“Sometimes you have to step outside of the person you've been and remember the person you were meant to be.”
— Isabelle reflecting on her journey in New York and the changes she's undergone.
Archivist's Choice
So Much Closer
Susane Colasanti (2011)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
256 min
Key Themes
See below
Track Your Reading
Sign in to track this book
A New Jersey girl moves to New York City for a boy, but finds herself and new love instead.
Synopsis
Brooke moves from her New Jersey suburb to New York City for her senior year, following her high school crush, Scott Abrams. She lives with her father and enrolls in a new school, hoping to start a romance with Scott. Her plans fall apart when she learns Scott has a new girlfriend. Heartbroken, Brooke learns to navigate city life and her new school, finding comfort in a growing friendship with Caleb. As she explores the city and reconnects with her father, Brooke starts to build her own identity, separate from her past crush. She confronts Scott, moves on from him, and finds a deeper connection with Caleb. Brooke ultimately embraces her new life in the city, realizing that genuine love and self-discovery can come from unexpected places.
Reading time
256 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Hopeful, Romantic, Reflective, Urban
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy contemporary YA romance about starting over and finding yourself in a new city.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer high-stakes fantasy/sci-fi or stories without a strong romantic focus.
Plot Summary
The Decision to Move
Brooke is upset when her long-time crush, Scott Abrams, announces he is moving from their New Jersey town to New York City for his senior year. Believing he is the love of her life, Brooke decides to move in with her father, who lives in NYC. Her best friend, Carly, warns her against the impulsive move, but Brooke is sure that being in the same city will finally bring her and Scott together, even though they have never been a couple.
Arrival in the City and New Beginnings
Brooke arrives in New York City and immediately faces reality. Her relationship with her father, whom she has not lived with in years, is awkward. She starts at a new, intimidating high school, feeling like an outsider. Her first attempts to connect with Scott are met with politeness but distance. The city's busy energy is very different from her quiet suburban life, and Brooke struggles to find her place, feeling alone and wondering if she made the right choice.
The Crushing Revelation
Brooke's fears come true when she sees Scott Abrams at school with a new girlfriend, Jess, who is confident and stylish. This news crushes Brooke, as her only reason for moving to the city was to be with him. She feels foolish and heartbroken, realizing her grand romantic plan was a mistake. The pain of seeing Scott with someone else makes her feel even more alone in the big city, and she struggles with the embarrassment of her misguided pursuit.
A New Friendship Blossoms
Despite her heartbreak, Brooke starts an unexpected friendship with Caleb, an artistic classmate. Caleb, a New York native, loves the city and shows Brooke its hidden spots—bookstores, vintage shops, and cafes. He is kind, understanding, and offers a new way of looking at things, helping Brooke see the city as more than just where Scott lives, but as a place with its own charm and chances. Their friendship becomes a source of comfort for Brooke.
Reconnecting with Her Father
Living together forces Brooke and her father to deal with their long separation. At first, their talks are stiff and uncomfortable, full of unspoken feelings. But as Brooke handles her new life and heartbreak, her father starts to open up, sharing stories and listening to her problems. They begin having dinners together, and slowly, through small actions and honest talks, they start to rebuild their relationship, finding common ground.
Exploring the City's Charms
With Caleb's help and her growing independence, Brooke starts to explore and enjoy New York City for itself. She develops a love for photography, capturing the city's unique buildings and people. She gets a part-time job at a local bookstore, which allows her to meet new people and feel more a part of her neighborhood. The city, once a symbol of her unrequited love, becomes a place of discovery and personal growth, giving her a sense of belonging she did not expect.
A Deeper Connection with Caleb
As Brooke spends more time with Caleb, she finds herself drawn to his genuine nature, his artistic spirit, and his support. He makes her laugh, challenges her ideas, and sees her for who she is, not just as Scott's admirer. She starts to notice the small ways he cares for her and the easy comfort they share. Brooke begins to realize her feelings for Caleb are growing, changing from friendship into something more important and exciting, a connection she had not been looking for.
