Review: Huntley Fitzpatrick - My Life Next Door

Huntley Fitzpatrick - My Life Next Door

• Pub Date: June 14, 2012

• Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

• Format: Hardcover, 395 pages

• Age Range: Young Adult

• Source: Library

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.

Yes, the exclusive 5-star rating. I know. This hardly happens. But here it is.

I started this book because I've heard so many good things about it. I have a zillion review books lined up, but I've been reading fast, and my library was going to snatch it away from my ereader. I'm just so glad I did. This book was such a roller coaster. It didn't make me cry, but it made me smile and FEEL. A LOT. It reminded me of my own past for a while, and I was worried for Samantha for a while, but Jase is not my ex-husband, so I needn't worry. Thank goodness for Samantha. But it wasn't all without tragedy. That's where the roller coaster sets in. Ayeee.

It starts out on a bit of a sad note, really. Samantha's mom is pissed about the new family moving into the house next door because they have a ton of kids who only bring trouble and messes with them. For 10 years, Samantha watches the forbidden family like they're her favorite TV show. She wouldn't dare break her mother's rules. The rebel role is all for her sister. Until the day Jase notices her and welcomes her into the Garrett home. And a home for Samantha it is. She falls right into place there, and it changes everyone forever.

When the bad stuff starts happening, you absolutely can't put the book down. You have no idea one way or the other how this is all going to go down. The predictability goes out the window when the bad stuff happens. And that part made me happy. I know it's an unfortunate event, but it tests ALL of the characters in the book. And I had no clue how it would all work out. It's such a challenge for everyone in the novel, and that's not something you see very often.

All the characters popped for me. Even the kids in Jase's family stood out. They were all different, had their own personalities and quirks. It was great fun to read this one with all the fab characters. One of my favorite characters turned out to be Tim! Just read it to find out why, because he certainly shows up acting like a giant a-hole. And Jase. Oh Jase. Samantha and Jase are hot on the pages. HOT. And I'd like to punch Clay in his face. Doucheface. Gah! Such passion for this book. READ IT!

Bottom line: As I said above, READ IT!

Rating:

5/5 book sharks!!