Review and Giveaway: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2)
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Published: September 29th 2011
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

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.

I read Anna and the French Kiss last year and it was quite a decent read. It didn’t work for me that well then, but now, a year and a little more later, I realize that it was actually a very good book. I just didn’t know how to appreciate it back then and I guess my feelings and values on reading books have changed a little over time. When I pulled a paper slip of Lola and the Boy Next Door out of my paper slip jar, I was over the moon about it and boyyyy was I not disappointed.

“I know you aren't perfect. But it's a person's imperfections that make them perfect for someone else.”

I don’t even want to start discussing the eccentric, lively girl that is Lola, because I think everyone should discover her by themselves ;) As for other characters, I loved Cricket. I mean, come on?! I’ve never had a boy next door. I’ve always had girls (that way I met one of my best friends) and old ladies or just friendly neighbors, but no boys. I wish I had someone like Cricket living next to me. He’s just.. made of all things wonderful! The way he is described is very nerdy and sweet. I was a huge bad boy fangirl once and in ways I still am, but I’ve become to appreciate sweet guys more and more. Cricket Bell was a brilliant character and I believe that any girl would be lucky to have him as a brother, friend, lover – whichever it would be.

I really enjoyed the parental issues in this one and the little that was talked about gay couples since Lola has two dads who did a way better job with raising her than her mom ever could have. Speaking of, her mom was present in the book as well, but at first she rubbed Lola completely the wrong way and caused more trouble than any good. After some time, they grew closer, but it was a tough journey for our girl. Also, when I read the final part of the thank you note by Stephanie Perkins, I had a HUGE smile on my face because it was perfect! I love how she combined these sweet and precious moments of her life into this novel and it shows how a great author can combine the happenings of one’s life into a novel and make them one’s own yet again. This was the perfect example of being inspired by real life experiences and combining them into the author's work. Take notes, people!

I am so glad I picked this out of those random paper slips I made for all my unread paperbacks/hardcovers and I can’t wait to see what I’ll pick next! I hope it’s that good. When I finished Lola the next morning after I started reading it, I felt so good and had this feeling that I could accomplish anything. It’s just one of those books that makes you feel and think and.. just makes you happy in general. Makes you inspired! It was perfect! One more thing, do you think it’s too early to do a re-read? ;)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Giveaway

Now, on to the giveaway. I've thought about it a lot and here's what I'm going to do from now on. If I enjoy a book that much to give it full 5 stars, I'm going to give it away to one of my readers. Sharing is caring after all ;) It's open to everyone and the only condition is that The Book Depository must ship to you. I wish you lovelies the best of luck!

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