Lola and the Boy Next Door

By Stephanie Perkins

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the negihborhood. 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Release date: Sep 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781101529485

Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins worked as a bookseller and a librarian before becoming a novelist. She is now a bestseller in the US and Australia and has a huge online following for her books that include Lola and the Boy Next Door and Anna and the French Kiss. She is also the editor of the collection of YA short stories My True Love Gave to Me, and the author of There's Someone Inside Your House and The Woods are Always Watching.

Reviews for Lola and the Boy Next Door

[cindywho-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Terrible cover, but a nice little escape and a quick read.

[a_reader_of_fictions · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

For more reviews, Cover Snark and more, visit A Reader of Fictions.You guys!!!! I am so happy to report that Stephanie Perkins books can totally be Christina books. I thought it was possible, but my Anna experience scared me a whole lot. Plus, Anna and Isla seem pretty universally loved, but Lola and the Boy Next Door seems to be fairly divisive even among her fan base. Oh well, I do love being predictable. Where I found Anna alternately incredibly shippy and enraging, Lola and the Boy Next Door was perfectly adorable and vibrant from page one.It’s rather funny how much I don’t seem to have the proper reactions to Perkins’ characters. I didn’t get why so many people loved St. Clair and now I don’t get why so many don’t like Lola. Well, okay, I guess I can understand it from an objective perspective. Lola is very…well, LOLA. She’s an individual to a degree that shocks and upsets others, perhaps out of envy or maybe just because they like people to stay in their boxes. You could call Lola twee and not be entirely wrong about that. So I get it. Sort of. Lola would definitely be a hard person for me to take in real life and, more to the point, it would be difficult to find someone like her in real life. That seems to be the thing people really don’t like about Lola and the Boy Next Door. Though I didn’t know anyone like Lola and probably wouldn’t have the energy to be her friend even if I did, I like that people like her exist.Looking at Lola from a more positive angle, she embraces who she is. Ever since childhood, she’s been obsessed with fashion and she’s loved to look completely different every day. She wants to design clothing. Most likely she wouldn’t be caught dead in an outfit as boring as the one on the cover (which, okay, I actually love that outfit). Lola wears wigs almost every day, not because there’s something wrong with her own hair, but because she likes to and needs them to complete her ensemble. Lola is indefatigable. Though it’s not central to the novel’s plot line which doesn’t involve going to school, there are subtle hints that she’s been bullied for this (as she obviously would be), but she does her own thing anyway. She’s young and she’s still learning, but she’s way already got a grasp of the important thing, which is embracing who you are. Someone like Lola could easily annoy me, but she’s just so genuine about her fashion and so non-judgmental, aside from a couple of rare occasions, of how other people choose to clothe themselves.So yeah, I love Lola. When Lola and the Boy Next Door begins, she’s dating this older guy, Max. He’s 22 her 17. Their relationship’s not viewed favorably by anyone but Lola and Max, really. Her parents (more on them later) allow the relationship, with conditions, because they know that telling teens straight up NOT to do something is only going to make them do it even less safely. Smart parenting, yo. Anyway, it’s obvious from the book title that Max is not the guy. I’d also heard about Max and he’s honestly not as bad as I expected. He’s got a few issues, but he also does seem to care for Lola some in his way. The relationship is doomed from the beginning, but I can see why she didn’t see that. His side is less clear, but it’s also not his book. For Lola, I think a lot of the appeal is that he liked her costumes and her Lolaness.Sidebar for Lola’s gay dad’s, Andy and Nathan. These guys are completely wonderful, loving, slightly over-protective parents. In a land of YA with missing parents, Andy and Nathan are kings. They love Lola so incredibly much, even though technically they’re her uncle and partner. One of my favorite tropes is a built family and Lola and the Boy Next Door does this so well. Also, though I can’t say I much cared for Norah, Lola’s biological mother and Nathan’s sister, I do think it’s wonderful that Perkins addressed her and that there’s a nice character arc for her as well.Anna and St. Clair are characters in Lola, since Anna works with Lola at the movie theater. While I can’t say that I’m any more of a fan of their relationship, it was interesting getting to see them from the outside. I think Anna’s narration played down (snerk) just how short St. Clair is. They seem really true to their presentation in Anna, but also slightly different the way they would be when not viewed from Anna’s perspective. In that sense, this is one of the better cameos I’ve seen in a companion novel.Also, for all that I hated the treatment of infidelity in Anna and the French Kiss, I love the way it’s handled in Lola and the Boy Next Door. Where St. Clair made excuse after excuse, Lola really doesn’t. She’s constantly thinking about what she should be doing. She knows from the beginning she could have Cricket Bell if she wanted him, but she’s not sure if she wants him or Max. St. Clair knew who he wanted and didn’t want to act in case he ended up alone. I will say that I did enjoy his advice to Lola about making the right choice, and that’s pretty much the only good thing to come out of the romantic drama of Anna. Lola also never allows anyone else to take the blame for her part in things being a mess. That’s just how Lola is and I love it.Then there’s Cricket Bell. He is the anti-St. Clair in just about every way. He’s really tall (6’4″ not counting the hair), goofy, socially awkward, and, at least at this time, very open with his feelings. Cricket Bell is the best and most reliable friend you’ll ever have. He puts others before himself consistently, which is basically his largest character flaw. As Lola and the Boy Next Door stresses, they really complement one another. Yes, I ship it. Yes, the fact that she hated him for much of the book didn’t hurt my shippitude.Why only four stars when I thought everything was fantastic? I know, I know. See, I did love it. But also I just didn’t get the feels the way that I do in my 4.5 and 5 star reads. I never fell into the book and forgot I was reading. I never got vicarious butterflies. For some reason I never got to that I SHIP IT LIKE BURNING place, you know? I do think I would get there on a reread. I suspect I was just so on my guard because I was afraid it would end up making me sad and disappointed in the end like Anna that the feels couldn’t really fully ignite.Possibly controversial opinion? Lola and the Boy Next Door far outpaces Anna and the French Kiss, and not just because I didn’t like the ship in the first book. It’s more well-rounded, more vibrant, and Cricket Bell is a far superior love interest. Also, anyone else really want a book about Calliope Bell? Because I do.

