May 16, 2011

Don't Stop Now - Julie Halpern






Young Adult
Don't Stop NowPages: 240
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: June 7, 2011


On the first day of Lillian’s summer-before-college, she gets a message on her cell from her sort-of friend, Penny. Not only has Penny faked her own kidnapping, but Lil is the only one who figures it out. She knows that Penny’s home life has been rough, and that her boyfriend may be abusive. Soon, Penny’s family, the local police, and even the FBI are grilling Lil, and she decides to head out to Oregon, where Penny has mentioned an acquaintance. And who better to road-trip across the country with than Lil’s BFF, Josh. But here’s the thing: Lil loves Josh. And Josh doesn’t want to “ruin” their amazing friendship.
Josh has a car and his dad’s credit card. Lil has her cellphone and a hunch about where Penny is hiding. There’s something else she needs to find: Are she and Josh meant to be together?

I LOVED every bit of this! Just loved it. The writing was easy-going and witty and fully enjoyable. The book was so fun without been cliched or repetitive. We have the unexpected road trip that *may* put things in motion between Josh and Lil, who have been best friends for years. I always love the bff turned love interest. It's so real it reminds me of a personal experience. One that I'm sure many of us have in mind because I'm sure everyone has/will crush on someone who only considers you a friend at some point. Julie describes the insecurities and awkwardness perfectly. All the double-meaning interactions and the friendly gestures that make you want to melt inside. Ah, it was so cool to be in love with Josh through Lil.

Also, after every other chapter there are diary entries written by Penny (Lil's friend who faked her own kidnapping and the reason of the unexpected road trip) so you also have a subplot of sorts from Penny's eyes and what's going on with her, but you also get to see Josh and Lil from a different perspective. That really added to the story.

And then there's the actual trip. I have to admit I have not read many road trip books. Nor have I been in a road trip myself. With that said, I feel I have. Lil's descriptions of the places and Julie Halpern's pictures on her website have created a perfect mental image. They went to The House on the Rock, Mars Cheese Castle, Wall Drug and so many awesome places.

It was just such a cool book. THE perfect summer read. I highly recommend it.


6 comments:

  1. I definitely can't WAIT to read this one... it seems like it will be a fun read, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it!

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  2. I will most definitely read this one now! It comes out soon, which is good because I can't wait to read it! Thanks for the great review!

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  3. Sounds like I need this book in my life! I love a road trip book, and it sounds quirky :)

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  4. Oh I am so jealous that you have read this one already. I had it on one of my WoW's recently and so excited about it. Good to know that you loved it. Cannot wait to read it too.

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  5. I think I'll get this one. Road trip, perfect summer read.. all these things you said are telling me I need to read it. Thanks for the review!

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