Novel & Cerita The Kissing Booth Book 1

The name 'The Kissing Booth' instantly takes me back to binge-reading YA rom-coms under my bedsheet with a flashlight—pure nostalgia! The author behind this addictive series is Beth Reekles, who actually wrote the first draft when she was just 15 and posted it on Wattpad. It blew up online, got picked up by Random House, and now it’s a whole Netflix franchise! What’s wild is how her teenage voice resonated with millions; the book’s messy, dramatic, and full of that cringe-worthy-but-endearing high school energy. Reekles later graduated from uni with a physics degree, which makes her transition from science to steamy YA even cooler.

Fun side note: If you liked her style, check out her other book 'Out of Tune'—it’s got the same lighthearted vibes but with a musical twist. Though some critics call her writing 'fluffy,' I’d argue that’s exactly why it works—it’s like literary cotton candy.

The first thing that comes to mind when I hear 'The Kissing Booth' is that it started as a book before becoming a movie. The novel was written by Beth Reekles, who actually penned it when she was just a teenager—super impressive, right? It blew up on Wattpad before getting published traditionally. Then Netflix adapted it into a film, and suddenly everyone was talking about Elle and Noah's messy, dramatic romance. The movie definitely took some liberties with the source material, but that’s pretty standard for adaptations. Personally, I liked the book’s raw, unfiltered teen voice, but the movie’s glossy visuals and catchy soundtrack made it a fun watch. Either way, it’s a great example of how online platforms can launch stories into mainstream success.

What’s wild is how the franchise expanded. The book got two sequels, and Netflix followed suit with two more movies. The sequels… well, let’s just say they leaned hard into over-the-top drama, but fans ate it up. It’s interesting to compare how the characters evolved differently in the books versus the films. Like, book Elle feels more introspective, while movie Elle is all about big, chaotic energy. If you’re into coming-of-age stories with a side of cringe, both versions are worth checking out—just maybe don’t take the relationship advice too seriously.

Reading 'The Kissing Booth' felt like a nostalgic trip back to high school—all the drama, awkward crushes, and chaotic friendships. The novel’s vibe is undeniably teen-centric, with themes like first love, rebellion, and figuring out where you fit in. I’d peg it squarely for readers 13–18, though some mature middle graders might enjoy it too. The writing’s light and breezy, perfect for someone craving a fun, low-stakes escape. But fair warning: the romance gets steamy in places, so it’s maybe not for the youngest YA crowd.

That said, I know adults who devoured it for the sheer nostalgia factor. There’s something universal about messy teenage emotions, even if the specifics (like secret kissing booths) are pure fantasy. It’s the kind of book you pass to your younger cousin with a wink, saying, 'You’ll get it when you’re older.'