“I know you aren't perfect. And it's not because you're not a size two. You're not perfect because you're human, and humans are flawed. But you're perfect for me.”
— Cricket Bell expressing his love to Lola Nolan, accepting her imperfections.
Archivist's Choice
Lola and the Boy Next Door
Stephanie Perkins (2011)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
450 min
Key Themes
See below
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A teen costume designer's glittery world with her rockstar boyfriend changes when her quiet inventor childhood crush returns, making her face her real desires.
Synopsis
Lola Nolan, who likes designing costumes, thinks her life is great with her boyfriend, Max. But her world changes when the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, move back next door. Cricket, an inventor and Lola's childhood friend and first crush, re-enters her life, bringing back old feelings and making her deal with their past. Lola and Cricket work on a school project together, and their strong connection comes back, making Max jealous. Lola struggles with her feelings for Cricket and her current relationship, which leads to a hard choice. Lola breaks up with Max and tells Cricket how she feels. They start a new relationship at the Winter Festival and prom, dealing with their parents' reactions and looking to the future.
Reading time
450 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Heartwarming, Sweet, Romantic, Lighthearted
✓ Read this if...
You love sweet, charming young adult romances with a focus on first love, quirky characters, and a touch of fashion.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer high-stakes drama, complex plots, or dislike love triangles.
Plot Summary
The Return of the Bell Twins
Lola Nolan, an aspiring costume designer who likes elaborate outfits, lives what seems to be a perfect life in San Francisco. She has two dads, Andy and Nathan, and a rockstar boyfriend, Max. Her biggest worry is designing costumes for her school play. But her world changes when the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, move back next door after two years. Lola has a complicated past with them, especially Cricket, who was her best friend and crush before a painful fight. Their return brings back many memories and unresolved feelings, threatening her current life.
Awkward Reintroductions and Lingering Feelings
Lola tries to avoid them, but they live too close. She has an awkward meeting with Cricket at a neighborhood barbecue, where old bad feelings and misunderstandings come up. Lola remembers the painful event two years ago when Cricket, without explanation, stopped talking to her after she told him her feelings. Now, Cricket is quieter, but his intelligence and kindness are still clear. Lola tries to keep her distance, stressing her commitment to Max, but Cricket's constant presence next door, along with their shared history, makes it hard for her to ignore her resurfacing feelings for him.
Max's Jealousy and Lola's Doubts
Max, Lola's older rockstar boyfriend, quickly notices Cricket and his history with Lola. His jealousy and possessiveness start to show, causing problems in their relationship. Max's band, The Undead, is getting popular, and he often puts his music and friends before Lola, making her feel ignored. Lola compares Max's self-centeredness to Cricket's quiet understanding and support. She questions if her relationship with Max is what she wants, especially as she talks to Cricket more often and sees a deeper connection than she has with Max.
A Shared Project and Growing Closeness
Lola and Cricket are assigned to work together on a school project: building a float for the winter festival. This work gives them a chance to spend time together, talk, and slowly fix their past. Cricket, an inventor, offers practical help and new ideas, fitting well with Lola's artistic vision for the float. During their work, they share childhood memories, laugh, and tell each other things, slowly breaking down the walls between them. Lola starts to see the kind, thoughtful boy she once loved, and Cricket begins to talk about his experiences and feelings.
The Truth About the Past
During one of their late-night work sessions on the float, Lola asks Cricket why he disappeared two years ago. Cricket, at first hesitant, finally tells her the truth: his parents had found out about Lola's crush on him and, not liking her style and the possible distraction, had forbidden him from seeing or speaking to her. They had taken his phone and laptop, cutting off all contact. This makes Lola realize that Cricket did not just abandon her, and she understands his past situation and the sacrifices he made, clearing the air and making their bond stronger.
