Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter - HIGH

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, 356 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $19 

Language: R (100+ swears 5 'F'); Mature Content: PG (Dating situations); Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Liz Buxbaum has known her next door neighbor Wes Bennet since they were little kids, and he has always been a huge pain. He played tricks on her when they were young, and even now, in high school, it's a constant battle with him over who gets the good street parking spot in front of their houses. Until, Wes has something Liz wants - she's always dreamed of going to Senior Prom with Michael - and Wes has the connections she needs, so, in a crazy trade for a favor, Liz promises to give up the parking spot if Wes will help her get a promposal. 

Every chapter starts with a quote from a romantic movie which sets the stage for the crazy things that happen to Liz throughout this hilarious romantic book. I love the movies as well, and was totally captivated by the story right from the first pages. Highly recommended to my high school readers, the relationships - especially with her best friend were spot on.

Lisa Librarian