My Life Next Door

by Huntley Fitzpatrick

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.

• ISBN10: 0142426040
• ISBN13: 9780142426043
• Publish Date: 13 June 2013 (first published 14 June 2012)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Speak
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 432
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780142426043

Reviews

[Jo]

Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick sounds like such a great book, but unfortunately, I finished it feeling pretty disappointed.

Samantha has been intrigued by the Garretts ever since they moved next door when she was younger. Loud and boisterous and obviously loving, their family is everything her family is not. Her mum is a clean freak, likes things to be perfect and just so, and has too many rules. She's also rude and judgemental, and doesn't like the Garretts simply because their yard isn't as immaculate as hers, because their children are loud, because Mrs. Garrett breastfeeds in public, and because they keep on having babies. Samantha's mum is also a Senator, and she's currently campaigning to be re-elected, with new guy Clay on the scene to help with her campaign, who she ends up dating. Her mum is so busy with the campaign, she pretty much neglects Samantha, and with Samantha's sister's Tracy away on holiday, things are pretty lonely at home. Until one day, when watching the Garretts from her little perch just outside her bedroom window, Jase Garrett climbs up the trellis and is soon a major part of her life.

So, positives first. The romance between Samantha and Jase was intriguing and sweet before they got together - the whole "will they, won't they?" moments were cute. I loved Jase's family, how big and loud and full of life they are - especially George, a precocious three-year-old who is scared of everything. I loved Tim, Samantha's best friend Nan's twin brother, and his development from a loser junkie to someone who's trying to sort his life out. I loved how Samantha and Nan's relationship ends up kind of rocky after Samantha discovers something. I loved how Samantha's mum obsession with politics and Clay was creating such major distance between her and Samantha. There were so many elements of this book that were so awesome, or had great potential.

But the main plot of the story, of her and Jase' romance? Once they got together, I lost all interest. I didn't feel any chemistry. And he was just so perfect and she was always swooning, and I was constantly rolling my eyes. It just didn't work for me once they got it together. Things started to get interesting once things go horribly wrong, but then I spent the rest of book constantly angry at Samantha for the choices she makes. It was so ridiculous. I would hope no-one would actually act the way she did, no matter what the consequences of the right choices would be. It was just so wrong, and I was so angry!

And then there's the relationship with her mum and how that's disintegrating, as her mum no longer seems to care about anything other than politics and Clay, following everything he says like a puppy. Of course, the reader wants things resolved for Samantha, because the relationship they have now is just terrible. But things would have continued going the way they were if it wasn't for the terrible thing that happened. If that hadn't happened, I don't think anything would have changed. Samantha certainly didn't seem to have the backbone to say anything, to really fight. So that was a let down.

And things with Nan? I was expecting for things to be resolved in some way, but nope. Again with Samantha not having a backbone and not having it out with her best friend when she's being a complete and utter cow. I can, in some ways, see where Nan was coming from, but Nan doesn't really know anything, and the way she treated Samantha was just appalling. And, I think, not entirely realistic. I could believe that she had started to resent Samantha, but they had been friends since they were five, that's a lot of years and a lot of memories. I don't think things would have gone the way they did in real life.

Over all, a pretty disappointing book. I do have the second book in this series, which follows Tim, and considering I loved Tim, I think I'll give it a go. But I'm really worried it's going to be another disappointment. Fingers crossed it won't be.

Thank you to Electric Monkey via NetGalley for the eProof.

[Sam@WLABB]

This was a very sweet story of first love, but also a coming of age story, in my opinion. Samantha had that moment, that all children eventually do, when they see their parents as real. She saw her mother trying to have a relationship, as well as her mother making some serious mistakes. The romance between Jace and Samantha grew so organically, and the way they approached the physical part of their relationship together was honest and adorable and real and mature too. But, what really won my heart was the Garrett family. I loved the chaos, and all the distinct personalities each child had. The love abounded in the Garrett home, and although they had 10 people under their roof, they welcomed Samantha (and Tim) with open arms.

I am looking forward to reading more of Huntley's work and the companions to this story.