[vykic37 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Find this review and more at On The Shelf!This was my Random Read for January and I knew I was going to love this just because I loved Anna. This authoris an incredible writer and really knows how to put you in the shoes of her characters and feel exactly what they feel. Both of these books were so real and readers can easily relate to Anna and Lola. I also loved seeing Anna and St. Clair in this book. Lola is a wonderful character. She is smart, lively, fun and different; different in a very good way. I would love to meet someone like Lola. And Cricket? Who wouldn’t want to fall in love with the thoughful, sweet, hot next door boy? As for Max, at first I kind of liked him, but he became a jerk quickly. We have all made the mistake of being blinded by love, but when nobody liked the guy you’re with, then something is wrong. This story is set in San Fransisco, and because of this book, I really want to go, especially to see the wild parrots and the Japanese tea garden. It’s obvious that the author is very familiar with this area (she used to live there) and she portays it beautifully. The cover of the book is cute, it isn’t super fantastic, but it goes perfectly with the story becuse it really captures Lola and Cricket right down to the star on his left hand. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see St. Clair on the cover of Anna, so I’m very glad we got to see Cricket. I am definitely a die hard fan of Stephanie Perkins now and she is on my auto-buy list. I am very excited about her upcoming Isla, plus, next year, she is publishing a teen slasher novel and it will be really interesting to see how she does in that from romance. Aside from a few words missing from sentences in a couple of spots toward the end of the book, it was pretty near perfect. I loved it almost as much as I loved Anna! Beautiful setting, incredible characters, couldn’t put it down, LOVE!!

[marjorie.mallon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 stars. An enchanting book. Stephanie Perkins creates wonderfully captivating characters.This book surprised me, I didn't expect to enjoy it more than Anna and The French Kiss but I did. For all those teenage girls out there obsessed with fashion, and romance, this is the book for you. (My youngest daughter, would adore this book!)

**Spoilers**

Lola intends to go to her high school winter ball dressed as Marie Antoinette. Lola's parents, two gay guys, Nathan, and Andy, worry about Lola going out with Max, her rocker boyfriend as he is so much older than her. Nathan and Andy's devotion to Lola is touching. With the arrival of the Bell twins, Calliope, and Cricket, Lola's old feelings for Cricket, her first love, are rekindled. Cricket is so genuine and cute that Lola can't stop herself falling for him all over again. Lola's feelings for Max crumble and her confusion is relatable. It is a shock when she realises that Max is attracted to her child-like self. Lola is no longer willing to be a child. She is now a young woman, on the verge of discovering her identity. Will she go to the ball? She looks at herself in the mirror, and suddenly feels lost in her elaborate costume. Her wig is over the top, dwarfing her personality. Who is Lola? She despairs. Cricket comes to her rescue in the most wonderful way. He enables the Lola that he loves to go to the ball, and then proves that he is "the one," by re-inventing her, and giving her the most beautiful gift that anyone could possibly imagine.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lola is a girl trying to figure out who she is ... she has big style and she's got an older boyfriend that her dads really don't like. And then her old crush moves back in next door. Lola is a bit of a mess working through her feelings, but I liked the ending where she does finally figure out who she really is.

