Flipped (novel)
Flipped is a young adult romance novel by Wendelin Van Draanen, published in 2001. The story is told in alternating first-person narratives, each chapter presenting the same events from the perspectives of the two protagonists, Juli Baker and Bryce Loski.
The novel explores themes of perspective, empathy, integrity, and social dynamics in a junior high setting. Juli, a confident and outspoken girl, is immediately smitten with Bryce when he moves in across the street. Bryce, however, is initially put off by Juli's assertive personality and the unwavering attention she pays him.
As the years pass, their feelings toward each other evolve significantly. Bryce begins to question his initial judgments of Juli and is gradually impressed by her strong moral compass and unconventional outlook on life. Juli, on the other hand, becomes disillusioned with Bryce's superficiality and lack of character.
The narrative structure allows readers to understand the internal motivations and biases that shape Juli and Bryce's actions. It also highlights the subjective nature of reality and the importance of looking beyond initial impressions. The phrase "flipped" refers to the point at which each character's feelings towards the other begin to shift, representing a significant turning point in their relationship.
Flipped has been praised for its relatable characters, heartwarming storyline, and thoughtful exploration of themes relevant to adolescence and personal growth. It was adapted into a film of the same name, released in 2010.