[Chelsea]

Quick Thoughts
1. I thought this was a really sweet summery romance book. It satisfied my need for some contemporary once summer hit.
2. I really loved that plot twist at the end of this book. I wasn't expecting it at all and it was heartbreaking.
3. I enjoyed seeing the differences between these two families. It made it better that they were complete opposites and it was cool seeing both characters figure out each other's families.
4. This was just a great, easy to read book and I would recommend it for sure!

[jeannamichel]

It was her perfect life next door for way too long. No action/conflict hit until 3/4 in.

Samantha lives the perfect life: lives in a big house, has a rebellious older sister, and a clean-freak for a mother who is running for senator. However, she longs for something different. When she watches the neighbors on her balcony at night, a family with five (maybe more) and counting children, Samantha wishes she could be a part of it. One night, when one of the Garrett boys, Jase, visits her at her bedroom balcony, she is introduced to a whole different perspective—the one next door.

Everyone is currently raving about this book since the companion novel—which will be interesting—has just released (The Boy Most Likely To). However, reading everyone’s reviews took my expectations to a higher level and My Life Next Door definitely fell short.

It is a character-driven book. I remember a couple of years ago, The Bucket List held a discussion about the preference of plot-driven or character-driven stories. It seemed to be no question that readers wanted both—an equal balance of plot and character. There is no balance in My Life Next Door. Way past the half-way mark, the plot kicks in with a reeling secret that I didn’t see coming. It came so fast, unexpected, that even I don’t even know what I would have done. Huntley Fitzpatrick took the longest time setting up the characters and letting readers live with them for a while, getting to know them. The whole first part of the book was Samantha living the best of both worlds. It wasn’t the ingredients for a page-turner—just about a girl who seems to have everything getting a little more.

With that said, the character development was, of course, on point. Without much plot getting in the way, Fitzpatrick delved deeper into her characters, including all the Garrett children. I can’t name all the children for you but being a fan of Cheaper by the Dozen and other large families on screen (I don’t know any in real life), I’ve always loved the method that large families possess to function. However, Samantha’s actions—of watching her neighbors from her balcony every night—borders on entry-level creeper though her stalker-like tendencies were never mentioned as a problem in the book. I understand why she did it but I don’t particularly like it.

I will probably give myself a few months before reading the companion novel. My Life Next Door would make for a good commute book but unless you love heavily character-driven plots, I say skip it and go with a book that has more balance. Huntley Fitzpatrick will introduce you to a fantastic cast of characters that will have you wondering if the grass is really greener next door.

[anne]

Good book. Bit sweet, especially the Garretts.

[Joséphine]

I'm not sure if I would've enjoyed My Life Next Door as much as I did had I read a physical book of it myself. There's no doubt I would've liked it just not quite as much. As it is, My Life Next Door is the kind of book I very much enjoy listening to as an audiobook. It is a sweet story that portrays depth in the characters without being so overly complex in terms of the plot that I can't concentrate on the book while going about my chores. Although, I did also sit down only to listen for some parts which I usually don't. Usually I listen to audiobooks while I'm otherwise engaged, organising my room, for instance.

See, the Garrett's were a very charming family. Lots of them to keep track of too. And while this books largely revolves around the romance between Samantha and Jase, I can't help but say I totally fell in love with another boy: George. George was crazy adorable! At four years of age he had a mighty huge personality. That's what I really liked about My Life Next Door. It wasn't just all about Sam and her summer with Jase. His family formed a big part of it too and I really felt like I got to know most of his siblings just as well. Particularly Alice, who was very protective of her brother and wasn't afraid to let Sam know. So besides Sam, there was another prominent female character who contributed to the story. My Life Next Door then is a very apt title because Sam did spend a lot of time with her neighbours, not just for Jase but also to babysit his younger siblings.

Still, Sam's life did not only revolve around them. Thank goodness. Her life involved the drama of her own home. Her mother didn't want her associating with the Garretts but she was too busy running for state senator to be chasing after Sam. Although she did insist that Sam not follow in the footsteps of the rebellious teen her elder sister had been. Also, there were her best friend, Nan, whose friendship meant a lot to her, particularly with Nan's brother who used to be just a close friend drifting. Tim came to be in a very bad place and it through how Sam dealt with it that I felt I also got to know Sam better.

