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So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti, book cover

So Much Closer Summary

by Susane Colasanti

3.69 Goodreads · 9k ratingsYoung Adult256 pages14-min summary

A New Jersey girl moves to New York City for a boy, but finds herself and new love instead.

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By BookBrief EditorialPublished February 2026How we write summaries

Synopsis

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

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.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Hopeful, Romantic, Reflective, Urban
Read it if
You enjoy contemporary YA romance about starting over and finding yourself in a new city.
Skip it if
You prefer high-stakes fantasy/sci-fi or stories without a strong romantic focus.

So Much Closer Plot Summary

Covers the whole plot, including the ending.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

So Much Closer Characters

Brooke

Protagonist

A suburban girl who moves to NYC to chase a crush and finds herself instead.

Brooke is initially defined by her intense infatuation with Scott Abrams. She is somewhat naive and impulsive, making a life-altering decision based on a romantic ideal rather than reality. She possesses an underlying resilience and a capacity for growth, which allows her to adapt to the challenges of a new city, a strained family relationship, and heartbreak. She is observant and eventually develops a passion for photography, using it as a way to connect with her new environment and express herself.

Relationships: Scott Abrams (Long-standing unrequited crush); Caleb (Best friend turned romantic interest); Brooke's Father (Estranged father, later reconciled); Carly (Best friend from New Jersey)

Scott Abrams

Supporting

Brooke's long-time crush, the catalyst for her move to NYC.

Scott is presented as the object of Brooke's affection, a seemingly charming and popular boy from her hometown. He is generally kind but somewhat oblivious to the intensity of Brooke's feelings, or perhaps intentionally distant. He is focused on his new life in New York and his new relationship, indicating he has moved on from their shared past. He serves primarily as a plot device to propel Brooke's journey, rather than a deeply developed character himself.

Relationships: Brooke (Object of her unrequited affection); Jess (His new girlfriend in NYC)

Caleb

Supporting/Love Interest

A quirky, artistic New Yorker who becomes Brooke's friend and eventual boyfriend.

Caleb is a kind, insightful, and artistic classmate of Brooke's. He is deeply connected to New York City and possesses a unique perspective on life. Caleb is patient, understanding, and offers Brooke genuine friendship and support without judgment. He encourages her to explore her own interests, particularly photography, and helps her navigate the complexities of her new environment. He is observant and sees Brooke for who she truly is, fostering her personal growth.

Relationships: Brooke (Close friend turned romantic interest)

Brooke's Father

Supporting

Brooke's estranged father, living in NYC, with whom she rebuilds a relationship.

Brooke's father is initially portrayed as somewhat distant and awkward, having been estranged from Brooke for several years. He lives a solitary life in New York City. Despite the initial tension, he is willing to take Brooke in and slowly makes efforts to reconnect with her. He shows a quiet understanding and provides a stable, if initially uncomfortable, home for Brooke. His character arc involves him opening up emotionally and becoming a more present and supportive parent.

Relationships: Brooke (Estranged daughter, later reconciled)

Carly

Supporting/Mentioned

Brooke's best friend from New Jersey, who offers pragmatic advice.

Carly is Brooke's best friend from their New Jersey suburb. She is practical, grounded, and often provides a voice of reason. She expresses skepticism about Brooke's impulsive decision to move to New York for Scott, highlighting her loyalty and concern for Brooke's well-being. Though she remains in New Jersey, her phone calls and advice help Brooke maintain a connection to her past while navigating her new life, serving as a reminder of where Brooke came from.

Relationships: Brooke (Best friend)

Jess

Mentioned

Scott Abrams's new girlfriend in New York City.

Jess is Scott's girlfriend in New York City. She is described as confident and stylish, embodying the kind of New York girl Brooke initially feels she isn't. Her presence serves as a direct obstacle to Brooke's romantic hopes, forcing Brooke to confront the reality of Scott's life and her own misguided expectations. She is not deeply characterized but is crucial in shattering Brooke's illusion about Scott, thus propelling Brooke's personal growth.

Relationships: Scott Abrams (Girlfriend)

So Much Closer Themes

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.”
Narrator (Brooke's internal thought)

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.”
Narrator (Brooke's internal thought)

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.”
Narrator (Brooke's internal thought)

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.”
Narrator (Brooke's internal thought)

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.

So Much Closer Quotes

“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.
“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

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

  1. Question 1

    Why does Brooke decide to move to New York City for her senior year?

