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.
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