“The Kissing Booth” is a popular young adult novel written by Beth Reekles, that was later adapted into a Netflix original movie in 2018, directed by Vince Marcello. The story, both in the book and the movie, revolves around Elle Evans, a high school student who finds herself in a romantic entanglement with her best friend’s elder brother.
Dive into the Book: Plot Summary of “The Kissing Booth”
“The Kissing Booth” novel introduces us to the protagonist, Elle Evans, who is navigating through the challenges and excitement of high school life. Elle and her best friend, Lee Flynn, have been inseparable since birth, sharing everything from birthday parties to family dinners. When the school carnival arrives, they decide to run a kissing booth, unaware that it would turn Elle’s life upside down.
The story takes a turn when Elle finds herself kissing Noah Flynn, Lee’s older brother, at the booth – a moment that sparks a passionate romance between them. This relationship threatens to break the “no dating relatives” rule she has with Lee, causing a strain in their friendship. The book encapsulates Elle’s struggle to balance her newfound love and her loyalty towards her best friend.
Movie Magic: Summary of “The Kissing Booth”
Just like the book, the movie adaptation of “The Kissing Booth” follows the same storyline, with minor changes for the cinematic audience. The film encapsulates the roller coaster of emotions experienced by Elle as she navigates her way through an unexpected romance with Noah, while trying to preserve her treasured friendship with Lee.
The film, directed by Vince Marcello, brought the characters of the book to life with a vibrant cast including Joey King as Elle, Jacob Elordi as Noah, and Joel Courtney as Lee. The movie beautifully captures the essence of teenage love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships, making it a favorite among young audiences.
A Comparative Study: Book VS Movie
While the movie stays true to the book’s essence, certain elements were adapted for the silver screen. The book provides a deeper insight into Elle’s thoughts and feelings, allowing readers to connect more intimately with her character. The movie, on the other hand, significantly enhances the visual appeal, bringing the story to life through picturesque locations and expressive performances.
A notable change in the movie is the amplification of certain characters and plot points to create more drama and humor. For example, the character of Marco, who appears in the sequel, is introduced earlier in the movie, adding an extra layer of complexity to the love triangle.
The Story’s Time and Place
The story of “The Kissing Booth,” both in the book and the movie, takes place in a contemporary setting. The characters are high school students living in Los Angeles, California. The story unfolds at various locations including their homes, the high school they attend, and the beach where they spend their leisure time.
Where the Reel Magic Happened: Filming Locations
Although the story is set in Los Angeles, the movie was primarily filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. The city’s scenic beauty provided the perfect backdrop for the film. The high school scenes were filmed at the University of Cape Town, while the iconic kissing booth scenes were shot at a local carnival. The homes of the characters were represented by beautiful houses in the city, adding to the film’s visual appeal.
Meet the Characters: Who’s Who in “The Kissing Booth”
The charm of “The Kissing Booth” lies in its relatable and memorable characters. Here’s a brief introduction to the main characters:
- Elle Evans: The protagonist of the story, Elle, portrayed by Joey King in the movie, is a lively and lovable teenager. She is known for her vivacious personality, strong sense of loyalty, and her complicated love life.
- Noah Flynn: Noah, played by Jacob Elordi, is the older brother of Lee and the love interest of Elle. He is known for his bad-boy image, protective nature, and his deep love for Elle.
- Lee Flynn: Lee, played by Joel Courtney, is Elle’s best friend and Noah’s younger brother. He is known for his friendly and fun-loving nature, his close bond with Elle, and his struggle to accept Elle and Noah’s relationship.
Unforgettable Lines: Quotes from “The Kissing Booth”
“The Kissing Booth” movie is filled with memorable quotes that encapsulate the essence of teenage love and friendship. Here are a few that stand out:
- “It’s funny to think about that day now. It was so long ago. But it really ended up defining a lot of my life.”
- “I decided I’d rather hurt Le by dating his brother, than by not being honest with him.”
- “The Kissing Booth is about fun! Go and have some!”
These quotes resonate with the themes of love, friendship, honesty, and fun that are central to “The Kissing Booth.”
Musical Notes: Soundtrack by Patrick Kirst
The soundtrack of “The Kissing Booth” is composed by Patrick Kirst. The music beautifully complements the movie’s youthful and romantic vibe. Born in Germany, Kirst has composed music for numerous films and TV shows. His work on “The Kissing Booth” showcases his ability to create music that enhances the narrative and emotional depth of the film.
Some of Kirst’s other notable works include scores for “Incorporated,” “The Challenger,” and “Breaking Through.”
Behind the Scenes: Curiosities about “The Kissing Booth”
“The Kissing Booth” has garnered a large fan base, sparking interest in the behind-the-scenes trivia. Here are some interesting facts about the book and the movie:
- The book was originally published on Wattpad, a platform for writers to share their work. It gained immense popularity, leading to its publication as a novel.
