“Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter is a delightful YA romance novel that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The book is a heartwarming and charming read that is sure to appeal both, fans of the genre and die hard romcom fanatics.
The story follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior who has a romanticized view of love, thanks in part to her love for romantic comedies. She dreams of finding her own perfect rom-com ending (relatable am I right?), but her reality is far from perfect. Liz is a romantic at heart, and she has always believed that true love should be like the movies. However, when her longtime crush, Michael, starts dating her best friend, Liz’s world is turned upside down. Can Liz get through her family’s rough patch, and deal with her enemy turned ally, Wes.
The plot of the book is engaging and entertaining, and the characters are relatable and well-developed. The author skillfully weaves together the different plot threads, creating a story that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant.
One of the strengths of the book is the way it explores the complexities of love and relationships. The author does an excellent job of showing how love is not always perfect, and how it can be messy and complicated. The book also touches on themes such as family, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a well-rounded and satisfying read.
One of the best things about this book is the way it captures the experience of being a teenager in a relatable and authentic way. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and triumphs are portrayed with sensitivity and humor. The author also does an excellent job of weaving in themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery, making the book feel both entertaining and meaningful.
Another highlight of the book is the way it celebrates the power of storytelling. Liz’s screenplay becomes a way for her to explore her own emotions and connect with
others, and the author emphasizes the importance of using storytelling to make sense of our own lives and experiences. And moreover one of my favorite things about this book is the rom com quotes placed strategically before each chapter that not only give a different twist to the book but also give you some movies to add to your next movie night.
Overall, “Better Than the Movies” is a delightful YA romance novel that is perfect for fans of the genre. The writing is engaging and the characters are relatable, making it easy for readers to get swept up in Liz’s romantic journey. Highly recommended!