Thrice Interview: MY LIFE NEXT DOOR

Hi! Today we’re celebrating the release of MY LIFE NEXT DOOR by Huntley Fitzpatrick!

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.

My take: I loved this book! It’s full of vibrant, wonderful, flawed, amazing characters. It reminded me of Stephanie Perkins’ books in that the characters are so memorable, fully realized, and quirky without feeling contrived. The romance at the heart of it is swoony without being idealized, and — bonus — the way the author handles sex is super well-done. Even the characters you hate — and oh, there are some! I found Sam’s supposed best friend to be absolutely maddening —  have their vulnerable sides. A summer read to be savored!

Now for the interview!

Describe your main character in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Samantha is private, self-aware, and observant.

Describe your book in 3 adjectives + a noun.

MY LIFE NEXT DOOR is about personalities, love, and secrets.

Describe yourself in 3 adjectives + a noun.

Shy, curious, optimistic reader.

If you could travel to any 3 countries, what would they be?

France, England, Portugal

If you could have 3 alternate careers, what would they be?

Casting agent, bookstore owner, editor

What are 3 of your favorite flowers?

Lilacs, hydrangeas, white roses

What are 3 of your favorite foods?

Summer tomatoes, fresh bread, coffee ice cream

What are 3 of your favorite books?

WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by John Green and David Levithan, THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND by Elizabeth George Speare, and THE NEXT BEST THING by Kristan Higgins 

Thanks so much for stopping by, Huntley! I hope you’re having a fantastic week!