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

*Disclosure of material connection- I received a copy of the book from the publisher via Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest thoughts. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are 100% my own. 

“In the blink of an eye, A Short History of the Girl Next Door goes from hilarious to haunting to harrowing to heartbreaking to hopeful and back. You’ll never be sure exactly what kind of tears you’re crying. The riotously funny and achingly authentic voice of this gorgeous coming-of-age story will break your heart, but have no fear: it will piece it back together with the glue of love, hope, and humor, and it will be stronger than before.”

 —Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of The Serpent Kingand Goodbye Days

My thoughts-

This. Book. I can not believe this was a debut novel. I was enthralled from the beginning with the strong bond between Matt Wainright and Tabby, his neighbor, BFF, and secret love. I read A Short History of the Girl Next Door on my flight to Las Vegas the other day, and didn't expect the emotional gut punch in the middle. I am sure I probably got a few looks because of all of the tears, but to me, that is the sign of an excellent book...tears of laughter, tears of sorrow, tears of joy, tears of hope, and this one contained them all. I think this was an excellent read, a superb first novel, and definitely a book I will be recommending to my book club. I recommend this book to any fans of Young Adult fiction, but particularly to fans of Jeff Zentner and John Green. Just have the tissues ready.