I liked Sam. She was a girl who made an effort to stay out of trouble. She behaved herself, except for the occasional times that she snuck out of the house but I daresay many a teenager is guilty of that. She didn't even sneak out to party. She did it sometimes for herself to enjoy the quiet of the night, sometimes for Jase to see him, and for the Garretts when they needed her. She wasn't perfect though. She made mistakes, she faced problems she wasn't sure how to navigate. Therein lay her charm. Anyone would be rooting for her. I know I was. She was witty too, even if she kept her thoughts to herself, such as when she disagreed with her mother.

I cannot help but wonder if any parents ever actually schedule in adoloscent drama on their day planners.

The prose and the narration fit well together. While I still think it weird when a story set in first-person from the point of view of a teenager is narrated by an adult, I quickly got used to it. Amy Rubinate delivered Sam's voice in a believable manner, bringing across both serious and light-hearted situations well. She brought every character alive too whenever they spoke. I could almost imagine listening in on the actual conversations.

            "What about Thorp, Samantha? Flip's younger brother. He's such a nice boy."
            She's suggesting dates for me now? This is new and bizarre behaviour for mum. "Uh, Thorp plays for the other team," I tell her.
            "Well, I hardly think his sports allegiance is a matter," she says. "He's always had such lovely manners."
            "He's been out of the closet since middle school, mum."
            She blinks rapidly, absorbing this, "Oh. Oh! Well, then."

This review is also available at dudettereads.com.

[bumblingbookworm]

This review was originally posted on The Bumbling Bookworm

I'd heard so much awesomeness about this book in the lead up to my USA trip last year, so I bought it from Book Depository to take away with me. Needless to say, all the hype was completely justified (IMO) and I read it in almost one sitting! This book was the perfect summer read and had all the elements of a great YA - beautiful boys, romance, angst, comedy... the works :)

Check out the rest of my review here!

[KitsuneBae]

Love the family dynamics in this book. Jase Garrett's family is awesome.

[Ashley]

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick My Life Next Door by Huntley FitzpatrickPublished by: Dial on June 14th 2012Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young AdultPages: 400Source: GiftedBuy the Book | Goodreads My Rating:
 

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.

HUGE thanks to Michaniya for this book! I feel like My Life Next Door might have been doomed to an eternity on my wishlist if not for her!
 
The romance in this book was pretty damn close to perfect! It had a wonderful innocence to it. I’m not sure if “innocence” is quite the word I’m looking for, but it’s as close as I can get right now. It was just so sweet and had “first love” written all over it. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile while reading and hope that it lasts forever.
And Jase.. oh, Jase. He is SUCH A SWEETHEART!! I adored his character so much. He’s just a nice guy. I freaking love nice guys! Bad boys have their place too, but in real life good guys are the ones for me so I love reading about them in books.
 
I think one of the things I love most about My Life Next Door is that Samantha and Jase never really have any big arguments. I hate it when a book has a great romance but then it’s riddled with some stupid, petty arguments just to “make things interesting” or introduce some conflict. That’s not the case in My Life Next Door. There is conflict in the book, but it’s not so much to do with the romance, and since the romance was so perfect and sweet, I was glad that it remained untouched from stupid annoying arguments!
 
And the ending! The ending (or at least the conflict that came before the ending) was both exhilarating and frustrating. I love that it got such a rise out of me. I was freaking out. I was sitting there reading and shouting crazy, insane, violent things to my boyfriend (like “OMG I want to skewer this bitch!!”).
 
I think I do wish there was a bit more closure at the very end though. I feel like things got wrapped up a little too vaguely. There were a couple of unanswered questions and it’s almost like the ending came a bit suddenly. I wasn’t ready for it!
 
But overall I think My Life Next Door was a great book! I loved the family dynamics and all the different characters. I even liked some of the ones I hated (Tim). My experience reading this book was very enjoyable and memorable; I totally recommend it! I know summer is basically over, but this is a perfect summer read!
 
