Reviews with content warning for Car accident - Better Than the Movies

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

nightowlreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

anya_sa2009's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

kamrynkoble's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

katerina_l's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

rachelshubin's review

Go to review page

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!

Content Warnings

vj_thompson's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

gingeroftheshelves's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

More...