Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Dial (2012), Hardcover, 304 pages
Description
When Samantha, the seventeen-year-old daugher of a wealthy, perfectionistic, Republican state senator, falls in love with the boy next door, whose family is large, boisterous, and just making ends meet, she discovers a different way to live, but when her mother is involved in a hit-and-run accident Sam must make some difficult choices.
Media reviews
Samantha has spent her whole life in her large home, trying to be the opposite of her older sister and be the perfect daughter for her politician mother. But Samantha can’t help but watch the Garrett’s next door from her window. They are the one thing in the world she is forbade to associate
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with, per her mother’s instructions.
The Garrett family is loud, and there’s a new one every few years. Toys litter their yard, as do cars. And one night she is seen by Jase Garrett–who proceeds to climb the trellis and knock on her window. And then, seventeen year old Samantha Reed’s life begins. Suddenly, her private school education and country club membership mean little. She begins to realize that the world is larger than her home and her already planned life. And Jase’s kisses make her come alive. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member AmberFIB
This is one of the best contemporaries I've ever read. Normally I like a dramatic plot, either paranormally driven or tragically driven. This plot, however, is mostly happy, and when I finished the novel, I was left with a content feeling. This is very much a feel-good book. There are ups and
There are a lot of characters in My Life Next Door. Jase's family alone consists of eight children and two parents. Additionally, Samantha has a sister, a best friend, the best friend's brother, a mother, and the mother's boyfriend is integral to the plot as well. However, it wasn't hard to keep the characters straight because Fitzpatrick managed to create an insane amount of unique, well-developed characters. Each character has his or her own quirks and stands out. Furthermore, the characters are believable, flawed, and easy to relate to. I could understand everyone's motivations but Clay's (the mother's boyfriend). Also, Samantha, the narrator and leading character, grew so much throughout the course of the novel. She made plenty of mistakes along the way, but in the end, she was better for it. I found that I cared about her, her family, and her friends, and wanted the best for everyone.
Samantha is a likable character, and she tries very hard to do the right thing. From the outside looking in, it seems that she's had an easy life. In many ways she has, but people sometimes resent her and judge her harshly for this. Jase, however does not. Jase's family, the Garrett's are constantly struggling financially. He never seems to resent Samantha, though. He is the perfect love interest because he's caring, compassionate, and responsible. He's a hard worker and an all around good person. He does have his flaws, as everyone does, but they are few and far between. He really cares about Samantha and wants to do what's best for her. It's impossible not to root for them to overcome their obstacles and remain together.
The plot is interesting, but not intense. I never once got bored, but the first 70% of the book is just establishing Jase's and Samantha's relationship. Things are not rushed with them and there is no insta-love (thankfully). The relationship develops at a natural pace, and the reader gets to observe all of the milestones. Because of the relationship's pacing, it comes across as believable and healthy. Also, the focus on Sam and Jase's relationship allows the reader to see how Samantha changes because of Jase. When the suspenseful scene begins, it's almost impossible to believe. However, Samantha and Jase needed to be tested. It wouldn't have been much of a novel without a huge obstacle to overcome, right? Nevertheless, I was extremely worried about how things would turn out.
There is some swearing in the novel, and people do have sex (though the scenes are not graphic). Also, there is drug use and underage drinking done by some of the characters. However, the novel does not glamorize any of these things, and especially with the drug use, it shows how drugs and alcohol can ruin lives. The only reason I mentioned these things was to give you guys an idea of what to expect. I know everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to what they read. None of the stuff bothered me, but I'm pretty liberal. And as I said, nothing was glamorized, graphic, or trashy.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to pretty much anyone. My Life Next Door is one of those books that leaves you feeling content after you read it. The story is touching and the characters are well-developed. I read this book in one day, even though it's close to 400 pages long, and I wasn't bored once. If you want a fun summer read, then pick up My Life Next Door. You won't regret it.
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downs, and a dramatic build-up at the end that kept me on the edge of my seat, but overall, this novel just made me happy. I'd recommend My Life Next Door to anyone who wants to read a relaxing, feel-good summer story. There are a lot of characters in My Life Next Door. Jase's family alone consists of eight children and two parents. Additionally, Samantha has a sister, a best friend, the best friend's brother, a mother, and the mother's boyfriend is integral to the plot as well. However, it wasn't hard to keep the characters straight because Fitzpatrick managed to create an insane amount of unique, well-developed characters. Each character has his or her own quirks and stands out. Furthermore, the characters are believable, flawed, and easy to relate to. I could understand everyone's motivations but Clay's (the mother's boyfriend). Also, Samantha, the narrator and leading character, grew so much throughout the course of the novel. She made plenty of mistakes along the way, but in the end, she was better for it. I found that I cared about her, her family, and her friends, and wanted the best for everyone.
Samantha is a likable character, and she tries very hard to do the right thing. From the outside looking in, it seems that she's had an easy life. In many ways she has, but people sometimes resent her and judge her harshly for this. Jase, however does not. Jase's family, the Garrett's are constantly struggling financially. He never seems to resent Samantha, though. He is the perfect love interest because he's caring, compassionate, and responsible. He's a hard worker and an all around good person. He does have his flaws, as everyone does, but they are few and far between. He really cares about Samantha and wants to do what's best for her. It's impossible not to root for them to overcome their obstacles and remain together.
The plot is interesting, but not intense. I never once got bored, but the first 70% of the book is just establishing Jase's and Samantha's relationship. Things are not rushed with them and there is no insta-love (thankfully). The relationship develops at a natural pace, and the reader gets to observe all of the milestones. Because of the relationship's pacing, it comes across as believable and healthy. Also, the focus on Sam and Jase's relationship allows the reader to see how Samantha changes because of Jase. When the suspenseful scene begins, it's almost impossible to believe. However, Samantha and Jase needed to be tested. It wouldn't have been much of a novel without a huge obstacle to overcome, right? Nevertheless, I was extremely worried about how things would turn out.
There is some swearing in the novel, and people do have sex (though the scenes are not graphic). Also, there is drug use and underage drinking done by some of the characters. However, the novel does not glamorize any of these things, and especially with the drug use, it shows how drugs and alcohol can ruin lives. The only reason I mentioned these things was to give you guys an idea of what to expect. I know everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to what they read. None of the stuff bothered me, but I'm pretty liberal. And as I said, nothing was glamorized, graphic, or trashy.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to pretty much anyone. My Life Next Door is one of those books that leaves you feeling content after you read it. The story is touching and the characters are well-developed. I read this book in one day, even though it's close to 400 pages long, and I wasn't bored once. If you want a fun summer read, then pick up My Life Next Door. You won't regret it.
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LibraryThing member Dauntless
Good contemporary teen romance. Well-written. I will seek out this author again.
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Friendship, family, and love lie at the heart of Huntley Fitzpatrick's debut novel, My Life Next Door. Abandoned by their father when the girls were little, Samantha Reed, her sister, and her mother have forged a life of privilege thanks to her mother's trust fund. In spite of everything she has,
What makes My Life Next Door more than just another YA novel is the very real presence of the parents. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett take a very active role in each of their kids' lives, and the family flourishes as a result. Even Sam's mother, as distant and focused as she is on her political campaign, is not hidden in the background or an afterthought. This deviation from a normal YA plot device is as enlivening as it is encouraging. Finally, readers can get a feel for how truly wonderful functional families can be and not focus on how grown-up a teen is because his or her parents opt to live separate lives. The Garretts make for some of the most enjoyable scenes in the novel. They may be messy, loud, quirky, and seemingly poised to take over the world, they are also welcoming, warm, open, loving, and steadfast. This is how families should be represented.
