Reviews with content warning for Vomit - Better Than the Movies

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Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

109 reviews

nxpe's review

lighthearted medium-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

3.5

Personally, I really didn't like Liz. Was some of her behaviour understandable? Yes. But it doesn't change the fact that she was very annoying for most of the book. That being said, I really, really liked Wes (despite that fact that he was not a so-called bad-boy. You can't be labelled a bad-boy/bad-girl because you were a little annoying as a child).

Overall, I enjoyed the book and it was the push I needed to get out of a book slump. But this is also one of those books that is a reminder than not all YA books are for me- and that's okay! I enjoyed it regardless, and I'm happy for that.

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cindeeduong's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

3.25

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, it was an absolute gem of a page-turner. Every page held a new revelation, and I was utterly engrossed. The emotional rollercoaster it took me on was extraordinary—there were moments of exasperation, heartache, ire, chuckles, and pure joy. Surprisingly, I found that I could somewhat foresee the unfolding plot, yet it didn't in the slightest diminish the book's magnetic pull. This, I believe, is owed to the author's masterful storytelling.

Spoiler

The narrative, a delightful rom-com, follows the classic formula of a fake dating aimed at winning over a crush. What sets it apart is the seamless integration of references to beloved rom-com films and songs, enriching the story's texture.

Now, let's talk about Liz. Oh, Liz! She's a character I found myself vehemently disliking. Perhaps that was the author's intention, for it worked like a charm on me. I couldn't condone her actions—the manipulation of her friend and the exploitation of ~~a childhood friend~~ an enemy to get closer to her crush. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. Yet, despite this, the overall experience was immensely satisfying.

One thing that truly stood out to me was the way the book tackled themes of friendship, family, love, and self-discovery. It wasn't just about the romance, but also about the bonds that form between the characters. The complexities of human relationships were explored with a deft touch, leaving me reflecting on my own connections long after I turned the final page.

Ultimately, Better Than the Movies proved to be a journey I'm truly thankful for. Though I had my reservations about certain characters, the overall narrative was crafted with a commendable touch of skill and care. This is a book I'll wholeheartedly endorse to fellow rom-com enthusiasts.

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