Saturday, March 5, 2011

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen



Genre: YA fiction, realistic
Published: 2003, 224 pp.
Source: Audiobook, Netlibrary
Review: 4/5 stars

Bryce and Julie become neighbors when Bryce's family moves in across the street at the age of seven. The story is told through the alternating voices of Bryce and Julie from the time they are both in 2nd grade until 8th. Bryce tells us his story of his annoying, clingy neighbor while Julie describes how Bryce's blue eyes and glossy hair make her heart melt. We learn about their family relationships and their perspectives on the world. I came to really like them both but I especially liked Julie.

I listened to Flipped as an audiobook and I really liked it. I was slightly bored in the beginning but once I got into the story I was hooked. I loved how hearing the same story from two points of view helped me understand what was really happening. Sometimes I wanted the story to just keep going and I didn't care about the two points of view because I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. This book reminded me of that old Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Perkins movie, He Said, She Said. I loved that movie and I really liked this book. My daughter (11) read it but only thought it was okay. She was expecting more romance and was disappointed, but I thought it was great. There were a lot of really good insights that she just couldn't quite appreciate at her tender age. :) I haven't seen the movie made from this book yet but I definitely want to.
Rating: 1.1.2 There were a few words that I found a bit crude and vulgar but probably aren't considered real profanity.

3 comments:

alisonwonderland said...

I enjoyed seeing you again tonight at the Book Bloggers Social! You definitely ought to see the Flipped movie. It's very cute!

Unknown said...

Ooh, sounds like a sweet story. I'm glad you told me about it. I'm going to add it to my list to read.

It was so nice meeting you tonight Utah Book Blogger Social, and getting to know you! I came home with a list of books I want to read, and this is one of them! :o)

Anonymous said...

I haven't read the book, but I saw the movie. It was cute and put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. I probably wouldn't buy it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.