Title: Two-Way Street
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Published: June 26th, 2007 by Simon Pulse
Pages: 288
Price: $8.99 Book Depository $9.99 Amazon
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
There are two sides to every breakup.
This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.
Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.
It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.
But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.
Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.
Initial Thoughts: Now, this isn't the type of book that I usually read, but something about it just kept grabbing at me, so I gave in and read it.
Review: I loved this book! It was a fast, fun read. The premise seemed a bit nonsensical- after all, couldn't she just fly?- but it all makes sense in the end. The very best thing about TWS? The characters were fantastic. They were funny, realistic, and thoroughly lovable. Courtney was such a fun read! Her determination not to show Jordan how hurt she is was both endearing and hilarious. I think most girls have been there- pride getting the better of you, making you act a bit foolish. Jordan was a great character. At first he's a bit too full of himself, a bit heartless, but he really develops as a character as the story goes on. It starts in the present and then keeps switching back and forth, so that you only slowly realize what's really going on. The Big Secret isn't exactly a complete surprise, but there's a lot more to it than I had initially guessed. I really can't believe that this was almost 300 pages, I flew right through it.
Quick Review: Barnholdt is apparently an expert at creating engaging, easy-to-relate-to characters and then throwing them into situations that are both hilarious and heartbreaking. I loved this book! Don't be put off by the YA Romance label, this is more than a fluffy will-they-won't-they. I'll be picking up more by this author!
