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Next Door Boys #1
The Next Door Boys
With her body still recovering from last year's cancer treatments, Leigh Tressman is determined to be independent. Despite the interference from her overprotective brother, the ever-expanding line of young men ready to fall in love with her--not to mention the physical frustrations and spiritual dilemmas Leigh discovers what it actually means to stand on her own and learns that love can be found in unexpected but comfortable places.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
34 people are currently reading
3022 people want to read
About the author
Jolene Betty Perry
14 books278 followersI started my first journal when I was 7,
there's a large box in my garage dedicated to the journals I've filled since then.
Now I only write longhand in the middle of the night or while waiting in my car.
Sometimes I can read it later.
I don't always like rules.
I survived swimming in the Rogue River two times on one trip.
I was not swimming on purpose.
I taught Middle School Algebra with a degree in Political Science and French.
I'm one of those crazy Mormons I used to make fun of.
I drew up the plans and built two houses.
When I say "built" I mean that I was outside with a hammer and nails, building a house.
I have two kids.
One has Moebius Syndrome.
Most doctors don't know what this is.
I survived my husband going to law school.
I survived my husband being deployed in the military.
After seventeen years, we still like each other.
I taught myself to play the guitar when my husband was in the Army and never home.
It's been ten years and I still play the guitar.
I have stories in my head that won't be quiet.
I like to write those stories down.
I hope people want to read them.
I love the editing almost as much as the writing, sometimes more.
At the age of 37 I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.
And I'm doing it.
Life is Good.
there's a large box in my garage dedicated to the journals I've filled since then.
Now I only write longhand in the middle of the night or while waiting in my car.
Sometimes I can read it later.
I don't always like rules.
I survived swimming in the Rogue River two times on one trip.
I was not swimming on purpose.
I taught Middle School Algebra with a degree in Political Science and French.
I'm one of those crazy Mormons I used to make fun of.
I drew up the plans and built two houses.
When I say "built" I mean that I was outside with a hammer and nails, building a house.
I have two kids.
One has Moebius Syndrome.
Most doctors don't know what this is.
I survived my husband going to law school.
I survived my husband being deployed in the military.
After seventeen years, we still like each other.
I taught myself to play the guitar when my husband was in the Army and never home.
It's been ten years and I still play the guitar.
I have stories in my head that won't be quiet.
I like to write those stories down.
I hope people want to read them.
I love the editing almost as much as the writing, sometimes more.
At the age of 37 I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.
And I'm doing it.
Life is Good.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
January 15, 2012
My three favorite things about this book?
1. I wrote a Mormon guy whose arms are covered in tattoos, works in a bar, and plays the guitar.
2. I love the relationship between Leigh and her big brother.
3. Leigh is a girl who has such a good sense of life and death and all the big things, but when it comes to guys, she's clueless. SO fun :D
1. I wrote a Mormon guy whose arms are covered in tattoos, works in a bar, and plays the guitar.
2. I love the relationship between Leigh and her big brother.
3. Leigh is a girl who has such a good sense of life and death and all the big things, but when it comes to guys, she's clueless. SO fun :D
November 20, 2011
I really enjoyed this story. In fact, I stayed up ‘til two in the morning to finish it!
I didn’t realize this was a Latter Day Saint novel until I started reading this story. I have to be honest I was a little apprehensive after I figured it out because in the first pages their religion was a big part. After I started reading on though it became sort of a background part and didn’t take away from the story at all.
Leigh is a nineteen-year old cancer survivor off to BYU to start her first year of college. She had to postpone her first year because of cancer treatments but is now in three months of remission and eager for her independence. She’s tired of her mother’s constant worry and over-protectiveness. Her family was reluctant to have her go to college so soon but they agreed only if her brother, Jaron would keep a watchful eye on her. Jaron is also attending BYU, and lives in the house next door to Leigh. Jaron has a roommate, Brian, a new convert in their religion, who intimidates Leigh a little at first. His arms are covered in tattoos and his a few years older than both Jaron and Leigh. Jaron, however, raves about Brian. He clearly loves and respects his friend. So Leigh starts to look past first impressions and accept Brian as a friend. Leigh still struggles with her body recovering and pushes herself on more than one occasion, much to the dismay of her brother and Brian. Leigh also struggles with the fact that because of her cancer treatments she can no longer have children.
What I most loved about this story, of course, was the romance. Die hard romantic here! And this one delivered. I loved that this story was not an instant-love situation but a slow gradual build up that was so very sweet. Although, getting a love interest was not Leigh’s main goal in her life. She wanted to be fine in her own skin and enjoy the college experience. But as we all know, things happen when we least expect them! Leigh’s attitude on love was refreshing too. I think this scene (one of my favorite quotes) expresses it best:
“Oh, come on, what’s the matter with Romeo and Juliet?”……”what made you so cynical, anyway?” Leigh: “I’m not cynical. I just don’t understand the wild romantic gestures. ‘I love you so much, I’d kill myself.’” I said in a dramatic fashion. Kim: “So what would you have a guy say, Leigh?” Kim was still in disbelief at my attitude. Leigh: “I love you so much that I’ll hang out with you in the backyard while you’re wearing your grungiest sweatpants and haven’t showered in two days. I’ll call you beautiful and mean it. I’ll be with you forever because I want to be not because we have to be.” It was the little things that mattered not the big ones.
This story was inspirational in the way that Leigh dealt with her feelings on having to face her own mortality, and the repercussions of her treatment. I found myself in tears a few times. You see that her faith as well as her loving family helped her so much, which was very moving. This is a definite recommend!
Thank you to Cedar Fort and Netgalley for allowing me to read this lovely story!
I didn’t realize this was a Latter Day Saint novel until I started reading this story. I have to be honest I was a little apprehensive after I figured it out because in the first pages their religion was a big part. After I started reading on though it became sort of a background part and didn’t take away from the story at all.
Leigh is a nineteen-year old cancer survivor off to BYU to start her first year of college. She had to postpone her first year because of cancer treatments but is now in three months of remission and eager for her independence. She’s tired of her mother’s constant worry and over-protectiveness. Her family was reluctant to have her go to college so soon but they agreed only if her brother, Jaron would keep a watchful eye on her. Jaron is also attending BYU, and lives in the house next door to Leigh. Jaron has a roommate, Brian, a new convert in their religion, who intimidates Leigh a little at first. His arms are covered in tattoos and his a few years older than both Jaron and Leigh. Jaron, however, raves about Brian. He clearly loves and respects his friend. So Leigh starts to look past first impressions and accept Brian as a friend. Leigh still struggles with her body recovering and pushes herself on more than one occasion, much to the dismay of her brother and Brian. Leigh also struggles with the fact that because of her cancer treatments she can no longer have children.
What I most loved about this story, of course, was the romance. Die hard romantic here! And this one delivered. I loved that this story was not an instant-love situation but a slow gradual build up that was so very sweet. Although, getting a love interest was not Leigh’s main goal in her life. She wanted to be fine in her own skin and enjoy the college experience. But as we all know, things happen when we least expect them! Leigh’s attitude on love was refreshing too. I think this scene (one of my favorite quotes) expresses it best:
“Oh, come on, what’s the matter with Romeo and Juliet?”……”what made you so cynical, anyway?” Leigh: “I’m not cynical. I just don’t understand the wild romantic gestures. ‘I love you so much, I’d kill myself.’” I said in a dramatic fashion. Kim: “So what would you have a guy say, Leigh?” Kim was still in disbelief at my attitude. Leigh: “I love you so much that I’ll hang out with you in the backyard while you’re wearing your grungiest sweatpants and haven’t showered in two days. I’ll call you beautiful and mean it. I’ll be with you forever because I want to be not because we have to be.” It was the little things that mattered not the big ones.
This story was inspirational in the way that Leigh dealt with her feelings on having to face her own mortality, and the repercussions of her treatment. I found myself in tears a few times. You see that her faith as well as her loving family helped her so much, which was very moving. This is a definite recommend!
Thank you to Cedar Fort and Netgalley for allowing me to read this lovely story!
October 25, 2011
The Next Door Boys will make you FEEL an entire gamut of emotions in such a good way. What an unexpectedly touching coming-of-age story.
This book came out of nowhere for me. I started it on a sunny afternoon, looking for some escapist reading and not expecting the depth or powerful message of this story. I cried at least three times, something I rarely do while reading. I felt longing and empathy and oh-so-sweet butterflies. These characters BREATHE. Minor flaws with the writing or plot can be overlooked when there are characters like these--people you care so much about you just can't stop reading until you know their ending.
And what a refreshing romance. Watching love slowly blossom from friendship left my heart all aflutter. Jolene Perry knows the power of the build up and creates such palpable longing with her unrushed love story. So much YA today is filled with instalove--that I-saw-you-from-across-the-hall-and-now-we're-soulmates-forever-because-our-eyes-locked love--that Perry's quiet, beautifully drawn-out story creates this amazing depth to the romance. While I do appreciate at times when romance authors provides the love interest's POV, Perry's choice to stick solely to Leigh's POV makes the romantic tension that much more delicious--never knowing exactly what that next door boy is thinking.
Beyond the sweet romance is such a powerful message on overcoming adversity and how it shapes who we are. Leigh's attitude toward her cancer and accepting the aftereffects is inspiring. Her family's love and concern for her--especially her brother Jaron's--is touching, considering how YA families are too often depicted.
I did not realize before I read this book that it is Mormon fiction, but I think the messages about trusting in God and accepting his will for you as you face challenges are messages most people can relate to. People unfamiliar with Mormon culture may be confused about some of the terms Perry uses, but the overall messages and the beautiful love story are relatable across religious or cultural beliefs.
The Next Door Boys is not without its flaws and a bit of awkward dialogue here and there, but it made me FEEL--I happily sighed and laughed and shed some tears. Leigh's journey to independence, love, and acceptance is not to be missed by fans of contemporary YA.
P.S. And cheers for a college setting!
This book came out of nowhere for me. I started it on a sunny afternoon, looking for some escapist reading and not expecting the depth or powerful message of this story. I cried at least three times, something I rarely do while reading. I felt longing and empathy and oh-so-sweet butterflies. These characters BREATHE. Minor flaws with the writing or plot can be overlooked when there are characters like these--people you care so much about you just can't stop reading until you know their ending.
And what a refreshing romance. Watching love slowly blossom from friendship left my heart all aflutter. Jolene Perry knows the power of the build up and creates such palpable longing with her unrushed love story. So much YA today is filled with instalove--that I-saw-you-from-across-the-hall-and-now-we're-soulmates-forever-because-our-eyes-locked love--that Perry's quiet, beautifully drawn-out story creates this amazing depth to the romance. While I do appreciate at times when romance authors provides the love interest's POV, Perry's choice to stick solely to Leigh's POV makes the romantic tension that much more delicious--never knowing exactly what that next door boy is thinking.