[simplykelina · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The title for this book is perfect since it really is about Lola and the boy next door. I want to say, I really enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss, but this was just boring to me. I still really enjoyed Stephanie Perkins writing and I plan to finish the series.I really liked how this started off. You have a mystery of how Cricket hurt Lola and then it is revealed how and it is such a disappointment. You also have a weird love triangle which one character was barely present except to bring the triangle to life. Max never stood a chance, even though I actually liked his character at times. I think his portrayal changes and it did not make sense. It starts off where he would do anything to please Lola and her parents and then instantly he becomes a character the author wants you to hate. I also did not love Cricket. I just could not connect with Lola or Cricket or their relationship. I was getting so bored with everything I had to skip ahead just to finish reading this. I had a love/hate relationship when St. Claire and Anna were mentioned. I feel they were also different characters than what I grew to love in Anna and the French Kiss. I will finish the next book, but I hope it is better than this one.

[winterdragon-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Lola and the Boy Next Door. As amazing, beautiful, and heartfelt as Anna and the French Kiss. Lola lives in San Francisco with her two dads (yes two dads which I find awesome), who has a love of fashion and dreams of being a fashion designer. Her life seems great with her friends, family, and her rocker boyfriend. But the Bell twins, Cricket and Calliope, come back into town and Lola is confronted with feelings she thought she left behind long ago. Along with her birth mother, who has never been stable in her life, coming back in need of help. Lola has to deal with the emotional roller coaster of first love, real love, and the love of family.

As beautifully written as Anna and the French Kiss. Lola and the Boy Next Door explores first loves, growing up, and the past coming back, with characters that are wonderfully written and completely believable. I don't know how Stephanie Perkins does it but she makes me fall in love with the story and characters, wishing them a happily ever after. But it's not just a simple romance story, her books are about the girls' lives and how they are navigating through the difficult process of growing up.

Lola and the Boy Next Door made me fall in love with Lola and Cricket like I did with Anna and Etienne. I cannot wait for the next, and final, book: Isla and the Happily Ever After.

5/5

[annhepburn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Between this and Anna and the French Kiss, Stephanie Perkins has proved herself as the master of slow-burn YA romance. This book kept me up until like 2am as the insane sexual tension builds and builds and I can't stop reading until they JUST KISS ALREADY. (And, sometime after 2am, they did, and it was sublime)

I hugged this book when I finished it. Bring on Isla and the Happily Ever After!

[heycaye · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It is not cool to lead someone on. Especially if you know that that person likes you. And most especially if you're dating someone else.

I hate Lola. There's something off about her. Sure, I like that she's creative with costumes and stuff, but really, in the love department she's.. almost evil. Poor Cricket!

Three things that made me like this book:
1) Cricket Bell, but that's not a good thing. Because guys like him do not exist. Or if they do, they are virtually rare. I don't know someone who's martyr enough to wait on someone he likes for several years and still follow her like a loyal puppy even though she has a boyfriend. Also, did I mention he's an inventor? And that he's good at hairstyling? Yeah, well. Liking Cricket Bell is like liking unicorns. And I like unicorns, so there's that.

2) Anna and Etienne. Gosh, these two are adorable. I'm glad I get to see them from time to time. And they definitely slam the Lola/Max and the Lola/Cricket couple. By a long shot.

3) Stephanie Perkins. I like her voice and she's one of my favorite authors. Although from time to time some subplots suck or are stupid, this fact helps me tolerate those things. Love you Steph.

[banoczi_henrietta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVED IT SO MUCH CRICKET WAS SO CUTE AND LOLA WAS AMAZING SHE'S ONE OF MY FAVOURITE FEMALE CHARACTERS I LOVE THIS SERIES

[melrailey-412132 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So now I've read two Stephanie Perkins books and I absolutely loved both of them. I think that she's one of those authors who I am going to read everything she ever writes. I realize that they're just cute little romance stories but they're so good. The heroines are lovable and relatable and the guys are just perfect. I fell in love with Cricket while reading this story. He was everything I would want in a guy. On top of that, Anna and St. Clair were in the story! It was so great getting to see more of those two characters and seeing them doing well and prospering in San Francisco. Truth be told, I wouldn't mind a sequel or a just a little novella telling me more about Anna and St. Clair and their life post Anna and the French Kiss. But back to Lola and the Boy Next Door, I loved it. It didn't touch all the same chords that Anna did but it was great and it hit a couple of different chords with me.

