Book Review: A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

Title: A Short History of the Girl Next Door

Author: Jared Reck
Publication Date: September 26, 2017
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback ARC
Pages: 272
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary

   

The unrequited love of the girl next door is the centerpiece of this fiercely funny, yet heart-breaking debut novel.

Fifteen-year-old Matt Wainwright is in turmoil. He can’t tell his lifelong best friend, Tabby, how he really feels about her; his promising basketball skills are being overshadowed by his attitude on the court, and the only place he feels normal is in English class, where he can express his inner thoughts in quirky poems and essays. Matt is desperately hoping that Tabby will reciprocate his feelings; but then Tabby starts dating Liam Branson, senior basketball star and all-around great guy. Losing Tabby to Branson is bad enough; but, as Matt soon discovers, he’s close to losing everything that matters most to him. 

Humorous and heart-wrenching, A Short History of the Girl Next Door is perfect for readers who fell in love with All the Bright Places' Finch or Stargirl’s Leo.

I just finished reading A Short History of the Girl Next Door.  I have been trying to finish it for the past couple of weeks, but haven't had the time to finish it.  Life just seems to get in my way.  So I told myself that I would finish it today no matter what life threw at  me.  So I woke up at 5:30am and read it.  Let me tell you, I have been an emotional mess for the past 3 hours. What I thought would only take me 2 hours tops to finish the book, took me more like 4.5 hours.  Believe me, it wasn't because it was bad, it was because it was AMAZING! That and I was crying most of the time and had to take breaks and get my self together.  I am a hot mess right now. 

You know sometimes we read a book that sticks with us for a long time not only because it was a great story and/or the writing was spectacular, but because you hear the author's message loud and clear.  That is how I feel now after finishing it.  Mr. Jared Reck, you have written an inspirational book and one with a powerful message that everyone should hear. Because lets face it, at one point of our life, we will all have to deal with tragedy. I commend you, sir. 

I instantly feel for the main characters. Matty is my favorite and the one I can relate with the most. He is funny, smart and caring.  Don't get me wrong, I also loved the other characters, but Mattyhas a special place in my heart.    I am not going to lie, it took me a bit to actually get into the story.  There is a lot of basketball talk and it's a good thing I am a basketball fan or else I may have been lost. lol   

Like I said before, my emotions are all over the place right now.  So I knew I had to write this review right away so it would be fresh in my mind.  Here's some advice for you, don't wait too long to do what your heart tells you to do.  Because you never know if you will get a second chance to do it.  We also shouldn't take a person for granted because in a blink of an eye, that person could be taken from us. Love one another and be kind.  

If you are looking for a book that will kick you right in the feels, A Short History of the Girl Next Door is a book for you.  Please take my word and go read it. I promise you won't regret it. 

 

Jared Reck lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two daughters. He teaches 8th grade Language Arts, where he has been reading awesome books and writing alongside his students for the past twelve years. A Short History of the Girl Next Door is his first novel.