Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Stephanie Perkins
2011, 338 pgs
Purchased Kindle

Book Summary 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 Belltwins, 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.

My Summary
Lola Nolan has a pretty awesome life. Two Dad’s who love her (even if they are a little strict), a great boyfriend (even if he is a little old for her) and an outrageous style that gives her a creative outlet. But things start to go downhill when the Bell twins return to the house next door. Calliope is a little snotty, but nothing Lola can’t handle – Cricket on the other hand brings up all kinds of confusing emotions for Lola and threatens the balance of her life.

I LOVED is book and Lola! I’m going to gush and it will be embarrassing. I loved that Lola’s dads were very important in her life and in the story. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the YA trend of missing parents. Lola’s boyfriend, Max, seems great – he puts up with the restrictions her father’s put on their relationship (Lola has to check in frequently and Max is required to attend weekly brunches with her fathers who aren’t always very friendly).

But even with really liking Max I fell in love with Cricket. Cricket is tall, a little gawky, but owns it and has a sense of style. He’s an inventor, but not confident in his abilities and totally supportive of Lola’s fashion and creations.

Here’s the main thing – I read this for the first time on March 22. I have now (1 month later) read it three times. I just can’t get enough of Lola and Cricket.

My Rating
9 out of 10 stars