Love and Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo - Thoughts

Title: Love and Other Perishable Items
Author: Laura Buzo
Pages: 243
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: library loan
Rating: Really enjoyed

This title was originally published in Australia as Good Oil.  I have no idea why that would be the title because it never mentions anything remotely related. I have enjoyed every single Australian author that I have read and this was no exception. I saw this on a blog awhile ago and was immediately intrigued when I read the story is about a girl who falls for an older guy. Fifteen year old Amelia begins working at a supermarket named Cole's where she meets 21 year old Chris.  She is funny and honest and smart and she gets his attention but they both know it will never work. Right?

The writing style was wonderful. Here are two of my favorite quotes:

Then she said, "You are pretty passionate about your unhappiness, aren't you, Chris?" I looked right back at her and said, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well."

and

He eyes her as you would a big juicy steak after a six-day hike eating only dehydrated vegetables. I know the look.

This is one of those "it made me laugh, it made me cry" types of books.  Amelia was awesome and Chris is so likable. He sounded like someone that I would crush on myself. The hot older guy that treats you well and laughs at your jokes? Yes, please. The cast of secondary characters were well rounded as well. And the dialogue? You know how I am about believable dialogue and this one was full of it.

Love and Other Perishable Items was an interesting story and ended on a good note. I would recommend it to anyone who has loved an older guy or those who enjoy smart YA contemporaries.