Along a similar vein, Sam is relatively even-keeled and honest. She is the good girl - the one who has always followed directions. Exposure to the Garretts helps her to break out of her shell, but she does not rebel like she could, or probably should. Instead, she remains as serious and resolved as ever but is more able to vocalize her desires. Sam's coming-of-age story is less about the teen drama and more about her ability to handle the drama from outside forces. If only we all could have enjoyed such a relatively painless journey to adulthood.
While this is Ms. Fitzpatrick's debut novel, her writing is anything but novice. She uses some of the most gorgeous prose imaginable throughout My Life Next Door. From her exquisite descriptions of the Connecticut shoreline to the unique characters that make up the Garrett family, a reader is left with a crystal-clear knowledge of exactly what Ms. Fitzpatrick was trying to portray. While readers may want to question Sam's desire for something different when she seemingly grew up with everything, the writing prevents a reader from passing judgment on Sam, and more surprising, even later on her mother. This is not a trite novel about young love but rather a careful portrait of the choices one makes and their impact on others, one possible only through Ms. Fitzpatrick's outstanding writing.
Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door is a gorgeous coming-of-age and love story that confirms what it means to be family. More importantly, it resets one's opinion on what it means to be considered successful. The Garretts are the type of family that everyone should be so lucky to have as neighbors and friends, let alone have as their very own. Sam and Jase's burgeoning relationship has an authenticity to it not normally seen in young adult relationships, very refreshing for readers of the young adult genre and very honest in its discussion of responsibilities and next steps. For once, the teens act less like drama kings and queens and more like the adults they are on the brink of becoming. My Life Next Door deserves to be savored and thoroughly enjoyed and is a perfect way to spend those lazy summer days. Readers everywhere deserve to fall in love with Sam and Jase and all of the Garretts.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to NetGalley and to Penguin Young Readers Group for my e-galley!
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Sam looks longingly upon their next-door neighbors, the Garretts - a rowdy, constantly-growing family the likes of which have been deemed unworthy of notice by Sam's mother. After years of watching them from afar, one of the infamous Garretts decides to take matters into his own hands, and a burgeoning relationship is born.What makes My Life Next Door more than just another YA novel is the very real presence of the parents. Mr. and Mrs. Garrett take a very active role in each of their kids' lives, and the family flourishes as a result. Even Sam's mother, as distant and focused as she is on her political campaign, is not hidden in the background or an afterthought. This deviation from a normal YA plot device is as enlivening as it is encouraging. Finally, readers can get a feel for how truly wonderful functional families can be and not focus on how grown-up a teen is because his or her parents opt to live separate lives. The Garretts make for some of the most enjoyable scenes in the novel. They may be messy, loud, quirky, and seemingly poised to take over the world, they are also welcoming, warm, open, loving, and steadfast. This is how families should be represented.
Along a similar vein, Sam is relatively even-keeled and honest. She is the good girl - the one who has always followed directions. Exposure to the Garretts helps her to break out of her shell, but she does not rebel like she could, or probably should. Instead, she remains as serious and resolved as ever but is more able to vocalize her desires. Sam's coming-of-age story is less about the teen drama and more about her ability to handle the drama from outside forces. If only we all could have enjoyed such a relatively painless journey to adulthood.
While this is Ms. Fitzpatrick's debut novel, her writing is anything but novice. She uses some of the most gorgeous prose imaginable throughout My Life Next Door. From her exquisite descriptions of the Connecticut shoreline to the unique characters that make up the Garrett family, a reader is left with a crystal-clear knowledge of exactly what Ms. Fitzpatrick was trying to portray. While readers may want to question Sam's desire for something different when she seemingly grew up with everything, the writing prevents a reader from passing judgment on Sam, and more surprising, even later on her mother. This is not a trite novel about young love but rather a careful portrait of the choices one makes and their impact on others, one possible only through Ms. Fitzpatrick's outstanding writing.
Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door is a gorgeous coming-of-age and love story that confirms what it means to be family. More importantly, it resets one's opinion on what it means to be considered successful. The Garretts are the type of family that everyone should be so lucky to have as neighbors and friends, let alone have as their very own. Sam and Jase's burgeoning relationship has an authenticity to it not normally seen in young adult relationships, very refreshing for readers of the young adult genre and very honest in its discussion of responsibilities and next steps. For once, the teens act less like drama kings and queens and more like the adults they are on the brink of becoming. My Life Next Door deserves to be savored and thoroughly enjoyed and is a perfect way to spend those lazy summer days. Readers everywhere deserve to fall in love with Sam and Jase and all of the Garretts.
Acknowledgments: Thank you to NetGalley and to Penguin Young Readers Group for my e-galley!
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LibraryThing member Dukiebri
Every once in a while, there is a book that just grabs your attention and surpasses all expectations. Recently, I had given up hope for a good, solid YA romance title with no excessive teen drama, real characters and a relationship I could invest in, and a story that just makes me smile. I am happy
Samantha Reed spends her time watching the chaotic Garrett family next door. Her own life is rather lonely and solitary, with a mother who is almost never home and a sister away for the summer, but the Garretts’ house is a flurry of activity with kids constantly running around and squealing. The Garrett family has everything that hers doesn’t: a fatherly presence, a mother and father with a steady, loving relationship, and a place that can be called home, and Samantha only wishes she could be one of them. When Jase Garrett surprises her one evening and they start talking, the two begin a whirlwind romance that tugs at heartstrings and shows the beauty and magic of falling in love for the first time.
This book thoroughly charmed me. Blissfully absent of love triangles, teen angst, and unnecessary relationship drama, My Life Next Door casts a realistic light on teenage love. I completely fell for Jase. He is lighthearted, easy to be with and talk to, mature, patient, and an all-around nice guy who just wants to make the person he loves happy. Samantha was reserved and tended to keep to herself, but Jase slowly brings her out of her shell, and I loved watching her undergo this transformation. In any relationship, the person you are with should make you into a better person, helping you rid yourself of doubt and fear, and that is exactly what Jase and Samantha’s relationship epitomizes. They really brought out the best in each other, and watching their romance develop was a real treat. The Garrett family, in all their craziness, was another added bonus. With too many comical moments to count, they had me in stitches most of the time. George is ridiculously adorable, and I would love nothing more than to just pinch his cheeks and give him a bear hug (considering he is actually wearing underwear/pants).
For her debut work, I do not think Fitzpatrick could have done much better. She created an enchanting love story filled with practical and loveable characters and swoon worthy moments that will leave the reader feeling so many heartfelt emotions, it will be difficult to process them all. While the ‘incident’ at the end of the book could have been handled a little more efficiently, this book is still one of the best debuts to come out in 2012. I loved Jase, I loved Jase and Samantha’s relationship, and I loved this book. I cannot wait to see what Fitzpatrick will have for us next!
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to say that I’ve found a keeper in My Life Next Door.Samantha Reed spends her time watching the chaotic Garrett family next door. Her own life is rather lonely and solitary, with a mother who is almost never home and a sister away for the summer, but the Garretts’ house is a flurry of activity with kids constantly running around and squealing. The Garrett family has everything that hers doesn’t: a fatherly presence, a mother and father with a steady, loving relationship, and a place that can be called home, and Samantha only wishes she could be one of them. When Jase Garrett surprises her one evening and they start talking, the two begin a whirlwind romance that tugs at heartstrings and shows the beauty and magic of falling in love for the first time.