- “The Kissing Booth” was Beth Reekles’ debut novel. She wrote it when she was only 15 years old.
- Despite being set in Los Angeles, the movie was filmed in Cape Town due to budget constraints.
- The movie was a surprise hit on Netflix, leading to the production of two sequels.
Dress-Up Ideas: Cosplaying Elle and Lee
If you’re a fan of “The Kissing Booth” and want to dress up like Elle or Lee, here are some tips:
- Elle: Elle’s style is casual and comfortable. Opt for a pair of denim shorts, a colorful top, and a pair of converse sneakers. Don’t forget her signature headband!
- Lee: Lee’s style is also casual. A pair of jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers would make the perfect Lee Flynn costume.
Meet the Author: Beth Reekles
Beth Reekles, the author of “The Kissing Booth,” is a young British author who gained fame when she published her book on Wattpad at the age of 15. Following the book’s success, she was signed by a publisher, leading to the global distribution of her novel.
After the success of “The Kissing Booth,” Reekles has published several other novels, solidifying her place in the young adult fiction genre.
Beth Reekles’ Best Works
Besides “The Kissing Booth,” Beth Reekles has penned several other novels that have been well-received by readers. Here are five of her best works:
- “Rolling Dice”: This novel follows the story of a shy girl who ends up falling for the most popular guy in school.
- “Out of Tune”: A story about a small-town girl who gets the chance to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer.
- “Cwtch Me If You Can”: A romantic novella set in Wales.
- “The Beach House”: A sequel to “The Kissing Booth,” this book delves into the summer before Elle goes to college.
- “The Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance”: The sequel to “The Kissing Booth,” this book explores the long-distance relationship between Elle and Noah.
Vince Marcello: The Man Behind the Camera
Vince Marcello, the director of “The Kissing Booth,” is known for his work in various genres. He has directed several successful films and TV shows. Besides “The Kissing Booth,” some of his notable works include “Zombie Prom,” “American Girl: Isabelle Dances into the Spotlight,” and “An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky.”
10 Movies that Echo “The Kissing Booth”
If you enjoyed “The Kissing Booth,” here are 10 similar movies that you might like. These movies explore themes of teenage love, friendship, and coming-of-age.
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”
- “Sierra Burgess is a Loser”
- “The Perfect Date”
- “The DUFF”
- “Love, Simon”
- “The Spectacular Now”
- “Easy A”
- “Clueless”
- “Mean Girls”
- “10 Things I Hate About You”
Book Club Questions for “The Kissing Booth”
If you’re reading “The Kissing Booth” as part of a book club, or just discussing it with friends, here are some questions to spark a conversation:
- How does Elle’s character evolve throughout the story?
- Discuss the significance of the “rules” in Elle and Lee’s friendship.
- How does Noah’s character defy the stereotypical ‘bad boy’ trope?
- What role does the kissing booth play in the story?
- How does the author portray teenage love and friendship?
10 Novels Similar to “The Kissing Booth”
If you enjoyed reading “The Kissing Booth,” here are 10 similar novels that you might like:
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
- “The DUFF” by Kody Keplinger
- “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
- “Anna and the French Kiss” by Stephanie Perkins
- “P.S. I Like You” by Kasie West
- “The Fill-In Boyfriend” by Kasie West
- “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Morgan Matson
- “Just One Day” by Gayle Forman
- “Love, Rosie” by Cecelia Ahern
- “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
Parent Guide for “The Kissing Booth”
“The Kissing Booth” is a teenage romantic comedy that contains some mature content. Parents should consider the following points before deciding if it’s suitable for their children:
- Age Recommendation: The movie is suitable for teenagers above 13, due to its romantic themes and mild language.
- Language: The movie contains mild language and slang used by teenagers.
- Romantic Content: The movie showcases a teenage romance, including some kissing scenes. The book also contains similar content.
- Themes: The movie explores themes of friendship, first love, and teenage drama. Parents could use these themes to initiate conversations about relationships, boundaries, and respect.
Gift Ideas for “The Kissing Booth” Fans
If you know someone who loves “The Kissing Booth,” here are some gift ideas:
- The “Kissing Booth” series books: A great gift for fans of the book.
- “The Kissing Booth” movie poster: A perfect addition to a fan’s room.
- “The Kissing Booth” themed merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags featuring quotes or characters from the movie.
- A personalized “Kissing Booth”: A fun and unique gift idea for fans of the movie.
In Conclusion
“The Kissing Booth” has won the hearts of audiences worldwide, both as a book and a movie. Its relatable characters, engaging storyline, and depiction of teenage love and friendship have made it a popular choice among young readers and viewers. Whether you’re exploring the pages of the book, watching the movie, or even participating in a book club discussion, “The Kissing Booth” offers a heartwarming experience that resonates with the joys and challenges of adolescence. So, dive into the world of Elle, Noah, and Lee, and embark on a journey of love, laughter, and friendship.
