Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, 394 pages
Publication Date: June 14, 2012
From 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.
Review:
Sweet, romantic read.
The focus of this book is on the romance, which is a nice slow-building realistic one. I just loved how their relationship developed. And Jase, what a perfect guy! I've read a few contemporary YA recently and he is definitely my favorite so far. Good-looking (of course), open, honest, a good brother, good son, great friend. He can fix anything. Absolutely a stand-up guy. He comes from a large family that Samantha has always watched from the roof. I have to say that I'm not sure how they never really were around each other at all. Yes, they went to different schools, but they lived next door to each other. Oh well. Samantha lives with just her mom and her older sister, and the rambunctious Garrett family has always fascinated her (and her mom can't stand them). Samantha's home is ordered and peaceful (her mom vacuums every single day) while the Garrett's house is messy and completely chaotic.
So one night Jase climbs up the trellis and they talk for the first time. (I'm not sure if I missed this, but do they ever explain what made him finally climb up?)
Samantha is a realistic character. Unlike Jase, she has flaws. She's beautiful, but a little closed off and she listens to her mother too much. I did not like her mother at all, she was a piece of work.
There were times when I was so disappointed in Samantha for how she was treating Jase (not bad, but...well, let's just say she doesn't treat him as well as he treats her), but it felt real. She grows throughout the novel. It was nice seeing her come into her own as she grew to love Jase and his family. And the sex in the book is handled in a realistic, responsible way.
Also, I ended up loving Tim. He cusses, he drinks, he does drugs, he's irresponsible (he's constantly getting fired, even from a hotdog stand), and he's been a horrible friend to Samantha. But...he ends up being such a great surprise. Nan, his sister, who has been best friends with Samantha since they were five, also ends up acting in a surprising way. The relationship between Samantha and Nan is one part of the story that does not get resolved.
And the Garrett family, such a warm, wonderful family! George is adorable (I think he's four).
There are some serious issues that come up in the book, and it raises questions about what you would do in a situation where you have to choose between your family and doing what's right.
Awesome read!
Posted by: Pam
This book sounds really good! Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it and I would definitely recommend it! ~Pam
DeleteI love when contemporary YA has slow building romances, it makes them all the more enjoyable. This sounds like a super cute read :)
ReplyDeleteAlise @ Readers in Wonderland
Yeah, the main characters were definitely attracted to each other quickly, but I think that's realistic. But it wasn't like right after that, they immediately were saying "I love you" and were willing to die for each other or anything. That's when it annoys me. ~Pam
DeleteI loved this one. Jase is definitely a swoon worthy YA boyfriend. I loved his family, especially George, but really the whole big, messy clan. I agree that the author handled sex in such a realistic and healthy manner which is so rare for YA. I can't wait to read her next book. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, too. Great review, Pam!
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely read anything by this author. Part of me always wanted a "Cheaper by the Dozen" family like that growing up and part of me is glad I didn't have it. Definitely pros and cons! ~Pam
Delete"(I'm not sure if I missed this, but do they ever explain what made him finally climb up?)"
ReplyDeleteThey do! They said that he'd seen her watching them. Well, I suppose maybe not why *that* particular night, but I think it was implied that he was just curious as to why she would do that.
"Unlike Jase, she has flaws." Jase was a great guy, though I did think he was still flawed. Either way, definitely one of my literary crushes.
"There were times when I was so disappointed in Samantha for how she was treating Jase (not bad, but...well, let's just say she doesn't treat him as well as he treats her), but it felt real. She grows throughout the novel. It was nice seeing her come into her own as she grew to love Jase and his family. And the sex in the book is handled in a realistic, responsible way."
YESYESYES to everything in this paragraph. And what you said about some serious questions arousing of the read. That's what elevated it from another contemporary romance to one with *real* characters who I wanted to get to know more.
The character development was well done. I don't know, I don't think I saw any flaws in Jase, you'll have to point them out to me. :) ~Pam
DeleteOk, basically dying to read this now (as if my TBR pile wasn't big enough haha). Tim sounds like an awesome character, in that I love characters who surprise you. The relationship sounds great, too, and I like that this romance kind of centers around families. Too often families are left out of YA, so My Life Next Door seems like a refreshing change.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, a lot of families are left out of YA, but the families definitely take center stage in this book. The relationship between Samantha and her mom is a main part of the book and the Garrett family is also really important. And my TBR list is getting longer and longer and longer too. ~Pam
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