A Rollercoaster of Expectations: Navigating Lola and the Boy Next Door
You know that exhilarating feeling when you finally get your hands on a book you’ve been eagerly anticipating? That buzz of excitement mixed with a hint of anxiety? That was me with Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Having loved Anna and the French Kiss, I thought I was all set for another charming ride. But, much like the mixed reactions to the seventh Harry Potter book, my experience with Lola took a turn I didn’t see coming.
From the outset, Lola Nolan is anything but typical. With her wild, extravagant sense of fashion and a boyfriend who seems straight out of a rock band, she should’ve been delightful. However, I found myself grappling with feelings of frustration rather than the warm, whimsical delight I had hoped for. Perkins crafts Lola with a quirky charm, but her self-obsession makes it difficult to connect. I mean, who wants to read about a main character who treats her friends (and boyfriend) like disposable accessories? It became a chore to push through the pages where Lola’s selfishness overshadowed what could have been a fun, light-hearted romance.
And let’s talk about the love interests. Wherever there’s a boy next door, we expect a sweet story, right? Unfortunately, Cricket, the “perfect guy,” barely scratched the surface of what could have been a genuine romance. Instead, he comes off as the one-dimensional puppy dog, easily overshadowed by Lola’s chaotic world. It was almost painful to watch the author pit these characters against each other in ways that felt forced, as if to amplify Lola’s flaws rather than illuminate her journey.
The writing style? Perkins’ signature humor is definitely present, but it’s sprinkled too thinly across the narrative. In moments where Anna’s world felt rich and alive, Lola’s story seemed to lack the same vibrancy. I craved depth and substance as much as I did the foamy cotton candy of a YA romance. Clichés emerged where freshness might have thrived, leaving me craving the delightful charm I previously experienced in Perkins’ work.
However, I cannot deny some bright spots. The supporting cast—though at times overshadowed—add a glimmer of intrigue, yet they ultimately serve as mere props in Lola’s convoluted story arc. Every time Anna and St. Clair made an appearance, it was a bittersweet reminder of what I missed from their shining narrative. Those characters had an ease and grace that lulled my heart into a swoon I didn’t find in Lola’s escapades.
In conclusion, while Lola and the Boy Next Door may resonate with readers who enjoy a chaotic, whimsical tone and a love story filled with drama, it pales in comparison to its predecessor. For those who relish quirky characters and fashion-forward narratives, this story certainly has potential. Yet, as someone who hoped for the charm found in Anna, it felt more like a forced romp than a natural, heartfelt journey.
Despite my disappointment, I can’t help but appreciate the experience of diving into Lola’s world; even if it wasn’t what I expected, every story has its lessons. Perhaps this book will work a little better for those who love their protagonists imperfect and their relationships messy. For me, however, it’s a sigh and a gentle reminder that not all sequels live up to their acclaim. Happy reading, everyone!
Discover more about Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss, #… on GoodReads >>