TWO-WAY STREET by Lauren Barnholdt
Publication Date: June 26th 2007 by Simon Pulse
Rating: 
Summary: There are two sides to every breakup.
This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They’re even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.
Then Jordan dumps Courtney — for a girl he met on the Internet.
It’s too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney’s heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la — this is Courtney pretending not to care.
But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.
Turns out, he’s got a secret or two that he’s not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can’t get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.
Review Overview:
- Alternating perspectives and timelines were a fun way to tell the story
- Some elements are out-dated: MySpace and some slang
- Satisfying contemporary romance read
I was badly craving a light, contemporary read so I finally decided to pick up TWO-WAY STREET by Laurent Barnholdt (thanks again Briana for the awesome RAK!). The premise was pretty simple: girl goes on a road trip before college with her ex-boyfriend.
The story is told through alternating perspectives as well as alternating timelines. I didn’t expect this at all when I picked up the book, but I ended up really enjoying the format and the way it was written. However, I did have more of a preference to the Trip chapters as compared to the Before chapters. While the development of Jordan and Courtney’s relationship is pivotal, I just loved their snarky interactions during the Trip and post-break up. While I love most stories about falling in love, I was really more curious if Jordan and Courtney were able to salvage their relationship despite all the turmoil between them.
Overall, TWO-WAY STREET was a quick and fun read that satisfied my craving. But it is funny to note that how outdated this book already is since its first publication four years ago. Contemporary means now, and it’s almost comical to read about MySpace and profile-stalking. Facebook has kind of taken over that realm, so it was a bit odd to read about the characters talking about it. While some elements of TWO-WAY STREET is a bit out-dated, they are only minor details that shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the book.
One qualm I did have while reading was the slang that Jordan uses. Sometimes the dialogue he uses made me cringe, but it was really only when he talks to B.J. that this comes out. It wasn’t enough to make me put down the book in frustration, of course, but enough to make me question, Did I (and other teens) really speak like that four years ago? Hm. I hope not, but then again, I wouldn’t be surprised. 
To sum it up, TWO-WAY STREET was a fun and enjoyable read. It definitely got my mind off the numerous papers I have looming over my head, and it was enough to satisfy my craving for a sweet contemporary romance.
I read this many months ago, and I enjoyed also, but I must agree about the slang. I never met anyone who spoke like that, so maybe I am just getting old!
Great review!
I just finished this book a couple days ago. I thought it was really cute and it was enjoyable
Oh I’ve seen this book before but never bothered to find out what it was about. Not into romance right now but when I’m in the mood for some light contemporary I might just have to give it a shot.
Sandy
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Oooh, this does seem like a fun and light read and now I’m curious about what happens between the two. I am definitely going to check it out!
Awesome. Let me know what you think!
Yay, glad you liked it.
Ha, it’s kind of amazing how a book that’s only four years old can be outdated already! I think I read this book a year or two ago…hm, or maybe three, but I’m so out of the loop with Myspace and Facebook anyway that i probably didn’t even notice