Book review via Amazon.com. “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?
So, a quick note. I started this blog thinking I would be
unemployed for an indefinite amount of time. Welp my peeps, I am now working
again in Children’s Services at my local library and am super psyched. I get to
read to babies and promote library services for children! What this means is
that this blog could potentially be more sporadic than I would have hoped, but
I will still do my best.
Now we travel to Connecticut for my YA
reading challenge. If you read my
post on Colorado,
then you know about my feelings on romance. I like it as an element or plot
point, but not the central focus. As luck would have it, “My Life Next Door”
just so happens to be very much a romance. There are other situations involved,
such as family relations, college prep, friendships, soul searching, and even
politics, but the romance between Jase and Samantha is pivotal.
Though my feelings on romance novels are strong, I will say
that this was a good read. It was definitely realistic with teens and sex which
is appreciated. Some teen romance novels tend to suppress this and not like to
talk about it. Looking at you Stephanie Meyer, the only time I actually felt
bad for Bella Swan. This is probably because there is potential for backlash
and heavy criticism from the public in regards to teens and sex. It was just nice
to see an author address feelings teens have and the uneasiness that comes in
talking about sexual feelings. Samantha and Jase’s awkward discussion about
virginity and the next step felt like….hmm what word…oh yeah relatable.
Samantha’s feelings towards Jase were written well and the growth she
experiences is refreshing.
I think I appreciate this romance because it reminds me of
another favorite YA Author, Sarah Dessen. She will be my feature when I get to
my home state of North Cakalakka (North Carolina). Dessen writes characters that
experience very similar situations. Now, many of Dessen’s characters deal with
additional problems than teen love, but in a good portion of them, girl and boy
getting together always happens.
I have to admit the past few books have been a little too
much with the romance and googly eyes. Maybe the next few will change up a bit. That’s
seven down, 43 more to go!
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