Confronting Scott and Moving On
Brooke eventually talks to Scott directly. She tells him how she felt about his move and her pursuit, and he explains his side, saying he did not know how deeply she felt and that he is happy with Jess. This honest talk, though painful at first, gives Brooke a sense of closure. She realizes that the Scott she imagined was not the real Scott, and that focusing on him had kept her from seeing other chances and connections around her.
The Art Show and a Public Display
Brooke takes part in a student art show, showing her photography that captures New York City and her journey in it. This public display of her new passion is a big moment of self-expression and confidence. Caleb is there, offering his support. After the show, in a moment of shared emotion, Brooke and Caleb finally admit their romantic feelings for each other, marking a new start for Brooke beyond her past obsession.
Embracing Her New Life
By the end of her senior year, Brooke has changed greatly. She has a strong relationship with her father, a new romance with Caleb, and a better understanding of herself. New York City, once a desperate chase for unrequited love, has become her home and helped her grow. She no longer defines herself by her past crush but by her own passions, friendships, and the exciting future in the city.
Principal Figures
Brooke
The Protagonist
Brooke transforms from a girl obsessed with a crush into an independent young woman who discovers her own passions and finds love where she least expected it.
Scott Abrams
The Supporting
Scott remains largely static, serving as the initial motivation for Brooke's journey before she outgrows her attachment to him.
Caleb
The Supporting/Love Interest
Caleb starts as a supportive friend and gradually becomes Brooke's romantic interest, demonstrating the power of genuine connection over idealized love.
Brooke's Father
The Supporting
He moves from an estranged, distant figure to a more connected and supportive father, rebuilding his relationship with Brooke.
Carly
The Supporting/Mentioned
Carly remains a constant, supportive presence from afar, her role serving to highlight Brooke's journey of independence.
Jess
The Mentioned
Jess's role is primarily static, serving as a catalyst for Brooke's emotional turning point.
Themes & Insights
Self-Discovery and Identity
The novel shows Brooke's journey of self-discovery. Her move to NYC is first about Scott, but the challenges force her to look inward. She learns to define herself by her own interests and strengths, like photography and her ability to adapt. This is clear when she explores the city on her own and with Caleb, finding her own rhythm and passions, which is shown in her art show where she displays her personal vision.
“Maybe this was what true love was—not finding someone who was perfect, but finding someone who was perfect for you.”
The Illusion of Idealized Love vs. Real Connection
Brooke's early crush on Scott is an idealized, almost fairytale idea of love, based on old feelings and assumptions. The reality of Scott having a girlfriend breaks this illusion. The story then compares this to her growing relationship with Caleb, which is built on real friendship, shared interests, and mutual respect. This theme shows that true connection often grows naturally from shared experiences and understanding, rather than being chased or fantasized about, as seen in Brooke's gradual realization of her feelings for Caleb.
“I had chased after a dream, and it had turned out to be a mirage. But then, a new dream had begun to form, right in front of me.”
The Transformative Power of a New Environment
New York City helps Brooke change. At first, the city is overwhelming, reflecting her feelings of loneliness and heartbreak. But as she explores it beyond her pursuit of Scott, guided by Caleb and her own curiosity, the city becomes a source of inspiration and growth. It pushes her to adapt, make new friends, and find new passions like photography, shaping her into a more independent person. The city itself becomes part of her journey.
“The city wasn't just a backdrop to my life anymore; it was becoming a part of me.”
Family Reconciliation
The novel also explores healing family ties. Brooke's move to New York forces her to live with her estranged father, creating initial discomfort. Through shared meals, talks about their past, and her father's quiet support during her heartbreak, they slowly bridge the gap. This shows the importance of communication and forgiveness in family relationships, adding a deeper layer to Brooke's personal growth beyond just romantic love.
“Sometimes, the people you thought you'd lost forever were just waiting for you to find them again.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Fish Out of Water
Brooke's experience as a suburban girl in bustling New York City.
