to get my hands on this book ASAP. I need more cuteness in my life! <3

Livvy said...

Sounds like a very fun, cheerful book. Great review, Jasprit.

I think it's high time that I tried out a Stephanie Perkins novel.

Unknown said...

I can't believe I still haven't read Lola or Anna. I know I should have and lately I've been seeing a lot of reviews and I think it's the books calling to me. I really have to read them soon! Great review!

Anatea @ Anatea's Bookshelf

Suzanne (Parabooklover) said...

I think I'd end up feeling sorry for Max in this one :) Sounds like a good read, maybe I'll get to it sometime. I love the English accent lol. Lovely review Jaspirit

Anonymous said...

Lovely review, Jasprit! But really, a love interest who is so marvelous as to dare compete with Etienne St.Clair? Damn, that's quite a feat! I read & loved Stephanie Perkins' Anna and the French Kiss, but for whatever reason, (I'm an idiot) I haven't read Lola yet! I knowwwww. Clearly I must though, especially with the release date of Isla... Which I think it's safe to say we both want to be sooner! :)

Amanda said...

I enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss last summer, but I am still not sure about reading Lola and the Boy Next Door. That blurb about Lola being in love with costumes just makes me think that as the protagonist Lola is this quirky, over-the-top girl that I won't be able to relate to at all. I am glad that in your review you discuss the book a little more and it definitely does sound better based on your review. I do plan on reading Isla and the Happily Ever After, so maybe if I enjoy that one as much as Anna, then I'll read Lola. Not sure haha! I am glad you enjoyed the book, however!

Jen (Books and Other Happy Ever Afters) said...

Oh my gosh, I'm so happy you finally read this! I'm so glad it met your expectations. I totally agree with you when you say that even if it's cheesy and even if you know Lola and Cricket will end up together, nobody cares because it's still so fun to read about. I definitely cracked up a bit when you talked about Cricket over St. Clair. I didn't think about it at all! Like, do British girls swoon over British accents, or American accents..? Well, now my question is answered! ;) Lovely review, Jasprit. :)

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

Oh I loved this book so much. Cricket definitely wins out over St Clair for me, mostly because he's so nice and nerdy. I do love a good nerdy boy.

I liked Max to begin with as well, and I was a little disappointed that Max ends up being such a jerk in the end. It kind of felt like Max was a jerk and that was part of the justification that Lola and ends up with Cricket, whereas I don't think it was needed.

Wendy Darling said...

Sometimes you just need a sweet, fun book and this one seems like it fits the bill. :) I have only read Anna so far by this author, but I'm looking forward to settling down with this one sometime when I'm in the mood for something cute!

Henrietta @ Leisure Reads said...

I'm embarrassed to say that I still haven't read anything by Stephanie Perkins, but I'm always happy to see how much everyone loves her books. Loved your review, Jas!

Emma said...

(I think I may be the only one... oh wait! I'm no that's good,) I haven't read anything by Stephanie Perkins and its killing me! I've heard so many great reviews about this book and I haven't even picked it up! It's awful. What I love about this type of Standalones, as long as they are ended well, you can enjoy just a nice romance in the comfort of your own home! :D I really can't wait to read this book! Lovely review Jasprit!

Jennifer said...

I read this book in a day and a half. I loved it so much. It was just SO cute. And Cricket, my gosh, Cricket is one of the cutest book guys ever. He was charming, geeky and just adorable.

Glad to hear that you liked it as well. Great review! :)

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