Two Minute Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins

Genre: contemporary, young adult
Series: Anna and the French Kiss #2
Pages: 338
Published: September 29, 2011
Source: borrowed library
Rating: 5 out of 5

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.

Reviewed by Danielle. 

I'd have dipped my toes into contemporary YA a long time ago, if I knew there were characters like Anna Oliphant or Cricket Bell in them.

Stephanie Perkins is my favorite discovery of the year after her second home run with Lola and the Boy Next Door. It's not even that I love the character, which I do, or the love interest, with I dooooo, it's great writing, complex motivations, and an effortless diversity that make Lola brilliant.

The second book in a romance series, the kind that stars another couple, but brings the first back in a supporting role? It's usually pretty hard to separate one from the other, because the characters, (especially the male love interests who are usually cardboard standees,) are all written in the same voice. Not so here! I can hear the Brit in St. Clair. I can hear the eccentric nervousness in Cricket and the confusion and doubt in Lola. It's so well done.

As far as basic plots go, there’s nothing overly groundbreaking about a boy and girl who live next door falling in love. Even the “communicating through notes on their facing windows” has been done. But what really struck me was the care put into Lola and Cricket’s home lives. Calliope, Cricket’s twin, could easily have been written as a one dimensional villain, but she’s not. Likewise, I loved the way Lola tackled the stereotypes of gay dads head on, by saying neither is the woman and they both do typically masculine and feminine things. And they love each other and Lola and I love them and I’m swooning again.

If I had one quibble, it would be with how much Anna and St. Clair are deployed. They’re a little like fairy godparents, flittering around and showing up rather conveniently to bring Lola and Cricket together. Other than that? I can’t find a thing to complain about.

OK, one more thing.

WHERE WAS CRICKET WHEN I WAS SEVENTEEN?!

Top Ten Young Adult Favorite Reads of 2011

This has been a good reading year for me. I managed to read 212 books, for a total of 75,768 pages. Only 22 of those 212 warranted a five star rating from me, and only 9 young adult novels were among those 22 and most are represented here in this list. I read more YA this year than I have since I was a teenager, and have fallen in love with the genre. I'm still a fantasy girl at heart (expect a Top Ten Fantasy list soon!) but I was largely very impressed with my YA selections this year.

The Top Ten:

1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I read and reviewed this gem only in September of this year, but boy did it make an impression. The first in a series to come, I have high hopes for this author and series!

From my review:

The story is striking and imaginative and unforgettable. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a genre-blending exercise of win, unlike anything I have yet read. It's a new, charismatic spin on the angel/devil/seraphim/nephilim/chimaera theme, populated with real characters with actual personalities - relayed by dialogue and deed rather than an infodump. I loved the nicely tuned balance of action and wit, drama with imagination and wordbuilding on a grand-scale. When's book two out? I cannot and hope not to wait long for another installment in this spellbinding world.

2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Though I just read this in December, The Book Thief is impossible not to add to this list. Affecting, poignant and utterly impossible to put down, this is one of the rare ones that deserves all the hype and acclaim it can garner. I was an absolute mess after finishing (only four hours after beginning!) but in that full-hearted way one feels after a really, really great book.

From the review:

This is a work of art in novel form, moving and poignant from  its start in 1939 to its all-too-soon finish. Zusak's portrayal of these stand-out characters (Liesel, Hans, RUDY) will linger long in your memory. Don't dismiss this novel out of hand as just "another YA", especially if you are an adult. This book will resonate with and affect you even if you're long gone from the dreaded teenage years.

You won't just passively read [The Book Thief]: you'll experience Liesel Meminger's world in all its horror and beauty. 

I can't recommend The Book Thief enough. If you take one recommendation from this blog at all this year, let it be this one.

3. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

 

I have yet to write a review for this YA fantasy novel done almost perfectly. Seraphina has many of the dreaded staples of its genre hated by nonreaders: weird, foreign names, words with too many vowels or beginning with "q", and of course: dragons. What is so wonderful about this 2012 release is the unique and individual spin Seraphina puts on all these old, used-up tropes. Never old or boring, this is a fresh and lively addition to the fantasy ranks. Keep an eye out for my upocoming glowing review for its publication later in the year!

4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Another great read I loved immensely that I've sadly failed to review, but hardly one that is hardly unknown. The Hunger Games series is a force to be reckoned with with movies on the way and numerous reprints and editiosns, and is an enjoyable trilogy. But of those three, the first novel is the strongest, and the obvious best. Katniss is at her best here, doing things and creating action, with Peeta there to provide am emotional outlet. The Hunger Games is shocking, engrossing and one of the best young-adult dystopians I've come across.

5. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley 

My first young-adult novel from a Down Under author and I was quite blown away by the authentic emotions, strong yet still likeable characters, and dynamic storytelling consistently present throughout Graffiti Moon. This is a moving novel that is nothing short of impressive. I was hooked immediately and never wanted the book to end.

From the review:

I didn't just read Aussie author Cath Crowley's novel - I inhaled it. I read the entire two hundred sixty seven page novel in just under a three hour period; I couldn't put it down to eat, play with the dogs or even move from my desk to the reading chair. It's gripping, consuming and alive in a way very few stories are - and more should be. I want to pull huge sections from the narrative to quote - my whole review would be quotes if I were clever enough. This is, simply put, a beautiful book - beautifully written, carried, developed and ended. Graffiti Moon is a young-adult novel that transcends the genre of its origin; all ages of readers who appreciate a deftly woven, compelling read would treasure this book. It's brilliantly descriptive and full of evocative and moving imagery. This book moved me.

6. Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Ultraviolet is a great, great inceptive read. With an unreliable narrator and a truly interesting but completely real condition (synesthesia) Alison is a one-of-a-kind, original protagonist. She makes the book; strong, intelligent and relentless I wish more of my teenage female YA protagonists were more like her (though without the whole "did I murder someone or not" thing.) Twists and turns abound through the pages of this sci-fi mystery genre bender, and I need the sequel Quicksilver asap.

From the review:

This is a novel that more than lives up to its advertising byline: Everything You Know Is Wrong. But you'll only know the why and the how if you read this novel. Its got a unique premise, gorgeous prose, epic tons of quotes to love, and more than helluva twist more than recommend it.

7. Angelfall by Susan Ee

Yet another I've unfortunately yet to review, Angelfall is currently taking my GoodReads friends by storm. In my defense, I only heard of (and bought and read) this book mid-last week. I read it in two hours, and though it's relatively small at just 255 pages in ebook format, this is a GREAT novel. Angelfall gets so many things right that other authors miss, usually painfully: pacing, female action/fighting techniques, a gritty post-apocalyptic world, the romance angle, angels/nephilim, family interpersonal relationships.... all are handled ably and with a dab hand for imagery.

And one of the best parts about Angelfall? It's only $.99. Susan Ee is the first self-published author that has impressed me enough to wish she was traditionall published. I want my own hard copy of this delight and there none such as of yet. Buy this now, while you can get it cheap for Nook and Kindle. This is good. Buy it.

8. Lirael by Garth Nix

One of my first books reviewed for this very blog, I enjoyed Lirael far more than its predecessor and first in the series Sabriel. This is a smart and quite detailed YA supernatural novel with a very unique and creative magic system, first published way back in 2001, but one that hasn't aged a day.

 From the review:

Lively and absorbing, brimming with imagination and an utterly engaging plot. Suspense, sheer curiosity, genuine creepiness, unsettling creatures, along with unseen twists and turns make this a hard-to-put-down book. One of the best young-adult fantasy books I have ever read; better, even, than its predecessor Sabriel.I preferred Lirael as a protagonist compared to Sameth AND to Sabriel from the first book.

9. Abhorsen by Garth Nix

 Third and final book of the Abhorsen series and the second book of the trilogy to make this list (woo! what an accomplishment!;]), Abhorsen finalizes the strong trends and plots from the first two books. A fitting and very satisfactory ending to one of my favorite series, I was sad to end my reading but happy with the novel. This is a series for any fan of great female characters and unique, refreshing paranormal/supernatural aspects without vampires.

From the review:

This is a marvelous adventure. A great series with strong characters, a compelling plot and unique magic and creatures. Brilliant in all senses of the word. It is a  superb ending for an amazingly entertaining series; it deserves to be read. 

10. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst 

I just had so much fun with this twisted little teenage vampire tale. Pearl is a vampire with no regrets: difficult, strident, rude, supercilious, and above all, amusing. She walks the fine line between aggravating and pure humor, and with the benefit of a unicorn and some escapes, she comes across easily on the amusing side. This is a book made of win and pure fun.

From the review:

The interesting set-up, the time-limit and unique proclivities of Pearl make the pace of this novel fly by. It's one of those books a reader picks up to peruse for a minute and is immediately lost within. I highly enjoyed this novel, and I think it will find love from a widely varied audience.
If you see it on a bookshelf in your near future, buy it, read it, love it.

