REVIEW: Better Off Friends || Elizabeth Eulberg

Better off Friends

By: Elizabeth Eulberg

Published February 25th 2014 by Point

Hardcover, 276 pages

Blurb: 

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY . . . for teens, from romantic comedy star Elizabeth Eulberg.

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they're best friends -- which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again -- and one kiss away from true love?

About the Author: 

The short and sweet version:
Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before heading off to college at Syracuse University and making a career in the New York City book biz. Now a full-time writer, she is the author of The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Take a Bow, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality, and Better Off Friends. She lives outside of Manhattan with her three guitars, two keyboards, and one drumstick.

To check out the long version, head over to my webpage: http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/bio.html

To say that I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I ADORED this book. Better Off Friends starts off with Macallan anticipating entering the seventh grade. After experiencing the loss of her mother she has had to much time to think during summer and can't wait to be back in school where she doesn't have so much free time. However, when Macallan is asked to report to the main office before school starts she is afraid the school isn't going to let her move on.

Turns out the school principal introduces Macallan to Levi Rodgers, a new kid from California that just moved to their town. Macallan is asked to show Levi around and to make him comfortable with the new school.

Macallan and Levi quickly become best friends, bonding over a British TV show that they both love. Told in chapters that alternate between their voices, it follows them for five years. During this time Macallan deals with the death of her mother and Levi strives to fit in with 'the guys'. Always maintaining their relationship as 'just friends'. Through the years guys and girls are both intimidated by their close relationship assuming that they are a couple.

After every chapter there is section of conversation that happens between Macallan and Levi in present day as they recall the situations as they are being told through out the story. Elizabeth does a great job with the development of the characters as they mature throughout the book. As Macallan and Levi realize that they are in love with each other they both do everything to avoid the fact and make misguided decisions.

As the story continues you begin to question if Macallan and Levi can just remain friends or if there is always something more.

This book was entertaining and heart-warming. I cheered for both characters, wanting them to be happy. And was sad when they were facing emotional challenges. The characters felt real, like this could be based off a true story. It a very humorous and lovely story about friendships and relationships, and the oh-so-fine line between them.

5 Coffee Cup Stars
Finished October 2nd 2014