Saturday 19 December 2015

My Life Next Door – Huntley Fitzpatrick


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 :)