Beyond the sweet romance is such a powerful message on overcoming adversity and how it shapes who we are. Leigh's attitude toward her cancer and accepting the aftereffects is inspiring. Her family's love and concern for her--especially her brother Jaron's--is touching, considering how YA families are too often depicted.
I did not realize before I read this book that it is Mormon fiction, but I think the messages about trusting in God and accepting his will for you as you face challenges are messages most people can relate to. People unfamiliar with Mormon culture may be confused about some of the terms Perry uses, but the overall messages and the beautiful love story are relatable across religious or cultural beliefs.
The Next Door Boys is not without its flaws and a bit of awkward dialogue here and there, but it made me FEEL--I happily sighed and laughed and shed some tears. Leigh's journey to independence, love, and acceptance is not to be missed by fans of contemporary YA.
P.S. And cheers for a college setting!
October 30, 2011
2.5 stars
After looking over the other ratings, I think I’m the only person whose given The Next door boys 2 stars :-| I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately, the last few books I’ve read have been either a complete hit with me or a complete miss!
Leigh was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, after undergoing intensive chemotherapy and having surgery, she’s finally been told she’s in remission. Since she’s been recovering and gaining her strength back, she’s been cooped up at home with her overprotective parents. But finally after being in remission for three months, her parents allow Leigh some independence by letting her go away to school, but only under the condition that she moves next door to her brother Jaron who is also away at school, so that he can make sure she’s not overworking herself. Leigh’s ecstatic, after missing nearly a year out, Leigh can finally have some independence, do the things she’s wanted to do and in the close vicinity to Jaron, who she has a close relationship with.
From just reading the blurb I thought that The Next Door Boys would be my typical kind of book. I had no problems getting into it and it was quite heart felt reading how Leigh’s cancer could still have a massive impact on her body, so many months after her remission. But then as the story progressed, Leigh became quite frustrating, she would go from feeling one thing and then changing her mind quickly afterwards and then she was so oblivious to when guys were interested in her Also the way the book jumped from one scene to the next I found quite off putting, I’d just got my head around one scene, when it’d change to something completely different.
There were however parts that I did like; the openly strong friendship between Brian and Jaron; rarely have I come across a story which shows two guys being so close and caring towards each other. Despite Leigh being indecisive sometimes, she was a strong character and after being ill for a long time, she didn’t just give up, she tried to do as many things as possible even with her body restricting her progress so many times, she showed that she had great determination.
Overall The Next Door Boys was a book which I didn’t enjoy as much as I’d hoped, I’d like to thank Cedar Fort and Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
After looking over the other ratings, I think I’m the only person whose given The Next door boys 2 stars :-| I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately, the last few books I’ve read have been either a complete hit with me or a complete miss!
Leigh was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, after undergoing intensive chemotherapy and having surgery, she’s finally been told she’s in remission. Since she’s been recovering and gaining her strength back, she’s been cooped up at home with her overprotective parents. But finally after being in remission for three months, her parents allow Leigh some independence by letting her go away to school, but only under the condition that she moves next door to her brother Jaron who is also away at school, so that he can make sure she’s not overworking herself. Leigh’s ecstatic, after missing nearly a year out, Leigh can finally have some independence, do the things she’s wanted to do and in the close vicinity to Jaron, who she has a close relationship with.
From just reading the blurb I thought that The Next Door Boys would be my typical kind of book. I had no problems getting into it and it was quite heart felt reading how Leigh’s cancer could still have a massive impact on her body, so many months after her remission. But then as the story progressed, Leigh became quite frustrating, she would go from feeling one thing and then changing her mind quickly afterwards and then she was so oblivious to when guys were interested in her Also the way the book jumped from one scene to the next I found quite off putting, I’d just got my head around one scene, when it’d change to something completely different.
There were however parts that I did like; the openly strong friendship between Brian and Jaron; rarely have I come across a story which shows two guys being so close and caring towards each other. Despite Leigh being indecisive sometimes, she was a strong character and after being ill for a long time, she didn’t just give up, she tried to do as many things as possible even with her body restricting her progress so many times, she showed that she had great determination.
Overall The Next Door Boys was a book which I didn’t enjoy as much as I’d hoped, I’d like to thank Cedar Fort and Netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read this book.
December 16, 2011
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
I have been dying to get my hands on a copy of this novel. After reading the synopsis and the authors review on goodreads.com, I just knew I was going to love this book, and The Next Door Boys didn’t disappoint. It was a stunning novel with loads of romance and inspiration. The story is sweet, hopeful and realistic. This was one of the best coming of age stories I have ever read. I absolutely adored this novel.
After battling cancer for the last year, Leigh is now in remission and ready for some freedom. The year that was supposed to be of her first year of college wasn’t spent hanging out with friends, attending classes, or crushing on boys; instead she was monitored, observed and operated on. Now in remission and looking for a fresh start, Leigh begins her freshman year at BYU. The Next Door Boys is about Leigh’s journey to independence.
Leigh’s a survivor with a wonderful outlook and attitude toward life and death. Her faith and goodness are contagious. I found myself with chills, goofy grins and tears in my eyes because of Leigh. She is a truly inspirational character.
Another fun thing about Leigh is that she sews her own clothes and she has a voice like an angel. Sewing and singing are the two talents I would LOVE to have, but unfortunately, I was not gifted with those talents (ask anyone who has seen me try!) Therefore, I thought it was really awesome that Leigh used her gifts.
Also, I love how Leigh is oblivious to boys. She is completely unaware of the effect she has on them. I think the reason everyone is so attracted to Leigh is because (here comes the most clichéd line ever, but it’s so true in this case) she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and because she is unaware of how beautiful she really is.
Everyone who is considering reading this novel should be aware that there is a religious theme throughout the novel. The main characters are Mormon. In my opinion, this only added to the novel. Like I have said before, I am not Mormon. However, I can relate to the faith, love and the dedication that the characters have, and that is what this novel is truly about. While I was reading this novel, I didn’t feel like someone was trying to convert me. I just felt like this story highlighted the importance of faith, love and a higher power. If that sounds like something that would offend you, then, sadly, I can’t recommend this novel for you.
If the religious aspect doesn’t bother you and you are still considering reading this novel, then I say, “BUY IT NOW.” I have nothing bad to say about this novel.
I gave The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry 4 STARS. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR YOUNG ADULTS! I look forward to reading more books by Jolene B. Perry.
PS: I just read on Jolene B. Perry's website that Leigh's story will continue in a novel titled "Left to Love". YAY!!!
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
I have been dying to get my hands on a copy of this novel. After reading the synopsis and the authors review on goodreads.com, I just knew I was going to love this book, and The Next Door Boys didn’t disappoint. It was a stunning novel with loads of romance and inspiration. The story is sweet, hopeful and realistic. This was one of the best coming of age stories I have ever read. I absolutely adored this novel.
After battling cancer for the last year, Leigh is now in remission and ready for some freedom. The year that was supposed to be of her first year of college wasn’t spent hanging out with friends, attending classes, or crushing on boys; instead she was monitored, observed and operated on. Now in remission and looking for a fresh start, Leigh begins her freshman year at BYU. The Next Door Boys is about Leigh’s journey to independence.
Leigh’s a survivor with a wonderful outlook and attitude toward life and death. Her faith and goodness are contagious. I found myself with chills, goofy grins and tears in my eyes because of Leigh. She is a truly inspirational character.
Another fun thing about Leigh is that she sews her own clothes and she has a voice like an angel. Sewing and singing are the two talents I would LOVE to have, but unfortunately, I was not gifted with those talents (ask anyone who has seen me try!) Therefore, I thought it was really awesome that Leigh used her gifts.
Also, I love how Leigh is oblivious to boys. She is completely unaware of the effect she has on them. I think the reason everyone is so attracted to Leigh is because (here comes the most clichéd line ever, but it’s so true in this case) she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and because she is unaware of how beautiful she really is.
Everyone who is considering reading this novel should be aware that there is a religious theme throughout the novel. The main characters are Mormon. In my opinion, this only added to the novel. Like I have said before, I am not Mormon. However, I can relate to the faith, love and the dedication that the characters have, and that is what this novel is truly about. While I was reading this novel, I didn’t feel like someone was trying to convert me. I just felt like this story highlighted the importance of faith, love and a higher power. If that sounds like something that would offend you, then, sadly, I can’t recommend this novel for you.
If the religious aspect doesn’t bother you and you are still considering reading this novel, then I say, “BUY IT NOW.” I have nothing bad to say about this novel.
I gave The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry 4 STARS. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR YOUNG ADULTS! I look forward to reading more books by Jolene B. Perry.
PS: I just read on Jolene B. Perry's website that Leigh's story will continue in a novel titled "Left to Love". YAY!!!
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
November 23, 2011
This was such a wonderful love story. As promised on the cover, the story of Leigh captured my heart, and my soul. The cover here on Goodreads actually has a different sentence. On my copy it says A love story so powerful it captures more than your heart. It was a beautiful story about a girl finding herself, going out to live in a more liberated world with no overly protective mother hovering over her shoulder every minute of the day. The messages found within made my soul smile. Seeing the characters growth and love and faith strengthened mine and made me want them to have their happily ever afters!
Some scenes were so poignant I had tears in my eyes. Leigh is a survivor of ovarian cancer and has moved to BYU Utah with her brother to attend college. We’re taken inside Leigh’s head, and see the love she has for her brother and Nathan and Brian and her parents. We see her fears and uncertainties and her strengthened faith as those who love her help her to see the light and as she overcomes trials and finds who she is. I loved her strength and determination to do things herself, to do what she loves. She is rather stupid about boys. She never knows when one likes her, and fancies herself deeply in love with one who is so obviously not right for her, and doesn’t notice when the one who is her only true friend loves her. I knew from the very start that Noah was not good for her. He seemed too presumptuous and perfect with no charm or kindness. I loved that Leigh finally realized he wasn’t right. A little late, but not too late.
And then Brian was always there for her. Whenever she needed something he was there to help, to watch over her, to let her lean on him. He was so perfect. Not perfect in that he was godlike and flawless, but perfect in the sense that he was a good man who had faults, but his love was true and his faith was strong. He was such a sweet guy. Intimidating at first, with his broad build and tattoos, but kind and gentle and loving underneath. His and Leigh’s relationship was great. They started out as friends, then became pretty much best friends, and then Leigh realized what she was feeling for him was more than just friendship. Her realizing this, and me reading Brian looking at her deeply, made my heart go pitter patter and long for them to come together with love.
