Review: Don’t Stop Now by Julie Halpern
By: Julie Halpern
Published: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
From Goodreads:
On the first day of Lillian’s summer-before-college, she gets a message on her cell from her sort-of friend, Penny. Not only has Penny faked her own kidnapping, but Lil is the only one who figures it out. She knows that Penny’s home life has been rough, and that her boyfriend may be abusive. … And who better to road-trip across the country with than Lil’s BFF, Josh. But here’s the thing: Lil loves Josh. And Josh doesn’t want to “ruin” their amazing friendship.
Sarah’s Thoughts:
I really liked Julie Halpern when I sat next to her at an NCTE Macmillan dinner (yes, I felt really special for being invited!). Julie is a librarian (love that) and her husband is a children’s book illustrator (what a great combo). I must meet her again because, alas, she left early the next day before I could interview her for VocabGal!
At any rate, while the title Don’t Stop Now might sound a little racy, the story is sweet and suitable for middle school students and beyond (kind of like our own blog title Girls in the Stacks 
). Really, the book is the story of an awesome roadtrip, where the characters come to recognize the need to grow up and face your fears-whether it be life after high school, a changing relationship status, or a potentially abusive boyfriend . Essentially-don’t stop the adventure and don’t stop maturing!
I love all the quirky details of what Lil and Josh saw on their adventure-from a giant Corn Palace to lots of cheese, and the characters are lovable and believable – just a great quick read!
I can’t wait to read Julie Halpern’s other great books: Get Well Soon and Into the Wild Nerd Yonder (love that title!) and check out her blog and website here.
I LOVED this book. I am such a sucker for a road trip type of book anyways, and the relationship between Lil and Josh was perfect. Completely took me back to a once upon time where I was in love with my guy best friend, but in my case, thank God that never turned into anything else – no seriously lol
Amber-
YAY! So glad you loved it too–I loved all the fun places they stop!
Haha-I also know a couple boys who were my high school friends that I liked…glad in the end nothing ever came of my infatuations too