[emren_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Originally seen on Emily Reads Everything Wow.Just wow.I thought I hated Anna and the French Kiss until I wrote a review and realized that I had a lot to say about it. I actually liked it quite a bit, despite all my frustrations with it. After I finished my review, I knew I had to read the next one in the series. I had a completely different experience with Lola and the Boy Next Door. This book, I loved it right from the beginning. I inhaled this book and never wanted it to end.If I didn't like Anna because she was too much like me. I loved Lola because she's everything I'm not. Lola is bold, colorful and expressive. She never wants to wear the same thing twice. She loves to dress up in costumes to perform on the theatre that is her life. Lola has 2 dads, an amazing best friend and a hot older boyfriend who's in a band. That being said, I never liked Max. He was never good enough for Lola.Cricket was perfect too, despite his name. He was so nerdy and sweet. I loved how he knew exactly what he wanted the whole time and he wasn't afraid to say it. He has a lot going on in his life. I didn't think I would be able to love him more, and then I found out about his life with his sister Calliope. That made the whole story even sweeter. Cricket knows who he is and what he wants throughout the novel. Lola starts the novel thinking that her life is perfect. However, as things change she realizes that maybe she wants something entirely different. I love how Lola grows into her personality over the course of the book. The most important thing she learns is that she has to love herself first. Definitely a fantastic message and something that I'm still working on.If you like sweet romances, you will love this one!

[dasuzuki · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When Anna and the French Kiss came out everyone I knew raved about how awesome it was and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t rate as one of my favorite reads of the year. So when Lola and the Boy Next Door came out I was curious to read it but did not rush out to get it right away. In fact, it wasn’t until Stephanie Perkins came out for a book signing (and she is fabulous to listen to if you ever have the chance to meet her!) that I read the book. I finished it in one day and though others said it didn’t live up to Anna and the French Kiss I thought it surpassed it...See my full review at Debbie's World of Books

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really loved Anna and the French Kiss and was just as impressed with Lola and the Boy Next Door. I adored the quirky characters, the sweet romance, and just how very feel good this book was. I read this book in one sitting over a couple hours and just loved it.I enjoyed Lola and her crazy need to dress up in costumes every day; something I can relate to and something I totally understand. It was interesting how some people accused her of hiding from herself and others applauded her for being unique. I love dressing up in stuff that is really different and can totally relate to how she had to deal with everyone’s judgement.I also really enjoyed Cricket as a character; I love his quirky inventiveness and the fact that he was going into engineering school. He was a fun character to read about. As an engineer, I love reading about other budding engineers. The chemistry between him and Lola was very sweet and I enjoyed them both so much.The San Francisco setting was well done and intriguing. I also enjoyed the fact that Lola’s parents were a couple of gay men; I love that this book shows how two people in a loving relationship can make great parents no matter what their sex or background.Overall this book just resonated with me on a number of levels and I ended up absolutely adoring it. This was one of those feel good books that left me feeling happy and hopeful when I finished it. I really enjoyed it and will be picking up Isla and the Happily Ever After soon to read. Recommended to those who enjoy quirky YA contemporary romance set in a fun location.

[stiina.sild · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Five stars is too little. It is a amazing book. I can´t wait for Isla and the Happy ever after to come out. Really great book.

[bookslesstravelled · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cover: Cute
Rating: 4 Stars
Overall: A cute romance story
Characters: Fun and charming
Plot: When the boy who broke her heart moves back in the house next door, Lola must decide what she wants in life.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Favorite Character: Cricket
Source: I own

I loved Anna and the French Kiss, so I had to give this one a read. At first I wasn't sure what to think. It started out...chaotic. Not necessarily in a bad way, but first her boyfriend Max reminded me on my one and only ex...(still hard to type that) Then she has two dads, which I didn't mind, but with that introduced early on, I really wasn't sure what else the book was going to throw out there. It wasn't until the line: "'Hi' Cricket grinned." that I was fully hooked! As soon as Cricket is introduced I loved him and his odd, quirky ways! From that line on, I was crazy about this book and couldn't put it down! While I still like St. Clair and Anna a little more, I absolutely adored this couple!