This novel wasn’t perfect. The pacing of the plot was disjointed sometimes, the dialogue stilted at times. The execution wasn’t amazing. But, the emotions were very apparent, the characters endearing, the romance sweet and beautiful, and the spiritual messages inspiring. I would recommend this book to any LDS member who loves a good romance. Don’t read it for the brilliant plot and wonderful writing. Read it for the love and spirit you will find.
Some scenes were so poignant I had tears in my eyes. Leigh is a survivor of ovarian cancer and has moved to BYU Utah with her brother to attend college. We’re taken inside Leigh’s head, and see the love she has for her brother and Nathan and Brian and her parents. We see her fears and uncertainties and her strengthened faith as those who love her help her to see the light and as she overcomes trials and finds who she is. I loved her strength and determination to do things herself, to do what she loves. She is rather stupid about boys. She never knows when one likes her, and fancies herself deeply in love with one who is so obviously not right for her, and doesn’t notice when the one who is her only true friend loves her. I knew from the very start that Noah was not good for her. He seemed too presumptuous and perfect with no charm or kindness. I loved that Leigh finally realized he wasn’t right. A little late, but not too late.
And then Brian was always there for her. Whenever she needed something he was there to help, to watch over her, to let her lean on him. He was so perfect. Not perfect in that he was godlike and flawless, but perfect in the sense that he was a good man who had faults, but his love was true and his faith was strong. He was such a sweet guy. Intimidating at first, with his broad build and tattoos, but kind and gentle and loving underneath. His and Leigh’s relationship was great. They started out as friends, then became pretty much best friends, and then Leigh realized what she was feeling for him was more than just friendship. Her realizing this, and me reading Brian looking at her deeply, made my heart go pitter patter and long for them to come together with love.
This novel wasn’t perfect. The pacing of the plot was disjointed sometimes, the dialogue stilted at times. The execution wasn’t amazing. But, the emotions were very apparent, the characters endearing, the romance sweet and beautiful, and the spiritual messages inspiring. I would recommend this book to any LDS member who loves a good romance. Don’t read it for the brilliant plot and wonderful writing. Read it for the love and spirit you will find.
November 7, 2011
This book took my breathe away. If anything bad were to happen to me, I would want faith like this. To hold on to something and not loose sight of it. To just be comfortable with how I am and where I am going is something I adore. I love that Leigh's faith didn't waver. She is beyond her years and I can learn so much from that.
I am going to start with the ending. Yes, I am going backwards. I loved the ending. Not because it was a happily ever after, but a new beginning. Hope after something greatly lost. I loved that the ending gave a great defining that if you keep your faith, pray consistently, what you pray for will come to pass.
The love in this book gave me many happy tears. I loved that it not only grew over time, but became so much more than what is expected. Leigh knows wants what she can't have, yet God answers her prayers to something better. Something more. I love that Leigh learn a great lesson in faith and in love.
The plot line gave me such great chills that I just wanted to start from the first page and read again. I just can't explain how much this book really touched my heart. I adore everything in it. Plus, really I am this type of person. I love to see happy endings and dreams come true.
I recommend you read this book if you love a book with a tragedy but a hopeful ending. Ms. Perry did a great job in capturing the characters feelings and letting the reader feel them. This is a book of a kind of faith I want to have. Read it. You'll love it.
I am going to start with the ending. Yes, I am going backwards. I loved the ending. Not because it was a happily ever after, but a new beginning. Hope after something greatly lost. I loved that the ending gave a great defining that if you keep your faith, pray consistently, what you pray for will come to pass.
The love in this book gave me many happy tears. I loved that it not only grew over time, but became so much more than what is expected. Leigh knows wants what she can't have, yet God answers her prayers to something better. Something more. I love that Leigh learn a great lesson in faith and in love.
The plot line gave me such great chills that I just wanted to start from the first page and read again. I just can't explain how much this book really touched my heart. I adore everything in it. Plus, really I am this type of person. I love to see happy endings and dreams come true.
I recommend you read this book if you love a book with a tragedy but a hopeful ending. Ms. Perry did a great job in capturing the characters feelings and letting the reader feel them. This is a book of a kind of faith I want to have. Read it. You'll love it.
May 4, 2015
Wow "The Next Door Boys" was one of the best YA books I have read in 2011 with out a doubt. Normaly I know months ahead when a book is comming out but The Next Door Boys I found just a few weeks before Jolene B Perry contacted me and ask me if I wanted an e-ARC as you can tell I was over the moon to read it early. It is just the type of book I love to read.
The story starts with the main character Leigh going off to BYU with her brother Jaroh. Leigh's parents are worried about her going to BYU as she has just recovered from having Cancer. But Leigh needs to start living her life again without being the ill girl or brains sister.
Leigh moves in the house next door to her brother where she meets her new house mates Megan and Kim. I really loved the girls friendship and how it grew.
Jorah lives next door with his best friend Brain who is new to being a morman. As Brain gets to know Leigh he falls in love with her but Leigh dosen't know what to make of him and his past and he has a little boy. So Leigh starts dating Evan who I hated straight away. All the way though this Leigh has school to cope with her mum calling all the time to check she's ok and not wanting her new friends to find out that she had cancer.
I loved how Brain and Leigh grew close and it was a plesure to read.And keep me up til 2.30am in the morring because I just had to finish it. If you enjoyed "Taken By Storm" you will love "The Next Door Boys" I can't wait to read what Jolene B Perry writes next. :-)
The story starts with the main character Leigh going off to BYU with her brother Jaroh. Leigh's parents are worried about her going to BYU as she has just recovered from having Cancer. But Leigh needs to start living her life again without being the ill girl or brains sister.
Leigh moves in the house next door to her brother where she meets her new house mates Megan and Kim. I really loved the girls friendship and how it grew.
Jorah lives next door with his best friend Brain who is new to being a morman. As Brain gets to know Leigh he falls in love with her but Leigh dosen't know what to make of him and his past and he has a little boy. So Leigh starts dating Evan who I hated straight away. All the way though this Leigh has school to cope with her mum calling all the time to check she's ok and not wanting her new friends to find out that she had cancer.
I loved how Brain and Leigh grew close and it was a plesure to read.And keep me up til 2.30am in the morring because I just had to finish it. If you enjoyed "Taken By Storm" you will love "The Next Door Boys" I can't wait to read what Jolene B Perry writes next. :-)
October 2, 2011
Let me just say that my wife (oh yeah) is totally awesome!! So this is a totally biased review and I got to read it before ANYBODY. This is one of the first books that she has written and although I think she just keeps getting better, the characters in this book are some of my favorites. They are so real to me.
This tackles some difficult themes but does so in a realistic (and that doesn't always mean disastrous) way. You care for these people and see, like the book says, that in order to be on your own sometimes you have to lean on others. Leigh has some of the most difficult spiritual feelings and beliefs sorted out by necessity since she has been struggling with cancer. She is an inspiration to those around her. But do those spiritual answers that she has found facing death answer for all the trials of life and of love?
Find out, as Leigh still inspires those around her and they bewilder her - I bet you'll fall for her too!
This tackles some difficult themes but does so in a realistic (and that doesn't always mean disastrous) way. You care for these people and see, like the book says, that in order to be on your own sometimes you have to lean on others. Leigh has some of the most difficult spiritual feelings and beliefs sorted out by necessity since she has been struggling with cancer. She is an inspiration to those around her. But do those spiritual answers that she has found facing death answer for all the trials of life and of love?
Find out, as Leigh still inspires those around her and they bewilder her - I bet you'll fall for her too!
March 15, 2013
I dont' know how I got to finish this book. My downright aversion to religion in general should have prevented me from even picking it up.
The fact that I went into it completely ignorant as to the plot and that Jolene Perry tricked me into it by writing other completely unrelated books - paired to the fact that it took me several chapters to figure out what Brigham Uni actually meant - might have helped me to finish it.
Mind, the book is not bad at all, the story is sweet and the guy is hot but the whole... attitude... just goes against my being and my beliefs - or rather, disbeliefs, in this case.
I am sure many will like it more than me. Also, I wish I could sew like the main character.
The fact that I went into it completely ignorant as to the plot and that Jolene Perry tricked me into it by writing other completely unrelated books - paired to the fact that it took me several chapters to figure out what Brigham Uni actually meant - might have helped me to finish it.
Mind, the book is not bad at all, the story is sweet and the guy is hot but the whole... attitude... just goes against my being and my beliefs - or rather, disbeliefs, in this case.
I am sure many will like it more than me. Also, I wish I could sew like the main character.
December 5, 2011
ACTUAL REVIEW: http://thereadgreed.blogspot.com/2011...
The gist: Leigh's now cancer free but she just wants to be plain free now. She moves to uni, tries to find independence, stay away from guys and live her life. Will she be able to do so or will her body (and mind) betray her? And will she find love when she was never looking for it in the first place?
The Haul
This story was totally not what I expected. At first I was overwhelmed by the religious elements that made no sense to me (I'm not a christian much less a Mormon) but soon that gets overshadowed by the story.
The story has a great readibility thing going for it which is good because in times like these when it's all too easy to switch to another book, this story wants to be read. I was surprised by how the author wrote trivial stuff in a way which didn't bore me. Also worrisome were all these couples getting ready to get married etc because from my own personal experience, I avoid such lovey-dovey couples but again it's thanks to good writing that I was able to bear them.
The H/h: Although I liked Brian and Leigh, I think I liked the Hero-et the best. Brian's kid Nathan was ADORABLE! (I love kids, as you can tell) and the way he got on with Leigh felt very natural. The friendship felt real although I do believe the end felt a bit rushed, esp cuz they got together in the last couple of pages when it could have a) either happened earlier and b) taken a couple of pages for the reader to get used to it.
The Peeves and Pros: I liked having the insight into this faith. I also liked a normal (and yet not) teenager issues being discussed. Leigh's illness was well depicted but there were a couple of things that I didn't understand: Why did Joe fight with his dad? And what was it's impact on the story? Why did guys fall in love with Leigh? Is it because she was that beautiful? Because she feels stand-ffish to me and in real life guys always over-look the nice girls (probably cuz nice girls are generally not too much to look at, I guess?)...
Overall: A lovely YA read.
December 12, 2011
I liked this book but it didn't knock my socks off. I could have used an epilogue as well. Even though I could understand the religious lingo, I think non-LDS people may have a hard time with those parts.
I loved Brian. He was such a good guy. You think he's the bad boy type but in reality he's not. It's Noah who is supposed to be the good boy who turns out to be not so good, which is too bad. I wanted to like Noah since the day he met Leigh. I really like Leigh and her brother as well. This book definitely had me teary a lot when they spoke about her cancer and having children.
So many people loved this book and stated they would re-read it. I didn't see that appeal. I wish I had though. I wanted more of Brian and Leigh. I felt like I was jipped in that area.