This book thoroughly charmed me. Blissfully absent of love triangles, teen angst, and unnecessary relationship drama, My Life Next Door casts a realistic light on teenage love. I completely fell for Jase. He is lighthearted, easy to be with and talk to, mature, patient, and an all-around nice guy who just wants to make the person he loves happy. Samantha was reserved and tended to keep to herself, but Jase slowly brings her out of her shell, and I loved watching her undergo this transformation. In any relationship, the person you are with should make you into a better person, helping you rid yourself of doubt and fear, and that is exactly what Jase and Samantha’s relationship epitomizes. They really brought out the best in each other, and watching their romance develop was a real treat. The Garrett family, in all their craziness, was another added bonus. With too many comical moments to count, they had me in stitches most of the time. George is ridiculously adorable, and I would love nothing more than to just pinch his cheeks and give him a bear hug (considering he is actually wearing underwear/pants).
For her debut work, I do not think Fitzpatrick could have done much better. She created an enchanting love story filled with practical and loveable characters and swoon worthy moments that will leave the reader feeling so many heartfelt emotions, it will be difficult to process them all. While the ‘incident’ at the end of the book could have been handled a little more efficiently, this book is still one of the best debuts to come out in 2012. I loved Jase, I loved Jase and Samantha’s relationship, and I loved this book. I cannot wait to see what Fitzpatrick will have for us next!
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LibraryThing member elliedreams
I read a lot of realistic teen fiction, in fact I read nothing else, but there are few that are as real as this one. This book captures your attention, draws you in with Jase and Samatha's connection, and eventual love. Their pace of first love felt real, it didn't feel forced or fake or something
Jase's family, the Garretts', were some of my favorite characters in the book. Even though they were supporting characters, I felt like Fitzpatrick developped each and every one so well that each of them could have their own book. In Samantha's world, almost everyone pissed me off except Tim. Which, when you start reading, sounds preposterous, but seriously. Nan, Samantha's mother, and Clay were all irritating characters. Tim grows and you find out he's not just a bum, in fact, he's a good person who has some thoughtful things to say.
The big shocker was, trust me, a HUGE shock. I didn't see it coming until it did.
This is a wonderful debut, a wonderful story, and I would read it again and again. Definitely a must-read!
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that would only work in fiction. Jase's family, the Garretts', were some of my favorite characters in the book. Even though they were supporting characters, I felt like Fitzpatrick developped each and every one so well that each of them could have their own book. In Samantha's world, almost everyone pissed me off except Tim. Which, when you start reading, sounds preposterous, but seriously. Nan, Samantha's mother, and Clay were all irritating characters. Tim grows and you find out he's not just a bum, in fact, he's a good person who has some thoughtful things to say.
The big shocker was, trust me, a HUGE shock. I didn't see it coming until it did.
This is a wonderful debut, a wonderful story, and I would read it again and again. Definitely a must-read!
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LibraryThing member BornBookish
I feel like I really need to explain myself with this book, because it was really good I just don’t think it was a good fit for me personally. I think the main problem was that I went into this book expecting one thing and it ended up being something completely different. Maybe I would have
For example, I had heard that this was a “wholesome” romance, but I guess everyone’s definition of wholesome is different. I was expecting one of those, spend the whole book anticipating their first kiss kind of romances, not a sex after a couple weeks romance. So that was one of the big things I was disappointed in. Don’t get me wrong, Sam & Jase are a cute couple and it was a sweet romance compared to a lot of relationships I’ve read about in YA, it’s just wasn’t what I had been expecting, so I couldn’t help but feel let down.
Another thing that was hard for me to get past was all the politics. Samantha’s mom is a Senator, so naturally there is campaigning talk and events. I’m going to be completely honest and say that I absolutely can’t stand politics. I’m one of those people whose eyes glaze over whenever people around me start talking about it.
There was one aspect of the storyline that really tugged on my heartstrings and that was Samantha and Nan’s friendship. I don’t want to go into too much detail or spoil anything for those of you who haven’t read it yet, so I’ll just say that it was a part of the story I was really able to connect with. The thoughts and emotions that Samantha experienced during this time were so spot on it was crazy.
While I may not have been a big fan of the story itself, I must say that I did enjoy Huntley Fitzpatrick’s writing, it’s emotional depth, and her ability to create unique and memorable characters. It’s no wonder that Samantha watched the Garretts all the time. They were such a personable, rowdy, fun, and loving family it was impossible not to like them. I will definitely be checking out her next novel.
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enjoyed it better had I not heard so much about it beforehand, I don’t know.For example, I had heard that this was a “wholesome” romance, but I guess everyone’s definition of wholesome is different. I was expecting one of those, spend the whole book anticipating their first kiss kind of romances, not a sex after a couple weeks romance. So that was one of the big things I was disappointed in. Don’t get me wrong, Sam & Jase are a cute couple and it was a sweet romance compared to a lot of relationships I’ve read about in YA, it’s just wasn’t what I had been expecting, so I couldn’t help but feel let down.
Another thing that was hard for me to get past was all the politics. Samantha’s mom is a Senator, so naturally there is campaigning talk and events. I’m going to be completely honest and say that I absolutely can’t stand politics. I’m one of those people whose eyes glaze over whenever people around me start talking about it.
There was one aspect of the storyline that really tugged on my heartstrings and that was Samantha and Nan’s friendship. I don’t want to go into too much detail or spoil anything for those of you who haven’t read it yet, so I’ll just say that it was a part of the story I was really able to connect with. The thoughts and emotions that Samantha experienced during this time were so spot on it was crazy.
While I may not have been a big fan of the story itself, I must say that I did enjoy Huntley Fitzpatrick’s writing, it’s emotional depth, and her ability to create unique and memorable characters. It’s no wonder that Samantha watched the Garretts all the time. They were such a personable, rowdy, fun, and loving family it was impossible not to like them. I will definitely be checking out her next novel.
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LibraryThing member brandileigh2003
My Life Next Door is a great read. I liked Samantha as a main character, and I could feel her need to belong. She watches the Garretts, a loud and loving family next door, until she surprisingly gets lured into their life and discovers what her family seems to lack.
I love the life portrayed by the
Tim and Nan were also great characters. They never failed to surprise me and they added real life and depth to the story. Tim went through such a transformation and that is exactly what I love to read about. I was sad at the direction that Nan and Sam's relationship took and I think that there should have been some resolution there.
My Life Next door was exactly what I needed after a streak of darker contemporaries and then some dystopias. It was light at the right times, gave me the feel of summer that I am def. not getting here in real life, and it featured the family.
It was not all light though, it deals with some pretty heavy issues in between the sweet romance between Samantha and Jase. Some issues that I didn't know what I would have done in Sam's place. And the thing that makes Sam's world fall out from under her feet? Something that I never saw coming! My only real complaint is that the story is left pretty open ended, and this is one where I wanted to know exactly what happened with the characters.
Bottom line: Superb cast of characters and a sweet romance in this summery feeling contemporary.
I love the life portrayed by the
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Garretts, lots of noise, talking to one another, depending on each other, and the love that makes a house a home. Mrs. Garrett has the patience of a saint and is the mother that I hope to be. Jase is smart, funny and the more I read about him, the more I liked him. And youngster George is so concerned about life and just wants to be reassured. He says the cutest and funniest things, and makes me want to hug him. I like it when children are featured in books, and Ms. Fitzpatrick writes them wonderfully as she does the rest of the characters in the book.Tim and Nan were also great characters. They never failed to surprise me and they added real life and depth to the story. Tim went through such a transformation and that is exactly what I love to read about. I was sad at the direction that Nan and Sam's relationship took and I think that there should have been some resolution there.
