I really liked this book- the highs and lows, the overwhelming sarcasm, the deep friendship, and the growth of our characters. Both Josie and Delia deal with their own issues, but throughout the novel they consistently have each other's back. The author did a great job writing their friendship. One of my favorite parts about the book was the quirky support the girls give each other. Although their problems are different (depression and money issues compared with parental disagreements and college bickering) the girls never try to put the other down. The romance was also written very well with it having just the right presence in the book. The characters were likeable and distinctive despite being so close that other characters often think they're sisters. I'll definitely be buying this for our library next year!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the latest Jeff Zentner book. I am a fan of his other books, The Serpent King and Goodbye Days, however I was interested in his newest because of the hype regarding this being more of a comedy. However, would I like a story about teen girls making a public access show about campy horror movies? Well, the answer is YES! 5 stars . I loved it.

First off , what a unique premise! And even though I hate horror and have no understanding of this niche I immediately was drawn into the world of Rayne & Delilah. So don't let the plot throw you off this fun and touching read. Jeff is one of those author's that can make me laugh and cry. His humor isn't forced and I think teens will adore the quirky characters . ( I almost hate to use the word quirky because some of my teens think it's overdone, but not when it is done so well!!) There are many absurd moments that feel cinematic and have you cheering throughout the story. Then there are moments that completely catch you off guard and tears are rolling down your face but you find you are smiling at the same time.

Second, let's appreciate a male author that can capture two female voices so authentically. These girls are smart, sassy, and vulnerable all in one. These girls struggle with following your dreams even if it means letting other's down, loving yourself first, and how you don't need to live an extraordinary life to be happy.

Third note, I appreciate the way that mental health issues are woven into the plot. They are just a part of the lives of the characters without being their main character traits.. Also, the subtle mention of medication and the struggles being on and off them , without lecturing , is handled so well.. Mental health is part of so many lives and it's wonderful to see it normalized in this way.

So, 5 stars, this is my favorite new book. It will be added to my personal and library bookshelf in February!

I will always read everything Jeff Zentner writes. His first two books, The Serpent King and Goodbye Days, are two of my favorite books. I can now add Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee to that list of favorites. Zentner has a way of writing characters that makes them so alive, so real, that you feel like you know them. Rayne and Delilah's Midnite Matinee is a simple story of friendship, but it is also complex in its simplicity. Zentner examines the nuances of friendship, and how they survive, by creating two vibrant, intelligent, hilarious teenage girls. Readers who pick up this book with fall in love with the main characters and will want to read the book again as soon as they finish it.

Lovely story of two girls finding out what it means to follow a dream...and what new beginnings and endings feel like.

Loved the side characters and the weirdness of the Orlando visit. I think teens will enjoy!

I loved this story of friends who did a TV show and going through different things in their lives from finding a dad to romance. Loved the friends and manager :) Great story and loved that it was in different point of views.

What a great read! So much fun! Will have you laughing out loud and wondering how Zentner thought of such things and then gets serious and deep and has you reflecting. Loved it.

A funny and poignant YA book about friendship and making your way in the world. Jackson, Tennessee High School seniors Josie Howard and Delia Wilkes are best friends who created and host their own public access television show. Midnight Matinee is a campy creature-feature complete with dorky attire, low budget “so-bad-its-good” horror movies, and two delightfully risible, costumed, witchy hosts named Rayne and Delilah.

As BFFs Josie and Delia work through what will happen to the show and their friendship after high school, the action is peppered with a search for a long-lost, deadbeat, dad; a cartoonishly over-the-top sequence with a has-been film producer and his Russian mafia sidekick; a slowly developing love story with the world’s greatest guy and wannabe MMA champion; and plenty of (gratuitous?) butt and fart jokes.

The writing is good — some hysterically funny live and text-based banter (the collection of one-line descriptions of country music alone is worth the price of admission) mixed with heartfelt scenes of connection, questioning, and resolve.

Great for fans of John Green.

Intelligent, funny, quirky, and beautifully written. I love the way Jeff Zentner writes friendships, and how he develops characters that you wish were real people. Definite must-read!