I loved Brian. He was such a good guy. You think he's the bad boy type but in reality he's not. It's Noah who is supposed to be the good boy who turns out to be not so good, which is too bad. I wanted to like Noah since the day he met Leigh. I really like Leigh and her brother as well. This book definitely had me teary a lot when they spoke about her cancer and having children.
So many people loved this book and stated they would re-read it. I didn't see that appeal. I wish I had though. I wanted more of Brian and Leigh. I felt like I was jipped in that area.
August 14, 2014
Ultimamente sto cercando di mettermi in pari con i galley che stanno per scadere e oggi è toccato a “The next door boys” e ancora una volta mi sono chiesta ma perché ci ho messo così tanto a leggerlo?
Leigh ha quasi vent’anni ed è appena uscita da una terribile esperienza, è sopravvissuta al cancro e dopo aver perso un anno è pronta per cominciare il college lontano da casa e dai ricordi. L’accordo è quello di essere accompagnata dal fratello Jaron che la terrà d’occhio e vivere nella casa vicina al suo appartamento che divide con Brian. Leigh imparerà che non è solo l’indipendenza che conta, che le apparenze nascondono molto di più e soprattutto imparerà che cosa significa amare.
Se si supera la presenza a volte ingombrante della preghiera, delle funzioni, della Chiesa (i protagonisti sono Mormoni) vale davvero la pena di leggere questo libro che è assolutamente indimenticabile, non solo la storia è toccante e incredibilmente vera, ma i protagonisti sono descritti magnificamente.
Leigh è questa ragazza fortissima che nonostante la tragedia che l’ha colpita riesce a vivere e a superarla alla grande, con quello spirito e quella voglia di farcela che non tutti posseggono. Da poco ha finito i trattamenti ma vuole la sua indipendenza, vuole vivere, sfuggire all’ala protettiva della madre. Inizia un corso di architettura, inizia ad uscire con un ragazzo ricco e bellissimo ma pretende troppo da se stessa, infondo sta ancora vivendo la fase della remissione, quella in cui il corpo inizia a riprendersi dopo l’aggressività della malattia. Ci sono dei momenti in cui la si vorrebbe scrollare, e farla svegliare perché non si accorge di come stanno davvero le cose, dei sentimenti che uno dei next door boys prova per lei, ma è ammirevole. Ama cucire, crea da sola tutti i suoi vestiti, sempre gentile, vive una sorta di simbiosi con la padrona di casa del fratello Julie e cerca di vivere attraverso di lei tutte quelle emozioni e sentimenti che lei non potrà mai vivere. Ci sono scene tenerissime, di amore e lacrime. Nonostante tutto mi è piaciuta molto, sia il suo modo di pensare che di agire che la rendono una sorella, un’amica e una ragazza da avere al fianco.
Jaron è il fratello che tutte vorremmo avere. In gamba, spiritoso, c’è sempre per Leigh. Quale fratello si impegnerebbe ad avere la sorella come vicina di casa, a farle da autista e da babysitter? E il suo modo di fare schietto, di essere di sostegno discreto e presente assolutamente sincero è incredibile. Troppo in gamba. Potrei continuare a tessere le sue lodi ma non ne vedo la ragione, Jaron è il FRATELLO, nonché uno dei next door boys.
L’altro è Brian. Il mitico Brian. Questo ex militare che ha combattuto in Afghanistan e in Iraq, con il corpo tatuato, un passato burrascoso e neo convertito nella loro chiesa a tutta una storia e un passato da raccontare che non solo è interessante da conoscere ma lo rende la persona che incontra la protagonista e lo rende così meraviglioso. Divorziato, ha un figlio di cinque anni Nathan che rappresenta una parte importante della storia per il ruolo che avrà nella vita di Leigh. Studia per diventare web designer e lavora la sera come barista per sostenersi gli studi. Questo nel libro diventa un grande issue solo per la fede dei protagonisti. A quanto pare essere un mormone non ti permette né di bere, né di fumare, né di frequentare il bar. Bri come lo chiama la ragazza, è prima di tutto la spalla su cui piangere e in qualche modo sostituisce il fratello quando questo si fidanza. Il good guy per eccellenza, che non riesce a dichiararsi, che muoverebbe la luna per lei, interessato e partecipe, che dà buoni consigli e non giudica mai. Anche nel momento in cui ci stava tutto un “te lo avevo detto” lui è semplicemente lì per lei senza pretese e senza recriminazioni. E soprattutto è capace di darle l’amore che cercava lei quello che ti porta a dire ti amo anche quando non ti lavi i capelli da quattro giorni, hai il tuo pigiama peggiore e ti senti uno schifo.
Potrei parlare di tutti gli incredibili personaggi secondari a partire da Stuart e Julie, i padroni di casa dei ragazzi, o di Megan e Kim, le coinquiline di Leigh, dei genitori di Leigh e Jaron o di Jeremy, il loro fratello maggiore andato via a 18 anni e di cui non sapevano più niente. O del mitico oncologo di Leigh a Salt Lake City, invece l’unico di cui voglio parlare davvero è Nathan il figlioletto di Brian, questo piccolo bambino che si affeziona subito e tantissimo a Leigh e che non si può non amare. Una mattina la invita a sedersi sul divano a guardare Spongebob mentre i next door boys (adoro chiamarli così) sono costretti a sedersi per terra. Troppo tenero.
Ora il particolare che vi dovete ricordare è l’amaca che c’è nel cortile della casa in cui abita Leigh. Protagonista di alcune delle scene più belle, e che più ho amato del libro. Amaca.
Vi consiglio la lettura di questo libro, anche perché per una volta i protagonisti non si muovono in una high school, sono più adulti, ma non trentenni e conservano lo spirito dei vent’anni pur essendo bloccati dalle fauci della loro fede religiosa. La romance c’è ma non è predominante si parla anche di scelte di vita, di amore e di malattia e anche se i ragazzi hanno l’abitudine di sposarsi poco più che ventenni compiono sempre delle scelte di vita giuste e nel rispetto di quello che sono e di quello in cui credono. Leggetelo.
Io come sempre ringrazio Netgalley e Cedar Fort per avermi concesso l’onore e il piacere di leggere questo libro in cambio di una mia opinione.
Leigh ha quasi vent’anni ed è appena uscita da una terribile esperienza, è sopravvissuta al cancro e dopo aver perso un anno è pronta per cominciare il college lontano da casa e dai ricordi. L’accordo è quello di essere accompagnata dal fratello Jaron che la terrà d’occhio e vivere nella casa vicina al suo appartamento che divide con Brian. Leigh imparerà che non è solo l’indipendenza che conta, che le apparenze nascondono molto di più e soprattutto imparerà che cosa significa amare.
Se si supera la presenza a volte ingombrante della preghiera, delle funzioni, della Chiesa (i protagonisti sono Mormoni) vale davvero la pena di leggere questo libro che è assolutamente indimenticabile, non solo la storia è toccante e incredibilmente vera, ma i protagonisti sono descritti magnificamente.
Leigh è questa ragazza fortissima che nonostante la tragedia che l’ha colpita riesce a vivere e a superarla alla grande, con quello spirito e quella voglia di farcela che non tutti posseggono. Da poco ha finito i trattamenti ma vuole la sua indipendenza, vuole vivere, sfuggire all’ala protettiva della madre. Inizia un corso di architettura, inizia ad uscire con un ragazzo ricco e bellissimo ma pretende troppo da se stessa, infondo sta ancora vivendo la fase della remissione, quella in cui il corpo inizia a riprendersi dopo l’aggressività della malattia. Ci sono dei momenti in cui la si vorrebbe scrollare, e farla svegliare perché non si accorge di come stanno davvero le cose, dei sentimenti che uno dei next door boys prova per lei, ma è ammirevole. Ama cucire, crea da sola tutti i suoi vestiti, sempre gentile, vive una sorta di simbiosi con la padrona di casa del fratello Julie e cerca di vivere attraverso di lei tutte quelle emozioni e sentimenti che lei non potrà mai vivere. Ci sono scene tenerissime, di amore e lacrime. Nonostante tutto mi è piaciuta molto, sia il suo modo di pensare che di agire che la rendono una sorella, un’amica e una ragazza da avere al fianco.
Jaron è il fratello che tutte vorremmo avere. In gamba, spiritoso, c’è sempre per Leigh. Quale fratello si impegnerebbe ad avere la sorella come vicina di casa, a farle da autista e da babysitter? E il suo modo di fare schietto, di essere di sostegno discreto e presente assolutamente sincero è incredibile. Troppo in gamba. Potrei continuare a tessere le sue lodi ma non ne vedo la ragione, Jaron è il FRATELLO, nonché uno dei next door boys.
L’altro è Brian. Il mitico Brian. Questo ex militare che ha combattuto in Afghanistan e in Iraq, con il corpo tatuato, un passato burrascoso e neo convertito nella loro chiesa a tutta una storia e un passato da raccontare che non solo è interessante da conoscere ma lo rende la persona che incontra la protagonista e lo rende così meraviglioso. Divorziato, ha un figlio di cinque anni Nathan che rappresenta una parte importante della storia per il ruolo che avrà nella vita di Leigh. Studia per diventare web designer e lavora la sera come barista per sostenersi gli studi. Questo nel libro diventa un grande issue solo per la fede dei protagonisti. A quanto pare essere un mormone non ti permette né di bere, né di fumare, né di frequentare il bar. Bri come lo chiama la ragazza, è prima di tutto la spalla su cui piangere e in qualche modo sostituisce il fratello quando questo si fidanza. Il good guy per eccellenza, che non riesce a dichiararsi, che muoverebbe la luna per lei, interessato e partecipe, che dà buoni consigli e non giudica mai. Anche nel momento in cui ci stava tutto un “te lo avevo detto” lui è semplicemente lì per lei senza pretese e senza recriminazioni. E soprattutto è capace di darle l’amore che cercava lei quello che ti porta a dire ti amo anche quando non ti lavi i capelli da quattro giorni, hai il tuo pigiama peggiore e ti senti uno schifo.
Potrei parlare di tutti gli incredibili personaggi secondari a partire da Stuart e Julie, i padroni di casa dei ragazzi, o di Megan e Kim, le coinquiline di Leigh, dei genitori di Leigh e Jaron o di Jeremy, il loro fratello maggiore andato via a 18 anni e di cui non sapevano più niente. O del mitico oncologo di Leigh a Salt Lake City, invece l’unico di cui voglio parlare davvero è Nathan il figlioletto di Brian, questo piccolo bambino che si affeziona subito e tantissimo a Leigh e che non si può non amare. Una mattina la invita a sedersi sul divano a guardare Spongebob mentre i next door boys (adoro chiamarli così) sono costretti a sedersi per terra. Troppo tenero.
