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

Meet the author

Website | Tumblr | Twitter | Goodreads

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Haul #25

This post will start with an apology. I'm sorry for not having been the greates blogger or commenter throughout the past few weeks. It's my final BA year in uni and I have to work harder than ever before. Plus, I have a part-time job, so blog and reading kind of take the third place in my to-do list. I'm slowly getting back to the rhythm of school and work though and I promise I can do better. I'm scheduling posts for next week and I promise to do more reviews, too. Anyhow, this week was amazing for me when it comes to books: I received three books that I've been dying to read and also snagged a few e-copies that came out this week. As always, if you've read any of these, let me know what you thought and don't forget to leave your links down below so I can visit all of you lovelies back!

Physical Copies

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) by Miranda Kenneally

E-books

I'd Love to Tell You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1) by Ally Carter

In the Fields by Willow Aster

The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1) by Sherry Thomas

A Little Too Far (A Little Too Far #1) by Lisa Desrochers

Swag

I received a signed bookmark of Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker which I won during NA Crush Tourney via I Heart Big Books. Thanks so much, girl! It looks gorgeous:)

Oh, one more thing! I wrote down all my unread paperbacks/hardcovers and I'll pick my next reads randomly from there and guess what? I picked Lola and the Boy Next Door which I am absolutely l-o-v-i-n-g! I didn't have that good luck with Anna's book last summer (which I'm beginning to realize was kind of awesome, too.. I guess my values of reading have changed a little during the course of a year.) and I can't understand how come I waited so long to give Lola's story a try. I can't wait to see what I'll pick next!

Oh and there are a LOT of giveaways to participate in (check either the giveaway tab under the blog title or the top of the sidebar) and only one week left to participate in my favorite one--my birthday giveaway. I wish you all the best of luck!

What did you get this week? Leave your links below and I'll check out your goodies :)

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Mod Podge Bookshelf and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly event hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Book Haul #23

Haven't done one in ages and I've received quite a bit of books and even some gorgeous swag:) If you've read any of these titles, let me know so I can push them up on my tbr pile and don't forget to leave your links below in the comments so I can visit you back. Have a great weekend, lovelies!

Physical copies

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey

Soul Screamers Volume Three by Rachel Vincent (includes books #5, #6 and Sophie's novella)

Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks #2) by Miranda Kenneally

Catching Jordan (Hundred Oaks #1) by Miranda Kenneally (read and l-o-v-e-d!!!, review will be up soon)

Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2) by Stephanie Perkins

E-books

Truth about You and Me by Amanda Grace (arc)

Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1) by Lisa Renee Jones (arc)

Out of Line by Jen McLaughnlin (arc)

What Endures by Katie Lee (arc)

Ricochet (Addicted to You #1.5) by Krista and Becca Ritchie

Letters to Nowhere by Julie Cross

If You Leave (Beautifully Broken #2) by Courtney Cole

Jordyn by Tiffany King. This was an Amazon freebie. You can find it here. I've been waiting to own this pretty for a long time and I've only heard great things about Tiffany's writing so it was a must 'purchase'.

There were two awesome moments on what seemed to be quite an ordinary day of August. First, I received gorgeous swag from the very talented Elizabeth Norris. I read Unraveling  (my review can be found here) this spring and loved loved loved this book so hard. It was one of these books that I knew I had to have on my shelf as a physical copy as well so I purchased a paperback copy. It arrived way back, but this one book made Elizabeth one of my favorite authors. Since I obviously can't fly across the Atlantic to any of her signings, she kindly provided me with a bookplate. I was wayyyyyyy too happy about it to consider me normal, hehe:) Also, the always wonderful Jasprit from The Reader's Den  sent me a copy of The 5th Wave which I've been pining over ever since these raving reviews started to pop up among blogosphere. She loved it, Rachel, her co-blogger, loved it and everyone loves this book so am I excited? You betcha ;)

HUGE thanks and hugs to Elizabeth Norris and Jasprit, also, big thanks to Flux, Julie Patra publishing, Jen McLaughlin, Inksplinger PR, Katie Lee and Netgalley.

What did you get this week? Leave your links below and I'll check out your goodies :)

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Mod Podge Bookshelf and Stacking the Shelves is a weekly event hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

Review: Anna and the Fench Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the Fench Kiss 
Author: Stephanie Perkins 
Published: December 2nd 2010 
Add It: Goodreads 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

I’d heard so many great things about this book and there seemed to be a Stephanie Perkins fan everywhere I looked. Even 90% of my Goodreads’ friends had given it 4-5 stars. So once I passed this book at a bookstore, I immediately took a few steps back and figured what the heck?! Everyone loves it, why can’t I? I at least need to check out what the fuss is about, right?

“The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”

It was a very sweet story. An example of exactly how sweet would probably be if one were to eat a bowl full of ice cream with chocolate syrup and honey poured all over it – that’s how toothsome it was. The plot itself was quite cliché. I somewhat enjoyed it, but it wasn’t that interesting, to be honest with you. The writing was good, story moved on quickly, but it felt like it didn’t progress. That doesn’t make any sense, does it? What I’m trying to say is that even though Anna’s year abroad went by quickly and was easy to follow, there weren’t that many, if at all, moments where I was supposed to be O__O. (God.. Even this review isn’t progressing.)

