Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from the library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more
outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is
pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend)
until the 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.
Review: I finally picked up Lola, after reading and loving Anna and the French Kiss last summer. Now I can finally say I’m all set for the release of Isla this month. In case you aren’t aware of this “series”, all the books are companion novels. I would read them in order, but they aren’t direct sequels. However, I was really excited to see Anna in Lola’s story, as the two of them work at the same movie theater. I knew Anna appeared, but I didn’t realize she had as much of a role as she did, so that was definitely exciting, since I loved her actual book.
For Lola’s story, I did feel for her and her feelings towards Cricket. She thinks she’s found a boyfriend she truly loves and being around Cricket doesn’t make anything easier. Regardless, though, it’s easy to see who the better guy is and you almost want to yell at Lola to grow up and open her eyes. In Anna and the French Kiss, the focus on her eventual romance with St. Clair seemed to be stronger than Lola’s and Cricket’s. Granted, Cricket is an important character, but I just wish I had seen more of their interactions, without so many of the obstacles in their way.
Regardless, Lola was a really fun book and I’m definitely excited to read more by Stephanie Perkins. I love that she makes the family and friends in Lola’s life just as important as the romance. Lola has two dads, which is totally not a problem, but her biological mom does play a big role in her life because she’s constantly doing drugs and getting into trouble. This aspect of the book just gives you another layer to Lola’s life, which was exciting! Lola and the Boy Next Door is a romance, but it’s also about growing up and believing in yourself.
Make it a Gift
If you wish to gift Lola and the Boy Next Door, I recommend adding the Lolita Lempicka perfume. It matches the cover well, plus Lolita makes me think of Lola, especially because her boyfriend calls her that sometimes (granted, it’s because she’s younger than him and he’s referencing the novel Lolita). I think this would be a cute gift, and you can get it from Overstock right now for $34.99.
I haven't read any books by her but I heard a lot about the novels and I'm quite curious. I think I should try one day.
That is a cute perfume bottle! I love the hardcover photo, although the paperback is nice too.
Like you, I definitely enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss slightly more than Lola but I loved the emphasis on family and growth throughout the story. Fantastic review and I'm curious to see what you make of Isla.
I really did like this but I think I was more excited to see Anna and Etienne more than anything else. I am super excited to have Isla release tomorrow. It feels like I have had it pre-ordered for forever now.
There's something about the name Lola that is so attractive to me. I immediately think of romance and fun when I see it.
Great cover. Very sweet.
I like your gift idea! I've had this book for probably three years now and still haven't read it. Im glad you enjoyed Lola!
What a pretty bottle of perfume. I loved both books and I have been waiting for Isla for almost three years… ARGH!
I like how balanced this story seems and that perfume bottle is gorgeous!
Yay I'm so happy that you've read Lola's story and that you've enjoyed her character. She is something else, that girl. Also that gift seems really nice. I'm sure it smells nice. Great post 🙂
This sounds like a sweet read and I love that perfume bottle.
Okay. Can I tell you something Lauren? *takes a deep breath* I'm actually a bit hesitant to read this because of all the hype. It sounds wonderful, but I'm not sure how I'd do with it since I'm not usually a chick-lit reader, you know? Nonetheless, I definitely want to get into this series ASAP and see what all the praise is about, and your review is only making me more curious! Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
P.S. Sorry I've been so slack at reading your blog lately! *gulps* I've been on vacation and haven't been able to comment, but I'm back now! xD
~ Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
How cute is that perfume?! Such a great gift idea!!
xx
I love this series, and I'm currently reading Isla (which is amazing so far)! I agree that it became kind of frustrating that Lola took a while to see which guy was the better one, but I loved Cricket. Your gift idea is so cute, too! It looks really pretty, and I'm curious what it smells like.
What a brilliant idea to tie in the perfume bottle. So good to hear that you are enjoying this series, interesting that they aren't exact sequels either.
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Yay, glad to hear you enjoyed. I liked the first but haven't felt inclined to read Lola for some reason
Haha, yeah I loved Lola, but it was pretty obvious to everyone except her who the better guy was. I think I preferred the first book and romance a bit more as well, but I was still so pleased that this one was a solid follow-up! And I'm hoping Isla will be the exact same once I finally get to read it 🙂 Nice thoughts, Lauren!
Awesome gift recommendation! I loved Lola because it was also a coming of age story in addition to a romance. Isla is even better in my opinion. Can't wait to hear what you think of it!
I read Anna and the French Kiss and thought it was OK. It's just not my type of story so I wouldn't continue on it. But I do love perfume! And that bottle is so fab!