My Life Next door was exactly what I needed after a streak of darker contemporaries and then some dystopias. It was light at the right times, gave me the feel of summer that I am def. not getting here in real life, and it featured the family.
It was not all light though, it deals with some pretty heavy issues in between the sweet romance between Samantha and Jase. Some issues that I didn't know what I would have done in Sam's place. And the thing that makes Sam's world fall out from under her feet? Something that I never saw coming! My only real complaint is that the story is left pretty open ended, and this is one where I wanted to know exactly what happened with the characters.
Bottom line: Superb cast of characters and a sweet romance in this summery feeling contemporary.
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LibraryThing member LaneLiterati
A good book for someone looking for a story about first loves and some "growing up" drama . The characters are good and there is an engaging (but somewhat predictable) side plot of family drama, deceit, and what it means to be an adult.
LibraryThing member beckymmoe
I couldn't put this one down! I absolutely loved Sam and Jase's story, and can't wait to read more from this author. Her portrayal of teenagers and of family life were spot on. At no point in reading this one did I experience a moment of "hang on, that just doesn't make sense. What is he/she
The main conflict of the story did seem to occur a bit late in the novel, which almost gave it a before/after feeling; but overall it was just so well written that it really didn't detract from the novel for me at all. Still couldn't put it down...now I had to see how Fitzpatrick could possibly bring it all to a satisfactory conclusion. For a while there it was pretty touch and go...
Reading about the family next door was one of my favorite parts of this novel. I completely understand why Samantha spent so much time watching them from her roof. As much as I loved the main characters of this novel though, (and I did love them) I have to say that George steals the show (followed closely by Patsy--how can you not love a child whose first words are "boob" and "poop"?). I especially loved Samantha's--and later Tim's--quick answers for his questions and concerns. Just remember, people--only bad pigs are made into bacon. You know, the ones with no souls. Like the animals who don't talk in Narnia. Which is good, since George really likes bacon. :-)
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thinking?", which unfortunately has been rare in the books I've read lately. What a refreshing change--characters who act like 100% real people! The main conflict of the story did seem to occur a bit late in the novel, which almost gave it a before/after feeling; but overall it was just so well written that it really didn't detract from the novel for me at all. Still couldn't put it down...now I had to see how Fitzpatrick could possibly bring it all to a satisfactory conclusion. For a while there it was pretty touch and go...
Reading about the family next door was one of my favorite parts of this novel. I completely understand why Samantha spent so much time watching them from her roof. As much as I loved the main characters of this novel though, (and I did love them) I have to say that George steals the show (followed closely by Patsy--how can you not love a child whose first words are "boob" and "poop"?). I especially loved Samantha's--and later Tim's--quick answers for his questions and concerns. Just remember, people--only bad pigs are made into bacon. You know, the ones with no souls. Like the animals who don't talk in Narnia. Which is good, since George really likes bacon. :-)
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LibraryThing member VanyaDrum
This was one of the good contemporary YA adults of 2012. It wasn't perfect, but it was entertaining and it worked well toward my need for contemp romance.
Review to come shortly.
Review to come shortly.
LibraryThing member thehidingspot
Beach reads can be great, but they imply a certain amount of fluffiness that simply doesn't come to mind when I think about Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door. Not that you'd know that just from a quick glance at the cover art and brief description... so I was surprised when I quickly
The characters of My Life Next Door are one of the best aspects of the novel. Each has a very distinct personality (even the littlest of the Garrett's) so, despite there being quite a few children running around in various passages, each character was easily identified. I honestly felt like I knew these characters. Like maybe I lived on the other side of the Garrett's growing up and we all happened to be neighbors. I found myself tightly wrapped in the emotional ups and downs of these characters.
The main character, Samantha, is not perfect, though she's spent much of her life trying to fit the image her mother so carefully cultivates. I cheered each of Sam's rebel moments, proud of her for doing something for herself rather than her mother. And I appreciated the fact that Sam really didn't do anything that would be harmful to herself. Her rebellion wasn't full of drugs, alcohol, and sex, but rather the bravery to accept the sometimes messy, but rewarding parts of life outside of one's comfort zone.
Huntley Fitzpatrick is a talented writer and I can easily imagine her novels gaining a healthy following, much like Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti's novels. I, for one, am anxiously awaiting news of her next project!
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discovered that My Life Next Door is most definitely not a turn off your brain and settle in for a comfy, sedate ride kind of book. Instead, it was filled with angst, painful decisions, and intense romance and friendship and family drama.The characters of My Life Next Door are one of the best aspects of the novel. Each has a very distinct personality (even the littlest of the Garrett's) so, despite there being quite a few children running around in various passages, each character was easily identified. I honestly felt like I knew these characters. Like maybe I lived on the other side of the Garrett's growing up and we all happened to be neighbors. I found myself tightly wrapped in the emotional ups and downs of these characters.
The main character, Samantha, is not perfect, though she's spent much of her life trying to fit the image her mother so carefully cultivates. I cheered each of Sam's rebel moments, proud of her for doing something for herself rather than her mother. And I appreciated the fact that Sam really didn't do anything that would be harmful to herself. Her rebellion wasn't full of drugs, alcohol, and sex, but rather the bravery to accept the sometimes messy, but rewarding parts of life outside of one's comfort zone.
Huntley Fitzpatrick is a talented writer and I can easily imagine her novels gaining a healthy following, much like Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti's novels. I, for one, am anxiously awaiting news of her next project!
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LibraryThing member SarahBlackstock
Loved this book so much I basically live-tweeted it as I read. Huntley Fitzpatrick is a must-read for me from now on.
Full review soon on my blog, StoryboundGirl.com (and cross-posted here) to come.
Full review soon on my blog, StoryboundGirl.com (and cross-posted here) to come.
LibraryThing member Saretta.L
Il romanzo presenta un confronto tra due famiglie profondamente diverse: da una parte i Reed, madre single maniaca della pulizia con due figlie adolescenti, la maggiore più ribelle e la minore più accomodante; dall'altra parte dello steccato i Garretts, genitori con otto figli dalle età più
Samantha Reed, appassionata osservatrice dei Garret dal suo tetto, conoscerà Jase Garrett con cui inizierà una storia, il tutto contornato da fratelli particolari e amici problematici.
Il romanzo è sostanzialmente l'evoluzione della storia d'amore tra Sam e Jael fino a un punto di svolta che introduce alcuni dilemmi morali e etici e che risolleva da un racconto che tendeva a diventare ripetitivo.
Molti personaggi, alcuni caratterizzati meglio di altri che fanno solo brevi apparizioni, nel complesso un romanzo carino, rilassante.
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The novel presents a comparison between two different families: the Reed, a single mother who loves to clean with two adolescent girls, the older more rebel the younger obliging; on the other side of the fence the Garrets, parents of eight children of various age, loud and messy.
Samantha Reed, who loves to observe the Garrets from her roof, will meet Jase Garret and the two will fall in love surrounded by peculiar children and troublesome friends.
The novel consists in the evolution of the love story between Sam and Jase until an event happens, providing some moral and ethical questions and making again interesting the quite recurring plot.
Lots of characters, some depicted better than other, overall a nice, relaxing novel.
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disparate, chiassosi e disordinati.Samantha Reed, appassionata osservatrice dei Garret dal suo tetto, conoscerà Jase Garrett con cui inizierà una storia, il tutto contornato da fratelli particolari e amici problematici.
Il romanzo è sostanzialmente l'evoluzione della storia d'amore tra Sam e Jael fino a un punto di svolta che introduce alcuni dilemmi morali e etici e che risolleva da un racconto che tendeva a diventare ripetitivo.
