Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Narrator: Amy Rubinate
Published: March 25, 2013
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 10 hrs 39 mins
Source: Purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.
"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.
I was beyond excited when I noticed on Audible a few months back that My Life Next Door was coming out on audio! I knew I just had to get this one on audio. And I thought the timing was perfect as well, just as we're approaching the warmer weather. I was right - the audio was perfect! And it was the perfect story to get my in the summer mood!
Samantha was told over and over again not to socialize with the Garretts. They are a huge, messy family with too many kids and not enough discipline. From Mrs. Garrett breastfeeding on the front porch to little George running around naked, Samantha's mother insists they are bad news. Samantha watches over the family longingly, a small part of her wishing she could be part of this huge, loving family... so opposite of her own. Though they struggle with money, they don't struggle with love. Samantha longs for this type of never-changing love in a family. Her mother is running for State Senator, and has more extra money than she knows what to do with. She spends her days cleaning up her already-immaculate house, and basically ignores Samantha a majority of the time. The Garretts are so different, and so appealing to Samantha as the summer begins and she finds herself bored and lonely. Then she meets Jase, and the summer becomes a whole lot more than she bargained for.
My Life Next Door was more thought-provoking and meaningful than your average YA contemporary story. It was so sincere and really left an impact on me. I loved every minute of it... every sad, happy and emotional minute. I would definitely recommend the audio as well. Though the narrator took me a bit to get used to, I really enjoyed her.
I would recommend this story to fans of YA contemps. Though it did have a romance aspect, it wasn't overly mushy or sappy. It was a story about love, doing the right thing, and accepting others for who they are. It's a strong story that I think almost everyone will enjoy. Seriously, it's that good. Oh.. and it takes place in Connecticut! (Helllloooo, only the best state EVER! ;))
Huntley Fitzpatrick grew up dreamy and distracted in coastal Connecticut, attended Concord Academy and Yale. She flourished in a family of bookworms where everyone always had their nose in a book. She kept an exhaustively thorough journal which frightened her boyfriends but has proved very useful in her career as a writer. Her debut contemporary Romance, MY LIFE NEXT DOOR, was published in June of 2012 by Penguin-Dial for Young Readers. Now she laughs with and eavesdrops on her six children who provide her with perspective and material. She is represented by the amazing Christina Hogrebe of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.
This was one of my absolute fave reads last year. Made my sis read it, too, though it's taking her FOREVER to finish. Still, she's really enjoying it, so that's good, right? I was actually considering picking up the audio myself because I want to read this again but don't have the time. Glad to hear the audio is just as good as the story! :D
ReplyDeleteThat's great that your sister is enjoy it... sounds like she has wonderful taste, just like us, of course! :P I would absolutely recommend the audio. It's the perfect read for this time of year too! :)
DeleteI too thought this made me think and was a meaningful read. Great review
ReplyDeleteI love books this this. :)
DeleteI really enjoyed this one, too. I adored the Garretts and loved Jase's and Sam's relationship. I liked that it wasn't all fluff and that the story was more thought provoking the cover might belie. Great review!
ReplyDelete-Natalie @Natflix&Books
I agree!! I love romances like this. And I adored the Garretts as well... such a great family of characters! :)
DeleteI've owned this since release abs still haven't read it. Your review is pushing it up my tbr. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you love it as much as I did! :)
DeleteOh I have been wanting this one for ages! I'm glad you enjoyed it, I'm hoping I might be able to read it this summer but at the rate I'm going it might be next summer. Still, it sounds great!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a perfect summer read! :)
DeleteOMG, this book is sooo good! Perfect YA. I want a book for Hunter (is that his name? her friend’s brother? I read this last summer so I don’t really remember his name)
ReplyDeleteThe author said she has his story but is waiting for a publisher to pick it up :)
I haven't read a ton of contemporary, but the ones that I have read haven't made quite the impact on me as this one did. I went into it expecting the normal but mostly good YA romance story but found something deep and emotional and heartfelt instead. I was glued to the pages from the first page, and I loved the entire journey. The Garrett's are one of the best families that I have come across in my years of reading. They remind me of a non-magical Weasley bunch. The love they have for each other is incomparable. And the ease with which they welcomed Samantha into their lives, and the love they showed her when she needed it the most was incredibly special. I will absolutely be keeping my eyes open for more of Huntley Fitzpatrick!
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