Ora il particolare che vi dovete ricordare è l’amaca che c’è nel cortile della casa in cui abita Leigh. Protagonista di alcune delle scene più belle, e che più ho amato del libro. Amaca.
Vi consiglio la lettura di questo libro, anche perché per una volta i protagonisti non si muovono in una high school, sono più adulti, ma non trentenni e conservano lo spirito dei vent’anni pur essendo bloccati dalle fauci della loro fede religiosa. La romance c’è ma non è predominante si parla anche di scelte di vita, di amore e di malattia e anche se i ragazzi hanno l’abitudine di sposarsi poco più che ventenni compiono sempre delle scelte di vita giuste e nel rispetto di quello che sono e di quello in cui credono. Leggetelo.
Io come sempre ringrazio Netgalley e Cedar Fort per avermi concesso l’onore e il piacere di leggere questo libro in cambio di una mia opinione.
November 1, 2011
3.5/5
**Thanks Netgalley and Cedar Fort, Inc. for the galley!**
I finally got around to reading this book. I was in the mood to read something nice. And glad to say, I was really surprised with this book. I’m expecting it to be kind of a little bit dramatic, heavy with teeny touch of romance. Well…it does have cute romance going on but not really dramatic as I thought it’d be. It was really unexpected that the book turned out as a light, pleasant book. It was really nice.
Leigh Tressman is going off to college after one year hiatus. The reason? She was sick, she had cancer and she’s still recovering. But she wanted to live her life independently not cooped up with her worried parents. So when she was strong enough her parents allowed her. The catch though? She has to move in the same neighborhood as her brother. Not just the same place, living next door to him. There she met Brian, her brother’s roommate and friend. He worked before in the military, divorced and has a five year old kid, Nathan. At first she was uncomfortable with him because he’s older, has tattoos and quite intimidating. But it turns out he wasn’t the guy she thought he was.
Like Leigh, I didn’t warm up with Brian immediately, the tats too gave me a very big ‘NO’ impression. Plus, his very ‘interesting’ history. Well, as they say, sometimes first impression never last. He grew with me. Big time. Especially the meek glances he gave her way. Or the subtle interactions with Leigh. I was rooting this guy from the moment I realized he was the right guy for her. But then Noah happened. I instantly knew he’s a bad idea despite he’s the exact opposite of Brian, outer appearance speaking. He might look the perfect guy but I think Leigh fell in love with the idea of ‘falling in love with him.’ So I liked that she realized her feelings, sorted it out along the way. I’m a sucker for these types of stories—the guy waiting on the sidelines and girl realizes the right guy for her is just around the corner. All they need to do is to notice it, realizes it…then be courageous enough to accept it. And of course, continuously working on it.
I really liked this book. I liked the good vibes surrounds it. I liked Leigh’s attitude. Despite what she’d experienced, she’s fighting head on. Admittedly, I too was worried at first that the book will go all dramatic on me. Knowing the main lead came from a fatal illness, working her way out of it, and the prejudices that comes along with it. But I’m absolutely grateful that it wasn’t. It was more than that. More than I anticipated it to be. I was relieved, then happy and overall satisfied.
**Thanks Netgalley and Cedar Fort, Inc. for the galley!**
I finally got around to reading this book. I was in the mood to read something nice. And glad to say, I was really surprised with this book. I’m expecting it to be kind of a little bit dramatic, heavy with teeny touch of romance. Well…it does have cute romance going on but not really dramatic as I thought it’d be. It was really unexpected that the book turned out as a light, pleasant book. It was really nice.
Leigh Tressman is going off to college after one year hiatus. The reason? She was sick, she had cancer and she’s still recovering. But she wanted to live her life independently not cooped up with her worried parents. So when she was strong enough her parents allowed her. The catch though? She has to move in the same neighborhood as her brother. Not just the same place, living next door to him. There she met Brian, her brother’s roommate and friend. He worked before in the military, divorced and has a five year old kid, Nathan. At first she was uncomfortable with him because he’s older, has tattoos and quite intimidating. But it turns out he wasn’t the guy she thought he was.
Like Leigh, I didn’t warm up with Brian immediately, the tats too gave me a very big ‘NO’ impression. Plus, his very ‘interesting’ history. Well, as they say, sometimes first impression never last. He grew with me. Big time. Especially the meek glances he gave her way. Or the subtle interactions with Leigh. I was rooting this guy from the moment I realized he was the right guy for her. But then Noah happened. I instantly knew he’s a bad idea despite he’s the exact opposite of Brian, outer appearance speaking. He might look the perfect guy but I think Leigh fell in love with the idea of ‘falling in love with him.’ So I liked that she realized her feelings, sorted it out along the way. I’m a sucker for these types of stories—the guy waiting on the sidelines and girl realizes the right guy for her is just around the corner. All they need to do is to notice it, realizes it…then be courageous enough to accept it. And of course, continuously working on it.
I really liked this book. I liked the good vibes surrounds it. I liked Leigh’s attitude. Despite what she’d experienced, she’s fighting head on. Admittedly, I too was worried at first that the book will go all dramatic on me. Knowing the main lead came from a fatal illness, working her way out of it, and the prejudices that comes along with it. But I’m absolutely grateful that it wasn’t. It was more than that. More than I anticipated it to be. I was relieved, then happy and overall satisfied.
December 2, 2015
Boooooo!
This had so much potential.
I only got to read up to Chapter 8 and then I quit. The flow of the story was just too slow, for me. I felt like the story wasn't going anywhere and I got really really bored of waiting for a twist or for the conflict to pop up.
I really liked and related to Leigh though I hated that she was so "closed" on her thoughts and feelings in confronting others about things that bothered her. Like when. I did not also like how confusing her decisions in her life are, like her stance in being independent and for her loved ones to constantly watch her - in fear of her cancer coming back. I understand how painfully annoying that is but she has to understand also that the only reason why her family, especially her mom, does those protective and watchful gestures is because they love her and they want her to adjust to the possibility of her being healthy again. I did not like how she saw the situation given the personality she has. That's actually another thing about her that frustrates me, she is "too" nice and she overthinks situations in where she might not be nice to someone and therefore chooses the direction in where she complicates things further.
I think the other characters played their parts well in Leigh's life although at times I felt like they were pushing too far on the "protectiveness" and "precautionary" roles they had to take in. They also felt "too" nice and naive in dealing with someone who has survived having cancer. It was like they just heard of the term and never really know what it's about or it's like for someone who has experienced it. I mean after all the books and movies and articles and stories and news about cancer, shouldn't people know by now the basics about it - how people should treat them and care for them and the like.
I liked how this book is the first book I read that has characters who are very religious. I liked hearing the bible verses and the character's interpretation on it. I liked the connections they make about God to their lives and how important He is to everyone's lives. But it still wasn't enough for me to finish the book, I'm sorry but that pace and storyline were just too slow and vague for me to even continue on.
Have a happy reading though! :)
This had so much potential.
I only got to read up to Chapter 8 and then I quit. The flow of the story was just too slow, for me. I felt like the story wasn't going anywhere and I got really really bored of waiting for a twist or for the conflict to pop up.
I really liked and related to Leigh though I hated that she was so "closed" on her thoughts and feelings in confronting others about things that bothered her. Like when. I did not also like how confusing her decisions in her life are, like her stance in being independent and for her loved ones to constantly watch her - in fear of her cancer coming back. I understand how painfully annoying that is but she has to understand also that the only reason why her family, especially her mom, does those protective and watchful gestures is because they love her and they want her to adjust to the possibility of her being healthy again. I did not like how she saw the situation given the personality she has. That's actually another thing about her that frustrates me, she is "too" nice and she overthinks situations in where she might not be nice to someone and therefore chooses the direction in where she complicates things further.
I think the other characters played their parts well in Leigh's life although at times I felt like they were pushing too far on the "protectiveness" and "precautionary" roles they had to take in. They also felt "too" nice and naive in dealing with someone who has survived having cancer. It was like they just heard of the term and never really know what it's about or it's like for someone who has experienced it. I mean after all the books and movies and articles and stories and news about cancer, shouldn't people know by now the basics about it - how people should treat them and care for them and the like.
I liked how this book is the first book I read that has characters who are very religious. I liked hearing the bible verses and the character's interpretation on it. I liked the connections they make about God to their lives and how important He is to everyone's lives. But it still wasn't enough for me to finish the book, I'm sorry but that pace and storyline were just too slow and vague for me to even continue on.
Have a happy reading though! :)
July 31, 2017
I don't know what there is to like about this book. Leigh is a cancer survivor, desperate to get on with her life and start college at BYU. She moves in next door to her brother, so he can be overprotective, and finds herself attracting all sorts of unwanted attention from boys and has to figure out where her heart really lies. Okay, great...except I'm not sure what these guys are supposed to like about her. Yes, she's a survivor of a terrible experience...but she's also snotty to her family, totally drops her friends when she meets a guy she likes, neglects her spiritual life (she flakes out on her responsibilities as a member of the Relief Society presidency and stops going to the temple, something she allegedly enjoyed before), and she constantly, constantly, constantly breaks the BYU honor code by being in her brother's house at late hours (with his roommates) and even sleeping over and having them in her room. I don't know if that is due to ignorance about the BYU honor code on the part of the author and what it entails (and by the way, BYU housing would NOT permit a single male landlord--Brian--to live upstairs and rent out to single women downstairs; also, BYU doesn't have "Institute"; they have religion classes. These things appear in the book, so maybe the author just doesn't know much about how BYU works...but the inconsistencies with what is actually real are frustrating). Anyway, are all these guys supposed to be impressed by how skinny she is as a result of her chemo? The bikini she "has" to wear because her one piece isn't with her? What? I'm not sure...but I didn't really find her to be a sympathetic narrator and didn't really get what was supposed to be so amazing about her that would make all these guys like her...and I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading the book.
November 6, 2011
This was an excellent book from start to finish in which I received from netGalley and the publisher. I jumped right into the book and didn't even realize that it was a Christian book right away.
This book has good Christian and family values and touches on those moments very frequently throughout the novel. As for myself, coming from a Christian background, I could relate quite easily with some of the family closeness and traditions. This book made me want to pull out my Bible again and start reading it.
The author did some amazing research into ovarian cancer, touching some of the feelings Leigh was going through and what she had to go through with the cancer and the challenges she could still face.
I loved Leigh. Her self struggles to overcome what she went through and to get to where she was. Her stubbornness and independence very likeable, even the little knowledge she had for guys, made this leading character amazing.
Leigh's brother, Jaron, was simply one of the best brothers someone could ask for. Very understanding and a rock for his little sister, but also very protective.
The story dealt with a lot of social situations from dating to love, marriage and children. It had touched on many good points. Some of the situations had brought me to tears, not at all bawling like a baby tears, just slight tears because of either experiences I went through myself or the sympathy I felt for the character.