[leahlo89 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So sweet. It brought out my inner angsty teenage girl.

[paper_dreams · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I, like so many others, absolutely adored Anna & the French Kiss. I am talking head-over-heels in love, so it should be no surprise that I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Lola & the Boy Next Door. I pre-ordered it from Amazon (which is rare for me) and paid the extra shipping to get it the day it was released (even rarer). To say I was excited about this book would be an understatement. The marvelous part of this story is that this book did not let me down, at all.Once again Stephanie Perkins has created a story with a fantastic cast of characters. I adored Lola. She reminded me a lot of myself, but with so much more courage than I have ever had. I admired her flair for the dramatic and how she was not afraid to dress how ever she felt like dressing. Crickett. Ah Crickett. He is adorable, awkward, and an all around sweet guy. He is not St. Clair, but that is in no way a bad thing. He is all his own, and I am definitely in love. Lola’s dads were amazing! I loved them both so much. The way their personalities played off of and complemented each other show a fantastic example of a good, strong relationship. I cannot discuss the characters of Lola without mentioning Anna & St. Clair. I was so excited to see them show up and to show up repeatedly. They play an actual role in the story, and their appearance is not of the blink-and-you’ll-miss it type. I think I loved them even more after reading this.I am not even sure what to say about the story, except to say that I loved it. The relationships that are built within its pages are just so real. Crickett’s struggle to accept his family’s past and step out of his twin’s shadow rings so true. Lola broke my heart as she tries to come to terms with love and her own identity in the world. The later scenes with her and Max are particularly emotional. The struggle of Lola’s dads to let Lola grow up and not to constantly worry she would turn out like her birth mother, it felt absolutely real. Every part of this novel felt so real to me, that it was impossible not to be swept away with the emotions of the story.What can I say….I am a diehard, crazy fangirl of Stephanie Perkins!! This book is just as quirky, dramatic, adorable, and good as Anna & the French Kiss. While I still may like Anna better overall, I fell in love with Lola & the Boy Next Door. I think fans of Anna will happily enjoy this as well. I would also recommend it to fans of books by authors like Sarah Dessen or Deb Caletti.

[bookchellef · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Posted on Book Chelle.*I do not think I will have any spoilers, but just be warned anyway*I longed for Lola since I first heard that there were ARCs going around. I saw copies at BEA, and then at Comic-Con. There was so much positive feedback that the anticipation was getting out of hand. You see, I loved Anna and the French Kiss. I hadn’t felt that way about a love story in a really long time. There was something so simple, yet so complicated about the relationship between Anna and Etienne. And from what I had heard, Lola had the promise to make me feel the same way.I had pre-ordered a hardcover and the ebook from Amazon. I had to make sure that at least one of the copies would find its way to me. Once I received Lola, I stopped everything to start reading. And once I started, I could not stop. The magic that Stephanie Perkins’ words casts on me is surreal. Her stories are memorable, making a lovely picnic in my heart.In Perkins’ second book, Lola and the Boy Next Door, we meet the magnificent Lola. Raised by her two dads in a prominent neighborhood of San Francisco, seventeen year-old Lola definitely knows who she is. Lola oozes cool. From her collection of wigs with colors that has the rainbow jealous, she compliments each look with a design creation of her own. She loves fashion, her rocker boyfriend, Max, and everything about her life.But one Sunday morning, her happy world is disrupted by several moving boxes. No, it wasn’t another tenant renting the house. Unfortunately for Lola, the Bells were back, and along with them, Cricket. Cricket was one of her first friends. Cricket was the first boy that she loved. Cricket was the first boy who broke her heart. How could she live with him next door?*hugs book*I loved this book. Lola and the Boy Next Door was everything that everyone said it would be. There were so many different components that made it so easy to love. Perkins did a fantastic job, once again, with the story progression and pacing of the story. She had me with Lola’s eccentric wardrobe, all the way through the end. There are so many things to say how awesome this book is.I related to Lola more than Anna, but I can’t really say I like it more. It’s hard to compare the two books. While the subject is still about first love, Perkins approaches love from a different point of view. While Anna was a fast type of love, Lola was about a love that was nurtured over time. I guess that same type of love also reflected between her two dads, and in some cases, with her mom.Lola is a brilliant character, strong and quirky, but also so innocent at seventeen. While she has this brave facade on the outside, she really is soft and vulnerable inside. And at seventeen, weren’t we all the same way? Perkins captured the essence of a teenager filled with angst, who disagreed with her parents and pushed every boundary, but still sought out love and emotional support.Cricket is awkwardly intelligent, and okay I can say socially challenged. He is adorable and cute, and definitely the perfect boy next door. I can’t say that much about him without really giving a spoiler or two away.In this world of wonderful supporting characters, you will find, in Lola and the Boy Next Door, that two familiar faces shows up. Anna and Etienne play some key parts in this book. I must admit, seeing them gave me the warmth of two friends that I have longed to see. The relationship between these two are effortless and perfect, and offers a good friendship for Lola.When you read this book, please have tissue. Perkins will tug on your heart slowly, and when you least expect it, the tears will fall. She captures the essence of first love so perfectly. I was warped back to the time of my first crush, love, everything. Perkins does it again with her second novel, and has reaffirmed why she is one of my favorite authors.If you haven’t read Lola and the Boy Next Door (or Anna and the French Kiss), please do so today. You will soon find your love for Perkins’ writing and the characters she has created.

