Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
First Published on October 9, 2001 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
212 pages
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.
Review
After watching the film adaptation of this book, I know I’ve got to have my own copy. I’ve been trying to erase the memory I had with the film so I could be atleast be a little clueless but dang, I can’t suppress it anymore. I really need to read this book ASAP!
Oh man! I’m used to film-adaptations not really the same with the book, but this one, it’s almost, as in almost the same! The way it started and how the story is being told is exactly the same as in the book.
I really love the movie so there’s really no surprise if I would love the book too. Oh man! It’s just so hard to explain haha.
This story started when 6 years ago, Bryce with his family moved to Juli’s neighborhood. The moment Juli saw his bright blue eyes and accidentally held his hand, she instantly fell in love at an early age of 7. Imagine that!
I always love young love stories, and this one is just as sweet as I imagined puppy love would be. I don’t usually like a story where the girl is the one pursuing the guy, but it’s hard to hate a story as cute as this one. This story just magically reminds me of my childhood and it was quite refreshing. I’m not saying that I had the same experience but it’s just kind of cute how their “love” story started at such a young age. Imagine having your first love at the age of 7?!
I love everything about this story, from the characters, the execution of lines, the scenes and the words used. I love how easily you could read this story and how some lines will also make you think about life especially about family. I also love that this story caters both the POV of Juli and Bryce so we’ve got to really know what they’re thinking and what they’re feeling. I don’t want to be a spoiler but I’m so affected with this story that I’m almost teary eyed with Bryce’s confession about his feelings to Juli to his grandfather. Awww, finally Bryce!
The characters were awesome. There’s just a few of them so they’re all very easy to track. I really hated Bryce’s father in the film and it’s just so depressing to know that he’s really that kind of a jerk. For Juli, I’m not sure why, but I adore her character. I thought at first that she’s shy and all but she knows how to confront and not beat on the bush, unless of course when it comes to her admiration for Bryce. Normally I would have been irritated with her way of admiring Bryce, but dang, how could you hate such cute gestures? Imagine sniffing the poor guy? Haha, that was really funny and cute. Aside from that, I also love her simplicity and her relationship to her family especially to her dad.
Bryce on the other hand is the kind of guy that is just good looking but isn’t really worth anything inside. But as the story progresses, I like reading how he changed especially those parts that he realized he’s starting to see the real Juli and is liking her. I love how the jerk Bryce changed into who he is now and how he reflected the things he did, say and think before. I can’t say I squealed for him since he’s obviously too young for me (hahahaha), but if I’m in juli’s shoes I’m sure I’ll be infatuated too lol.
I’m not really sure what to say about the cover because I don’t really get it at first. I thought it’s because of the title, but after reading this story, I now understand. Curious? You really need to read this story to find out. Don’t worry, it’s just a very short read and is really worth it.
Everything was just perfect until I reached the ending. Oh man! I didn’t like the ending of the film adaptation but I don’t hate it either. Both the main characters were still too young so I guess it was fine. But in the book? Man! I’m still looking for more!
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Well, if your idea of great is something that will keep you awake late considering you have an early shift tomorrow, then this story is obviously great unless you’ll ask about the ending. So instead of giving it 5, which I’m pretty sure I would have given it reading the first few chapters of this story, but after reading the ending, I’ll have to deduct and give it 4.5 instead.
So If you want to reminisce about your good ol’ puppy love, then you’ll absolutely enjoy this story.
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- 2017 You Read How Many Books?
- 2017 Review Writing
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There is a movie? I tend to take the easier route sometimes
Yep there is. It was really cute and I love the boy who played as Bryce hehe (giggles)
I enjoy the young crush ones sometimes. Oh boy, first she’s into him and then he’s into her- guess the timing was off on that one. LOL Does sound cute though. Thanks Vanessa!
Haha, yeah. That’s why the reaction of the girl after the guy tried to kiss her was understandable since he’s been a jerk to her for quite a long time, shhh, don’t tell them hehe.
Hadn’t heard of this one before! Also need to check the movie out haha
You may want to check the movie first and see from there if you will like it 🙂
This is new to me, I see your enjoyment shining through your review. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Aww, thanks Nadene 🙂
Now I am really curious about why there is an upside down chick on the cover…lol. This does sound like a really cute book. I didn’t even know that there was a movie.
Hehe, that’s when I found out this story. It was really cute. I think it’s the cutest book I’ve ever read so far.
I think that this sounds like a good read! Great review thanks for sharing.
Thanks Cindy 🙂
It’s not all that often that an adaptation is follows the book. Usually there’s some change that the director’s made. Great review!
Thanks Kristin 🙂
It could be interesting. I didn’t know about this one. The movie looks really sweet
Yeah it was. I can’t still wipe off this stupid grin whenever I remember this story 🙂
the movie does look super cute. Puppy love <3
Yeah it was Lily. I’m pretty sure you will love it too 🙂
Aw, I read this a few years ago and absolutely loved it! I still haven’t gotten around to watching the movie, though. I completely agree with your points, especially about the characters! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, too! 🙂
~Mckenzie
Oh my! You need to watch the movie, it was really really cute. The young Bryce was so charming <3
Awwwwww, I think the cover is so adorable! Little chicks are so cute! I had no idea this book was made into a movie. That’s so great that the movie sticks closely to the book. I’m glad the story stuck with you and made you think!
Great review, Vanessa! Have a fantastic wee. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Aww, thanks Alyssa 🙂
Unfortunately it’s not 🙁 The ending was a cliffhanger, but not that devastating like you want to write the ending itself. Thanks Geybie 🙂
This is completely new to me but you definitely have me interested!
Yay! Can’t wait for you to try it 🙂