Helpful Score: 1
Told in he-said/she-said format, TWO-WAY STREET is a delightful romp that explores the dynamics between two people before, during, and after a relationship. Half of the book occurs on Jordan and Courtney's road trip, while the other half delves back into how they came to be an item. It's a story device that doesn't always work, but fortunately here it does, as it allows us to understand the two protagonists and how their relationship changed both of them.
Courtney and Jordan are by far the best part about this novel. Both are three-dimensional--although one can clear tell that a female was writing Jordan's POV--and lovable because of both their vulnerabilities and the way they interact with one another. The secondary characters, on the other hand, are another story. Courtney and Jordan's couple friend, Jocelyn and B.J., overflow with supporting-character cliches and dialogue so fake it belongs on a reality TV show. My enjoyment of the book was seriously hampered by Jocelyn and B.J.'s obvious utility roles.
The plot is simple and unimpressive, with the device of Jordan's secret easily figured out within the first several dozen pages. Nevertheless, TWO-WAY STREET is a vast improvement from Barnholdt's first novel, REALITY CHICK. At the center of it is a heartwarming couple that makes us secretly wish for more of that imperfectly perfect high-school-sweetheart relationship.
Courtney and Jordan are by far the best part about this novel. Both are three-dimensional--although one can clear tell that a female was writing Jordan's POV--and lovable because of both their vulnerabilities and the way they interact with one another. The secondary characters, on the other hand, are another story. Courtney and Jordan's couple friend, Jocelyn and B.J., overflow with supporting-character cliches and dialogue so fake it belongs on a reality TV show. My enjoyment of the book was seriously hampered by Jocelyn and B.J.'s obvious utility roles.
The plot is simple and unimpressive, with the device of Jordan's secret easily figured out within the first several dozen pages. Nevertheless, TWO-WAY STREET is a vast improvement from Barnholdt's first novel, REALITY CHICK. At the center of it is a heartwarming couple that makes us secretly wish for more of that imperfectly perfect high-school-sweetheart relationship.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good, fast read. I wish it would have been a bit longer and more developed though!
One of the best books I've read for Young Adults about finding true love at the wrong time. Barnholdt writes with an intensity that will leave you with mood swings as drastic as the main characters. You'll fall in love all over again, and learn that intentions can hurt worse than actions.
Really good book, great romance story.
Two Way Street is a romantic tale of star crossed lovers that don't get as badly messed up as R&J. In this case, player guy Jordan finds to his surprise that he's attracted to no nonsense girl Courtney.
However the path of true love never did run smooth and when Jordan discovers something that he can't bring himself to tell Courtney, the withholding & dishonesty causes their dating to come to a premature end (though neither really wants it to be over.)
Now the two are obligated to be together for days on a long road trip to college. Will the two overcome their difficulties? Or will the revelation of Jordan's information doom their relationship?
This is a guilty pleasure read that feels a bit like junk food for the mind but my inner child thoroughly enjoyed the binging.
However the path of true love never did run smooth and when Jordan discovers something that he can't bring himself to tell Courtney, the withholding & dishonesty causes their dating to come to a premature end (though neither really wants it to be over.)
Now the two are obligated to be together for days on a long road trip to college. Will the two overcome their difficulties? Or will the revelation of Jordan's information doom their relationship?
This is a guilty pleasure read that feels a bit like junk food for the mind but my inner child thoroughly enjoyed the binging.
I really enjoyed this book. Its style of writing was different because it tells you the past story and the present story at the same time, but it definitely keeps you hooked. I loved it!
I really enjoyed this book.
It is written in a form that we can all relate to when it comes to emotions one feels going through a breakup.
It comes from both sides perspective, I really enjoyed it ;]
Definatley reccommend it!
It is written in a form that we can all relate to when it comes to emotions one feels going through a breakup.
It comes from both sides perspective, I really enjoyed it ;]
Definatley reccommend it!
i really really like this book :)
Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Well-known for her first novel, REALITY CHICK, Lauren Barnholdt has a new offering worth checking out. TWO-WAY STREET is the perfect book if you are interested in learning about both sides in a couple's breakup.
Courtney and Jordan are about to begin a three day trip from their homes in Florida to their college orientation in Boston. Usually this would be cause for excitement, but this trip is bound to be uncomfortable. The reason is because, two weeks ago, Jordan broke up with Courtney, supposedly because he met a girl on MySpace. Since the plans for the trip have already been made, Courtney's parents are insisting that she stick with those plans and travel with her ex all the way to Boston.
The characters and details of this novel are well-developed. Courtney is ultra-organized, schedule-oriented, and germaphobic. Jordan is a relaxed, take-things-as-they-come, rap lover. The story reveals their quirky best friends who are always just a cell phone call away waiting to offer whatever support their own busy lives allow. The private lives of Jordan and Courtney's parents offer their own unique brand of suspense to the plot. In addition, an underlying thread of the plot involves continued references to the use of MySpace, which is sure to be an attention-grabber for teen readers.
Barnholdt created the book with alternating chapters. In Jordan's chapters he tells his version of the story before, during, and after the trip, and Courtney does the same in her chapters. This unique style allows readers to sort of "read between the lines" of the breakup. The characters are dealing with secrets they feel must not be revealed. The resulting tension and hard feelings created by the secrets will have readers rooting first for Jordan and then for Courtney.
Well-known for her first novel, REALITY CHICK, Lauren Barnholdt has a new offering worth checking out. TWO-WAY STREET is the perfect book if you are interested in learning about both sides in a couple's breakup.
Courtney and Jordan are about to begin a three day trip from their homes in Florida to their college orientation in Boston. Usually this would be cause for excitement, but this trip is bound to be uncomfortable. The reason is because, two weeks ago, Jordan broke up with Courtney, supposedly because he met a girl on MySpace. Since the plans for the trip have already been made, Courtney's parents are insisting that she stick with those plans and travel with her ex all the way to Boston.
The characters and details of this novel are well-developed. Courtney is ultra-organized, schedule-oriented, and germaphobic. Jordan is a relaxed, take-things-as-they-come, rap lover. The story reveals their quirky best friends who are always just a cell phone call away waiting to offer whatever support their own busy lives allow. The private lives of Jordan and Courtney's parents offer their own unique brand of suspense to the plot. In addition, an underlying thread of the plot involves continued references to the use of MySpace, which is sure to be an attention-grabber for teen readers.
Barnholdt created the book with alternating chapters. In Jordan's chapters he tells his version of the story before, during, and after the trip, and Courtney does the same in her chapters. This unique style allows readers to sort of "read between the lines" of the breakup. The characters are dealing with secrets they feel must not be revealed. The resulting tension and hard feelings created by the secrets will have readers rooting first for Jordan and then for Courtney.
