Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door

Author: Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: September 29, 2011

Pages: 338
Source: Borrowed ARC from Shanyn

From Goodreads:

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.

***

Lola and the Boy Next Door is SUCH an anticipated sophomore novel from Stephanie Perkins and there is so much hype surrounding the book. This always makes me nervous… what if the book doesn’t live up to the hype? What if it can’t compare to the author’s first novel? (probably a thought authors struggle with as well). Well, I am THRILLED to report that Lola is just as fantastic and wonderful as Anna, and Stephanie Perkins rocks my socks off.

Seriously though – Lola is one of the best YA contemp novels I have ever read. I devoured the entire book in one day. For some people this is not a huge deal. But for me, it’s a true sign of a ridiculously good book. Between two train rides, a lunch hour, and an evening curled up on the couch, I savored every ounce of Lola and devoured that book like WHOA.

Now to actually talk about the book. This is where I get a bit nervous because I don’t think I can really do this book justice. It is just that good. Lola now has a place on my top female characters list because she epitomizes what every girl (or guy for that matter) wants to feel – completely comfortable with who she is and what she stands for. Who cares if people don’t like her eccentric wardrobe? Or her flamboyant wigs and accessories? That’s who she is and it makes her happy – so there! I freaking love that attitude and wish I could be just a little more like Lola in my own life.

I can’t talk about Lola without talking about Cricket. Yes, it’s a funny name. Yes, he’s an interesting dude. But he is just ADORABLE. And WARM. And CUTE. And SWEET. And I just love him to death. You can't help but fall head over heels for him! And the fact that his bedroom window is just mere feet from Lola's bedroom window....swoon.

Another favorite aspect about the book - Lola's dads. Yes, dads. They are wonderful and loving (although perhaps a bit overprotective) but so likable and great. Yay for a YA novel with non-MIA parents!!

I hope Stephanie Perkins keeps writing for a very, very long time – and I need another one of her books in my hands SOON. Get your hands on this book as soon as possible!!!