Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Are you a fan of Lurlene McDaniel? If so, then don't hesitate to pick up THE GIRL NEXT DOOR by Selene Castrovilla. This is a heart-wrenching novel of young love.
Sam(antha) and Jesse live next door to each other in a New York City apartment. They've lived next door ever since they were toddlers. They're best friends. And now, Jesse is battling a rare, terminal form of lymphoma. His prognosis for a cure is an optimistic 4%.
Sam has always been in love with Jesse. But she's stood beside him as he became popular and winning at any sport he played. And she watched as he dated Ms. Perfect Cindy Evans. But they've remained friends. And now, as Jesse battles for his life, Sam is the only person he wants near him.
Jesse's mom avoids him and anything to do with his illness. Sam is there by his side as he struggles through debilitating chemotherapy and nausea. She went from being an honor student to practically failing out. She can't concentrate on school, only wanting to be with Jesse twenty-four hours a day.
As the story progresses, Jesse battles with his anger over his illness and loss of the life he loved. Sam struggles with her guilt and grief. Not only is she watching Jesse disappear in front of her, she is still mourning the loss of her father.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is a tear-jerker of a novel in the same vein as most of Ms. McDaniel's work. Ms. Castrovilla portrays the honest struggles of two teens dealing with issues that even those much older would have a hard time coping with. Both Jesse and Sam are hurting, but through it all, they know that they have each other to lean on.
The story contains some mature content, dealing with some frank sexual situations. But the story is not repulsive. Quite the contrary. The situations are used to showcase the point of how fleeting life can be, and how one must live each day to the fullest while one can.
Are you a fan of Lurlene McDaniel? If so, then don't hesitate to pick up THE GIRL NEXT DOOR by Selene Castrovilla. This is a heart-wrenching novel of young love.
Sam(antha) and Jesse live next door to each other in a New York City apartment. They've lived next door ever since they were toddlers. They're best friends. And now, Jesse is battling a rare, terminal form of lymphoma. His prognosis for a cure is an optimistic 4%.
Sam has always been in love with Jesse. But she's stood beside him as he became popular and winning at any sport he played. And she watched as he dated Ms. Perfect Cindy Evans. But they've remained friends. And now, as Jesse battles for his life, Sam is the only person he wants near him.
Jesse's mom avoids him and anything to do with his illness. Sam is there by his side as he struggles through debilitating chemotherapy and nausea. She went from being an honor student to practically failing out. She can't concentrate on school, only wanting to be with Jesse twenty-four hours a day.
As the story progresses, Jesse battles with his anger over his illness and loss of the life he loved. Sam struggles with her guilt and grief. Not only is she watching Jesse disappear in front of her, she is still mourning the loss of her father.
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR is a tear-jerker of a novel in the same vein as most of Ms. McDaniel's work. Ms. Castrovilla portrays the honest struggles of two teens dealing with issues that even those much older would have a hard time coping with. Both Jesse and Sam are hurting, but through it all, they know that they have each other to lean on.
The story contains some mature content, dealing with some frank sexual situations. But the story is not repulsive. Quite the contrary. The situations are used to showcase the point of how fleeting life can be, and how one must live each day to the fullest while one can.
