Young Adult Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Last week I mentioned I was determined to read some of the books on my shelf that I've been dying to read.  So each week my goal is to read at least one.  This week I picked a book that I have heard loads of amazing things about, and that helped my craving for a summery read. 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Paperback, 394 pages

Published: June 14th, 2012 by Dial

Source: Purchased

"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.

I had heard so many amazing things about this book, and in particular, Jase, that I had to get it to read this summer.  I've been all about the summery reads and this book fit the bill perfectly.  And I'm so glad I have finally met this Jase character that everyone has been talking about.  But I'm also glad I met Samantha, because she was an amazing main character.  I really, really loved the characters in this book and it wasn't just Jase and Samantha, it felt like most all the side characters were really well fleshed out.  

Jase is such a sweet, easy going guy.  There's really not much drama with him and Samantha and I really appreciated that.  (Some came up at the end, but it made sense so I'll forgive it ;)  They fall into their relationship so easily and it's just so dang sweet.  I absolutely could not have adored them any more.  They are one of the best couples I've read about, ever.  And Jase's big huge love-able family is maybe (probably) the best I've read about.  From little George who is the biggest worrier ever, to little Patsy and her obsession with 'boob' and 'poop', they were all just so darn adorable.  I could have read about Jase's family forever.  For real.

Another character I want to talk about is Tim.  I was astounded at how well his character was developed being as he wasn't really on the page that much.  He just has this personality that just really pops.  I can't say much about him without spoilers, but he goes through some enormous growth in the book and I would really love to see a book all about him.  BTW, Tim is the brother of Samantha's best friend, Nan.

I feel bad for Samantha, she has had a tough time of things.  Her mother is completely anal, she pissed me off like crazy.  Her sister is pretty absent in the book so I guess I don't feel much at all for her, but she deserves some good friends.  And that's all I'll say about that.  Samantha is kind and generous and all about always doing the right thing.  She doesn't hesitate (hardly) about making friends with the Garretts even though her mother would not like it.  But she does still have a bit of a journey, sometimes she feels like a mess, but I think she did a good job in her decision making.  There was a point toward the end where she delayed in doing the right thing, but it was all about betrayal.  She was stuck in the middle and I can see how it would be hard.

That leads to the twist.  The book is mostly an easy fun read with a few obstacles in place, until about the last quarter, when something big happens.  I totally did not expect it, it was a bit shocking, but I found I really liked where things went.  It made it a more emotional read, which I actually found I appreciated. 

This might be the best of the summery reads I've read this year.  It may actually even make my top ten of the year.  The characters in this book were truly outstanding and I know that Huntley Fitzpatrick will be an author on my must-buy list from now on.  I HIGHLY recommend!

Some warnings before I go- The f-bomb is dropped quite a lot.  It's mostly one character, and actually felt in place to me, it was very much HIM.  While I hate the word, I think it fits in this case.  There's also implied sex.  Not much description, but it's very clear what happened.  I thought it was tastefully done, we didn't necessarily go off page, but there's not enough there for it to be 'dirty'. I would recommend to mature readers (9th grade and up).