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A review by gingeroftheshelves
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
- 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