Better Than the Movies

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the messy gap between the polished romances of movies and the awkward, often confusing reality of high school relationships. It is an ideal choice for the teen who feels like a 'supporting character' in their own life or is struggling with the pressure to have a perfect, cinematic prom experience. The story follows Liz Buxbaum as she schemes with her annoying neighbor, Wes, to get the attention of her childhood crush, Michael. Beneath the humor and romantic tropes, the book explores deeply relatable themes of grief, as Liz processes the loss of her mother through their shared love of rom-coms. While the tone is light and funny, it offers a thoughtful look at self-confidence and the importance of being true to oneself rather than following a script. It is most appropriate for readers ages 14 and up due to some mild language and typical high school social dynamics.