A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck Pages: 272
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 26, 2017
Genres: Young Adult, contemporary
Source: Paperback ARC from Publisher
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.
A Short History of the Girl Next Door is a standalone young adult novel by Jared Reck. This book totally wrecked me. It was completely unexpected, in such a good way. A Short History of the Girl Next Door is so different than the books I normally read, and I am so so glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone because this book was an emotional journey that I absolutely loved. I typically read pretty happy books, so even when the very first line of the summary tells me this is an unrequited love story about the girl next door, part of me was still expecting it to turn out happy. And I am not going to go into spoilers for this book, but the direction that Jared Reck took this story in blew me away. It totally shocked me actually. And I am kind of obsessed with how much I loved it.
A Short History of the Girl Next Door is the story of a really beautiful friendship between neighbors Matt and Tabby. There are so many fun memories these two shared growing. I love that we got to see the two of them progress from elementary school to middle school to high school. There are funny moments, cute moments, angry moments and heart achingly sad moments. This book will really give you all the feels. Matt is such a great guy, that you can’t help but root for him and Tabby.
A Short History of the Girl Next Door is such a poignant story about growing up, and crushes love and disappointment. And of happiness. There is a lot of happiness between Matt and Tabby too. I think everyone will be able to relate to Matt in this book. It is told from his point of view, which I absolutely loved. It was so perfect and interesting to see Tabby through his eyes. Matt is not perfect and because of the events in the book we get to see Matt at all levels of ups and downs. I ate it all up. Even when I was ugly crying, I was loving it. A Short History of the Girl Next Door is the most book that has surprised me the most in 2017. It is brilliantly done. If you are looking for a book that will take you on an emotional journey (both happy and sad) read A Short History of the Girl Next Door. I really loved it. Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone Jared Reck!
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Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books
I am so excited to read this book!! I got it at ALA and it has been calling to me ever since. I’m glad to hear you liked it and that it was as emotional as I was hoping for!