The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: The Boy Most Likely To
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: August 18, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:
Tim Mason was The Boy Most Likely To find the liquor cabinet blindfolded, need a liver transplant, and drive his car into a house

Alice Garrett was The Girl Most Likely To . . . well, not date her little brother’s baggage-burdened best friend, for starters.

For Tim, it wouldn’t be smart to fall for Alice. For Alice, nothing could be scarier than falling for Tim. But Tim has never been known for making the smart choice, and Alice is starting to wonder if the “smart” choice is always the right one. When these two crash into each other, they crash hard.

Then the unexpected consequences of Tim’s wild days come back to shock him. He finds himself in a situation that isn’t all it appears to be, that he never could have predicted . . . but maybe should have.

And Alice is caught in the middle.

Told in Tim’s and Alice’s distinctive, disarming, entirely compelling voices, this novel is for readers of The Spectacular Now, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, and Paper Towns.

Review

To be honest, I am a little torn over this book. On the one hand, I was overjoyed to be back with this cast of characters. The Garretts are probably my favorite fictional family ever, and I freaking love Tim and Samantha too. I was also pleased to get resolution on a few loose ends from My Life Next Door, like Mr. Garrett's condition and obviously the mess that is Tim Mason (and his feelings for Alice). I loved Tim's voice in this book and I rooted for him as he figured his shit out. I also loved the relationship between Tim and Alice and adding her voice to the mix. These two could banter like nobody's business. And I love how Huntley isn't afraid to write sex-positive YA and how she fights stereotypes and tropes, which is evident in even the smallest of ways - like when Jase is telling Tim that his relationship with Sam is far from perfect and how Nan starts dating the person we'd least expect. I'm not sure I could ever NOT enjoy reading one of Huntley's books. I admire her work so much.

But on the other hand, I have to agree with some of the criticism. The biggest one being the unnecessary drama that enters Tim's life. There was plenty of story to be told without throwing in a curveball and having that become the primary plot focus. And then the way that it ended?!? I am both relieved and extremely pissed off. I am not totally against highlighting the consequences of Tim's lifestyle but I don't really agree with how it was done. I also wanted more resolution on the Samantha - Nan situation. I thought we were going to get it for a second there but alas, we didn't. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a third book from Nan's perspective. There is a lot to her story that we haven't been given. I would totally read it.

I am really sad I didn't love this one, especially since My Life Next Door is my favorite contemporary ever, but I am still really happy that I read it and had the chance to spend more time with these characters. I would also still recommend any of Huntley's books because I think she is extremely talented.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Release Date: 6/14/12
Pages: 396, Hardcover

Summary from Goodreads:
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.

This book was BRILLIANT so this is a difficult review for me because I want to do it justice and convince readers to pick up this book. 

My Life Next Door was so much more than a book about first love. Amidst the romance, Huntley Fitzpatrick beautifully portrays the trials of family and friendship, and navigating the ups and downs of life. 

The budding relationship between Samantha and Jase made me feel like I was falling in love for the first time again. It was innocent and adorable and a little humorous....

"A surprise, for me?" I ask, intrigued.
"Well, it's for me, but you too, kind of. I mean, it's something I want you to see."
This sounds a little unnerving. "Is it a body part?" I ask.
Jase rolls his eyes. "No jeez. I hope I'd be smoother than that."

*giggle* or 

"I'll respect the uniform and hold off on the fraternizing," Jase says, kissing my check. "But I'll see you tonight."
"Uniform-free," I add, then clap my hand over my mouth.
He grins, but says only: "Works for me."

See what I mean? The chemistry was well done. 

Their relationship progressed at a good pace but, it was not without challenges. Samantha's mother always objected to the behavior of the Garrett's next door, so at first Samantha's instincts led her to keep her life separate even as she was welcomed completely into Jase's. But as their lives became more intertwined, Jase became a safe zone for Samantha and he gave her strength and a desire to be a better person.

Samantha had a lot of changes happening in her life that she had to adjust to. Her sister was spending the summer away from home, her mom was dating a new boy that made her act differently, her best friend was distancing herself, and her best friend's brother was a danger to himself and others. Samantha struggles to respond to these situations and keep a level head. They force her reflect on who she is and who she wants to be.  

And then the unthinkable happens and Samantha has to face the hardest decision of her life...

My Life Next Door is a powerful novel that forces you to think about your own response to life's obstacles. We explore the consequences of family pressure and society expectations, judgments and truths, and the strength of courage, selflessness and love. 

Highly Recommend. 5/5 stars easily.