Molti personaggi, alcuni caratterizzati meglio di altri che fanno solo brevi apparizioni, nel complesso un romanzo carino, rilassante.
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The novel presents a comparison between two different families: the Reed, a single mother who loves to clean with two adolescent girls, the older more rebel the younger obliging; on the other side of the fence the Garrets, parents of eight children of various age, loud and messy.
Samantha Reed, who loves to observe the Garrets from her roof, will meet Jase Garret and the two will fall in love surrounded by peculiar children and troublesome friends.
The novel consists in the evolution of the love story between Sam and Jase until an event happens, providing some moral and ethical questions and making again interesting the quite recurring plot.
Lots of characters, some depicted better than other, overall a nice, relaxing novel.
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LibraryThing member delphica
I picked this up because I saw a review that called this the opposite of The Fault in Our Stars, in that you read The Fault in Our Stars on purpose to have a good, satisfying, teen tragedy, ugly cry read, and you could read this to have a mindlessly satisfying upbeat teen romantic read. Which
I don't think that was a very apt comparison, it IS a mindlessly satisfying teen romance, but the most striking thing to me is that it seemed like the author was on purpose writing a modern Betty Cavanna book. The kids have modern problems and there's sex and drugs and swearing, but foundation is wholesome at heart. It works surprising well, for the most part.
And you definitely get the feeling that the author has read All the Right Books. The heroine, Samantha, is like Shelley Latham with an even worse version of Mrs. Latham for a mother. Jase, the boyfriend, (they're making out on the front cover, so I don't think this is a spoiler that he's the boyfriend), could be Carlton Buell, although he's especially nice to small children and animals, so there might be some Andy Kern in there as well (surprise sequel? heh.) There's Tim, the bad boy friend (not boyfriend), who starts off seeming A LOT like Zachary Gray (although he swears like a normal person, thankfully). The boyfriend's family has about a million kids, so they reminded me of the Parrishes, complete with wacky cute kid episodes.
So it is very romantic -- now that I think about it, the romantic bedroom parts are what I imagine Brian/Honey fanfic to be like - except I imagine that to be horrible and cringy, and this was mostly okay, and then the plot takes a turn into 1970s Problem Novel, and ensuing melodrama. I feel like there's a specific book that this is reminding me of, and it's right on the tip of my tongue, or brain rather, but regardless, it's never quite feels as dark as it's probably intended to because the tone of the book lets you know that OF COURSE this is going to work out somehow.
There were a few things that didn't work ... I found it a really odd portrayal of drug and alcohol abuse (although that is probably because I spend too much time at work reading actual research about drug and alcohol abuse in young adults), in that the elements that would be wildly problematic in real life are resolved a little too neatly, and then some minor things are blown way out of proportion.
There's also a whole "wrong side of the tracks" theme that didn't add up for me AT ALL, it seemed too forced and the "wrong side of the tracks" kid (and the whole family) is perfectly normal and average and I was surprised that every other character seemed to buy into it with no problem.
Overall, on it's own, the book is a high three stars, and if you decide to mentally insert a lot of subtext based on the canon of YA romance, as I did, it's more of a four star enjoyment read.
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sounded cool to me.I don't think that was a very apt comparison, it IS a mindlessly satisfying teen romance, but the most striking thing to me is that it seemed like the author was on purpose writing a modern Betty Cavanna book. The kids have modern problems and there's sex and drugs and swearing, but foundation is wholesome at heart. It works surprising well, for the most part.
And you definitely get the feeling that the author has read All the Right Books. The heroine, Samantha, is like Shelley Latham with an even worse version of Mrs. Latham for a mother. Jase, the boyfriend, (they're making out on the front cover, so I don't think this is a spoiler that he's the boyfriend), could be Carlton Buell, although he's especially nice to small children and animals, so there might be some Andy Kern in there as well (surprise sequel? heh.) There's Tim, the bad boy friend (not boyfriend), who starts off seeming A LOT like Zachary Gray (although he swears like a normal person, thankfully). The boyfriend's family has about a million kids, so they reminded me of the Parrishes, complete with wacky cute kid episodes.
So it is very romantic -- now that I think about it, the romantic bedroom parts are what I imagine Brian/Honey fanfic to be like - except I imagine that to be horrible and cringy, and this was mostly okay, and then the plot takes a turn into 1970s Problem Novel, and ensuing melodrama. I feel like there's a specific book that this is reminding me of, and it's right on the tip of my tongue, or brain rather, but regardless, it's never quite feels as dark as it's probably intended to because the tone of the book lets you know that OF COURSE this is going to work out somehow.
There were a few things that didn't work ... I found it a really odd portrayal of drug and alcohol abuse (although that is probably because I spend too much time at work reading actual research about drug and alcohol abuse in young adults), in that the elements that would be wildly problematic in real life are resolved a little too neatly, and then some minor things are blown way out of proportion.
There's also a whole "wrong side of the tracks" theme that didn't add up for me AT ALL, it seemed too forced and the "wrong side of the tracks" kid (and the whole family) is perfectly normal and average and I was surprised that every other character seemed to buy into it with no problem.
Overall, on it's own, the book is a high three stars, and if you decide to mentally insert a lot of subtext based on the canon of YA romance, as I did, it's more of a four star enjoyment read.
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LibraryThing member mrso822
I was disappointed in this book. I read it after a friend absolutely loved it, and she and I have had very similar taste in books, so I expected to love it. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting of this book, but it just wasn't what I thought it would be. I felt that it was very slow moving and
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that ended too abruptly. Just not my cup of tea, I guess. It wasn't horrible, and I didn't hate it, but I just didn't love it like I wanted to. Show Less
LibraryThing member SunriseMom
I’ve never picked up a YA title thinking “Ooh, I bet I’ll learn something about parenting.”
Never.
Ever.
I pick up YA reads for the same reason my friends watch Glee. The stories offer an escape into the simpler world of teens.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick delivers on the virtuous
The story kicks off with one of best first lines that I’ve read in a long time “The Garretts were forbidden from the start.” Immediately, I thought coven of witches or harborers of terrorists. But, no. To Senator Reed, the Garretts are way more sinister. Senator Reed forbids her daughters, Samantha and Tracy, from interacting with the Garretts because they represent chaos. Senator Reed vacuums her way out the door each day. For herself and her daughters, she’s constructed an orderly and seemingly perfect life that’s imagined only on photo shopped magazine covers.
Next door, chaos reigns. With 8 kids and 8 kids worth of toys, cars, and bikes, the Garretts are the antithesis to the Reed’s antiseptic home. Yet, the chaos beckons Samantha’s attention. She studies the Garretts, at a distance, from the roof outside her window until, one night, Jase Garrett joins her on the roof and invites her into his family’s disarray.
Samantha sneaks under her mom’s radar to date Jase. Their romance trots along innocently until Senator Reed’s political ambitions cleave a gulf between the youthful relationship, leading Samantha to have to choose between loyalty and honesty. A choice that proves, sometimes, kids know better than adults.
Parenting tips? Yeah, they’re there; laced into the fabric of the story.
First tip: Parents who are involved in their children’s day to day lives and who accept the individuality of their children create a circle of trust and respect with their children.
Evidenced by Tim’s parents. The Masons parent at arm’s reach, ignoring Tim’s misdeeds until ignorance is no longer possible. But even then, they fail to involve themselves in their son’s life. By contrast, Mr. Garrett treats Tim like one of his own children. He’s honest that Tim’s messed up, accepts Tim where he is in his life, and guides Tim on how to be better. All actions that Tim’s parents could have taken if they weren’t afraid to be involved.
Second tip: Kids watch their parents behavior to learn how they themselves should behave.