[emma_manolis · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I realized when I was about halfway through this novel that I had neglected to read Anna and the French Kiss. Whoops. I’m not quite sure if reading that novel first would have influenced this review or not.

Lola. Honestly, I didn’t quite like her. She has some serious self-esteem issues. She deals with these issues the way a lot of girls do, by overcompensating in dress and action in an attempt for attention. I find her to be incredibly immature and a tad selfish. I’ve never related to that type of person and I probably never will.

On the other hand, I loved Cricket. He is incredibly intelligent, talented and kind. I can understand why Lola would feel inadequate. (Not because I didn’t like her but because Cricket possesses quite a lot of admirable traits.)

I loved the fact that this novel takes place in Frisco. I found myself pausing to just think about my own time in the city.
Anna and her boy are featured in this novel. I really like the idea of incorporating previous characters in supporting roles.

The story was predictable, but that isn’t a bad thing. It’s comparable to any decent chic flick. I would probably recommend this to someone who maybe doesn’t like reading but loves the fluffy romance. It’s an easy light read.

The cover seriously needs to be reevaluated. I almost didn't read the novel because I found the cover to be so sub-par. It looks old school to me and not in a good way.

I'm rating this 3 stars because it really wasn't anything special to me. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. I probably won't think about it again past this review.

[mrsdanaalbasha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Budding costume designer Lola lives an extraordinary life in San Francisco with her two dads and beloved dog, dating a punk rocker, but when the Bell twins return to the house next door Lola recalls both the friendship-ending fight with Calliope, a figure skater, and the childhood crush she had on Cricket.

[Wednesday, February 29, 2012] First of all I loved the book but I loved Anna and the French Kiss more. It was amazing seeing Etienne and Anna again, though Paris as a setting is much more exciting then San Fransisco. I loved the fortune-telling scene and I like the Bell's twins names, they are unique. Lola is so gaga, but she's more romantic and sensitive under all the layers.

This book shocked me, because Cricket and Lola are so much like my guy and myself. Like when she says: "I'm not interested in making what's easy. I'm interested in making what's beautiful." That's so me!

"There's something about blue eyes. The kind that startles you every time they're lifted in your direction. The kind of blue that makes you ache for them to look at you again. Not blue green or blue gray, the blue that's just blue." That's so like my boyfriend. I always think that, how I love his piercing eyes.

Beside him being tall, with soft crazy hair and blue eyes, they are alike in the way they love. In the way they respect their girl and the passion they feel. Even the scene of him brushing her hair is there in our history. This book is a favorite too, now.

[ms_rowse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Because I am a sucker for romance novels that don't make me gag...and this one did not make me gag. Loved it, just like I loved Anna and the French Kiss, just like I'm pretty sure I'll love Isla and the Happily Ever After (which is on my coffee table as I type this). Much better option than watching The Bachelorette tonight.

[mirandalg14 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

While not horrible in any specific way, I just didn't get the same feelings of attachment with this one as I did with the first.

[anaesteves-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Stephanie I want moooore! Lola is so peculiar and people don't get why she's like that but she's a treasure, a very beautiful treasure!
Once more Perkins is able to play with social diferences and amaze everyone with her writing.

[mlake_22 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a great teen read. Lola is a typical teen with all the issues included. She is sometimes selfish, sometimes generous and all the time trying to figure out who Lola really is. I liked this book and I liked Lola.

[inessova · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

As much as I loved Anna and the french kiss, I was really disappointed with this book.
There are several things I didn't like about it, the most important one is Lola!!
What's up with this girl. She was whiny, selfish and excentric. I felt really sorry for Max and I thought he was right in everything he said about her (harsh but true).
Plus, I really disliked the way her family and friends treated her, like she was perfect. She's not! and only Max loved her despite her flaws.

