Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins 
Published: September 29th, 2011
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 338
Challenge: 100+ Reading Challenge
Other: Companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss. There will be another companion, Isla and the Happily Ever After, which will be published in 2012.
Buy the book: Bookdepository


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.

When I found out that Stephanie Perkins was writing not one, but two companion novels to Anna and the French Kiss, I squealed with joy! How awesome would it be to read the companions. And Perkins didn't disappoint.

Lola is way more out there than Anna was. Lola loves extravagant fashion and looks like a different person every day. I couldn't really relate to that, but I liked Lola nontheless. She's a feisty character, but there have been some things in the past that she hasn't gotten over. Yet.

Because when Calliope and Cricket move back into the neighborhood, everything is upside down again. Lola has some unfinished business with the both of them - and I won't tell you anything else about the book because I want you to pick up a copy for yourself.

Cricket was a lovely character - but I have to be honest and ask myself 'Cricket? Really?' - and I really liked his personality. He was funny, sweet, nerdy, honest and such a lovely guy. I loved the fact that he was always busy, inventing stuff. I loved that he was a little shy when he was around Lola - I thought that was so cute! Should I gush on?

Was it as awesome as Anna? Personally, I don't think so. But I loved Lola almost as much and it was definitely equally entertaining. Perkins' writing is easy to read, thoroughly entertaining and just plain fantabulous!

My overall rating:


Five big fat stars for Lola - and hopefully we'll see more of her in Isla!