YA in Review: Flipped (Wendelin Van Draanen)

This post will essentially be Spoiler Free, however comments by other users may possibly contain information that spoils portions of the plot, so read at them your own risk.

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What it's about:

Julianna Baker flipped for Bryce Loski instantly. Bryce? Not so much. He spends the next several years trying to get away. But when the eighth grade comes around with new challenges and influences, Juli starts to see Bryce for more than just what he is on the outside - and she's not sure she likes what she sees anymore. Yet Bryce, upon being prompted to take a closer look, starts getting a funny feeling every time Juli is near.

Why it's worth a read:

• If you enjoy coming of age novels, this one is sure to fit the bill. It is perfect for pre-teens and young teens, although enjoyable for older teens as well who remember this time in their lives. It focuses mostly on two eighth graders navigating their way through all sorts of relationships with their peers.
• It's a lovely and sweet read that will make you smile, and also shake your head. The writing is believable and poignant, especially in its simplicity.
• It's a short, quick read that you will easily be able to fly through. 
• Both a possible positive and a negative, this book flips perspectives every chapter between the two main characters. This offers readers to get a more in-depth look at the plot and how certain events happened and why. It gives some great insight into who Juli and Bryce are. I personally found this a huge positive, as it did not feel repetitive.

Where it disappoints:

• If you dislike swapping between perspectives and only want to focus on one character, then this format may not work as well for you. Since you have to hear shared stories twice, this could wear thin if you want more plot development and less in the way of characterization. Although other things happen only in one perspective, many aspects of the book are shared moments between the two characters.
• Although the chapters are not very long, there are almost no page breaks. That means that you either finish a chapter, or you don't. There are minimal opportunities to pause between sections.
• It's very simple, and it definitely won't stretch your mind or your emotions. There is nothing complicated about the book, so if you are looking for something that will really cause you to think, check elsewhere.

Final Thoughts:

When I watched the movie, I thought it was a sweet and lovely story, and I felt exactly the same about the book, except even stronger. It is simple and beautiful, but also properly layered and meaningful. Van Draanen definitely understands and recalls a first and unrequited love, and it translates so well on the page. So, if you have seen the movie, I would recommend the book, and if you read and enjoy the book I would suggest the movie as well (and how can you go wrong with a coming-of-age movie done by Rob Reiner?).