Senator Reed theoretically represents and safeguards her voters. It’s the message the Senator promotes in her campaign. A message that Samantha believes until she witnesses her mom sacrifice integrity for image. Her mom’s misanthropic actions leave Samantha wavering over what is ethical and unethical – a path a responsible parent would have boldly drawn for their child.
Young adult blended with parenting tips. I’ll take that any day over the average non-fiction guide to perfect parenting. Especially stories, like My Life Next Door, that test how many nights I can go with only a few hours’ sleep.
My only disbelief with My Life Next Door was how constantly kind the Garretts’ kids acted toward each other. I grew up with 3 brothers. I love them with all my soul, but, boy, did we go at it when we were younger. I don’t care how good parents are, siblings argue. It’s a fact.
My Life Next Door serves up a sweet summer romance entwined with fables of loyalty, integrity, and family values. A great read for the beach or for a lazy, cozy weekend.
~review by pagecravings.com
Never.
Ever.
I pick up YA reads for the same reason my friends watch Glee. The stories offer an escape into the simpler world of teens.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick delivers on the virtuous
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teen romance and, for a bonus, throws in some to-do and not-to-do’s for parents.The story kicks off with one of best first lines that I’ve read in a long time “The Garretts were forbidden from the start.” Immediately, I thought coven of witches or harborers of terrorists. But, no. To Senator Reed, the Garretts are way more sinister. Senator Reed forbids her daughters, Samantha and Tracy, from interacting with the Garretts because they represent chaos. Senator Reed vacuums her way out the door each day. For herself and her daughters, she’s constructed an orderly and seemingly perfect life that’s imagined only on photo shopped magazine covers.
Next door, chaos reigns. With 8 kids and 8 kids worth of toys, cars, and bikes, the Garretts are the antithesis to the Reed’s antiseptic home. Yet, the chaos beckons Samantha’s attention. She studies the Garretts, at a distance, from the roof outside her window until, one night, Jase Garrett joins her on the roof and invites her into his family’s disarray.
Samantha sneaks under her mom’s radar to date Jase. Their romance trots along innocently until Senator Reed’s political ambitions cleave a gulf between the youthful relationship, leading Samantha to have to choose between loyalty and honesty. A choice that proves, sometimes, kids know better than adults.
Parenting tips? Yeah, they’re there; laced into the fabric of the story.
First tip: Parents who are involved in their children’s day to day lives and who accept the individuality of their children create a circle of trust and respect with their children.
Evidenced by Tim’s parents. The Masons parent at arm’s reach, ignoring Tim’s misdeeds until ignorance is no longer possible. But even then, they fail to involve themselves in their son’s life. By contrast, Mr. Garrett treats Tim like one of his own children. He’s honest that Tim’s messed up, accepts Tim where he is in his life, and guides Tim on how to be better. All actions that Tim’s parents could have taken if they weren’t afraid to be involved.
Second tip: Kids watch their parents behavior to learn how they themselves should behave.
Senator Reed theoretically represents and safeguards her voters. It’s the message the Senator promotes in her campaign. A message that Samantha believes until she witnesses her mom sacrifice integrity for image. Her mom’s misanthropic actions leave Samantha wavering over what is ethical and unethical – a path a responsible parent would have boldly drawn for their child.
Young adult blended with parenting tips. I’ll take that any day over the average non-fiction guide to perfect parenting. Especially stories, like My Life Next Door, that test how many nights I can go with only a few hours’ sleep.
My only disbelief with My Life Next Door was how constantly kind the Garretts’ kids acted toward each other. I grew up with 3 brothers. I love them with all my soul, but, boy, did we go at it when we were younger. I don’t care how good parents are, siblings argue. It’s a fact.
My Life Next Door serves up a sweet summer romance entwined with fables of loyalty, integrity, and family values. A great read for the beach or for a lazy, cozy weekend.
~review by pagecravings.com
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LibraryThing member mattidw
I really liked this book and I fell in love with the characters in the book. This book was a bit different than the other books I usually read because the main characters are still in high school but this book takes place during the summer break. I found that once I started reading this book I was
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very interested in what was going to happen and how things were going to end up in the end. I really didn't see the twist it took at the end. This was a quick and fun read and I am sure most people would like this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member potterhead9.75
My Life Next Door. This was supposed to be a "a dreamy summer read." Huntley Fitzpatrick shouldn't have taken on writing about something so serious. I'm echoing everyone else's sentiments here. The first half, where Sam and Jace fall in love, is fucking fantastic. Exactly what I want in a summer
That said, I love the way Huntley Fitzpatrick writes. This is an engaging, funny debut that made me laugh and nearly cry. I've stayed up all night reading and I'm still smiling.
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read. Jace Garrett. There's one boy I won't be forgetting in a while. But all through the second half, my mind screamed, not enough. Nowhere near enough. The rest...it just didn't measure up to the start.That said, I love the way Huntley Fitzpatrick writes. This is an engaging, funny debut that made me laugh and nearly cry. I've stayed up all night reading and I'm still smiling.
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LibraryThing member superducky
The Basic Summary: If you didn't know her, it would seem that Samantha Reed has the perfect life. She's pretty, does well in school, and her family has money. Samantha should be content, but she's not. Samantha often finds herself on her room, spying on the neighbors next door. The Garrett's are
My Review: Another book that I absolutely adored. If Samantha had attended my school, she's one of those girls who I would've written off as a snob. It's not because she's rude, in fact, she'd incredibly mild tempered. Samantha Reed is, for all intents and purposes, incredibly socially awkward. It's not that she's weird (she's actually quite normal), she just has a hard time relating to people, which is why she was not only an interesting character, but one I could relate to. The same goes for all the Garrett's. Each member of the Garrett family was oddly endearing and it quickly becomes clear why Samantha was so drawn to them. Samantha's mother, Senator Grace Reed, is a different story. I realize that she isn't exactly supposed to be liked, but Fitzpatrick may have gone a little overboard with the bad mother character. Grace has every negative personality trait anyone could possibly dream up for a fictional mother. She's vain, controlling, distant, but worst of all, she has a hard time owning up to her mistakes (this becomes quite important towards the end of the novel). Through all of this, Samantha still manages to come out relatively unscathed by her mothers poor choices, and for this, I am glad. I really enjoyed the romance aspect of this novel, and I am SO glad that Fitzpatrick didn't pull a classic YA romance move (you know, the one where the characters meet, and within 3 days are completely head over heels in "love" with each other?) Overall, this was a pretty good book, the story was convincing enough, and while it was primarily a novel about a romance between Samantha and Jase, Fitzpatrick still managed to cover other topics (addiction, friendships, making difficult decisions) and deal with them in a convincing way.
My Overall Opinion: I would definitely recommend this book to someone else, in fact, I'd gladly read it again, something I usually don't do with books.
