Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Review: My Life Next Door

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR
Huntley Fitzpatrick
Contemporary Young Adult
395 pages
Dial Books for Young Readers
Available June 14th
Received through Teen Book Scene for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
“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, 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?


MY THOUGHTS
The pages of My Life Next Door contain more than simple black and white words, juxtaposing the chaotic warmth of a loving environment with the cool detachment hidden by a mask of perfection–two families worlds apart but yet separated by mere feet and a sturdy fence. Both the Garretts and the Reeds could be called the “ideal” family depending on one’s definition of ideal, and it’s fascinating to learn how the view of both from the outside is nothing if not skewed, reflecting none of the joy, pain, love, loss, strength, weakness or truth lingering within. The Garrett family lives in a home—pieces of them infused in the very wood and mortar holding it together–whereas Samantha and her sister and mother reside simply in a house–four walls and a roof all perfectly decorated and absolutely beautiful to those looking superficially—and we as readers are granted the glorious opportunity to follow Samantha as her world and her life are completely redefined.

Sam is quite literally an observer of life rather than someone who actually lives it each day, watching the Garrett family for years as they argue, play, support, and tease one another before returning to her fairly empty existence. Her gradual integration into the Garrett household is beautiful to watch, almost as though we can see the love they radiate flush her cheeks and pebble her skin, continuing to seep into her until she glows with a new confidence and knowledge that she is important and cared for now and always. There are times when she reverts back to her role as observer, watching the madness around her and allowing it control her rather than taking control of it with both hands, but she soon quickly realizes what she’s done and stands up in defense of a new love for Jase and the entire Garrett family as well as a new love for herself.

The romance with Jase is as perfect as any reader and lover of romance could wish it, gradually building and steadily growing without a cliché or common plot device to mar its beauty. Not a single preemptive declaration of love is uttered, no all-consuming attraction exists between them, and no third party enters into their relationship once it’s established; instead we get a sweet and awkward foray into emotional attachment and physical intimacy that has us giggling with glee and sighing in utter satisfaction. While the relationship between Jase and Sam is prominent, the relationships formed with all the secondary characters are exquisitely executed as well, the boisterous members of the Garrett household splitting our hearts into multiple pieces, each family member retaining ownership long after we’ve set the book down (though George’s piece might be the largest).

At times the reading of this tale can be a bit slow, the day to day lives and troubles of the Garrett family not necessarily causing us to flip the pages with record speed, however, there is a tension prevalent that refuses to dissipate, a simple knowing that tragedy is on its way that has us secretly wishing the quiet, simple moments could be drawn out to the fullest extent to allow them all happiness before the darkness rolls in. As hard as we wish we’re unable to keep that darkness at bay, and when it hits, our pain is acute and our anger powerful as the portraits of two very different families are torn to shreds and left in fragments of warm and cool colors that bleed together at our feet. Luckily for us, our beloved characters are stronger than we might have given them credit for in the beginning, and we’re left with the hope that those fragments will slowly find their way back to the whole.

Rating: 4.5/5

36 comments:

  1. Wow! I think you've got me all sorts of excited to read this! It sounds great! I'm not sure if I have read any reviews on it but if so they didn't stand out like yours!

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  2. I have a contemporary love phase right now and I have been eyeing this book since quote some time. And ..see how you LOVED it!!! I especially love how you describe the characters and the secondary characters. I found that books are especially strong when the secondary characters are equally well crafted!

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  3. This sounds great. I feel like I would be Samantha. I always admired other people's families. They seems so much more exotic and interesting than mine. Although in retrospect, it's hard to beat my family.

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  4. I love reading contemps in the summertime, and this one sounds like a really good one! Must add it to my list! :)

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  5. Such a beautiful review Jenny, I've been counting down the days for this book, it sounds like it will make a fantastic summer read! :)

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  6. EEEEEE JENNY! I am so dying to read this book! I've heard nothing but amazing things about MLND and I can't wait to get the chance to read it soon!

    Awesome review, Jenny! ♥ So glad you enjoyed it!

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  7. Oh, oh, oh... I am so happy you love this book, because now I know I'm going to love it too. Lately I've been on such a contemporary reading spree and this one is definitely one that i want to read sooner rather than later. I love the sound of The Garretts - they sound just like my family; another sign that I just know I'm going to love this book. Beautifully written review as always - you always have this marvellous way of making me want to buy the books that you loved the very instant I've read your reviews! Must get a copy of this book asap!

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  8. I've had my eyes on this one, so I'm relieved to hear that it's worth reading. Hopefully the slow pace doesn't deter me from finishing it.

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  9. I am so glad you gave this one a good review, b/c I just pre-ordered it! I was hoping it would turn out to be a good vacation/summertime read and am thrilled you enjoyed it. Thanks for the great review, Jenny!

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  10. Candace - Yay! I'm not a big contemp reader so I was expecting to just like this one, but I ended up adoring it.

    Danny - This book was full of amazing characters. I loved all of them, especially little George. I want to take him home with me:)

    Alison - It's pretty hard to beat my family too, but I think everyone goes through a "grass is always greener" phase:)

    Leanna - Definitely do, it was fantastic:)

    Jasprit - Yay! I can't wait to buy a copy when it comes out, it's definitely favorite-shelf material:)

    Celine - WOO HOO!!! I hope you love it as much as I did:)

    Tammy - Thanks so much Tammy! I really hope you like it, I was completely captivated from page one:)

    Alissa - I don't think the slower pace will deter you, there's something engaging about the Garrett family, so even when things are slow and we're getting just day to day things, they're fascinating.

