Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Need to Know Info:

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins 
Format: Hardcover, 338 pages
Publisher: Dutton Books
Release Date: September 29th, 2011

Synopsis
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.

Carrie's Review
You guys!! I’m not sure why on earth I waited so long to read Stephanie’s books. Shannon and every other blogger on the planet have been telling me I simply had to read them. Well after finishing a heavy read (A Clash of Kings) I thought a light and fun read was in order. So I started with Anna and the French Kiss this weekend and then upon completion I immediately picked up my copy of Lola. How could I not?

I feel like my review skills are lacking lately and I don’t just want to fan girl out about this book so hopefully I can express myself in a worthwhile manner.

First of all, I have to say that I loved that Anna & St. Clair play a part in this book. It was so nice to get to see them again and spend more time with them. They are so darn cute after all!

Ok now here is where I’m getting all tongue tied. Where do I begin? I guess at the beginning, right? Lola, what can I say about Lola. Lola is everything I wish I could have been in high school. She is quirky and owns it. Regardless of what others think or even say she doesn’t change who she is. I love that about her. She also has a smoking hot bad boy boyfriend. Ya’ll know by now I have a weakness for boys with ink. Here enters Max…tattoos, older, plays in a band. What’s not to like, right? Especially after you learn the boy next door (Cricket) broke her heart. Cricket is totally not your typical “boy next door”. He is smart, quirky and one cool cat.

Ah, love triangles. They can make or break a book for me. This one wasn’t so clear cut from the get go though. I personally had a hard time at the beginning trying to decide who I was supposed to be rooting for (I liked them both). Soon however Stephanie’s magic shines thru and she grabs at your heartstrings and makes it easy for you.

Stephanie’s characters are as unique as her. She has something to say and she says it loud and clear. Be who you are meant to be. Don’t be ashamed of who you are!

Lola and the Boy Next Door is romantic, funny, honest, and touching. I may not be her target audience but she made me a fan. Her books are just a pleasure to read. They make me smile and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Stephanie just writes books that make me love being a girl!

Rating~