LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins became a bit of a debut author sensation in late 2010/early 2011 with her contemp YA romance ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS. There is just so much to love about that novel -- the setting (France), the characters (realistically flawed yet entirely likable), the writing (smooth, palatable, fresh), and the story (quirky and fun yet emotionally deep).

And apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so. Both ANNA and LOLA have been nominated for the 2012 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults award. Amazing.

Check out this review of LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR from Kirkus:

 "Perkins avoids the second-novel curse with a delectable companion to her debut hit . . . she embeds a tour of San Francisco culture throughout the snappy storyline. And steamy kisses and tingly touches? There are still plenty of those, too."

There is also a lot to love about Stephanie herself. She has previously worked as both a bookseller and a librarian. DOUBLE WIN. And how can you not be drawn to someone with blue-streaked hair? (check out her official bio and blue streaks here) She has a way about her that just makes you want to read her books. For example, here is her personal invitation to pre-order LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR, which releases on Thursday, September 29 (only 2 more days!):


"Isn't it pretty? It definitely inspires pre-ordering. When I look at that cover, I say: "Man! I could use six or seven of those."

As do I, Stephanie. I mean... how many girls on book covers have purple hair and a cute guy at their side? That in itself makes me want to line my mantle with "six or seven of those" luscious books. (I'm offering bonus interior decorating tips today. You're welcome.)

And we haven't even gotten to what's inside the book yet -- the story. Let's remedy that right now, shall we?

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.

Can you say CRUSH WORTHY? This novel seriously has my heart all a-flutter. If you feel the same way, here's what you can do to show it:
And let Stephanie know, too! According to her the best way to give her a quick shout-out is through Twitter: @naturallysteph.

Happy Reading!
~Lydia

8 comments:

Laura Pauling said...

I loved this book! Can't wait to read Lola. :)

Meredith McCardle said...

I can't wait to read this! You have me even more excited now!

Unknown said...

:) I loved Anna, and I'm so excited to read Lola!!

We Heart YA said...

We loved Anna and we're definitely planning to get our hands on Lola. Isla too, for that matter. ;)

The Writer said...

I'm reading Anna right now! So excited for Lola!

Anonymous said...

I have been anticipating this release for so long, I cannot wait to read Lola.

Victoria said...

I haven't read ANNA yet, but I really want to. Now I want to read LOLA, too!

Coleen Patrick said...

Just put a hold on the book at the library! Thanks!

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