The Verdict

[nitzan_schwarz]

You can find this review and more on my blog, Drugs Called Books

My Life Next Door has been a truly enjoyable read. It captures your attention from page one, and keeps it to the last pages. It makes you feel goofy good at part, and dreadful at others. In the end, it's a "grin book" - a book that makes you feel good, filled with heartwarming love, realistic characters and a story well written.

Summary 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?
A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.
My Life Next Door is told from the point of view of Samantha Reed, spoken in present tense, giving you the feeling everything is happening right now. I usually have a little trouble adjusting to present-tense writing (since most books I read are told in past-tense), but it fit really nicely here, giving this already realistic novel and even more true-to-life feeling.

The plot for this book was interesting, as you can probably see from the summary. I don't read that many contemporaries, but this had been one of my favorites. There was something very true about it all, and you could really feel what it's like to fall in love, the awkward parts, the sweet parts, the embarrassing parts, the beautiful parts. I loved it.

I also loved the characters. First we have Samantha, the story teller. She was very human in her emotions and actions. Some might criticize them, but I felt her more true to life because of that. We don't always do the right thing. I often tell people that I'd like to believe I will be from those who will, but that I don't know what will happen until I'm there, in the situation. And Sam showed us that. She also had very real fears and concerns, such as over her first time. I felt she was really relate-able.

Then there is Jason "Jase" Garrett. Hmmm... Let's put it like that - he's on my "Perfect Boyfriend List". You know, the ones for all those literature character you'd just die to be real and yours? Yep, he's that incredible. He's sweet, caring, smart, mature, gentle and good tempered. He deals with everything Sam throws his way, even the "dark secret" (Want to find what that is? Go read the book!). I think he acts like that because he truly loves her. I read some reviews that said it was resolved too easily, but I never felt like that. Rather than disagreeing with those reviews, it simply didn't bother me - or the book.

The supporting characters were well done and fleshed out, even when they didn't have a major part in the book. The Garretts were simply awesome, and anyone else see the potential for a series about those 9 children here? I'd love to have a book about Alice (and preferably Tim) or Joel. And Andy and George when they're older.

Then there were Nan and Tim. I loved Tim from the beginning even when he was acting like a douche, which is a little odd because I usually hate the jerky kind. But something about him was appealing from the get-go. Nan... well, I didn't like her as much. I was not surprised with what happened between them, at all, and I've read reviews that said that the author should've resolved it. I disagree. Friends come and go out of your life, and it was so much more realistic and true to the story that that happened.

Then we had Grace and Clay, Samantha's mother and her boyfriend. We all knew Clay was bad news from the beginning, a feeling that kept getting stronger as things progressed. I guess I'm pretty morbid, because I expected him to be a lot worse. He's still a scumbag, but at least not as bad a scumbag as I expected. Does this make sense?
Grace... honestly, I feel sorry for her. I don't hate her, just pity her and for some reason I think that's worse than hate in this case. I did dislike her attitude toward the Garretts, but I think somewhere in her she actually envied them, and their happiness.
But we're not meant to like both those characters, so that okay =]

Now, just a few things I didn't like:
1. The breast-feeding. Don't get me wrong! I've nothing against it, my whole family did it and so will I. The thing is, I think the author really exaggerated it. I mean, feeding in your house; no problem with that. But in front of complete strangers? Seems a little over the top.
2. What is wrong with all those people, complaining about the big family? We're I'm from there are giant families of 12 kids. So? Who're they to criticize it? (Not really a point against the book, considering the author clearly means for us to hate those people, but I really didn't like it).
3. I loved Sam and Jase's romance; I just wish it took more time to developed It takes them a month of knowing each other to both fall in love and lose their virginity to one another. Too quickly. In a way, this is instant love. I'd love if the author made more time pass, even without actually showing us that time - just mentioning that it did.

And that's about it! A very recommended book which you should read, with an average score of 4.15 on Goodreads you can count on it being good for most of you!

Warning: This book is sexually aware and the main characters engage in intercourse throughout the story. Nothing explicit, but if those things bother you, you will not like parts of this story.