Reviews

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

lavendermarch's review against another edition

4.0

I've read this once before, during middle school, almost a decade ago. I (vaguely) remember liking it, as I am, and was, a sucker for romantic comedies.

My thoughts now? I liked it, but didn't love it. Juli is overall a good main character, as she's passionate, smart, and likable. I liked seeing her journey as she learned more about herself, her family, and about seeing past people's surfaces. It wasn't preachy or irritating, which was a relief.

Bryce was alright. I grew to like him more as the story went on. I especially enjoyed watching him grow to like Juli.

Spoiler

It was interesting to see it juxtaposed with her starting to move past liking him (at least as he was at the beginning of the story). I did understand him thinking she was annoying, although I do think he could have been a bit nicer about several things, especially the eggs.

I also enjoyed watching Bryce get closer to his grandad.

My favorite side characters were Chet (Bryce's grandad) and Juli's parents. I also liked Bryce's mom, and felt bad for her. I would've liked more detail on the older siblings.

I liked the alternating viewpoints, as it was done very well, and it was interesting to see both sides. Suitable, cute cover as well.

There were a few points in the book

Spoiler

(the tree getting cut down, the eggs getting thrown away, the joint dinner, the auction, meeting the uncle)

that really made me emotional.

I thought that the book was a really nice coming of age romantic comedy, and that it was interesting to see each of the main characters change and grow. I also liked how they learned more about their parents and families.

I didn't despise the ending, but it was a shock to turn the (ebook) page and realize that the book had ended. It was open-ended, but I didn't mind too much.

Anyway, I'd give the book 4 stars, as it was entertaining and there were several things I liked about it. I'd knock one off as the ending was a bit abrupt and Bryce took a while to win me over.

mikfid's review against another edition

4.0

Such a fun and light read! I loved the plot of the story and really enjoyed having two POV's to read.

kyrasoph's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

laranitacosmica's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

getbookedwithjessica's review against another edition

4.0

I just finished this book today. Alternating chapters are told from the perspective of the two main characters. I enjoyed reading how the same events came across to the two characters.

Sweet story of childhood, friendship and possibly more. The author does a great job of exploring how children become teens and first loves have a way of showing your true self.

Such a cute heartwarming story about two unlikely neighborhood kids finding their way to each other.

makalakm's review against another edition

4.0

I saw the movie a long time ago and absolutely loved it. I found out it was a book not too long ago and wanted to read it but never felt like it was time. Finally I bought it in June and read it. It didn't disappoint, and from what I can remember, the movie is pretty true to the book which makes me happy.

aly_reads13's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

A fall cozy read. It made my heart all tingly and it felt like I was watching the movie as I was reading the book. The filmed captured the book so accurately. I loved every single second reading it.

lindseylovestoread's review against another edition

4.0

4.25

jemery07's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

booktrovert_crystal's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This novel is written through two points of view. In Bryce’s, Juli seems clingy and obnoxious. Juli’s point of view is interesting, in that we see the same part of the story, but from her eyes. So her motivations become clear and we understand her character better. Additionally, Bryce comes off as a jerk seen through Juli’s eyes. But he’s also a preteen boy with a lot to learn. And then, of course, things flip.

This story is a lesson in not judging people before you really get to know them, for both the good and the bad. It’s a simple lesson, but it’s written in a way that isn’t preachy or too obvious.

A fun book for young people to learn to do what’s right and to not care what other people think.