The second thing I didn't like was Anna and Etienne's relationship. I found them different than what they were in the first book. I couldn't recognize the characters.

The only bright spot was Cricket. He was awesome apart from his name of course. Who names their child Cricket!!! But I really loved him. He was nice, honest, smart and so cute, but he was kind of blinded by his feelings for her and only saw the "good". Anyway, I felt like I lost a day of my life reading this.

[beearedee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dear Stephanie Perkins,
Thank you for including Anna and Etienne in this story without drowning out Lola's story. Thank you for adding them to the story but also making us know at all times that this is Lola's stories and not an extension of Anna's. You wrote San Francisco as wonderfully as you wrote Paris and sure, there isn't a beautiful Eiffel Tower or old creepy cemetery, but you didn't need that to make this story beautiful. Thank you for making Lola different than Anna. Lola is her own person and I'm sure Isla is too. Lola and Anna are two completely different people. I was worried that I would feel like I was reading the same book two times in a row, but I knew I wasn't. I could tell the obvious differences between Lola and Anna. So thank you for making different characters so so many different girls can feel connected to the characters. A books for an A author.

Dear Lola Nolan,
Thank you for always being yourself. Thank you for being faithful. You are a fun character. You made me laugh. You made me cry. I felt like I could easily be your friend. Lola, you are smart and strong. You know what you want and you go get it. There were times where I wasn't sure that we would get along, especially when you were rude to Calliope but that's my only complaint. Other than that, you were the perfect character for a perfect book. I can't wait to hang out with you again.

Dear Cricket Bell,
*blushes* hi. Thanks for being literally perfect. You're the closest thing to a book boyfriend I've ever had. You're nice and funny and just try to make everyone happy. You're kinda goofy but in a totally sweet way. You and Lola are adorable. You get along so well but you also have your differences and I like that about you two. Thank you for loving Lola and letting her be herself.

Dear Lola and Cricket,
THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR TIME. This was not insta-love. I could feel the relationship growing slowly and it made me so happy when you two finally got together. Can I see more relationships like yours? This was a healthy and fun relationship that just filled me with joy and happiness and the way new puppies make me feel.

Seriously, if you like fun, witty characters that aren't super insta-lovey: this is the book for you! I am so glad that I read this book.Still crying about not having Isla yet, though. This is such a fun series. One of my top series I've read this year.

I should mention that you should probably read Anna and the French Kiss prior to reading this. They are companion novels, but it just fits better if you read Anna before!

[kelsey.hintzman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book. I have discovered a massive love for Stephanie Perkins and her writing. Her characters can wring so many emotions out of you in one sitting, that you sit there afterwards staring into space, wondering what just happened.

Lola was an adorable book, one that I adore. I was flip-flopping between frustration, love, upset, and cooing at the two main characters' cuteness. I finished the book, and just sat there hugging it, sort of giddy. When an author manages to bring this out of me, they have me for life.

Lola was such a quirky character, which made her intriguing. She has a passion for dressing in costumes and bright colors that I just adore; I sometimes I wish I had more of her spunk. She lives with her two fathers, who have raised her since birth. We find out more about her story as the book goes on. We find out in the beginning of the book that she is dating Max, a 22 year old wannabe rock singer (she's 17). Their whole relationship completely pissed me off, for the most part because he is a jerk (I called him much worse in my head, believe me). Their relationship bothered me on so many levels, mostly because she felt like, if she changed for him, he would still want to be with her; he was supposed to be "the one". I had so many issues with that.

When the Bell twins return to the neighborhood, things get interesting and emotions get messy. When I first met Cricket, that just increased my loathing for Max; I kept asking myself when she and Max would break up and she would get together with Cricket. Oh Cricket. I loved Cricket; he was such a shy, sweet guy, someone I would love to have for myself. I love how patient he is with her, how he waits for her to figure things out, and how he engineers things for her. They were completely adorable. I won't say anymore because I don't want to ruin the book.

All I will say is that you will love this book. The characters are adorable, the story sucks you in, and before you know it, it's over and you just stare ahead of you chanting in your head "i love this book, i love this book".

[mirandar18 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Compared to Anna and the French Kiss, this was just awful. The only aspect I loved was Lola's dads and how they parented. However I found Lola to be unbearable and the story to be predictable.

[aly_locatelli · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Oofft. Well, that was a handful.

