A review by nyquillll
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Quick thoughts: the plot dragged on in a lot of parts and was very predictable - which I guess makes sense considering the whole book references famous movies. 

I did like the gradual development of the relationship between the two MCs, but I am not particularly fond of

third act “breakups”

, so that I could’ve gone without. I also wish the resolution had lasted more than 1.5 chapters so we had more of their dynamic together to enjoy before the story ended.

I did really like that the book covered the complexity of grief, confusing and complex teenage feelings, navigating how to move forward but not move on from the death of a parent, being okay with accepting more love from people around you (even stepmoms), balancing romantic interests and friends (learning from those mistakes), and the danger of being so wrapped up in idealized versions of reality that we miss what’s right in front of us. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief and Death of parent

Here are some quotes I highlighted:

"Mind if I read over your shoulder? I'm bored."

"But, like, what does that mean, really? Unless my goal is just to sit and stare at her like someone would stare at an ocean or a mountain range, pretty is just a visual."

"Nothing. I'm too impatient to wait for a good segue."

"He'd been there since the beginning, living his life parallel to mine, but next year it would be different."

"You've always kind of done your own thing, Liz, and it's cool as shit."

"I don't like ketchup on my fries." "I don't even understand you, Wes."

"Did you ever know, Liz, that Wes used to sit on the back porch and listen to you practice piano?"

"His mom lets him park behind her car. He always pulled in his driveway, but then out of nowhere, right about the time you got your car, he started parking in the street."

"And when I see her, I don't feel like I have to talk to her or mess up her hair or do something - anything - to get her to swing that gaze on me."