This device is central to Brooke's character development. Her suburban upbringing contrasts sharply with the fast-paced, diverse environment of New York City. This initial discomfort and feeling of being an outsider force her to adapt, observe, and ultimately find her own place. It highlights her journey from naiveté to worldly understanding, as she navigates new social dynamics, urban landscapes, and a different way of life, ultimately embracing the city as her home.
Unrequited Love as a Catalyst
Brooke's intense crush on Scott drives her initial actions and subsequent growth.
Brooke's unrequited love for Scott Abrams serves as the primary inciting incident for the entire plot. It motivates her drastic decision to move to New York City. While her pursuit of Scott ultimately fails, the heartbreak and realization that follow are crucial for her personal growth. It forces her to re-evaluate her priorities, look beyond her idealized vision, and open herself up to new, more genuine connections, making the unrequited love a powerful, albeit painful, catalyst for self-discovery.
The Mentor Figure
Caleb guides Brooke through her new life and helps her see beyond her obsession.
Caleb acts as a mentor figure for Brooke, especially in her adaptation to New York City. He introduces her to the city's authentic charm, encourages her artistic pursuits, and provides emotional support and perspective. Unlike Scott, who represents her past, Caleb represents her present and future possibilities. His steady, kind presence helps Brooke navigate her heartbreak and discover new passions, guiding her towards a more fulfilling and independent life without explicitly telling her what to do.
Thematic Setting
New York City itself acts as a character and a force for change.
New York City is more than just a backdrop; it is a dynamic force that actively shapes Brooke's journey. Its vastness initially highlights her isolation, while its endless possibilities eventually foster her independence and creativity. The city's energy, diversity, and constant motion reflect Brooke's internal transformation. It challenges her, inspires her, and ultimately provides the environment for her to shed her old identity and embrace a new, self-defined one.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“New York, I love you. And I hate you. But mostly, I love you.”
— Isabelle's conflicted feelings about her life and experiences in New York City.
“Every time I thought I was getting somewhere, I would hit another wall. A wall made of my own fear and doubt.”
— Isabelle's internal struggle with pursuing her dreams and overcoming obstacles.
“He was the kind of beautiful that made you forget how to breathe.”
— Isabelle's initial impression of and attraction to the love interest, Radley.
“Maybe the best way to find yourself is to get a little lost first.”
— Isabelle musing on her unconventional path and the unexpected turns her life has taken.
“Sometimes the people who are the hardest to love are the ones who need it the most.”
— Isabelle's understanding of Radley's complex personality and past.
“I was learning that sometimes, the hardest decisions were the right ones.”
— Isabelle making difficult choices about her future and relationships.
“He looked at me like I was the most interesting thing he’d ever seen, and for a moment, I actually believed it.”
— Isabelle experiencing the intoxicating feeling of being truly seen and appreciated by Radley.
“It’s not about finding someone to complete you. It’s about finding someone who accepts you completely.”
— Isabelle's evolving understanding of true love and healthy relationships.
“The city had a way of chewing you up and spitting you out, but it also had a way of making you feel alive.”
— Isabelle's enduring complex relationship with the vibrant yet challenging environment of New York.
“I wanted to be brave enough to chase what I wanted, even if it scared me.”
— Isabelle's internal monologue about her aspirations and the courage required to pursue them.
“There’s a difference between letting go and giving up.”
— Isabelle contemplating her past and future, and the distinction between moving on and abandoning hope.
“Sometimes the most beautiful things are the most broken.”
— Isabelle's reflection on Radley's past and the complexities of his character.
“You can't live your life waiting for things to happen. You have to make them happen.”
— Isabelle's realization about taking agency in her own life and pursuing her goals actively.
Quiz
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.
10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score
Key Questions (FAQ)
Brooke decides to move to New York City because the boy she believes is the love of her life, Scott Abrams, is relocating there from their New Jersey suburb for his senior year. Her primary motivation is to follow him and continue their relationship, hoping for a romantic future.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