What I liked was that it was very current and from a cultural aspect I enjoyed it a lot. In addition to referencing to one of my favorite football players – Francesc Fàbregas – Perkins featured different authors, history, movies. Also, sightseeing was one key points of this book which made me eager to explore City of Love myself. I loved the graveyard picnic with Anna and her American friends. Oh, and the design of this book – uh-mazing! Love, love, love it! The deckled edges and everything, it’s freaking adorable and even kind of edgy.

However, even if I was satisfied with the storyline and writing, the characters fell flat for me. I just didn’t connect to any of them and the one I liked the most was Anna’s little brother Sean who most of the time wasn’t even with her. I’m not sure what was missing, though.

The one thing this book did achieve in is that I’m eager to visit the capital of love even more than ever before. I’ve travelled through half of the European countries and France, unfortunately, belongs to the bunch I haven’t been to. So City of Light, I dare you to wait for me and be as kind and inspiring to me as you were to Anna.

"Har. Bloody. Har."
He smiles. "Oh, I see. Known me less than a day and teasing me about my accent. What's next? Care to discuss the state of my hair? My height? My trousers?"
Trousers. Honestly.

I think that at the end of the day most of the readers love and adore this book while I just thought it was okay, hence the 2.5 stars. If you want to check out some great reviews by people I trust to give good recommendations, you can check out Jenny’s, Giselle’s or Pricilla’s. I’ll still read Lola and the Boy Next Door though and hopefully I’ll have better luck with that one.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Meet the author

Website | Blog | Tumblr | Twitter | Goodreads

Cover Love: August 2012

Here's a new monthly feature I'm hoping to participate in every month. I haven't been that consistant lately when it comes to participating in different memes, but this is a monthly event so it shouldn't be so hard, right? I hope my inconsistanty won't continue and I'll be able to pull myself together, although, I don't think that's happening, since it's so, so hard at Uni right now and I have no idea how I'm going to get through this semester. Okay, I'm starting to walk off the main road here. Let us continue with this beautiful feature.

Don't judge a book by its cover? Well, that's exactly what I'm going to do right now: give these pretties a thumbs up based on their covers. Fasten your seatbelts and jump on the train to give these books multiple look overs since one obviously isn't enough.

P.S. I'd be delighted if you could tell me your opinion on these covers and whether you agree or not. Also, what are your favorite covers from last month?

In August I read 12 books (actually I'm reading one right now, but I finished over a half of it in August and there isn't that much left so.. yeah. 12 books it is) and these are the books that made it to my list:

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Published: November 13th 2008
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

Why? Out of all Victoria Secret's models I've always thought Adriana Lima was the prettiest and somehow this girl on the cover reminds me of her. In addition, the back cover is purple and it's my favorite colour. I also like the intensity in this girl's eyes and it matches the pace, emotions and action in this book perfectly. It's my favorite one in this series when it comes to storytelling, plot etc and the cover is freaking gorgeous!

Divergent (UK version) by Veronica Roth

Published: May 3rd 2011
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 
 
Why? As I stated in my review, this version of the cover speaks volumes about the storyline and Tris in general. She is so brave, has a great combination of selfishness and seflessness in her, Tris is a great competitor and friend, but she doesn't exactly belong with the others. She thinks differently and on the cover she is sitting and watching, which is exactly what she does in the book: she observe takes notice of things and people around her. Also, Tri is discovering the world on through her own eyes instead of listening to others. And the three birds have their on special meaning. Moreover, the future Chicago on the backround is perfect. I ust love this cover, it's so beautiful and kind of poetic.

Lengths by Liz Reinhardt and Steph Campbell

Published: August 9th 2012
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Why? As a new adult contemporary book, it needs to have a kick-ass cover in order to stand out. It does. It absolutely does. The guy portraying Theo is gorgeous and surfing is definitely one of the key points in this book. The cover is pretty steamy and this book has all kinds of action in the romance field. This book definitely got my attention thanks to the cover at first.

While It Lasts by Abbi Glines

Published: July 21st 2012
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
 

Why? Abbi's Sea Breeze series is trending as #beautfulcovers in my book. I mean.. Really! Look at these covers! They're beautiful and they, too tell you a story on their own instead of just being pretty. Once you're finished with a book you can instantly tell how different items on the cover are connected to the storyline. For instance, Cage is bringing the sexy back and there are many scenes where he is not wearing a shirt and Eva conjures up a cristal clear picture in your mind exactly like the cover and you can't help but be week in your knees and want to get a real look youself. The cover is actually pretty simple, but it's definitely inviting and sexy. Furthermore, it has kind of a sunny atmposphere, which describes the bright moments of this book perfectly.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Published: December 2nd 2010
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 

Why? I literally bought this book because of the cover and based on its looks. Yeah, I'd heard of it before and the praise has been overwhelming, but I wasn't sure I'd like to read it. Whenever I finish this book, you'll be able to read my thoughts on the storyline, but the cover, in my opinion, is pretty darn cute. The Eiffel Tower? A gorgeous girl? A guy? Great colours? A sweet and cute vibe its giving off? Heck yeah I wanted to read it. Plus the over all design was unique: the pages are cropped and everything is so.. Idk. I like it.

Cover Love is an original feature at I’m Loving Books (she also makes kick-ass banners and buttons). At the beginning of every month, I round up all of my favorite covers from books I’ve read the previous month and tell you what I love about them!

Teaser Tuesday #12

This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
• (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) * Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teasers

"Yes, and has anyone ever told you that you are a terrible liar? Horrid. The Worst"

~ p. 75 "Anna and the French Kiss" by Stephanie Perkins