    Christina - YAY!! I don't think you'll be disappointed in the least:)

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  11. OH MY GOOOOOOOOOD!! I REALLY want to read this one asap!! I love conteporary novels and this one is just special for ths summer ^__^ plus the romance sounds beautiful =D

    thnx for sharing Jenny!!! muah!! ^.^

    excellent review!

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  12. This sounds so cute!! I love simple sweet love stories and the mundane day to day stuff always fits these books so well. Lovely review.......

    Random: You were gone last week,did you see my review of Easy???? OH MY GOSH FAVORITE BOOOK EVER....ok I feel better, I just had to tell you that.

    lol :D

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  13. Jenny, I have been pining and lusting for this book for so long! I'm so glad it's not a disappointment! Although, I'm a little afraid to know what the heartbreak in the book is. Awesome review. :)

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  14. I absolutely loved the romance in this book and thought it was expertly done. The Garrets are such a warm family and Jase was so swoonworthy!

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  15. Natalia - The romance was beautiful, I loved everything about it:)

    Tina - It was cute, but it was also way more emotional than I was expecting and I loved that surprise:)

    Rachel - Yay! This turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the year thus far. Up there with Sweet Evil and Unraveling:)

    Rummanah - Yay! Me too:) I want to move in with the Garretts, that is all.

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  16. You forgot to put in her mother, Sam's, is totally evil!
    Great review. :D

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  17. Actually I think I might check this one out as a pre-read for a teen I know. I think she might like it :):) :)

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  18. Sounds great! Love the name of your blog :)

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  19. Aaah, I have this one pre-ordered and am dying to get my hands on it! It sounds like a perfect book for the summer and contemporary romances are always fun to read when they're done right. I've heard how much people love George and I'm looking forward to meeting him and wishing I could have him be my sibling (or at least neighbour since I already have a younger brother).

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  20. Wow! This sounds like a read that really spoke to you. The last paragraph was amazing that line about the colors bleeding....beautiful. I have heard so many good things on this one and I am anxious to try it. Lovely review, Jenny!

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  21. I do feel like reading YA fic at the moment, sadly my library has mostly pnr ya, what else is new

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  22. You sold me with the gradually building romance, even if the pace is a bit slow, that just means it gives you more time to get to know the characters, plus, who doesn't love a bit of tension?!

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  23. I sometimes like character books like this. Especially contemp ones. I don't mind the slower pace at times. It just makes the experience richer. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention. I don't think I've heard of it.

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  24. This sounds like one I really need to read--and share with my students! I like the idea of someone being an observer of life and then being gradually integrated. Very cool.

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  25. I've had my eyes on this one for a long time now. I've only read good reviews about this book so I'm glad you liked it too.

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  26. HI THERE, JASE GARRETT, CAN I MARRY YOU? Hehe I pre-ordered this one last month so it should be coming in soon, and ohmygoodness, I'm so excited! I know that contemporaries can sometimes be a little slower in comparison to all of our fast paranormals, but I still adore them anyways! I can never resist a book with a big family in it because they always make me smile x)

    Amazing review, Jenny! One more day and hopefully it will ship to me by the weekend! *crosses fingers* <3

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  27. Very thoughtful review! How refreshing not to have a love triangle. I enjoy family dramas so I'm adding this to my TBR shelf.

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  28. Aww. Okay, this sounds like a must read for me in my quest to read more contemporary. If it's anything like Lola and the Boy Next Door, which it sounds like the basic premise is, if not the overall tone of the novel, then methinks I will like this one. Did I just say "methinks"? Please ignore.

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  29. Oh!!!! Me! Me! Me!!! I have been STALKING this book FOR MONTHS dude!!!! I need it!!!!

    Ive also been like CRAVING contemp romances like crack or something. It's insane!!!

    And AGAIN I ask WHY you do not WRITE??? Just sayin...

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  30. So jealous that you got to read this! I can't wait till I get it in my hands

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  31. GREAT review! I'm seriously so looking forward to this, even though I've never preferred contemporary. But it sounds wonderful! :D Thanks for an awesome review!

    Sierra @ Yearning to Read

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  32. he relationship between Samantha and Jase{1} was surprisingly enjoyable, despite the quickness. Interactions with the Garrett's were my favorite part of this book. Side characters were very nicely written (especially Tim, Clay, the Garrett's), because each had their own personalities with flaws and strengths. Even Grace (Samantha's very strict and slightly scary mother) proved to be more complex than I imagined.

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  33. Well, it seems unanimous by the comments, everyone is going to read this one, so I suppose I might as well. Just kidding, I've wanted to read this one since I saw it on your sidebar. I get a lot of my future reads from there. I figure if you're gonna read it then I know I'm gonna read it. I don't like whatever the sad thing is that happens. Am I going to cry? But the rest sounds great! Especially the romance. I'd love a guy to climb my terrace one night. I don't have one of course, but you know if I was 17 or so.

    Heather

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  34. I have heard SUCH good things about this one, and the premise itself sounds like such a 'me' type of book. I actually ordered this one before reading it, which is rare for me, so I hope I'll enjoy it.

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