Review of What I Thought Was True

ByJen
35 Comments

My Review of What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick looks at this second book by a beloved YA author. Are the two books connected?

Cover of What I Thought Was True on a pink background

So we all loved My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

Nominee for Best Book Boyfriend!

Cover of My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick shows a teen couple kissing in front of a fence

I was so excited to learn that Huntley Fitzpatrick will be publishing a new book in spring 2014. I thought it was a companion book to My Life Next Door but …

I was wrong — though the new book is set in the same general locale, it is a standalone!

But I’m hoping it’s the kind of Sarah Dessen or Stephanie Perkins standalone where the characters from MLND might make a brief appearance….

Plot Summary for What I Thought Was True

17-year-old Gwen Castle’s Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her Nantucket-esque island this summer.

He’s a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island’s summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she’ll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen’s dad gives her a tip: her wealthy, elderly employer is redoing her will this summer, and that could be Gwen’s ticket to the good life. But what will it mean for Gwen’s now life?

Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.

Review of What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Cover of What I Thought Was True shows a couple on a beach

Yes, it’s different from My Life Next Door, which is a more linear and plot-driven book. What I Thought Was True is a book about a girl figuring out where she fits into the world. It’s a much more contemplative book that relies heavily on dialogue and internal monologue.

It does have some flashbacks that were confusing at times. If I’m reading multiple POV or flashbacks, I prefer that there is a contrast of setting or character or something that helps me orient myself. This book does lapse into flashbacks that take place in the same location with the same characters, and sometimes I did have to page back and re-read to see if I was in the past or in the present.

But still, this book is a subtle and beautifully drawn portrait of family and class on a small island, and an interesting and a nuanced look at a teenage girl’s choices regarding sex and intimacy.

Other books with a similar rich-poor love story premise

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E Smith

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

Jen has been blogging about books since 2011. In that time, she has read and reviewed over 1500 books. She loves helping readers find their perfect next read and helping books find their audience.

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35 Comments

  7. This DOES sound a lot like The Distance Between Us and those others you mentioned. Still, I LOVED My Life Next Door. And I've been waiting for a cover for this one so I could post a WoW for it, too. 🙂

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  9. Oooooo I had no idea there was going to be a companion book to My Life Next Door! I ADORED that book too Jen, so I can't wait for more from Huntley Fitzpatrick:) Can it be 2014 already?

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    1. Sorry– I was mistaken. I wanted it to be a companion book, and for some reason I thought it was, but each book is a standalone, though set in the same general area.

      Reply

  11. I really liked The Boy Next Door too so I can't wait for Huntley's next one. I'm anxious to see her take on this theme. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  13. I absolutely adore Huntley Fitzpatrick. My Life Next Door was one of my favorites. I can't wait for this one too…but it seems it's forever away :/

    Aly @ My Heart Hearts Books
    My WoW

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  20. I STILL haven't read My Life Next Door and I don't know why I am waiting because I love contemps and hear such good things about it. Plus I love that sweet cover. This is a great pick, Jen:)

    Reply

  23. I LOVED My Life Next Door! One of my favorites. Jase <3 Very excited to read more books from this author. Thanks for stopping by! I didn't get a new computer yet. Just been using my moms when I can. I am still hoping to possibly fix my laptop. I dunno. I just wanted more time to save up and shop around but it is difficult to live without.

    Reply