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everything that Samantha and her family are not. Loud, close, and numerous. For years, Sam has been spying on the Garrett's, watching them interact and grow with each other, dreaming about what it would be like to be a part of a family like that, and one night, she gets a chance to know. What happens after that is crazy and wonderful and confusing- it's her life next door.My Review: Another book that I absolutely adored. If Samantha had attended my school, she's one of those girls who I would've written off as a snob. It's not because she's rude, in fact, she'd incredibly mild tempered. Samantha Reed is, for all intents and purposes, incredibly socially awkward. It's not that she's weird (she's actually quite normal), she just has a hard time relating to people, which is why she was not only an interesting character, but one I could relate to. The same goes for all the Garrett's. Each member of the Garrett family was oddly endearing and it quickly becomes clear why Samantha was so drawn to them. Samantha's mother, Senator Grace Reed, is a different story. I realize that she isn't exactly supposed to be liked, but Fitzpatrick may have gone a little overboard with the bad mother character. Grace has every negative personality trait anyone could possibly dream up for a fictional mother. She's vain, controlling, distant, but worst of all, she has a hard time owning up to her mistakes (this becomes quite important towards the end of the novel). Through all of this, Samantha still manages to come out relatively unscathed by her mothers poor choices, and for this, I am glad. I really enjoyed the romance aspect of this novel, and I am SO glad that Fitzpatrick didn't pull a classic YA romance move (you know, the one where the characters meet, and within 3 days are completely head over heels in "love" with each other?) Overall, this was a pretty good book, the story was convincing enough, and while it was primarily a novel about a romance between Samantha and Jase, Fitzpatrick still managed to cover other topics (addiction, friendships, making difficult decisions) and deal with them in a convincing way.
My Overall Opinion: I would definitely recommend this book to someone else, in fact, I'd gladly read it again, something I usually don't do with books.
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LibraryThing member CyndiTefft
There were some things about this book I truly loved, but there were several pieces I felt needed to be changed in order to take it from a good book to an amazing book.
I'll start with what I loved:
The Garrett family of ten (two parents and eight kids) were well fleshed out (with the exception of
Samantha was real and easy to relate to. Jase was honest, uncomplicated, and attractive as a love interest.
The dialogue felt genuine, not forced, and the setting was such that it was easy to step in to that world and feel like I was there.
Now what it needed:
The first two thirds of the book was Samantha and Jase falling for each other. It was sweet, but it was a little slow and far too long. I would have cut a good deal of this, particularly the time after they got together, as it got a little hard to watch (there's a reason why people say--even if they are happy for you--"get a room"!). I am a total sucker for a love story, but this one went on longer than it should have, since it lacked any real conflict other than her mom's finding out and certain disapproval of their relationship.
Nan was a throw-away character and we spent way too much time with her. If it weren't for the fact that her brother Tim is interesting and integral to the story, I would say that character should have been cut altogether.
The twist (or "the unthinkable" as it says on the jacket flap) was great and brought a much-needed level of conflict and tension to the story. However, I felt like Jase and Samantha really needed to have a rip-roaring drag out fight where he really lets loose all the emotion inside him and breaks down. He holds so much inside and forgives too quickly. I think their relationship would have been stronger and the scene more powerful if they'd scraped the bottom of the emotional barrel together and come out clinging to one another.
I also felt like Fitzpatrick had a perfect opportunity to go full-circle in character development with Samantha's mom, Grace, but failed to do so. The comment she makes at the end of her last scene really ruined that development arc that was otherwise well done.
Lastly, while the first two-thirds of the book was too long, the last third felt rushed, particularly the ending. We never really find out what happens, how the conflict is ultimately resolved. Even the piece with Nan is left hanging.
So if the beginning had been chopped down some, the post-twist portion expanded, and we'd had the opportunity to see Jase hit rock bottom and bounce back, this would have been a five star book.
I'll start with what I loved:
The Garrett family of ten (two parents and eight kids) were well fleshed out (with the exception of
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Duff). It is tremendously difficult to differentiate that many characters so that readers can visualize them and keep track of them, and I thought Fitzpatrick did a beautiful job in that. I really felt connected to them, like I could feel the life, love, and mess that defined their family. Samantha was real and easy to relate to. Jase was honest, uncomplicated, and attractive as a love interest.
The dialogue felt genuine, not forced, and the setting was such that it was easy to step in to that world and feel like I was there.
Now what it needed:
The first two thirds of the book was Samantha and Jase falling for each other. It was sweet, but it was a little slow and far too long. I would have cut a good deal of this, particularly the time after they got together, as it got a little hard to watch (there's a reason why people say--even if they are happy for you--"get a room"!). I am a total sucker for a love story, but this one went on longer than it should have, since it lacked any real conflict other than her mom's finding out and certain disapproval of their relationship.
Nan was a throw-away character and we spent way too much time with her. If it weren't for the fact that her brother Tim is interesting and integral to the story, I would say that character should have been cut altogether.
The twist (or "the unthinkable" as it says on the jacket flap) was great and brought a much-needed level of conflict and tension to the story. However, I felt like Jase and Samantha really needed to have a rip-roaring drag out fight where he really lets loose all the emotion inside him and breaks down. He holds so much inside and forgives too quickly. I think their relationship would have been stronger and the scene more powerful if they'd scraped the bottom of the emotional barrel together and come out clinging to one another.
I also felt like Fitzpatrick had a perfect opportunity to go full-circle in character development with Samantha's mom, Grace, but failed to do so. The comment she makes at the end of her last scene really ruined that development arc that was otherwise well done.
Lastly, while the first two-thirds of the book was too long, the last third felt rushed, particularly the ending. We never really find out what happens, how the conflict is ultimately resolved. Even the piece with Nan is left hanging.
So if the beginning had been chopped down some, the post-twist portion expanded, and we'd had the opportunity to see Jase hit rock bottom and bounce back, this would have been a five star book.
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LibraryThing member Banoczi_Henrietta
yeah it was good i loved it i just found samantha annoying at times but it was good i recommend it if you're looking for something light and refreshing.
LibraryThing member Emma_Manolis
Alone again. I have been trying to read this story for about two weeks now and just can't seem to become invested in any part of it. The romance was too rushed and the other aspects are boring. This one was just not for me. Maybe that will finally teach me to ignore the hype a tad more often.
LibraryThing member Staciesnape
My life next door for me was a mix between The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler and The Distance Between Us by Kasie West and most of the time I hate when books remind me of others, but this was something that in a way made the book more special to me. It had the forbidden love from The Book
I've wanted to read this book for a long time, its a book that has been talked about and talked about and that is not always a good thing. But I'm lucky that with this book, it was. This books was hyped up for a reason, its fluffy, its moving and it flows really well. I started it purely for the fact of reading it for the read-a-thon. I finished it in a day because after just a few chapters I was hooked and already in love.
This book is centred around Samantha, a girl who comes from a single parent home with a judgemental politician mum. She has been told for most of her life to stay away from the Garretts who live next door. A family with too many kids, and an unkempt garden. But Samantha feels drawn to the family, spending most of her life sitting just outside her bedroom window watching them go about their life. All she does is look, until one day she gets company on her ledge, none other than Jase Garrett from next door. She's never fallowed her mothers, or the rest of the towns, opinions on his family, but its not until she starts to spend more time with not only him but his family, does she realise just how wrong everyone is. And just how much she fits in with them.
The one thing you see from the start is just how realistic everything is. The characters, the love that developed over time and not instant, the political mum who is too concerned with her own career and the rebel sister who tries anything and everything to lash out and get attention from the absent mother. One of my favourite things about this book was the characters. Jase and Sam are people that stick in your mind. They are such a sweet couple, and as a pair are so a like. They both have this deep routed caring nature that’s' genuine. They aren't perfect people, they have flaws just like everyone else and that's what makes them so likeable and relatable
there is one aspect of this book that, while done often in YA books, is hardly ever done right. Sex. I have never been against having sex in young adult books, but when it's done right like it did in this book, with the embarrassment, the confusing and the awkwardness of it was perfect. Because sex is a big deal and going in to your first time thinking that its all going to go without a hick up and you'll just know what to do, it can leave you very hurt at the end of the day. Anyway, like I said, I think Huntley Fitzpatricks take on it was brilliant. The fact that this is in fact her debut novel is also astounding.