This is again, a very excellent book. Even if you aren't a Christian, I still recommend the book. I recommend this book to any young adult 16 and over, Christians and non-Christians alike. I had to give this book 5 of 5 stars for the great writing, research and how this story comes to life with the great emotion put into this wonderful story.
This book has good Christian and family values and touches on those moments very frequently throughout the novel. As for myself, coming from a Christian background, I could relate quite easily with some of the family closeness and traditions. This book made me want to pull out my Bible again and start reading it.
The author did some amazing research into ovarian cancer, touching some of the feelings Leigh was going through and what she had to go through with the cancer and the challenges she could still face.
I loved Leigh. Her self struggles to overcome what she went through and to get to where she was. Her stubbornness and independence very likeable, even the little knowledge she had for guys, made this leading character amazing.
Leigh's brother, Jaron, was simply one of the best brothers someone could ask for. Very understanding and a rock for his little sister, but also very protective.
The story dealt with a lot of social situations from dating to love, marriage and children. It had touched on many good points. Some of the situations had brought me to tears, not at all bawling like a baby tears, just slight tears because of either experiences I went through myself or the sympathy I felt for the character.
This is again, a very excellent book. Even if you aren't a Christian, I still recommend the book. I recommend this book to any young adult 16 and over, Christians and non-Christians alike. I had to give this book 5 of 5 stars for the great writing, research and how this story comes to life with the great emotion put into this wonderful story.
November 2, 2011
This book was exactly what i needed to read. A well written story about a 20 year old cancer survivor that wants her independence by going to college, the catch? she has to move next door to her older brother, Jaron and his two roommates, Brian and Stuart. I really loved how the protagonist, Leigh. She is independent, optimistic and strong. I can relate that sometimes the need for independence could blind sight you in terms of what is best for you.
I liked the setting and plot of this book. I found it to be very realistic, that has always been a problem in many contemporary books, but this book didn't disappoint. Even though i was hesitant about reading this book at first, I've read how much religion is a part of this book but it honestly didn't bother me here. I have my own beliefs and I'm always interested in knowing about other religions.
I adored many of the characters, such as Brian, Julie, and Nathan. I always have a soft spot for kids so I found the moments of Nathan and Leigh to be so emotional and lovable, emotional because Leigh can't have kids (ovarian cancer), and lovable because of the sweetness of those two together! I always had a smile on my face when they were together.
I think the romance was also very believable, it wasn't the whole love at first sight, i can't live without you! unrealistic love. It was a slow build up, to what becme Leigh's true love.
I didn't know what to expect from "The Next Door Boys" when i started reading it but it definitely exceeded any expectations i might have had! this is a contemporary novel about hope, love, finding your self and coming to terms with what god has given you.
- juhina
I liked the setting and plot of this book. I found it to be very realistic, that has always been a problem in many contemporary books, but this book didn't disappoint. Even though i was hesitant about reading this book at first, I've read how much religion is a part of this book but it honestly didn't bother me here. I have my own beliefs and I'm always interested in knowing about other religions.
I adored many of the characters, such as Brian, Julie, and Nathan. I always have a soft spot for kids so I found the moments of Nathan and Leigh to be so emotional and lovable, emotional because Leigh can't have kids (ovarian cancer), and lovable because of the sweetness of those two together! I always had a smile on my face when they were together.
I think the romance was also very believable, it wasn't the whole love at first sight, i can't live without you! unrealistic love. It was a slow build up, to what becme Leigh's true love.
I didn't know what to expect from "The Next Door Boys" when i started reading it but it definitely exceeded any expectations i might have had! this is a contemporary novel about hope, love, finding your self and coming to terms with what god has given you.
- juhina
October 27, 2011
***e-Format Provided by NetGalley***
All at once uplifting, spiritual, and innocent; THE NEXT DOOR BOYS tells the story of one year in the life of BYU freshman Leigh Tressman. Moving away from home to attend school on her own (well, besides her older brother living next door) is a big step from where Leigh's life was headed just under a year ago. At that time she was fighting for her life due to a Cancer diagnosis. Growing up she has been raised in the Mormon Church, and that Faith is what brought her to BYU. She didn't anticipate the energy that being a 'normal' student would take, and she also didn't anticipate the attention she would get from guys that happen to think she's beautiful. In a year that tests her faith, control, and stamina, Leigh discovers that God does provide a way, even when all hope seems lost.
Author Jolene B. Perry creates a story that helps to restore a readers faith. I found Leigh's tale compassionate and sweet and I was happy with how things worked out in the end for her. That's not a spoiler, btw. Every story has an end, and I'm saying I liked the way this one ended. I feel that readers not familiar with the Mormon church may not understand the terminology used at points in the story. After spending five years discovering the Mormon faith when I was younger, some of the things in the story were not clear cut, but that was long ago, so I may be rusty on my vocabulary.
Overall the novel is endearing and recommended for any youth that enjoys christian literature.
December 20, 2011
Jolene Perry wrote a glowing review of my book, so I wanted to return the favor. But I always write honest reviews and didn't know if I would like her book. I bought The Next Door Boys and read it without telling anyone, thinking I could just drop the idea if her book didn't work for me.
It did. I really, really liked it.
The main character, Leigh, is a nineteen year old survivor of ovarian cancer that has left her family frightened and overprotective, while making Leigh determined to get back to normal life as soon as possible. For Leigh,normal life includes attending Brigham Young University and practicing her faith -- she is a devout Mormon.
I found Leigh an appealing character, one who I wanted to follow through a 287 page book. Her struggles with illness were very poignant and realistic to me. I have some experience with illness myself and very much related to her wish to be treated like everyone else, her efforts to maintain a normal schedule despite her exhaustion and weakness, her determination to move forward and claim her future.
I was also fascinated by the peek offered into the world of practicing Mormons -- I would have liked more of that in the book, in fact. Leigh embraces her faith as part of her daily life, and I enjoyed reading about it.
Even post-chemotherapy,Leigh is a bit of a femme fatale. Without trying or even wanting to, she attracts men like bees to honey. Accordingly, there's a love triangle of sorts, which also makes for a fun read.
A very nice book that I enjoyed the whole way through. Highly recommeded!
It did. I really, really liked it.
The main character, Leigh, is a nineteen year old survivor of ovarian cancer that has left her family frightened and overprotective, while making Leigh determined to get back to normal life as soon as possible. For Leigh,normal life includes attending Brigham Young University and practicing her faith -- she is a devout Mormon.
I found Leigh an appealing character, one who I wanted to follow through a 287 page book. Her struggles with illness were very poignant and realistic to me. I have some experience with illness myself and very much related to her wish to be treated like everyone else, her efforts to maintain a normal schedule despite her exhaustion and weakness, her determination to move forward and claim her future.
I was also fascinated by the peek offered into the world of practicing Mormons -- I would have liked more of that in the book, in fact. Leigh embraces her faith as part of her daily life, and I enjoyed reading about it.
Even post-chemotherapy,Leigh is a bit of a femme fatale. Without trying or even wanting to, she attracts men like bees to honey. Accordingly, there's a love triangle of sorts, which also makes for a fun read.
A very nice book that I enjoyed the whole way through. Highly recommeded!
June 19, 2012
I really don't like giving less than 3 stars to a book that I just didn't fall in with, but this one was beyond irritating. Now I will admit that the source of my frustration comes from the heavy, and I mean HEAVY injection of the LDS church. I have no clue as to what all the little groups are or the acronyms stand for. I also find it hard to believe that these kids are falling head over heals in love and proposing after a few weeks of serious dating...if that's how things really are, then BYU must really be in its own little bubble. As for the characters, too perfect. The parents are perfect, the brother is perfect, the roommates are perfect...there is only one bad guy who just happens to be the most appealing but his story line is pretty short so...it took me all most a week to get through this, and I kept finding myself looking for other books to read bc I would just get soooo bored reading this one. Would I suggest? No. Unless you are a member of the LDS then I will probably speak to you, especially since you probably know and understand all the jargon. If your a regular schmoe like me just looking for a nice lazy pool side read, pass this one up!
November 21, 2011
So this definitely has a strong LDS perspective that I doubt would appeal to non-LDS readers; however, with that caveat, I enjoyed this story of overcoming trials, seeing past initial judgments, and finding love in unexpected places. Leigh is a girl who is figuring herself out as a post-cancer survivor and adjusting to new found freedom of a college student. I really liked reading a book set at BYU, and I liked that none of the characters were perfect and all seemed flawed and well-rounded but were still likeable. Though I usually enjoy Christian fiction, I'm still not sure how I feel about how LDS fiction perpetuates some generalizations about LDS culture. But this book was a nice and easy feel-good read with lots of good take away messages.
October 11, 2011
Where do I start? Well, this story is all about family,and how they help each other in times of trouble. 2 scenes in the book (which I won't mention, because I don't want to give anything away), made me gush real tears, because they were full of real life, and real love.
And, can I just say, Brian (one of the next door boys) is one of my favorite love interests EVER! He is so sweet, and real, and yet still super hot! Bring on Sherlock Holmes, baby.
Leigh's journey will be with me for a long time. I laughed, cried, and just fell in love with the character's and their story.
And, can I just say, Brian (one of the next door boys) is one of my favorite love interests EVER! He is so sweet, and real, and yet still super hot! Bring on Sherlock Holmes, baby.
Leigh's journey will be with me for a long time. I laughed, cried, and just fell in love with the character's and their story.
October 4, 2011
Such a sweet story. So many favorite, moving quotes! Review coming soon. :)
August 21, 2011
This book is filled with heart. I loved Jolene's easy going pace, her characters, the romance, and the beautiful message she imparted. Definitely recommend this book!
October 19, 2011
First thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book, it had so much realism to it. I really thought the relationship between Leigh and Brian was real, it wasn't rushed, forced or in any way unrealistic. I thought the world was fabricated perfectly, the emotions were real, the characers were as real as you and me. And though I'm not familiar with cancer and what it entitles, I felt this author was knowledgeable in creating a character who had it and was just in the first year of remission. Religion played a very key role in this book and it was really touching to see how each character approached the subject. The plot was perfect, not too fast yet not too slow. And though maybe not everything was promised a happy ending I do believe that it could be, I think it was up to the reader to draw the conclusions at the end, would Leigh ever get what she really wanted? The not knowing is the best part, it allows you to draw the ending you want. The character development was great, Leigh really changed by the end of the story, she came to terms with things she had been refusing at the beginning of the story; she came at peace and accepted what she was given. As for the writing itself, if flowed smoothly, there was enough dialogue to satisfy the reader but not too much to overwhelm them. But I really enjoyed the story, its one you can take to heart and realize that there is probably someone like Leigh out there and you could have what she has; a strong family. I found this was a really inspirational story to me, I could releate in so many ways; being on the edge...not knowing if you're going to take that leap...it was breathtaking.