Honorable Mentions:

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (reviewed  here)

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (reviewed here)

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (reviewed here)

The Demi-Monde: Winter by Rod Rees (reviewed here)

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts (reviewed here)

Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber (reviewed here)

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Genre: young-adult, general fiction

Series: N/A

Pages: 372 (hardcover edition)

Published: December 2010

Rating: 4.5/5

Anna was 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. So she's less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all . . . including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? Stephanie Perkins keeps the romantic tension crackling and the attraction high in a debut guaranteed to make toes tingle and hearts melt.

There are some novels that are so good you have to draw them out, as a reader. You must eke out every page, every minute to savor the experience to the last little bit, until it's over, all too soon. Then there are other books, just as good, that compel you to finish, even resist even being put down for life's necessities. The latter is how I felt about Anna and the French Kiss (I walked around my house with my nose in the book and banged into several pieces of furniture while doing out) - I was ensnared within the first page. Stephanie Perkin's effervescent first-novel is one of the most charming pieces of young-adult realistic fiction I've had the fortune to come across in some time.

Anna Oliphant was breath of fresh air. I loved her vivacity, her enthusiasm for film, her flawed relationships with nearly everyone, and especially her everpresent sense of humor. I knew from the first page, first paragraph,

"Here is everything I know about France: Madeline and Amelie and Moulin Rouge. The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, although I have no idea what the function of either actually is. Napoleon, Marie Antoinette and a lot of Kings named Louis." 

I was amused. I even sniggered. ON THE FIRST PAGE. This was one novel I knew from that alone, would meet my high expectations propped up by a year and a half of hype. I can't limit myself, here are my other favorite quotes from the Atlanta native:

"...and no one will invite me to watch the mimes escape from their invisible boxes, or whatever it is people do here in their spare time."

and

"Who sends their kids to boarding school? It's so Hogwarts. Only mine doesn't have cute boy wizards or magic candy or flying lessons."

Anna is witty, flawed and just plain fun to read for nearly 400 pages of novel. I was happy it was a first-person, one POV novel and Anna shone in the starring role. She pops from the page with life and flair, and total individuality. From her very real, very rounded personality to external pressures in Anna's life (parents acrimonious divorce, a fractious relationship with her father) this is a character that will resonate (and already has) with a multitude of readers. I liked Anna's relationships with other characters a great deal: these girls actually like one another! It's refreshing to read healthy, valid relationships between female friends - especially teenage ones.

Ms. Perkins doesn't hoard all her talent and life only for her main character, happily. From love-interest Etienne to friends like Meredith and Rashmi and enemies like Dave, most of the people in the novel are well-rounded, flawed human beings. Etienne, one of the few YA love-interests that has genuinely caught my eye, is just as flawed, interesting, damaged as his female counterparts: not all detail or information about him is centered on his great hair and dreamy English accent. He's one of the few out there worthy of fandom and bookcrushes. I did wish he'd manned up a bit sooner with his situation - I hate romantic procrastination for it leads to gamesplaying (though he is innocent of that last bit to be fair) - but I loved his interactions with Anna for the entire book. I thoroughly enjoyed a novel that took the time to create a real friendship/foundation for two love-interests instead of just throwing them at each other and expecting sizzle. It's also worth noting that Anna doesn't hone in and focus solely on the American-born, French-named, English-toned sex magnet: Anna dates around, is attracted to others . . . basically: Etienne is not the end-all, be-all of Anna's social or even romantic life.

Paris. Ah, Paris - I have to admit it is one of the most perfect locations there could be for such a novel about young-love, unrequited love and the meaning of home. While I do wish the City of Lights had been explored more and been featured more prominently in Anna's year at School of America in Paris, what is shown is marvelous. Ms. Perkin's charming style easily extends to her locales and even from a novel, one could fall in love with her version of the famous city. It was just beautifully enfolded within Anna's life, a change of pace heralding her more international style soon to come. I also appreciated the fact that Anna didn't immediately fall in love with gay Paree - some resentment over her enforced move is to be expected and would've been unrealistic had it been lacking. However, once Anna gets over her anger and ventures to love the iconic city, it shines as one of the best parts of the novel.

Simply put, Anna and the French Kiss is a charming, easy-to-read, reluctant-to-finish read. The humor, the flawed but utterly likeable characters, the gorgeous setting all make for a novel that will hold appeal for all ages of reader. It will make you smile, laugh, and maybe even despair a little for the desperation of young -but true - love.