Genre: Young Adult
Back of the Book
(Source: Goodreads):
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.
What’s it about?
While Samantha and Jase are alike in terms of age and
ideals, their worlds are completely different. Like two sides of a coin, the
fence acts as a wall between them for years until Jase crosses over one day and
pulls Samantha into his world. A world, that Samantha falls in love with. Along
with Jase too. Then, something happens that leads her to choose sides.
My Review:
I have been meaning to write a review for this book for
quite some time now. Well, I’ve been meaning to write here for over a month but
have been working on some other writing projects on Wattpad so have been super
busy with that. However, I am back and I have a great book to talk about.
I kept finding reviews for this book on various blogs and
kept getting suggestions from friends to read it but was unable to do so.
Finally, after a long wait I got to read it. And I must say it was worth the
wait.
There are a lot of things I like about this book. My
favourite thing about it is how the author deals with a wide variety of human
emotions at various stages in the book for various characters. Everyone is
flawed but has a redeeming side to themselves. Except George. George, according
to me, is flawless. The four year old Garrett was aptly described by the
protagonist as “a university in himself.” He goes around spouting little gems
of knowledge and is already in love with Samantha and has a pet name for her
for each of her quirky uniforms. The other characters in the form of Alice,
Nan, Tim, Samantha’s mother and sister have been described in detail and I
really love that about books.
The main characters Samantha and Jase are well sketched. For
some odd reason, before I started the book, I thought Jase would be a goofy
character. I was pretty wrong here, guys. He’s calm, sorted and mature beyond
his years. He’s one of the sweetest characters I’ve come across in fictionland.
Not only does he care about Samantha, he goes out of his way for his family and
friends. He believes in the inherent goodness of people. He is totally
sigh-worthy!
The storyline is pretty good from start to finish and holds
the interest of the reader. The conversations are also free-flowing and well
written.
If you’re looking for a YA novel with beautiful first love
describing moments, this one is a solid contender. Huntley Fitzpatrick is
joining my list of favourite YA authors right alongside Stephanie Perkins.
Favourite Character:
1)
George Garrett(Sorry, Jase :P)
2)
Jase Garrett
Favourite Quote: (How
does one not fall in love with George? Like seriously!)
"George gives me a smile, the same dazzling sweet smile
as his big brother, although, at this point with green teeth. "I might
marry you," he allows, "Do you want a big family?"
I start to cough and feel a hand pat my back.
"George, it's usually better to discuss these kinds of
things with your pants on." Jase drops boxer shorts at George's feet, then
sets Patsy on the ground next to him.”
Much more later!
The Perennial Reader :)