So whilst reading this book, a discussion formed in my head. It went a little something like this:

Me: How can someone be so selfish without getting repeatedly punched in the face? And how can someone call their child Cricket?!

Lola: HEY. I'm not entirely selfish. Just like with my costumes, I express myself in ways other people don't understand.

Me: Express yourself? How is dating a hot-to-trot guy like Max, yet stringing Cricket along at the same time, expressing yourself? Is it a public protest against commitment?

Lola: *huffs* Well, no. But as a teenager, I went through a phase of confusion!

Me: Confusion? Okay. Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, when I was, say, around 7 years old, my dad took me to Hamley's (for those who don't know, Hamley's is a huge six-storey toy store in London) and he said I could have ONE toy. So up and down we went, scouring all the shelves (and floors) for the perfect toy to complete our mini holiday in London. After an hour and a half (it takes you at least that long to look at everything) I became confounded. In one hand, I had the newest Christmas edition Barbie and in the other, the complete set of Polly Pockets. I wanted them both but with prices being what they were, my father could only afford one.

So this is what he said, "If you're in a state of confusion, torn between two things, uncertain about which one you want, don't pick either one."

Lola: Are you comparing my complicated love life to toys?!

Me: Tell me I'm wrong!

Lola: Yo--

Me: Go on! SAY IT! Say, "No, Aly, YOU'RE WRONG."

Lola: I--

Me: Saaaaay it!

Lola: Look--

Me: I KNEW IT. I KNEW YOU COULDN'T SAY IT. BECAUSE I'M RIGHT.

Lola: *glares daggers and crosses arms* You don't understand. Cricket was my first love! And Max was, well...

Me: Your first love, too? Or just your first? Because unlike ying and yang, one CAN exist without the other.

Lola: Is that your main problem with the book? My love life?

Me: No, I had a few more problems with the book (although I still liked it), here's a list:

NAMES: The names are STUPID. S.T.U.P.I.D. Okay?
Calliope? Cricket? Really? Did Perkins exhaust the baby-name book trying to look for something? WAS IT REALLY TOO HARD TO CALL HIM STEVEN? OR ROGER? OR EVEN JIM?

Lola: Um...

Me:

YOUR DRESS SENSE: Perkins tried SO HARD to make you look like the girl who isn't afraid to show her true colours (literally) that I cringed every time you described an outfit. Here are some personal favourites:

1) The picnic blanket dress. Obviously the shops didn't have a chequered dress that fulfilled your needs.

2) The Marie Antoinette dress. FOR PROM. Sure, it's a very innovative and exciting idea, but did you WANT TO GET LAUGHED AT? (Funny, actually, how the book ends there. Right as you guys get to prom. How convenient.)

3) Wigs. ALL the wigs. WHY WIGS? WHY NOT DYE YOUR HAIR?

Lola: You shouldn't judge someone by the way they dress!

Me: No, you're right. I shouldn't. But then you CRIED when Max said, "Honestly, I don't know who you are. Every time I see you, you're someone different. You're a liar, and you're a fake. Despite what you think, despite what your dads have told you, there is nothing special about you. You're just a little girl with a lot of issues."
How can you expect someone to take you seriously if you wear costumes every day of the year? Surely you realise that people won't take you seriously? It's the same thing when girls dress slutty and act confident, and no one takes them seriously, do they?

And my last problem was You're self centred and selfish. Oh no, Cricket dated when you two 'broke up' or whatever you want to call it, how DARE he not pine after your constantly? Oh no, Lindsey likes to spend time OUTSIDE of your world, how DARE she not revolve everything around you! Oh dear Lord, my dads are bitches because they don't like Max therefore won't let you have any privacy! HOW DARE THEY BE WORRIED? Oh no, your birth mother is a bitch, too, and she embarrasses you but NO UNDERSTANDS WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH! HOW DARE THEY HAVE A LIFE OUTSIDE OF LOLA-WORLD!

Lola: But I changed by the end of the book!

Me: Yes, you did, and that's why I'm saying I liked it. Although it's filled with weird names, dresses and weird priorities, I DID like the book. It was funny and uplifting and paced fast enough that I didn't lose interest halfway through. I think Stephanie Perkins could've done it better, because she has such brilliant potential and so many great ideas, that maybe this book wasn't quite up to scratch with my expectations, but I definitely liked it. I would definitely read it again, that's for sure.

Lola: *Simpers*

Me: Hey. Cut it out. I said I liked the BOOK, not YOU.

*FADE OUT*