My Life Next Door Review

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Published June 14th 2012 by Dial Books for Young Readers
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 394
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 4.5/5




Description:

"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, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

My Thoughts:

At first I expected a cliché, predictable love story about a girl falling in love with the boy next door. I was very surprised that there were other elements involved. I fell in love with the characters in this story and I couldn't really relate to the main female character, Sam. I still loved the story, characters, plot, and the ambiance of the book. This book is definitely getting my into a spring, contemporary mood!

Quotes:

"It's as though I don't make a ripple as I drop off the face of the earth." 

"The Garretts were my bedtime story, long before I ever thought I'd be part of the story myself."

About the Author:

Huntley Fitzpatrick grew up dreamy and distracted in coastal Connecticut. She flourished in a family of bookworms where everyone always had their nose in a book. She kept an exhaustively thorough journal which frightened her boyfriends but has proved very useful in her career as a writer. Her debut contemporary Romance, MY LIFE NEXT DOOR, was published in June of 2012 by Penguin-Dial for Young Readers. Now she laughs with and eavesdrops on her six children who provide her with perspective and material. She is represented by the amazing Christina Hogrebe of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

http://www.huntleyfitzpatrick.com/