Reviews for THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

“Have you read this book yet? Be warned. It is both romantic and sad. It grabbed me emotionally and I ended up holding someone’s hand while I read. I was hooked so thoroughly that I was afraid my emotions would get out of control and I’d start weeping while we rode in the car. If you have students requesting sad books, romantic books, and realistic titles, add The Girl Next Door to your YA list.

Author Selene Castrovilla does a tremendous job of sharing the difficulties of undergoing cancer treatment as well as the emotional needs care-givers experience, too. Her characters are realistic and direct. It is easy for the reader to connect. Fans of Lurlene McDaniel and teens will devour this title. This is an author to watch.”
— Diane Chen¸ School Library Journal “Practically Paradise” blog

“With occasional subtle humor, Castrovilla avoids melodrama as Jesse and Sam both deal with their anger, fear, jealousy, and insecurities; learn to take care of themselves while taking care of each other; and explore and find faith and peace in an uncontrollable world. Reminiscent of Lurlene McDaniel’s novels, this look at first love is at once heartrending and healing.”
— Booklist Online

“Castrovilla captures the mind and soul of a teenage girl dealing with the loss of the greatest friend she has ever had and the love of her young life. Love, sex, and raw emotion come into play as Castrovilla sets the stage for a heartbreaking love story.”
— Voya

“Author Selene Castrovilla shares a gripping tale that will deeply touch the reader. The Girl Next Door will stay on your mind and remain in your heart for a long time.”
— The Sacramento Book Review

“There are books that move you, but then there are books that move you so much that you aren't even sure where to begin in a review ... From the beginning of page one, to the very last word on the last page, you will be swept up in the pain, love and honesty that the author brings to the book.”
— My Overstuffed Bookshelf

“...make no mistake, this is a heartbreaking love story that will remain with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Ms. Castrovilla snared my attention with her fantastic story, Saved by the Music, but in The Girl Next Door, she’s made a fan for life.”
— Aurora Reviews

“...the entire plot plays out in a surprising, stunning manner. The final outcome is written exceptionally well, the entire story and last words reverberating for days after the book is put aside. The way Jesse’s condition affects not only him but those around him is portrayed, as is both his and Sam’s fight and desperation. This is a very moving and emotional read and a beautiful example of how one diagnosis can tear a world apart.”
— A Good Addiction

“This book is the inverse of Jenny Downham’s Before I Die, focusing on the person left behind instead of the one dying, and it is equally as powerful. I don’t want to compare the two, because the stories are definitely different, but I can’t help but connect them in my head because of the fact that they deal with many of the same themes and ideas. Because of the strong emotions on display The Girl Next Door isn’t an easy read, but it is definitely a good read.”
— Café Saturday

“The Girl Next Door author, Selene Castrovilla, has written a fine Teen novel dealing with love between a dying boy and his girlfriend.  Selene's writing is crisp and tight and teens (especially girls) will quickly become immersed in her story about friendship, commitment, loss and facing life's realities.  The Girl Next Door tells a bittersweet tale between two teens who must carve a full-fledged relationship from a small allotment of time, learning about each other and themselves along the way.  Readers who like this genre of fiction will love this book!”
— Lurlene McDaniel, author of DON'T DIE, MY LOVE

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