Everything about this book was spot on, and you should try it as not just another book to read, but another book to fall in love with.
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of Broken Hearts and the financial differences of The Distance Between Us.I've wanted to read this book for a long time, its a book that has been talked about and talked about and that is not always a good thing. But I'm lucky that with this book, it was. This books was hyped up for a reason, its fluffy, its moving and it flows really well. I started it purely for the fact of reading it for the read-a-thon. I finished it in a day because after just a few chapters I was hooked and already in love.
This book is centred around Samantha, a girl who comes from a single parent home with a judgemental politician mum. She has been told for most of her life to stay away from the Garretts who live next door. A family with too many kids, and an unkempt garden. But Samantha feels drawn to the family, spending most of her life sitting just outside her bedroom window watching them go about their life. All she does is look, until one day she gets company on her ledge, none other than Jase Garrett from next door. She's never fallowed her mothers, or the rest of the towns, opinions on his family, but its not until she starts to spend more time with not only him but his family, does she realise just how wrong everyone is. And just how much she fits in with them.
The one thing you see from the start is just how realistic everything is. The characters, the love that developed over time and not instant, the political mum who is too concerned with her own career and the rebel sister who tries anything and everything to lash out and get attention from the absent mother. One of my favourite things about this book was the characters. Jase and Sam are people that stick in your mind. They are such a sweet couple, and as a pair are so a like. They both have this deep routed caring nature that’s' genuine. They aren't perfect people, they have flaws just like everyone else and that's what makes them so likeable and relatable
there is one aspect of this book that, while done often in YA books, is hardly ever done right. Sex. I have never been against having sex in young adult books, but when it's done right like it did in this book, with the embarrassment, the confusing and the awkwardness of it was perfect. Because sex is a big deal and going in to your first time thinking that its all going to go without a hick up and you'll just know what to do, it can leave you very hurt at the end of the day. Anyway, like I said, I think Huntley Fitzpatricks take on it was brilliant. The fact that this is in fact her debut novel is also astounding.
Everything about this book was spot on, and you should try it as not just another book to read, but another book to fall in love with.
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LibraryThing member PaMu14
The fiction story, My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick is about Samantha Reed. Her whole life, she has lived next door to the Garretts. Her mother, the Senator of their small Connecticut town, has always despised of them because there were 8 children and their house always look liked a mess.
This book was great. The author made the characters grow so much throughout the story. Also, the author described Sam and Jase’s relationship so perfectly. I recommend this book for 8th-10th graders. I recommend this because it is to inappropriate for anyone below 8th grade. Though, it might be an easy read for anyone above 10th grade. Overall, the story My Life Next Door was fantastic.
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Although, Sam’s house was tidy and just big enough for her, her sister Tracy, and her mother Grace. Sam, ever since she was little, watched the Garretts from her roof. She spied on the children. Eventually she learned their names and faces just by looking over the big fence that separated the two houses. She had never even talked to a Garrett, until one night, when Jase Garrett, climbed up the side of her house and confronted her about her spying. Throughout the story, they start to fall in love. Though, Sam’s mom would never be okay with Sam dating a Garrett, though not coming home until late and always leaving the house early gets her mother suspicious. Eventually she finds out, though she approves of Jase. Just as everything is starting to work out, Samantha's mother runs over Jases dad with a car. This unfortunate event tears apart Jase and Sam's relationship. Though, they get through this tough time and their love is stronger than it was before. This book was great. The author made the characters grow so much throughout the story. Also, the author described Sam and Jase’s relationship so perfectly. I recommend this book for 8th-10th graders. I recommend this because it is to inappropriate for anyone below 8th grade. Though, it might be an easy read for anyone above 10th grade. Overall, the story My Life Next Door was fantastic.
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LibraryThing member mariannelee_0902
My Life Next Door was such an amazing contemporary! I couldn’t help buy eat it up as soon as I started reading it! This book was all kinds of cute, and it was about so much more than the romance!
So this book is about Samantha Reed, the girl with the supposed perfect family. She lives next door to
If there’s something I loved about this book, it was the Garretts. They were such an amazing family! It made me long for a big, messy, and loud family like them. Their dynamics were so adorable because they all helped each other out and supported each other, like a real family. Also, no matter how big the family was, each character had their own distinctive voice. I especially loved George! I want a George as my brother, lol.
“Is Jase already gonna marry you?”
I start coughing again. “Uh, No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we’re not 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.”
Sam was easy enough to get along with. She was very down to earth and I could really relate to her. Her issues were very real and I could feel really strongly the emotions she was.
Jase Garrett is THE BEST YA book boyfriend out there. He’s sweet, he’s kind, and he’s charming. He never had a secret agenda. He was completely adorable and I could totally see why Sam would be interested in him!
“You have to kiss me," I find myself saying.
"Yeah." He leans closer. "I do.”
This book has a lot of twists and turns, and it was so emotionally draining! There were moments where I was laughing, moments where I was fangirling, sad moments, and moments where I wanted to yell out in rage. I think I even cried in one part because I was so enraged at something that happened.
The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because I was left with a lot of questions at the ending. I’m hoping the sequel will address this, but still I wish it could’ve been addressed here.
Which reminds me, I REALLY CAN’T WAIT FOR THE COMPANION/SEQUEL THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT TIM AND I LOVE TIM!!
Anyways, overall this book is really awesome because it’s a different kind of contemporary that deals with different realistic issues. I loved the family aspect, and the romance was completely adorable and swoon-worthy.
“In movies, it’s never half so lovely as it is here and now with Jase.”
So this book is about Samantha Reed, the girl with the supposed perfect family. She lives next door to
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the Garretts, who according to Sam’s mom are not perfect. However one day Jase Garrett climbs up Samantha’s balcony and irrevocably enters her life.If there’s something I loved about this book, it was the Garretts. They were such an amazing family! It made me long for a big, messy, and loud family like them. Their dynamics were so adorable because they all helped each other out and supported each other, like a real family. Also, no matter how big the family was, each character had their own distinctive voice. I especially loved George! I want a George as my brother, lol.
“Is Jase already gonna marry you?”
I start coughing again. “Uh, No. No, George. I’m only seventeen.” As if that’s the only reason we’re not 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.”
Sam was easy enough to get along with. She was very down to earth and I could really relate to her. Her issues were very real and I could feel really strongly the emotions she was.
Jase Garrett is THE BEST YA book boyfriend out there. He’s sweet, he’s kind, and he’s charming. He never had a secret agenda. He was completely adorable and I could totally see why Sam would be interested in him!
“You have to kiss me," I find myself saying.
"Yeah." He leans closer. "I do.”
This book has a lot of twists and turns, and it was so emotionally draining! There were moments where I was laughing, moments where I was fangirling, sad moments, and moments where I wanted to yell out in rage. I think I even cried in one part because I was so enraged at something that happened.
The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars was because I was left with a lot of questions at the ending. I’m hoping the sequel will address this, but still I wish it could’ve been addressed here.
Which reminds me, I REALLY CAN’T WAIT FOR THE COMPANION/SEQUEL THE BOY MOST LIKELY TO BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT TIM AND I LOVE TIM!!
Anyways, overall this book is really awesome because it’s a different kind of contemporary that deals with different realistic issues. I loved the family aspect, and the romance was completely adorable and swoon-worthy.
“In movies, it’s never half so lovely as it is here and now with Jase.”
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Awards
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2015)
Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers (Nominee — 2014)
RITA Award (Finalist — Best First Book — 2013)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2013)
Young Adult Favorites Award (2013)
Original publication date
2012-06-14
Physical description
304 p.
ISBN
0803736991 / 9780803736993