Max's Ultimatum and Lola's Decision
As Lola and Cricket get closer, Max gets more insecure. He tells Lola she must stop seeing Cricket, accusing her of betraying him. Lola, tired of Max's possessiveness and the feeling that he does not understand her, realizes her relationship with him is no longer good. She sees how Max's actions differ from Cricket's steady support and real affection. This conflict makes Lola face her feelings for both boys and make a hard but necessary decision about her romantic future. She decides to end things with Max, understanding their paths are different.
The Winter Festival and a Confession
The winter festival happens, and Lola's costume designs for the school play are a success, as is the float she and Cricket designed. It is a happy time, but Lola is still dealing with breaking up with Max and the uncertainty about her future with Cricket. During the festival, Lola and Cricket have a quiet moment away from the crowds. They talk about their feelings, the past, and their hopes for the future. Cricket, always thoughtful, shows his deep affection for Lola, and Lola, finally free from her past commitments, admits her lasting love for him, which leads to their first real kiss.
Facing Parents and Future
With their feelings open, Lola and Cricket begin their new relationship. They need to convince Cricket's conservative parents, who still have doubts about Lola's style and her effect on Cricket. But Cricket stands up for Lola and their relationship, showing his maturity and commitment. Lola's dads support her happiness. They also talk about their dreams and future plans, with Cricket aiming for MIT and Lola wanting to pursue costume design. Despite uncertainties, they want to make their relationship work, finding strength in their shared history and deep connection.
Prom Night and a New Beginning
Lola puts her effort into designing her prom dress, a unique creation that shows her personality and self-discovery. Prom night arrives, and Lola and Cricket go as a couple, happy and confident. They dance, share moments, and celebrate their love, now fully accepted. The night means a new start for them, free from past misunderstandings and outside pressures. As the story ends, Lola and Cricket are together, facing the future with hope, ready to support each other through their paths, showing their lasting love story.
Principal Figures
Lola Nolan
The Protagonist
Lola evolves from being outwardly confident but inwardly uncertain to truly accepting herself and pursuing a relationship based on genuine connection rather than superficial attraction.
Cricket Bell
The Love Interest
Cricket moves from a guarded and misunderstood past to openly expressing his feelings and standing up for his relationship with Lola against his parents' disapproval.
Max
The Supporting/Antagonist
Max remains largely unchanged, serving as a catalyst for Lola's growth by highlighting what she doesn't want in a relationship.
Calliope Bell
The Supporting
Calliope moves from a somewhat distant acquaintance to a more supportive figure for Lola and Cricket's relationship.
Andy
The Supporting
Remains a consistent source of unconditional love and support for Lola.
Nathan
The Supporting
Remains a consistent source of unconditional love and support for Lola.
Lindsey
The Supporting
Remains a constant, supportive friend to Lola.
St. Clair
The Mentioned
Does not have an arc in this story as he is only mentioned.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Acceptance
Lola's journey is about accepting who she is, in her fashion choices and her emotional honesty. She first hides behind her elaborate outfits and a seemingly perfect relationship with Max, but Cricket's return makes her face her true self and what she wants. Her decision to design her own prom dress, instead of following trends, shows her self-acceptance and confidence in her identity.
“Maybe it's not about the clothes. Maybe it's about the person wearing them.”
First Love and Second Chances
The novel explores first love and reconnecting with a lost connection. Lola and Cricket's relationship began as a childhood friendship and a crush that ended due to misunderstanding. Their reunion lets them re-evaluate those feelings, get past old pain, and build a stronger, more mature relationship based on honesty and respect. It shows that true love can last and get a second chance.
“I was in love with him, and I knew it was real, because I had felt it before.”
Family and Support Systems
The different family dynamics are important. Lola's two supportive, adoptive fathers, Andy and Nathan, provide an open environment where she can express herself. In contrast, Cricket's more traditional and controlling parents first caused the problem between him and Lola. The theme shows how important a loving and understanding family is for a child's identity and emotional well-being, and how those dynamics can affect romantic relationships.
“My dads didn’t care what I wore, as long as I was happy. They just wanted me to be me.”
