Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin group)
Published On: June 14, 2012
Source: own copy
A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another
“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.
My Thoughts:
My life next door is a beautiful novel. It was something I did not expect it to be. After reading it, I just can't stop thinking about. There were still lots of possibilities. A lot of loose ends for the supporting characters. But I guess that was a positive thing, not to mention reasonable. The story was mainly about Jase and Sam, so I perfectly understand why the other characters don't have their ending written up for them yet. I kep thinking maybe the author will want to write a story out of the others.
Perfect people don't really exist, but it's really up to the people around us on how they view us, or the people that surrounds them. The story has many angles on relationships, and how people's choices afrect those that surround them. Like Sam, what stopped her from befriending the Garrets for the last ten years? Jase. What triggered himto change his mind from just watching Sam from the kitchen and pool to finally talk to her? The Garrets, on their view of family? Do they simply love children (they have 8. Yes, 8.)And Senator Grace Reed (Sam's mother), does her past still hold onto her, thus the OCness? Nan, Sam's bestfriend, who has hidden agendas and bitterness built up inside her. Does blaming other people with her situation really help? How about Tim? (Nan's brother) Always stoned but is actually nice when sober. Is it too late for him to really start all over? These lives are very much alive in the story. And each of them has their own story. This is the first time I've read a novel wher I realy thought of each of the character, and not just dofocus on the main couple. It's amazing how the mind works.
Anyhoo, it's really interesting that the story is told from Sam's POv, the girl next door. It would probably be waaay different if it were told from Jase's POV, the boy who lives inside the big family's house. This is not a Romeo amd Juliet tragic story, but it's a contemporary YA romance that will entertain your summer. The title is lovely and holds so much meaning to the story. The characters will enrapture your hearts and minds. I have my own fave on- George. His intelligence surprised me, but his vulnerability because of his fear of any ways of dying (which are funny, btw). In the end,I recommend you YA readers to read this. I remember seeing the cover of the book earlier this year and after reading the premise, I wanted to read it. And now that I did, I’m glad I read it. :)
This book sounds like my kind of contemporary. Great review.
ReplyDelete