This month our Selective Collective book is “Better off Friends” by Elizabeth Eulberg. Like a “When Harry Met Sally” for teens, the book follows young Levi and Macallan who first meet as middle schoolers, bond over an obscure British sitcom, and quickly become best friends. Over time, their friendship evolves and begins to test the age old question, “Can men and women be friends?” Having read her other books, Diana and I think this is Eulberg’s best novel to date, and we hope you will add it to your TBR list for an adorable take on a never-ending theme. Thanks to Scholastic for sending us all a copy!
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?
This month, we’ve got the fun job of pretending we’re casting directors assigned to find an ensemble for “Better Off Friends” the movie. We actually really think it would make a cute movie!
Aren’t they adorable? We don’t watch “The Carrie Diaries,” but my kids do like “Shake It Up.” I can’t vouch for their acting skills, but they look the parts.
Brittany @ The Book Addict’s Guide | Boy friend vs. Boyfriend
Tammy @ YA Crush | Author Q&A + Giveaway
Candice @ The Grown-Up YA | Book Review
Daphne & Kristina @ Gone Pecan | Round Table Discussion
What a cute cast! Great picks ladies!
Ha, like I said, we felt borderline creepy researching — especially for Levi!
dove cameron should be macallan.
Macallan has red hair
GUYS. LOVE THE CASTING!!!! Bella is adorable (I may watch A LOT more DIsney channel than someone my age should – baby niece!) They are all so gorge, I just want to stare at them. 🙂 – Kristina
Yay! I don’t tend to monitor the kids if they’re watching Nick or Disney any more, so I don’t know as much about Shake It UP as I did other shows like iCarly or Victorious. No need to justify your Disney viewing habits!
I love ALL of your picks but THAT IS EXACTLY WHO I PICTURED FOR LEVI. So great job 😀 Haha. I love your pick for Levi’s mom too and I just love Sam Trammell! 🙂
Perfect casting! Love it.
We had fun doing this. I had to find their descriptions in the book while Sandie would suggest people and we just kept at it until we both agreed on the people. You all know Sandie has amazing knowledge when it comes to actors.
you should make it a real movie
I was thinking Chad Michael Murray for Levi . I think he would be the perfect fit because he is sweet like in one tree hill .