January 11, 2013

My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Pages: 395
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

From goodreads.com: “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?


I was worried when I read two contemporaries in a row that the first one (The Fine Art of Truth or Dare) being so good would ruin this one for me.  I had been looking forward to reading it for a long time, and I really didn't want to be disappointed.  I have to say My Life Next Door didn't disappoint at all.

A huge part of why I loved this book so much was the Garrett family.  I loved each and every freaking one of them, but especially George and Jase.  I love super curious kids who just want to know more and more.  George was so adorable and I totally wanted to hang out with him.  Jase is who we got to know the best out of the family and you just can't help but love the boy.  I just really wanted to go over to the Garrett's for a bar-be-que.  I think it would be non-stop fun.

About halfway through the book I had no idea where the story was going to go.  I'm pretty sure I even said that out loud to my sister.  I just couldn't imagine what the conflict was going to be, but oh lord, was it worth the wait.  This book makes you fall in love and then BOOM - pits of despair.  I'm pretty sure the words I used were, "I don't know how they're going to make this okay ever again."  And if you guys haven't realized it yet I love a good tortured story.  I blame years of Joss Whedon shows.  Just, please, if you like contemporary at all pick this one up.  You won't be sorry.

4 comments:

  1. Great review! I think that may be exactly what I thought as well- how are they ever going to fix this?!? My optimistic side was hoping for more smooth sailing, but all in all, it was just a beautiful read.

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  2. Great review! I usually don't like contemporaries, but I also looove a good tortured story--shows character depth and makes me feel all the feeeels. This was a pretty big year for Joss Whedon, eh? Cabin in the Woods and the Avengers....very not Buffy (no romance in either), but still the Whedon flair.

    Anyway, now I want to read this book!

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    1. It was a big Joss year! I still haven't seen Cabin in the Woods (I know, for shame), but loved The Avengers. My sister got Cabin for Christmas, so I know we'll be watching it soon.

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    2. Ooh, good. Beware though, it's pretty scary. Hahaha. But, hilarious.

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