Appearance vs. Reality
Lola's love for costumes and Max's rockstar image first seem appealing but hide deeper truths. Lola uses her outfits to show an image, while Max's charm hides his insecurity and possessiveness. The novel looks at how appearances can be misleading, in fashion and relationships. It encourages looking past the surface to understand real character and connection, as Lola learns to see past Cricket's quiet exterior to his kindness and intelligence.
“Sometimes the flashiest things aren't the best.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Boy Next Door Trope
A classic romance trope where the love interest is a familiar, close-proximity figure.
This central trope drives the entire narrative. Cricket Bell is literally the 'boy next door' whom Lola has known since childhood. This proximity and shared history create an instant, deep connection and a sense of fated romance. It allows for natural, frequent interactions and the slow rekindling of their relationship, making their eventual romance feel organic and inevitable. It also emphasizes the idea of finding love in familiar places, rather than seeking it in exotic or new experiences, as Lola initially does with Max.
Costume Design/Fashion as Metaphor
Lola's elaborate outfits symbolize her identity, creativity, and emotional state.
Lola's passion for costume design isn't just a hobby; it's a profound metaphor for her identity and self-expression. Her wigs and outrageous outfits represent her desire to be seen, her creativity, and initially, a way to hide or perform. As she grows, her fashion choices become more about authentic self-expression rather than a shield. The prom dress she designs for herself at the end of the book signifies her complete embrace of her unique identity and her confidence in who she is, independent of others' opinions.
The Childhood Flashback
Recurrent memories of Lola and Cricket's past illuminate their complex history.
Throughout the narrative, Lola frequently revisits memories of her childhood with Cricket, particularly the events leading up to their falling out. These flashbacks serve to deepen the reader's understanding of their past bond, the intensity of their early feelings, and the painful misunderstanding that separated them. They provide crucial context for their present-day interactions and help to build the emotional stakes of their rekindling romance, explaining why their connection runs so deep.
The Invention/Project
Cricket's inventions and their shared school project facilitate their reconnection.
Cricket's talent for invention, from small gadgets to the winter festival float he builds with Lola, acts as a catalyst for their renewed connection. The shared project forces them to spend time together, communicate, and collaborate, breaking down the barriers that had formed between them. It highlights Cricket's intelligence and thoughtfulness, and their successful collaboration symbolizes their ability to work together and create something beautiful, much like their evolving relationship.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“The boy next door is always the one you notice last.”
— Lola reflecting on her relationship with Cricket, who lived next door.
“I don't want to be the girl who gets the guy. I want to be the girl who is loved for exactly who she is.”
— Lola asserting her desire for genuine love and self-acceptance.
“Sometimes the person you're looking for is right in front of you.”
— A general observation about Lola and Cricket's evolving relationship.
“You can't help who you love, even if you try.”
— Lola coming to terms with her feelings for Cricket despite complications.
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”
— Lola explaining her passion for bold, creative outfits as self-expression.
“It's not about being perfect. It's about being real.”
— A theme in the book about authenticity in relationships.
“Love isn't about finding someone perfect. It's about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.”
— Reflecting on the central romance between Lola and Cricket.
“The heart wants what it wants, even when the mind says no.”
— Lola struggling with her conflicting feelings for Cricket.
“You don't get to choose who you fall in love with, but you do get to choose what you do about it.”
— A lesson Lola learns about taking action in her romantic life.
“Home isn't a place. It's a person.”
— Lola realizing that Cricket feels like home to her.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit how you feel.”
— Encouraging honesty in emotions, key to Lola and Cricket's story.
“Life is too short to wear boring clothes.”
— Lola's playful motto reflecting her vibrant personality.
“Love is worth the risk, even if it means getting hurt.”
— A theme about taking chances in love, as Lola does with Cricket.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The novel follows Lola Nolan, a creative high school student who loves designing flamboyant costumes, as her life is disrupted when the Bell twins—Calliope and Cricket—move back next door. Lola must confront her unresolved feelings for Cricket, a talented inventor, while navigating her current relationship with her older rocker boyfriend, Max, leading to a heartfelt exploration of first love and self-discovery.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
