Best Book of 2021

A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

I cried.

That doesn’t happen often with me and books. I love books, and I read them all the time, and I often say that yes, parts of books are emotional for me--and they are--but it’s hard for me to get actual tears from books.

That was not the case with this book.

The plot twists--let me just say--were not expected.

Neither was the cursing, but I can look past that.

No, there were real tears in my eyes. Burning. I had to blow my nose. All that fun jazz.

So how did I come upon such a novel in the first place?

Well, about a year ago I read a really good book called Stargirl, and I couldn’t get over it. It was one of those books that you walk away from changed. And I wanted more, wanted to feel in my heart the goodness I had felt when reading that book. So, I searched: books similar to Stargirl.

And I found this gem.

When I started it, I knew immediately I would like it. What I did not know is that I would have to physically stop reading it and return to it, knowing I had been changed for the better. And don’t take that as a bad thing. This book is one that makes you think, reflect, and realize the beauty of life. And sometimes, as the main character Matt Wainwright discovers, it’s good to take a step back for a minute.

I had literally no idea that what happened was going to happen. I’m not going to spoil it, but it shocked me. One thing that made the story so compelling to me was how relatable it was. And it only became more so as it went along. Perhaps I just have a strange life??? Who knows. But for whatever reason, this book hit so close to home for me.

I put this book in the same category as Bridge to Terabithia and Dear Evan Hansen (my favorite musical). One of those books you walk away from changed and you never forget.

One quick thing--if you have ever experienced loss (whether that be of a person, a job, a pet, or even coming to the realization that childhood is over), this book is for you. Seriously.