My Life Next Door; by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Hello, and welcome back! Today I am going to review of one of my favorite books that I've read this year. For a book to make a lasting impression with me, I have to really get invested and love or hate the characters and what is going on. Believe me when I say, these characters stayed to dance around in my mind after the book was over. I'll try to keep from gushing.

But first, let's talk coffee.

What's in my cup?

I am drinking a venti Iced White Chocolate Mocha, topped with whipped cream. It is yummy! I couldn't help myself. 

 

Book: My Life Next Door; by Huntley Fitzpatrick

published in: 2012, USA

Summary without spoilers: 

Samantha's life is scheduled, immaculate and predictable. Her mother is the ambitious, focused, single mother, Senator Reed. Life has always been that way, and she's fine with that. She's always been the good daughter.

The Garretts are the Reed's neighbors. They moved in when Samantha was young; but she wasn't allowed to play with them. To Senator Reed's dismay, the Garretts are loud. They have toys all over the yard. They have kids everywhere. They're one of those families.

Samantha has secretly watched the Garretts from her rooftop for years. They were her bedtime story; she imagined what it must be like to be in a big family with so much love and laughter, so much mess and togetherness. To her, it's the dream life. 

Then one night, one of them just climbs up and joins her on her roof. Jase Garrett. 

A friendship and a first romance soon start. Samantha is suddenly in the Garretts home; spending time with them, laughing and watching the little ones. Senator Reed is very much an oblivious mother; she is so caught up with running for re-election that she doesn't notice Samantha's time away. 

Jase and Samantha are dazzled by how perfect things are when suddenly the proverbial bottom falls out. Life happens and it's bad. Cliché? Not so much. I was expecting something else to test their romance. I didn't see this coming.

There is more to this story than Jase and Samantha. We have Nan; she's Samantha's best friend and she comes with a few problems of her own. Let's not forget Nan's brother, Tim. He is possibly the smartest looser on the planet. Even Senator Reed has more going on than just politics.

Friendship. Addicts. Politics. Romance. Lies. Funny kids. Plot twist. Humor. Heartbreak. Family. This book has all that and a beautiful cover! Because, yes. I judge books by their cover, too.

What did I think of the main characters? 

I liked them. They were fun to read. 
From the beginning with Jase, what you see is what you get. He is already confident in who he is. He likes things that take time and require attention.

As for Samantha, I liked how while she may have it all together, she still has to learns what kind of person she wants to be.

Were there any other especially interesting characters?
This book would have been lost without its other characters. Tim, really stood out to me as a favorite. His character grows and changes in a lot of ways without loosing it's authenticity. 

I would love to know more about Mr. and Mrs. Garrett; they would make a great story.
Little George Garrett. That precious 4 year old cracked me up!!

From whose point of view is the story told? 
Samantha Reed.

Was the book different from what I expected?
Yes and no. I expected it to be a feel good read with a bit of romance. It did not disappoint. The story was well developed; and I did not expect it to have the plot elements that it did. 

A quote or two from the book:

“No bikinis on a first date.” 
He nods. “I’m sure that’s a rule. Or should be. For my sisters anyway."

“I cannot help but wonder if any parents ever actually schedule in adolescent drama on their day planners. Looks like a slow week, Sarah. I guess I can pencil in your eating disorder.” 

“Being a politician is a lot like being an alcoholic in denial.”

Did you like the way the book ended?
Yes.

Final thoughts:
I'm 29 and I enjoyed this book. It's not strictly a teeny-bopperbook. but I would have loved it as a teen, too. I would not give this to too young of a reader. Maybe 14+. Maybe older. Use judgement. There is some profanity, and the two main characters do end up having sex; but it's not the main event. Consider yourself warned.


Tell me:
Have you read My Life Next Door? If so, what did you think of it?
What are you reading now; and what's in your coffee cup?

Leave me a comment below this post and don't forget to subscribe! I'm off to refill my coffee cup and read something new!

Melody

Jane Eyre; by Charlotte Brontë

I'm so glad you stopped by my blog; you're right in time for my first book and coffee post! Let's get started.

What's in my cup? 
Maxwell House coffee with Bailey's Toffee Almond creamer. I must say, it's pretty delicious. My husband brought it home and the man knows how to be awesome.

Book: Jane Eyre; by Charlotte Brontë
published in:  1847, England.

Summary without spoilers:
Jane Eyre is the story of a little orphaned girl who is taken in by a kind uncle. Sadly, the uncle dies before the story even begins. We begin with Jane left in the care of her Aunt Reed and cousins who resent her for being there.

Soon Mrs. Reed has had enough, and sends her off to a girls' school for the orphaned and underprivileged. There she learns what it is like to be poor, cold, and hungry; but she also learns to build friendships and to succeed. 

As the years go by, she excels as a student and even becomes a teacher. Soon with her teaching experience, she puts an advertisement in the paper seeking employment as a governess. When she takes the employment, the story really gets going.

Jane Eyre moves to Thornfield Hall to teach her little pupil, Adele. She soon meets and falls in love with her mysterious employer, Mr. Rochester and the plot thickens. 

Secrets. Fire. Heartbreak. Lies. Proposals. Questions of paternity. Family. Morals. Love. This book has it all. If I tell you anymore, I'll give too much away. 

What did I think of the main character? 
I loved Jane Eyre. She perseveres and overcomes. She does what she feels is right. I love that even though she feels little and unpretty, she refuses to let that stop her from being a caring and capable woman. Jane is a great character.

Were there any other especially interesting characters?
Oh my, yes! Be on the look out for the name Bertha Mason. I can't tell you more.

From whose point of view is the story told? 
Jane Eyre.

Was the book different from what I expected?
I'm going to say yes. When I started the book I had no idea what I was getting into, it was like a blind date. The twists and turns we took were unexpected and lead to a wonderful story altogether.

A quote or two from the book:

“I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience.” 

“You — you strange — you almost unearthly thing! — I love as my own flesh. You — poor and obscure, and small and plain as you are — I entreat to accept me as a husband.” 

Did you like the way the book ended? 
Yes. Yes, I did.

This book is in the public domain. That means that it was published so long ago that you can pick it up for free. If you're interested, you can pick it up here.

Tell me:
Have you read Jane Eyre? If so, what did you think of it?
What are you reading now; and what's in your coffee cup?

Leave me a comment below this post and don't forget to subscribe! I'm off to refill my coffee cup and read something new!

Melody