I started reading books when I was very little. I loved books because they portrayed a reality that was not my reality— anything for an escape. By the time I was 11, I had read a number of books twice my age.
However, one that stuck with me was titled "The Guy Next Door." You can find this book on Wattpad. The book portrays a shy and clumsy girl caught in the middle of two handsome boys. This was your usual cheesy romance book, but I loved it. I remembered I could spend days just reading to know what happened next. It was one of those books you didn't want to take a break from.
Favorite Part of the Book
My favorite part of this book went beyond romance. It was the fact that I could relate to most of what was written. Growing up, I always thought I was different from everyone else because I was clumsy and shy.
The main character, Clara, taught me how to be myself. It was one of the things that parents don't teach their children anymore. So, it was my safe haven.
I loved how, despite every challenge Clara faced, she didn't change who she was. Of course, she grew, learned, and unlearned some things, but she was still her unique self.
The Chapter That Resonated With Me
This was "Chapter 20: The Jake I like." This chapter stuck with me because it showed the climax of the book featuring the main characters, Clara, Jake, and Alec. Clara had been in denial about her feelings with Jake and was convincing herself she liked Alec. However, she came to a mid-realization that she might like Jake.
She wasn't expecting Jake to show up and thought she'd just enjoy the homecoming dance with Alec. However, Jake showed up unexpectedly and triggered her feelings. Seeing him looking all dashing, calm, and handsome made her realize there might be more to what she felt. It was a beautiful moment of 'thin line between love and hatred.'
Now, the reason I liked this chapter so much was the fact that many girls go through this stage. One minute, you think you hate someone; the next, you realize you love this person. It explains that love is a complex feeling, and when you think you have it figured out, it surprises you.
Her moments with Jake were pure, and she couldn't deny how she felt. That's why I love(d) the chapter. Many people read novels and only enjoy or smile when the characters confess their love to each other.
But, the climax for me was that moment of realization. It was the foundation and moment they always went back to even when things got tough. Throughout their journey, Clara would always remember that point.
Characters I Would Love to Lecture
These would definitely be the three main characters.
To Alec, "I would like you to know that you started off badly. You didn't like Clara as much as he thought, and you knew that, but you were trying to compete with Jake. That was terrible. Also, Clara thought she liked you but she liked the idea of you. You were way too calculative and should have done better. However, I liked that you developed greatly and became worthy of character-love, and that's a good thing."
To Jake, "You were definitely the kind of person I would absolutely fall in love with. You were constantly there for Clara, even when she pushed you away. And boyyy, that first kiss was something.
But I should probably spank you for going after Clara's sister because of whatever 'mid-life crisis' you had going on.
All in all, I'm grateful for giving Clara a home in you."
To Clara, "I relate to her clumsiness and shyness. I followed you through the journey of significant great evolution and you did a good revamp on yourself. Although, you were slow for not seeing Jake liked you, but I wouldn't have noticed that either so it's all good.
To Jake and Clara, "Thank you for being my favorite couple and portraying everything love should be. Thank you for a blissful ending and for giving us readers escape and hope of a fairy-tale ending."
Then, finally, to the other characters, "I'm grateful for putting the pieces together. Without you, the book wouldn't be a success."
Then, I would slap Michelle after that because she caused lots of damage, and I could. Duh.
N/b: Images are screenshots from the book