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rnewk's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit, Grief, and Death of parent
alybrst's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thought it would be a 5 stars halfway through, but ended up at a solid 4.5 stars. Lost the 5 star status because of the last part. I think the make-up scene after the third act breakup was way too rushed and a little bit underwhelming, so I didn't feel satisfied. And I didn't like the fact that Wes brought Alex to the secret spot. Still a very good book overall with a strong main love interest. Find yourselves a Wes fr fr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
rachelshubin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Romance movie and musical perfection. Such a sweet YA with all the pining and none of the crazy “new adult” vibes. Definitely a fresh breath of air. I love Lynn Painter’s writing and somehow she may even do YA better than NA?
It also dealt with the very real reality of grief/step parent in such a delicate and great matter.
Also all the bonus content on her website that goes with this book is fabulous!
It also dealt with the very real reality of grief/step parent in such a delicate and great matter.
Also all the bonus content on her website that goes with this book is fabulous!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident
vj_thompson's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I regret not reading this sooner 💕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use
thesetofu's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief
gingeroftheshelves's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I needed a little cheesy ya romance and Better than the Movies fulfilled this desire. I now want to watch a ton of romcoms and write my own romance story.
Much of this story reminded me of Morgan Matson's books, specifically Since You've Been Gone aka my favorite YA novel of all time. It felt so nostalgic reading Better than the Movies .
I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Liz did bother me with her lying, especially at the beginning, but her growth was great. I just want to read more about Wes and Liz (please someone tell me how I can read the novella/extra chapters). Lynn Painter did a wonderful job capturing the minds and actions of high school seniors. They were immature at times, but an immaturity that reflected on how I was as a highschooler.
I'd be interested in how this book ages, specially in Liz's song references. I didn't love a lot of the songs she references. I felt most of the songs/artists will be recognizable for future generations, but artists like Bazzi?? Bazzi?? Sure this book was published two years ago, but the songs feel dated even for then. Particularly, Painter's choice to end the book on "Cue Bazzi" (before the epilogue) was one so cringeworthy that I am considering taking a sharpie to the line. It truly brings you out of the story. The ending was perfect without it. Sorry for all the Bazzi hate, but I don't understand why Painter worships him on holy ground.
Besides some of the music reference choices, Painter accurately reflects a high schooler's experience. The novel really embraces all the feelings of watching a romcom.
Much of this story reminded me of Morgan Matson's books, specifically Since You've Been Gone aka my favorite YA novel of all time. It felt so nostalgic reading Better than the Movies .
I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Liz did bother me with her lying, especially at the beginning, but her growth was great. I just want to read more about Wes and Liz (please someone tell me how I can read the novella/extra chapters). Lynn Painter did a wonderful job capturing the minds and actions of high school seniors. They were immature at times, but an immaturity that reflected on how I was as a highschooler.
I'd be interested in how this book ages, specially in Liz's song references. I didn't love a lot of the songs she references. I felt most of the songs/artists will be recognizable for future generations, but artists like Bazzi?? Bazzi?? Sure this book was published two years ago, but the songs feel dated even for then.
Besides some of the music reference choices, Painter accurately reflects a high schooler's experience. The novel really embraces all the feelings of watching a romcom.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Car accident
dewdroplet's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Not being a teenager, at first I thought I wouldn't enjoy this book about teenagers, but it was a good read. I'm ranking it based on the YA genre it's in. It was a really cute, lovable story that gave me butterflies and had me rooting for the the two to be together. The plot and conflicts made sense, which is always great.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
ceedy's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit and Grief
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
bertrandlm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
americattt's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
“Because of things like car accidents and lost loves, life and death and broken hearts, we should grab every moment and absolutely devour the good parts.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent