Esther's Ever After: My Life Next Door

2012-07-12

Must-Read Summer Books

I'm a firm believer that summer is the perfect time for reading- no matter what you're doing, everything just seems to slowww right down. School's out, people go on vacation, the days are longer, and staying up late doesn't sound like such a bad idea.
But there are SO many books out there, and only so much time - which ones are perfect for this lovely summer weather?
I'm sharing just some of my top picks for summer reading today, and while my list is by no means exhaustive or complete, here's a few that I think are totally worth picking up this season. Let me know which ones you've read, want to read, or even ones you think I missed!

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Perfect for: devotees of Sarah Dessen. People who need to get their contemporary fix, and enjoy thoughtful books with sweet summer romance. Bonus points for this book actually being set during the summer break.
Read my 5 star review for My Life Next Door here to find out more!

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Perfect for: fairy tale enthusiasts. People who grew up with Peter Pan as a child, but want to see the story as a darker, more mature version. Readers who don't mind slow storytelling in exchange for dreamy writing and meaningful prose.
Read my 4 star review for Tiger Lily here to find out more!

Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Perfect for: old & new readers to fantasy books; gripping storytelling, a world bursting with creativity at the seems. A different kind of fantasy pick since much of it is inspired by Russian culture/mythology, and a world in the midst of evolution/transformation.
Read my 5 star review for Shaow & Bone here to find out more!

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Perfect for: people who want a book that will change them, and potentially make them cry (or at least tear up). A truly moving story centred around the devoted friendship of two girls during World War II.
Read my 4 star review for Code Name Verity here to find out more!

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Perfect for: classics fans, who are interested in trying out something a little bit different. Or, readers who aren't overly familiar with the classics, but want to test out if it's the kind of story that might grab their interest. This one's a retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion in a futuristic, yet semi-historical, sci fi world.
Read my 5 star review for For Darkness Shows the Stars here to find out more!

Thief's Covenant & False Covenant (Widdershins series) by Ari Marmell
Perfect for: fantasy lovers & those who are curious about trying out fantasy. Witty, clever writing and some of the most terrifying, spine-tingling villains I've EVER read about- definitely something out of a horror novel (without actually BEING a horror novel, but instead more fantasy based).
Read my 5 star review for Thief's Covenant (Widdershins #1) here to find out more!
Read my 5 star review for False Covenant (Widdershins #2) here to find out more!

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Perfect for: paranormal fans who want something a little bit different - with FIVE swoonworthy guys. Plus, it's a brilliant blend of paranormal with a distinct contemporary feel to it. Lots of action & kissing that will keep you turning the pages.
Read my 5 star review for Storm (Elementals #1) here to find out more!

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
Perfect for: those stormy, dark nights when you need something pretty creepy and scary to keep you up at night :) And I love the creepy science fiction feel to this one about 3 teenagers who discover some disturbing happenings on the moon.
Read my 5 star review for 172 Hours on the Moon here to find out more!

2012-06-29

Review: My Life Next Door

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Release Date ~ June 14, 2012
Dial Books for Young Readers ~ Penguin
ISBN13: 9780803736993
E-galley received from publisher via Net Galley
Goodreads Synopsis:
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've already mentioned this to a few people, but My Life Next Door is TOTALLY reminiscent of Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever - which is not only my favourite Sarah Dessen book (seriously, I'm such a fangirl) but one of my favourite books of ALL TIME.

So just picture my epic excitement when I pick up this highly anticipated new contemporary YA release only to discover that it completely reminds me of one of my FAVOURITE books. But yet still different enough to stand all on its own. My Life Next Door is one of those perfect summer reads that will leave you itching for a reread as soon you've finished it.

One of the best, most realistic romances I've ever read:

Huntley Fitzpatrick seriously blew me out of the water with her portrayal of Jase and Sam's relationship; I LOVE that we don't spend hundreds of pages agonizing over whether they'll get together or not. I adore how strong and trusting and open they are with each other; they really want to build on a strong foundation for their relationship, and they put effort into figuring things out and trying to work together. It's beautiful and flawed but so real, and something that many people could actually aspire to. And Jase is just such a sweetheart- so reasonable and thoughtful, and Sam is so quietly strong and brave in her own way. They just MESH and I love them. And I think you will too!
Plus, that romance? SA-WOON:

(If you don't get that reference, you really need to read The Truth About Forever ASAP.) I hesitated making TWO of the reasons worth reading this about the romance, but Huntley does steamy well - yet still kind of awkward and sweet, all rolled into one.
A gorgeous story about growing up:

Here's what's really key about the book though, is how much Sam changes and develops over the course of the novel. Much like Macy (in Truth About Forever), Sam is perfectly put together, organized, driven, and lives directly under her mother's thumb. But of course this isn't enough and she's longing for something more. So something has to change, something eventually has to give and conveniently enough, the Garrets next door are complete opposite from her own family. Sam learns so much about growing up and what happiness and love means - and not easily, either, mind you. They're hard lessons for her and those around her to learn but it's incredibly touching & ultimately, unforgettable.

Most importantly though, is this idea of acceptance and appreciating or tolerating something different from your own norms. And how poignant that theme is - and at such the right time as well. The Garretts and the Reeds are completely different - but as Sam learns, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

My Life Next Door doesn't QUITE hold the same charm that The Truth About Forever does, perhaps partially because of nostalgia on my part and partially because I think some of the secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. And I wasn't entirely sure about how I felt with the conclusion; in some areas, I thought it was just right and ideal, but in others it didn't feel quite whole and rather unresolved.

But this is a remarkable contemporary, a perfect summer read of change and transition that is sure to be loved by many readers for a very long time. <3 Sam and Jase's feelings are utterly contagious, much like the rest of this book!