My Life Next Door

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Remember when Jase and Sam fell in love over a lemonade at 9%? Because I was there to follow their astounding banter and was deeply moved by the slow burn of their feelings.... Over the summer, Samantha becomes close with Jase and his family… almost becoming one of them. But she also has to deal with friendship problems with her friends Nan and Tim, juggle her two summer jobs, and learn to accept her mother's new boyfriend. 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?

And the fact that Tim didn't do this one thing to begin with, after finding out about The Big Thing? Hint: he should have questioned the accuracy of what he was told from the start. It doesn't make you a d**khead - it makes you smart. Duh.These books capture the essence of young adult contemporary fiction and share some similarities with “My Life Next Door” regarding themes, relationships, and character development.

And there is SO much other stuff happening, a lot of it surprising. Alice’s drama with her family is a big focus, as is the ongoing connection with Samantha’s mother, the stress of finances and the day to day craziness of the household. But the bulk of the story belongs to Tim – still very much in recovery and trying to figure what to do with his life when he’s hit with a huge game-changer that tips his whole world upside down. Honestly, I expect that some readers will have an issue with one of the main storylines of this book. It certainly took me by surprise, but I have to say, I liked it and I think it was handled well. Alice is another story. I finally understood what stood behind her actions. She hides behind her good looks and takes up too many responsibilities. It took me longer to warm up to her, but in the end I loved her too.Anyway. To each their own. Big families are fun, according to my dad (and my mom, who had seven siblings). But I have two older siblings and they are two enough. Not for me! Again, I realize this is a personal thing. But coming from large families? Taught me a few things. Overall, I liked the book - I just did not love it, and felt disappointed by it. After waiting so long, perhaps my expectations were too high. Or something. Nan tells Samantha that her mother married while still a virgin and advised her not to do the same thing. Nan and her boyfriend, Daniel, are naked and about to have sex in an apartment that is supposed to be unoccupied for the weekend when Daniel’s uncle walks in on them. Nan tells Samantha that Daniel shoved Nan in front of him to cover himself. Nan is embarrassed and asks Samantha not to tell Tim because she wants him to believe she is no longer a virgin.

He's [the Obvious Dad] even got Tim's pot plant in with his own plants, giving it Miracle-Gro. What kind of man was young in the eighties and doesn't recognize marijuana?" So excited to find out that this is Tim's story and that Jase and Samantha will appear in it...but gosh, 2015 release date!?!?!Tim and Nan’s parents are oblivious to their son’s substance abuse and their daughter’s cheating and depression. When Tim quits working on Grace’s campaign, his mother tells him he is a loser. All of these characters have something to offer, regardless of age or perceived flaws. Even Tim, Samantha's childhood friend, who comes from a picture perfect home but whose potty mouth is so bad, that if made to fill a jar each time he swore, could put the entire Garrett clan through college, has a charm all his own. He proves that he's quite talented with females, of all ages *wink wink*. He even possess the unique ability to decipher the true meaning of the book, "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie." (That part made me snort water through my nose.) Tim is also the perfect example that there's always more than meets the eye and when given the chance (sometimes multiple chances), people can surprise you.

c) This 17 year old dude was a little too responsible, I mean not even a 27 year old man is, but that's okay. Tim… you guys remember Tim. He uses humor as a defense and his self-deprecation is more than just making fun of himself. He’s hid behind drugs and alcohol for longer than one can imagine at the age of 17 and he’s come to realize with the help of his friends that there is more to life than getting so wasted you can’t remember things. But with that realization comes the responsibilities that he’d been avoiding for all those years and the things he’s screwed up along the way. I can’t tell you how many times I wish he were real so I could pull him close and squeeze him tight, even if he wouldn’t let me because you honestly have to love his outlook on life.

When Andy complains that the boy she is dating still has not kissed her, Alice speculates that he is gay. George asks what gay means, and Duff mentions the time they read about some male penguins mating with other males.