Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: 

(Goodreads summary)

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.

This book was incredible. I think Stephanie Perkins may have been born to write books for me to read. Seriously, it is like she literally connects them to the strings of my heart.

Her first book, Anna and the French Kiss, was one of the most unexpected reads I have had in a while. After attempting to read several really bad books, I didn't expect much from a book with a cover like this (image to the right). I typically like an element of supernatural or fantasy in the books I read. Thus, I was astonished that I not only liked it but loved it. Like ... couldn't stop reading for one moment, read some chapters over again just because I couldn't get enough, and made my sister read it to share in the joy. It reawakened an interest in chick flick novels. Her books don't need vampires or fallen angels for me to fall in love with them. They just need her quirky and infectious stories. And incredible love interests. 

And she has proven herself again with Lola. 

These books aren't complicated. They are simple stories of girls who meet boys and the path to their relationship. What exists in between are complications that are created to prevent the relationship from ever happening. Throw in some fantastic characters, good dialogue and heart wrenching moments, and you have a book worth reading.

Perkins' characters are always so perfect in that they aren't perfect, but you love them anyway. They have their flaws, but that is what makes them realistic. I honestly want to be best friends with all of them. Lola seems so unique and fun. Always dressed in something crazy. And Cricket might be the best person (book character) ever. But not in that obnoxious, I volunteer for animal shelters, give all of my money to the poor, and never use petroleum. Instead, he is just a nice guy. Kind of really nerdy and bumbling. Adorable pretty much sums him up. And even though I usually go for the bad boys, Cricket won my heart.

The story has logical progression and the romance blossoms in a realistic amount of time. It is created and molded, instead of just simply existing. It makes sense. And it doesn't occupy the whole book with excessive schmoopiness.

And if you can't bear to read a Perkins book that isn't about St. Clair (the delicious brit that Anna gets to French kiss), then you are in luck, because he makes an appearance. Love him.

Overall, the book has a wonderful setting (San Francisco), beautiful characters, endearing friendships, and wishes made on the moon.

Though I loved Anna and the French Kiss more, that was like an out of this universe love, which means that my love for Lola and the Boy Next Door is reaching the moon.