Summary:
Leigh has had Ovarian Cancer but after being free from cancer for a year she's in remission but her body is still weak. But wanting freedom she goes off to college with her brother Jaron who is to keep an eye on her and will be living next door to her; them sharing a backyard.
But Leigh is happy, she is away from the watchful eyes of her mom and dad and finally living the life she wanted to a year ago. But soon she finds herself overwhelmed. She's hardly sleeping and eating, the math is overwhelming but she's determined. But to add to the stress guys from every direction are asking to be noticed; to give them a chance but she wants to only be focused on school, she wants her freedom. But soon the only thing she finds comfort in is her sewing, she loves it, its her passion; her life. It takes all the strength Leigh has to make it through the school year, she's weak and she knows that but its her spirit that will outshine anyone.
Brian her brothers best friends and roommate has his own background, he has a son named Nathan and an ex-wife that wants nothing to do with him. Being 25 he see's he's already been through so much, he's wondering when life will finally turn in the right direction. But when he see's Leigh everything inside of him lights up but refuses to let her know; he has his own baggage.
Can the two of them come together before its too late? Or will the two of them be doomed to live in the dark and suffer through the loss of something they held dear to their heart?
Last thoughts:
I could never summerize this book good enough. There was so much learned and discussed in this book that it would take you as the reader to grasp and understand. The way she described everything was perfect, it was beautiful in a way that I found myself gasping in awe and wanting to visit the places she described. This book has a strong connection to the reader, though you might not cry like I found myself in places it doesn't mean you didn't connect; perhaps you felt a stirring inside that caused a shift in emotions...something that made you look differently at something either in the story or perhaps your life. Whatever the case, I think Jolene Perry is talented with her words and cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us.
I want to thank Netgalley and the publishing company for allowing me to read and review this book, I feel so honored in more ways than one.
I really enjoyed this book, it had so much realism to it. I really thought the relationship between Leigh and Brian was real, it wasn't rushed, forced or in any way unrealistic. I thought the world was fabricated perfectly, the emotions were real, the characers were as real as you and me. And though I'm not familiar with cancer and what it entitles, I felt this author was knowledgeable in creating a character who had it and was just in the first year of remission. Religion played a very key role in this book and it was really touching to see how each character approached the subject. The plot was perfect, not too fast yet not too slow. And though maybe not everything was promised a happy ending I do believe that it could be, I think it was up to the reader to draw the conclusions at the end, would Leigh ever get what she really wanted? The not knowing is the best part, it allows you to draw the ending you want. The character development was great, Leigh really changed by the end of the story, she came to terms with things she had been refusing at the beginning of the story; she came at peace and accepted what she was given. As for the writing itself, if flowed smoothly, there was enough dialogue to satisfy the reader but not too much to overwhelm them. But I really enjoyed the story, its one you can take to heart and realize that there is probably someone like Leigh out there and you could have what she has; a strong family. I found this was a really inspirational story to me, I could releate in so many ways; being on the edge...not knowing if you're going to take that leap...it was breathtaking.
Summary:
Leigh has had Ovarian Cancer but after being free from cancer for a year she's in remission but her body is still weak. But wanting freedom she goes off to college with her brother Jaron who is to keep an eye on her and will be living next door to her; them sharing a backyard.
But Leigh is happy, she is away from the watchful eyes of her mom and dad and finally living the life she wanted to a year ago. But soon she finds herself overwhelmed. She's hardly sleeping and eating, the math is overwhelming but she's determined. But to add to the stress guys from every direction are asking to be noticed; to give them a chance but she wants to only be focused on school, she wants her freedom. But soon the only thing she finds comfort in is her sewing, she loves it, its her passion; her life. It takes all the strength Leigh has to make it through the school year, she's weak and she knows that but its her spirit that will outshine anyone.
Brian her brothers best friends and roommate has his own background, he has a son named Nathan and an ex-wife that wants nothing to do with him. Being 25 he see's he's already been through so much, he's wondering when life will finally turn in the right direction. But when he see's Leigh everything inside of him lights up but refuses to let her know; he has his own baggage.
Can the two of them come together before its too late? Or will the two of them be doomed to live in the dark and suffer through the loss of something they held dear to their heart?
Last thoughts:
I could never summerize this book good enough. There was so much learned and discussed in this book that it would take you as the reader to grasp and understand. The way she described everything was perfect, it was beautiful in a way that I found myself gasping in awe and wanting to visit the places she described. This book has a strong connection to the reader, though you might not cry like I found myself in places it doesn't mean you didn't connect; perhaps you felt a stirring inside that caused a shift in emotions...something that made you look differently at something either in the story or perhaps your life. Whatever the case, I think Jolene Perry is talented with her words and cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us.
I want to thank Netgalley and the publishing company for allowing me to read and review this book, I feel so honored in more ways than one.
December 6, 2011
Review + GIVEAWAY also posted on my blog: The Book Barbies
With the Plague of Paranormal, every time I come across a YA contemporary book fireworks of happiness go off and fireworks definitely erupted when I came across The Next Door Boys for the first time and can you just imagine how I felt when I saw this on netgalley, requested and got it accepted. It was a complete squeal fest and phew, thank god I wasn't disappointed!
To be honest I picked this up and one chapter into it, I put it down. I had no idea that it wasn't going to shy away from religion and I was a little scared that the further I read on, the more it was going to turn into a Christian read only. It's nice to see writers not shy away from religion but I don't want to read only about it, I'm not even Christian but later that day I decided was going to suck it up like a big girl and keep going. I can't judge a book by one chapter only and again, phew, I'm glad I didn't!
Sure religion drives the plot of the book to a certain extent but I found myself not minding at all and I can't imagine the book without it! It actually added charm to the book and it wasn't that thick of factor in the book so worry not, even if you don't like reading about religion in books I'm sure it won't bother you in The Next Door Boys.
I'm going to get this out of the way first since I seem to be singing praises so far, why did I give the book 3 hearts only if I liked it so much? Well I didn't like how Leigh judged everybody. She judged Brian at sight, she judged Kim (her roommate) on sight and she judged Meghan's (her other roommate) sister after one second in their presence. It seemed to me that quiet & nice = down to earth and amazing while loud & boy crazy = not so great of a person.
Also the fall of Noah's and Leigh relationship bother me. To be honest Perry built Noah too perfectly and it was completely out of character to do what he did at the end, I couldn't believe that sweet person at the beginning could something like that! I wish there was another way around their break up and it's the same thing with the judging here, I got the vibe that just because Noah was ambitious about his acting career that turned him into an ugly person. Fame = not a good thing. When in reality Noah was just trying to reach his goals! Just because Leigh might have not really found them great doesn't mean they're bad.
Complaints aside, I really did enjoy this book to extremes♥ I loved how Leigh had hobbies like sewing and I liked to see her grow more independent. I loved the relationship between Jaron and Leigh and Brian and Leigh. For once, an author took the time to actually DEVELOP a romantic relationship!! It made me so happy((': Brian and Leigh's relationship is probably one of my favorite romantic relationships of all time! I wish we had an epilogue though, I felt the book ended too abruptly. I was not ready to leave the characters! I will say though, I will definitely be looking forward to Perry's book and I almost died from happiness when I found out there will be TWO more books added to The Next Door Boys!!
If you have not added The Next Door Boys to your to-be-read pile, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! A great debut by Perry, this is a must read for contemporary fans!
My Rating: 3 hearts~ very good, I enjoyed it immensely!
*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for me to review and giveaway*
-thank you&come again.
With the Plague of Paranormal, every time I come across a YA contemporary book fireworks of happiness go off and fireworks definitely erupted when I came across The Next Door Boys for the first time and can you just imagine how I felt when I saw this on netgalley, requested and got it accepted. It was a complete squeal fest and phew, thank god I wasn't disappointed!
To be honest I picked this up and one chapter into it, I put it down. I had no idea that it wasn't going to shy away from religion and I was a little scared that the further I read on, the more it was going to turn into a Christian read only. It's nice to see writers not shy away from religion but I don't want to read only about it, I'm not even Christian but later that day I decided was going to suck it up like a big girl and keep going. I can't judge a book by one chapter only and again, phew, I'm glad I didn't!
Sure religion drives the plot of the book to a certain extent but I found myself not minding at all and I can't imagine the book without it! It actually added charm to the book and it wasn't that thick of factor in the book so worry not, even if you don't like reading about religion in books I'm sure it won't bother you in The Next Door Boys.
I'm going to get this out of the way first since I seem to be singing praises so far, why did I give the book 3 hearts only if I liked it so much? Well I didn't like how Leigh judged everybody. She judged Brian at sight, she judged Kim (her roommate) on sight and she judged Meghan's (her other roommate) sister after one second in their presence. It seemed to me that quiet & nice = down to earth and amazing while loud & boy crazy = not so great of a person.
Also the fall of Noah's and Leigh relationship bother me. To be honest Perry built Noah too perfectly and it was completely out of character to do what he did at the end, I couldn't believe that sweet person at the beginning could something like that! I wish there was another way around their break up and it's the same thing with the judging here, I got the vibe that just because Noah was ambitious about his acting career that turned him into an ugly person. Fame = not a good thing. When in reality Noah was just trying to reach his goals! Just because Leigh might have not really found them great doesn't mean they're bad.
Complaints aside, I really did enjoy this book to extremes♥ I loved how Leigh had hobbies like sewing and I liked to see her grow more independent. I loved the relationship between Jaron and Leigh and Brian and Leigh. For once, an author took the time to actually DEVELOP a romantic relationship!! It made me so happy((': Brian and Leigh's relationship is probably one of my favorite romantic relationships of all time! I wish we had an epilogue though, I felt the book ended too abruptly. I was not ready to leave the characters! I will say though, I will definitely be looking forward to Perry's book and I almost died from happiness when I found out there will be TWO more books added to The Next Door Boys!!
If you have not added The Next Door Boys to your to-be-read pile, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! A great debut by Perry, this is a must read for contemporary fans!
My Rating: 3 hearts~ very good, I enjoyed it immensely!
*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for me to review and giveaway*
-thank you&come again.
