lola and the boy next door 
 "I know you aren't perfect. But it's a person's imperfections that make them perfect for someone else." 
 Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins was everything I've ever wanted in a contemporary romance. From the boy next door aspect to the lgtbq+ accepting family, I was swooning the entire time. I wasn't exactly so sure how I was going to feel about this before reading, though. I know Stephanie Perkins is titled as the contemporary romance queen to some. I've read Anna and the French Kiss but I didn't have such strong feelings about it. It didn't disappoint me, but I didn't feel enough depth to it. It was just another cute romance to me. But, I was entirely fulfilled when finishing this one! The story follows a quirky teenager and her difficult relationships between her strict dads, her so obviously punk boyfriend, and her fascinating neighbors. 
 Our main character, Lola Nolan is out of the ordinary. She doesn't believe in outfit, she believes in costume. Lola is a costume designer living in the marvelous San Francisco. Due to how quirky she is, of course I'm going to love her. 
 Throughout the novel, I truly could picture myself in her shoes, as if I was going through the same situations she was in. Although, I felt as if she was naive when it came to her older boyfriend, Max. Considering what happened to their relationship, I can tell it was necessary. He was incredibly rude and ignorant, even in the beginning of the book. I knew it wasn't going to end well with him and i'm glad it ended the way it did. Lola's approach on it was so heartfelt and real. Despite how he treated her, she still showed emotion and mourning. I feel like that's important in books, to have the emotional depth as Stephanie Perkins gave her. There were a few chapters after the entire conflict with Max that just tore my heart into pieces. I felt goosebumps reading those scenes, as I could relate. 
 Soon enough, Calliope and Cricket were put into the picture. They'd lived next to each other before, but because of Calliope's career in iceskating, they had to move. By the way, Calliope's entire character nearly drove me crazy. Even near the end where you were supposed to forgive her, I couldn't let myself. But when they do move back, I think it was love at first read when Cricket was introduced. A tall, handsome yet dorky boy who she has known all her life. I live for the neighbor aspect. I think a part of me died when they'd talk to each other through their windows. I know I definitely died when he mentioned the Physics project he had made for them to talk to each other through the windows. 
 Did I mention he's an absolute Physics nerd? I'm currently taking Physics and I just loved being able to relate to his interest in inventing. Although Cricket wasn't extremely confident in his ability, i'm glad Lola comforted him and tried to make him realize that just because his sister is successful doesn't mean he can't be too. God, I loved this book entirely. Lola and Cricket had a wonderful relationship. I mean, I can't help but say it was just absolutely perfect. 
 Another significant point in the novel was her family. I feel like both her dad's relationships with Lola's mother gave the book so much more depth. It really pulled the novel together. Her mother was distant due to her drinking and personality. She just needed to get her life together and in a better place. But, no matter what, Lola's parents were there to help her. They'd give her the support she needed. Lola was obviously bothered by it, but it was clear she understood the point. 
 Not to mention, Anna and St. Clair were brought into this novel and they were just lovely! They were that couple who've clearly been dating awhile and are so annoyingly too cute. 
 To conclude this book review, Stephanie Perkins actually made me feel several emotions while reading this book (which I did in one sitting, actually.) I believe she wanted to make a point on how we see ourselves, separately. As Rupaul says, "if you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?" Our main conflict in this story is Lola dealing with who she wants to be. She was aware that she's empty but she wants to fix this on her own. She doesn't want to use a mask to cover it up forever, she wants to become her own person and to know herself well. I love that there wasn't an instant solution to this problem. When she realized this, my heart ached. I realized how I feel the same and how I need to fix it by myself. Overall, I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. It's so important what Stephanie conveys through each character in this book. I would recommend this to anyone looking for depth in a contemporary romance, love between neighbors, or simply where the protagonist has been in love with another character for such a long time. I was beyond impressed and fulfilled after finishing this novel! I just wish I could experience it once again. I know i'll pick up the next companion novel. Fingers crossed that Lola and Cricket make a cameo! 
 Looking to purchase this book and read it yourself? Find it on several links such as Booksamillion, Amazon and Barnes and Noble! 
 Find this review on my blog, Uponthepages!