Book Recap: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Cover Inspection:
The cover is as cute as the story itself!

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
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.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.5
Plot	3.5
Writing	3.0
Characters	3.5
Ending	3.0
Overall Rating	3.5 Superior! (93% to 96%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

LOCATION/SETTING:
The story is set in modern day Connecticut.

MAIN CHARACTERS:
The main character is Samantha. Sam is rich, being one of the daughters of a state senator. She goes to a private school. She lives a very sheltered life, and is very prim and proper. Then there is Jase, the love interest. Jase is the good-looking, easy-going, next door neighbor of Samantha. Jase is hard working and respectful. His moral values are fully in tact. He's basically every parent's dream son.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:
The plot is fairly simple. Samantha spent her life watching the Garetts, their boisterous next door neighbor. Her mother hates them. Their other neighbors talk about how loud and rowdy the Garetts are. Then one day, Jace Garett climbs up her window, and as Samantha get to know Jase, she finds herself falling, falling, falling for him.

LOVE:
There are so many things I loved about this book!

First of many is the beautiful narration. It sucks you in right away. It's relaxed, simple, and easy. The whole story is written in such a way that you feel that you are merely conversing with a good friend.

Also, it's very rare when you find a book where each and every character is likable - flawed as they are. The characters in this book are so endearing. I loved each of them, yes, even the secondary characters. Each character added something to the story making the book funny, heart-melting, heart-breaking, and memorable.

Another thing I loved is the Jase and Sam pairing. Here, the good girl and the good boy are in love. They make such a sweet couple. They have an easy way of being with each other. They're basically friends in love, and it's just beautiful.

I also admire the author for emotionally battering her characters and for presenting them with moral dilemmas. All the characters, primary and secondary, young and old, were faced with really, really tough choices, such as choosing between family and doing the right thing. In the end, I am satisfied with each of their choices. And I am very happy with the way the story ended.

Last but not the least, this book is spurt-water-out-of-your-mouth funny. (I especially loved the part when Jase was telling Sam about that funny sex talk with his father.)

NO LOVE:
There is one very small thing I disliked about the book. I didn't like it when Sam was ashamed of Jase. I felt so bad for Jase as he is so devoted to Sam, and he deserves a better treatment than that. Good thing this was resolved early in the story.

FAVORITE CHARACTERS:
Jase's ENTIRE FAMILY. They're a big family. They're rowdy. And they're happy. I especially loved Jase's little brother. He is too cute! He's just four and has a talent for embarrassing people with his adorable comments. Below is a sample of one of those George scenes...

FAVORITE LINE:

“Is Jase already going to marry you?”
I start coughing again. “Uh. No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we aren’t engaged.
“I’m this many,” George holds up four slightly grubby fingers. “But Jase is seventeen and a half. You could. Then you could live in here with him. And have a big family.”

MUSINGS:
This book is fantastic! I very rarely read young adult contemporaries, but I don't regret picking this up. This is the kind of book that you need to read after a long day at school or at work. It makes you feel good after reading it. I initially thought that this book is a light read. But it actually goes in deeper by tackling issues such as family loyalty and making the right choice. It sends a positive message to the reader. I don't know what else to say except... I LOVED THIS BOOK!

DOODLES:
Haven't found the trailer yet.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
Huntley Fitzpatrick

SIMILAR READS:
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

CONTENT REVIEW:
profanity: moderate
violence: mild
sexual content: heavy (talk of sex, condoms, and other contraceptives, sex)
mature themes: moderate
age recommendation: 14+