April 22, 2012
This one is sweet, serene and heartwarming. We meet MC Leigh as she's starting her freshman year at BYU, a year later than intended. Although she's in remission from the ovarian cancer that sidelined her for that missing year, she's still not as strong as she might have hoped, and is anxious to put that experience, and peoples' oversolicitous reactions to it, behind her. Although Leigh came through her illness with her faith strengthened, and a hard won spiritual maturity, the whole ordeal left her family pretty freaked out. It really scared her mother, who seems to check up on her every few hours, and as a result, Leigh's not living in a dorm, as she'd hoped, but in an off-campus apartment, where her brother (not quite as overprotective as mom, but darn close) and his colorful band of roommates can keep a watchful eye over her from the house next door. And unfortunately, she sometimes seems to need it, as her desire for independence and "normalcy," lead her to push herself a bit too hard sometimes. She also has some trouble keeping her eye on the ball spiritually when handsome Noah, an aspiring actor, shows up and sweeps her off her feet a bit with his charm and good looks, and his family's affluent life style. Will Leigh be swept away by Mr. Charming Pants, or does God have something else planned for her, and her next door boys?
This is a lovely story, with lots of great elements. Leigh is an adorable girl, and pretty much everyone does. Adore her, that is. She's talented (sewing and singing), modest, kind of driven, and utterly oblivious to her considerable effect on the opposite sex. One thing that troubled me a bit about her was that she was almost too self-effacing, and others sometimes seemed to take advantage of that (cravats? at that point! c'mon, give her a break!) Her cluelessness on the fellas uptake leads to a slow-boiling plot development that seems obvious to everyone but her. But that's ok. Just like the Israelites wandered around for 40 odd years on a journey that allegedly only should take a few weeks, Leigh had some lessons to learn along the way. I realize now I'm making it sound a bit after school special-ish, but it's not, it's quite charming and fun, albeit lesiurely paced.
Another element I enjoyed about this book is that it is steeped in LDS culture. A lot of it wasn't very familiar to me, but it gave the book and Leigh an added depth and dimensionality, and was an interesting and real feeling look at a different and (as portrayeed herein) very appealing faith and way of life. Readers should be aware (as you've probably gathered by now) that this is an explicitly religious novel, and be prepared to accept and enjoy it for what it is.
All and all I really liked The Next Door Boys, and look forward to reading more by the talented Ms. Jolene B. Perry!
This is a lovely story, with lots of great elements. Leigh is an adorable girl, and pretty much everyone does. Adore her, that is. She's talented (sewing and singing), modest, kind of driven, and utterly oblivious to her considerable effect on the opposite sex. One thing that troubled me a bit about her was that she was almost too self-effacing, and others sometimes seemed to take advantage of that (cravats? at that point! c'mon, give her a break!) Her cluelessness on the fellas uptake leads to a slow-boiling plot development that seems obvious to everyone but her. But that's ok. Just like the Israelites wandered around for 40 odd years on a journey that allegedly only should take a few weeks, Leigh had some lessons to learn along the way. I realize now I'm making it sound a bit after school special-ish, but it's not, it's quite charming and fun, albeit lesiurely paced.
Another element I enjoyed about this book is that it is steeped in LDS culture. A lot of it wasn't very familiar to me, but it gave the book and Leigh an added depth and dimensionality, and was an interesting and real feeling look at a different and (as portrayeed herein) very appealing faith and way of life. Readers should be aware (as you've probably gathered by now) that this is an explicitly religious novel, and be prepared to accept and enjoy it for what it is.
All and all I really liked The Next Door Boys, and look forward to reading more by the talented Ms. Jolene B. Perry!
December 4, 2011
I was drawn to this book, not just because it sounds good in the summary, but for a personal connection I felt to Leigh. I’ve had too many family and friends who have had to deal with cancer and reading a story where someone was able to fight it and continue with life after cancer without losing her faith in the process really spoke to me. Now, onto The Next Door Boys.
I love how the characters all have their own little faults, but work to overcome them. You can’t help but root for Leigh from page one. She is finally able to go off to college, a year later than planned due to being diagnosed with ovarian cancer the previous year. Luckily, the surgery and chemo were successful and now she is working on getting her strength back and anxious to get on with her life. Leigh gets her parents to agree to let her go to college as long as she lives next door to her brother, Jaron, so he can keep an eye on her. Leigh is excited to get started to class and to meet Jaron’s friends, including his roommate Brian who her brother has talked highly of.
Leigh tries to keep her past illness a secret because she doesn’t want to be known as “Jaron’s sister” or “the sick girl”, but is not successful after the stress of college takes it’s toll on her. I really enjoyed reading about her loving of sewing as my grandma was a wonderful seamstress and it reminded me of her. Leigh soon fits in with her roommates and “The Next Door Boys” and begins to learn more about Brian and his past. Of course after seeing the cover, you had to know there would be a love interest or two. Leigh is determined not to date and doesn’t notice when a couple guys try to ask her out. Of course, she is swept off her feet by Noah, a guy she met while sewing costumes for the theater group on campus.
In an effort to not give away too many details, Leigh goes through trials with her health and learning to love. She has to figure out what is right for her long term and not just what seems fun at the time. I really enjoyed the use of scripture and how Leigh struggled with being still and really listening with her heart and head; because this is something can be difficult when swept up in a fun relationship. The relationships that are developed in this story are beautiful to watch as they blossom.
If you are looking for a great faith based contemporary that involves a girl who is thrilled to be alive, a tattooed Mormon, and a few funny and tense moments sprinkled throughout then give The Next Door Boys a try, I am quite certain that you will fall in love with Leigh’s story and a few others as I did.
*Bonus: There will be another book!! Left to Love with a release date to be reveled soon.
I love how the characters all have their own little faults, but work to overcome them. You can’t help but root for Leigh from page one. She is finally able to go off to college, a year later than planned due to being diagnosed with ovarian cancer the previous year. Luckily, the surgery and chemo were successful and now she is working on getting her strength back and anxious to get on with her life. Leigh gets her parents to agree to let her go to college as long as she lives next door to her brother, Jaron, so he can keep an eye on her. Leigh is excited to get started to class and to meet Jaron’s friends, including his roommate Brian who her brother has talked highly of.
Leigh tries to keep her past illness a secret because she doesn’t want to be known as “Jaron’s sister” or “the sick girl”, but is not successful after the stress of college takes it’s toll on her. I really enjoyed reading about her loving of sewing as my grandma was a wonderful seamstress and it reminded me of her. Leigh soon fits in with her roommates and “The Next Door Boys” and begins to learn more about Brian and his past. Of course after seeing the cover, you had to know there would be a love interest or two. Leigh is determined not to date and doesn’t notice when a couple guys try to ask her out. Of course, she is swept off her feet by Noah, a guy she met while sewing costumes for the theater group on campus.
In an effort to not give away too many details, Leigh goes through trials with her health and learning to love. She has to figure out what is right for her long term and not just what seems fun at the time. I really enjoyed the use of scripture and how Leigh struggled with being still and really listening with her heart and head; because this is something can be difficult when swept up in a fun relationship. The relationships that are developed in this story are beautiful to watch as they blossom.
If you are looking for a great faith based contemporary that involves a girl who is thrilled to be alive, a tattooed Mormon, and a few funny and tense moments sprinkled throughout then give The Next Door Boys a try, I am quite certain that you will fall in love with Leigh’s story and a few others as I did.
*Bonus: There will be another book!! Left to Love with a release date to be reveled soon.
October 22, 2011
Review originally posted: http://zoeysuncreativelytitledblog.bl...
Okay. So this usually isn't the type of book I read, and the beginning had a fair bit of religion - nothing too intense, but a lot of you know I'm not a fan of reading about religion in books.
However, for some reason I was okay with it here. It seemed like it was necessary for the plot but it wasn't being shoved in my face. And while I'm not going to say I loved it, after the beginning it didn't come up as often so it was rather easy for me to pretend there was no religion involved :P
Leigh is recovering from ovarian cancer and finally moving out of her parent's house and going to college. Of course, her family won't let her be on her own completely, so she ends up living right next door to her brother.
I loved the relationship between Leigh and her brother, Jaron, but at the same time, I feel like he wasn't developed enough. I know next to nothing about him other than he worries about Leigh, and sometimes I found myself waiting to find out more about what he likes to do and then being cut short.
The relationship between Leigh and Brian, though, was awesome. I love how you get to watch their relationship grow and change through the book - first Leigh is intimidated by him, then he becomes basically her best friend, and then something more. And Brian was a well-developed character to me =)
And then there was Leigh's relationship with herself. She wants to be independent so badly, to forget that she was "The Sick Girl," that sometimes she forgets that she still needs to take care of herself, that her body is still recovering. I thought that was very realistic; I feel like a lot of people would have done the same thing. Actually, Leigh herself was a very realistic character, and all her emotions in the book came through so clear.
AND SHE HAD A HOBBY. She sewed. That made me ridiculously happy, since YA authors seem to forget that their characters do other things besides stare at pretty boys.
I think the only real complaint I have is the ending. It felt too abrupt to me, like maybe there should have been another chapter or two before it really ended.
Overall: The Next Door Boys is a realistic, enjoyable novel about a girl recovering and realizing that she's still alive. The secondary characters are just as interesting, and I loved reading from Leigh's perspective. The relationships were fun to read, the emotions rang through loud and clear, and I honestly finished this in one night. 4 stars.
Okay. So this usually isn't the type of book I read, and the beginning had a fair bit of religion - nothing too intense, but a lot of you know I'm not a fan of reading about religion in books.
However, for some reason I was okay with it here. It seemed like it was necessary for the plot but it wasn't being shoved in my face. And while I'm not going to say I loved it, after the beginning it didn't come up as often so it was rather easy for me to pretend there was no religion involved :P
Leigh is recovering from ovarian cancer and finally moving out of her parent's house and going to college. Of course, her family won't let her be on her own completely, so she ends up living right next door to her brother.
I loved the relationship between Leigh and her brother, Jaron, but at the same time, I feel like he wasn't developed enough. I know next to nothing about him other than he worries about Leigh, and sometimes I found myself waiting to find out more about what he likes to do and then being cut short.
The relationship between Leigh and Brian, though, was awesome. I love how you get to watch their relationship grow and change through the book - first Leigh is intimidated by him, then he becomes basically her best friend, and then something more. And Brian was a well-developed character to me =)
And then there was Leigh's relationship with herself. She wants to be independent so badly, to forget that she was "The Sick Girl," that sometimes she forgets that she still needs to take care of herself, that her body is still recovering. I thought that was very realistic; I feel like a lot of people would have done the same thing. Actually, Leigh herself was a very realistic character, and all her emotions in the book came through so clear.
AND SHE HAD A HOBBY. She sewed. That made me ridiculously happy, since YA authors seem to forget that their characters do other things besides stare at pretty boys.
I think the only real complaint I have is the ending. It felt too abrupt to me, like maybe there should have been another chapter or two before it really ended.
Overall: The Next Door Boys is a realistic, enjoyable novel about a girl recovering and realizing that she's still alive. The secondary characters are just as interesting, and I loved reading from Leigh's perspective. The relationships were fun to read, the emotions rang through loud and clear, and I honestly finished this in one night. 4 stars.
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