Better Than the Movies

March 15, 2021
A grieving teen's devotion to romance films might ruin her chances at actual romance. Liz Buxbaum has always adored rom-coms, not least for helping her still feel close to her screenwriter mother, who died when she was little. Liz hopes that her senior year might turn into a real-life romantic fantasy, as an old crush has moved back to town, cuter and nicer than ever. Surely she can get Michael to ask her to prom. If only Wes, the annoying boy next door, would help her with her scheming! This charming, fluffy concoction manages to pack into one goofy plot every conceivable trope, from fake dating to the makeover to the big misunderstanding. Creative, quirky, daydreaming Liz is just shy of an annoying stereotype, saved by a dry wit and unresolved grief and anger. Wes makes for a delightful bad boy with a good heart, and supporting characters--including a sassy best friend, a perfect popular rival, even a (not really) evil stepmother--all get the opportunity to transcend their roles. The only villain here is Liz's lovelorn imagination, provoking her into foolish lies that cause actual hurt feelings; but she is sufficiently self-aware to make amends just in time for the most important trope of all: a blissfully happy ending. All characters seem to be White by default. Exactly what the title promises. (Romance. 12-18)

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April 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-Liz Buxbaum is a romantic comedy superfan. She loves the soundtracks and happy endings, of course, but most of all she loves the comfort and connection they provide after losing her mother. Navigating senior year without her mom has been tough, and all Liz wants is to end it with the perfect, rom-com-ready prom night. Lucky for her, her childhood crush has just moved back to town, but the only way to get to Michael is with the help of her detestable next-door neighbor, Wes Bennett. Though Wes has driven her crazy since they were kids, Liz has no choice but to scheme with him in order to get the happy ending she's always imagined. As with any great romantic comedy, there are twists and turns on the path to love, and Liz must decide whether she wants the picture-perfect ending of her dreams or the one she didn't expect. While rom-com fans will see Liz's revelation coming a mile away, Painter makes the journey enjoyable with quippy banter, lovable characters, and enough will-they-won't-they tension to satisfy readers. The book peppers in several nods to classic romantic comedies that die-hard fans will connect with. Liz is coded as white and Wes's ethnicity isn't stated. VERDICT While not much here is fresh or surprising, the novel leans into the rom-com tropes fans know and love. Purchase this enjoyable read for collections where teen romances are popular.-Mary Kamela, Kenmore West H.S., Buffalo, NY

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