Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Publish Date: September 29, 2011
Hardcover {p.354}
Source: Public Library
Genre: Young Adult
Lola Nolan, Cricket Bell
Challenge: 100+, YA Romance
Buy the Book: Amazon

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 loved Cricket! He was quirky and charming in a way all of his own. Not the same fun-loving charm of Etienne, but none the less engaging.
And as always, Perkins manages to paint such descriptive detail of the city, that it feels like one of the lead characters.

Lola and Cricket were the perfect match for one another. Even their style complimented each other. Although at times I did feel as if Lola’s boyfriend Max had a point about Lola and her costumes. I was always wondering who she was going to be today.

The addition of Anna and Etienne was a very welcome surprise. I knew that they would be in this one, but I didn’t know they would be in it so much. They’re still my favorite. I also loved Lola’s BFF Lindsey. She was the perfect side-kick to Lola.

Lola and the Boy Next Door was a very fun, heartwarming read. Of course there were a few tearjerker moments (happy tears), but more laughs than tears.