Scan barcode
katievallin's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, Death of parent, and Vomit
Minor: Alcohol, Medical content, and Cursing
emily_grace2007's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident and Grief
apaolillo24's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Vomit and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
filipacmiranda's review against another edition
4.0
I'm surprised to say I found Better than the Movies to be an enjoyable read!
Let's start with my least favourite part. Liz was annoying and not-so-nice (especially towards her best friend and family). She spent the whole time making excuses, lying and omitting information simply because she couldn't manage to care about anyone else's feelings. I understand grief is powerful, but it shouldn't excuse all kinds of crappy behaviour.
Despite this, the rom-com and music references were a good choice by Painter, giving the book a deeper meaning. The main character's need to soundtrack all her experiences was relatable, and the romance was cute. I think Liz and Wes's growing friendship allowed her realisation of love to be believable.
The book would have gained a lot from having both Wes and Liz's perspectives, mainly because he was the better part of this duo. I would have really liked to read about his thoughts on the whole thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Car accident
nightowlreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Car accident
anya_sa2009's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
Really great read, I started it in the middle of the day, and finished it at 11:00pm. Loveable characters, funny Yang extremely “swoon worthy”. I would definitely reccomend this book to those who prefer a light-hearted, sweet, romance. (If you’re a romcom fan, this book if for you). 🫶🏽
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Vomit, Car accident, Death of parent, and Blood
kamrynkoble's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
First of all, this is on me—I did not remember that this was YA before I read it. I don’t think I was in the mood for high school drama and I’m sure that affects my enjoyment of it.
It was cute, but a little too tropie for my tastes (and aware of it. They literally called themselves enemies-to-lovers). There were also too many pop culture references for my taste, and ones that I think will make this seem dated in two years.
Liz is a teenager, so I’ll try to show her some grace, but she’s a little too “not like other girls” for my preferences. We get it, your prom dress has pockets.
I did like her arc, and was glad she had some good natural consequences for her behavior as well as satisfying resolution. This was cute, and I’d definitely recommend it to others who like a sweet, tropie high school romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident
katerina_l's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Car accident, and Death of parent
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: Grief, Blood, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Death, and Cursing
Moderate: Bullying, Alcohol, Car accident, and Medical content
Minor: Drug use