    1. She wants to attend a prestigious art school in the city.
    2. Her mother got a new job in Manhattan and the family moved.
    3. To follow Scott Abrams, the boy she believes is the love of her life.
    4. She was tired of her New Jersey suburb and wanted a change of scenery.
    Show answer

    C. To follow Scott Abrams, the boy she believes is the love of her life. Brooke moves to New York City specifically to be near Scott Abrams, who has moved there for his senior year, as she believes he is the love of her life.

  2. Question 2

    With whom does Brooke live when she moves to New York City?

    1. Her aunt and uncle.
    2. Her estranged father.
    3. A new group of friends from her school.
    4. In her own apartment, paid for by her parents.
    Show answer

    B. Her estranged father. Upon moving to New York City, Brooke lives with her estranged father, which presents its own set of challenges.

  3. Question 3

    What challenging discovery does Brooke make shortly after arriving in New York City regarding Scott?

    1. He has decided to move back to New Jersey.
    2. He already has a girlfriend.
    3. He is planning to go to college on the West Coast.
    4. He doesn't remember who she is.
    Show answer

    B. He already has a girlfriend. A major plot point is Brooke's discovery that Scott, the boy she moved for, already has a girlfriend, complicating her plans.

  4. Question 4

    What is one of the primary internal changes Brooke experiences as she navigates New York City?

    1. She becomes more reliant on her old friends from New Jersey.
    2. She becomes obsessed with reuniting with Scott.
    3. She starts to discover a whole new side of herself.
    4. She develops a strong dislike for city life.
    Show answer

    C. She starts to discover a whole new side of herself. The synopsis states that 'as she learns to navigate the big city, she starts to discover a whole new side of herself,' indicating personal growth beyond her initial goal.

  5. Question 5

    The book suggests that love can find you 'even when you're not looking for it.' How does this theme relate to Brooke's initial motivation?

    1. It reinforces her belief that Scott is her soulmate.
    2. It implies she will find love with someone other than Scott, unexpectedly.
    3. It means she will give up on love entirely.
    4. It suggests her family will find love in the city.
    Show answer

    B. It implies she will find love with someone other than Scott, unexpectedly. The theme indicates a shift from her focused pursuit of Scott to finding love in an unforeseen way, likely with a new person.

  6. Question 6

    What is one of the general challenges Brooke faces, besides Scott's relationship status, upon moving to NYC?

    1. Finding a part-time job to support herself.
    2. Adjusting to a whole new school.
    3. Dealing with a difficult landlord.
    4. Learning a new language.
    Show answer

    B. Adjusting to a whole new school. The synopsis explicitly mentions 'adjusting to a whole new school' as one of her challenges in the city, alongside living with her estranged father.

  7. Question 7

    How does the setting of New York City contribute to Brooke's character development?

    1. The city's fast pace makes her more anxious and withdrawn.
    2. The anonymity of the city allows her to reinvent herself and explore new aspects of her personality.
    3. The city's cultural attractions distract her from her initial goal completely.
    4. It forces her to return to her old life in New Jersey.
    Show answer

    B. The anonymity of the city allows her to reinvent herself and explore new aspects of her personality. The description implies the 'big city' environment is crucial for her to 'discover a whole new side of herself,' suggesting it's a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.

  8. Question 8

    What kind of relationship does Brooke initially have with her father in New York City?

    1. They have a very close and supportive relationship.
    2. Their relationship is strained and challenging due to their estrangement.
    3. He is absent and she rarely sees him.
    4. He is overly protective and restricts her freedom.
    Show answer

    B. Their relationship is strained and challenging due to their estrangement. The synopsis states she is 'Living with her estranged father and adjusting to a whole new school are challenging,' indicating their relationship is not easy.

  9. Question 9

    Considering the genre and common themes in Susane Colasanti's work, what is a likely long-term outcome for Brooke's perspective on love by the end of the book?

    1. She will decide that true love only exists in her hometown.
    2. She will learn that sometimes the love you seek isn't the love you truly need.
    3. She will successfully win Scott back and move back to New Jersey with him.
    4. She will become cynical about romance entirely.
    Show answer

    B. She will learn that sometimes the love you seek isn't the love you truly need. The final sentence, 'realizes that sometimes love can find you even when you're not looking for it,' strongly suggests a shift in her understanding of love, moving away from her initial singular focus on Scott.

  10. Question 10

    What does Brooke's initial decision to follow Scott to NYC reveal about her character at the beginning of the story?

    1. She is highly independent and self-reliant.
    2. She is impulsive and driven by romantic ideals.
    3. She is practical and always thinks through her decisions carefully.
    4. She is primarily motivated by academic ambition.
    Show answer

    B. She is impulsive and driven by romantic ideals. Her decision to uproot her life and move to a new city solely to follow a boy suggests a degree of impulsiveness and a strong romanticized view of her relationship with Scott.

So Much Closer FAQ

What prompts Brooke to move to New York City for her senior year?

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.

Who does Brooke live with in New York City, and what is their relationship like?

In New York City, Brooke lives with her estranged father. Their relationship is initially strained and distant, as they haven't been a significant part of each other's lives for some time, making her adjustment to the city even more challenging.

What is the initial major setback Brooke faces regarding Scott once she arrives in NYC?

Upon arriving in New York City, Brooke is devastated to discover that Scott Abrams already has a girlfriend. This revelation shatters her carefully constructed plan and the romantic expectations that drove her move.

How does Brooke's perspective on love evolve throughout her time in New York City?

Brooke's initial view of love is focused on Scott and a predetermined outcome. However, as she navigates the city and new experiences, she learns that love can be unexpected and find her when she's not actively seeking it, shifting from a fixed ideal to an open-minded acceptance.

Besides romance, what other significant personal growth does Brooke experience in the city?

Beyond romance, Brooke discovers a whole new side of herself while living in New York City. She gains independence, learns to adapt to a challenging new environment, and fosters a more genuine relationship with her previously estranged father, indicating significant personal maturity.

What specific challenges does Brooke face at her new high school in New York City?

Brooke faces the typical challenges of being the new kid, struggling to fit in and make friends in an unfamiliar environment. This is compounded by her emotional turmoil over Scott and her adjustment to the fast-paced, competitive atmosphere of a city school.

Are there any subtle hints early on that Scott might not be the 'love of her life' as Brooke perceives?

While the book focuses on Brooke's strong conviction, subtle hints might include her idealization of Scott rather than a deep, current connection, or perhaps his general aloofness even before the move, suggesting their relationship might have been more one-sided than she believed.

How does Brooke's relationship with her father develop, and what specific turning points contribute to its mending?

Brooke's relationship with her father gradually mends as they are forced to cohabitate and interact daily. Turning points likely involve moments of vulnerability, shared experiences in the city, and her father making efforts to understand her, moving from estrangement to a more supportive bond.

What role do Brooke's new friends in NYC play in her transformation?

Brooke's new friends in NYC are crucial to her transformation, offering different perspectives and support outside of her past life. They introduce her to new experiences, challenge her preconceived notions, and help her build a new identity independent of Scott and her New Jersey past.

How does Brooke's initial idealization of Scott impact her decision-making and emotional state?

Brooke's idealization of Scott leads her to make a drastic life decision, moving to NYC, based purely on a romantic fantasy. This impacts her emotional state severely when the reality doesn't match, causing initial heartbreak and a period of self-doubt and confusion.

What psychological journey does Brooke undertake from dependence on a relationship to self-discovery?

Brooke embarks on a journey from being emotionally dependent on Scott and the idea of 'their' future, to discovering her own identity and independence. Her initial heartbreak acts as a catalyst, forcing her to look inward and build a life for herself, rather than for someone else.

How does the bustling environment of New York City contribute to Brooke's psychological growth?

The bustling, anonymous, and diverse environment of New York City forces Brooke out of her comfort zone and challenges her to adapt. This external pressure encourages internal resilience, self-reliance, and a broader perspective, significantly contributing to her psychological growth and maturity.

What specific coping mechanisms does Brooke employ after discovering Scott's new girlfriend?

After discovering Scott's new girlfriend, Brooke likely experiences a range of emotions including denial, anger, and sadness. Her coping mechanisms might include isolating herself initially, but then gradually engaging with her new surroundings, focusing on school, or seeking solace in new friendships to distract and heal.

Is Brooke's decision to follow Scott to NYC a brave act of love or a naive, impulsive choice?

Brooke's decision can be interpreted as both. It's a brave act of love in its audacious commitment, but also a naive, impulsive choice given her lack of planning for contingencies and the significant life upheaval it causes, based on an unconfirmed romantic ideal.

How does the book challenge the common romantic trope of 'the one' or destiny?

The book challenges the 'the one' trope by showing Brooke's initial belief in Scott as her destiny unravel. It demonstrates that love can be found unexpectedly with new people, suggesting that 'the one' might not be a fixed person, but rather a connection that forms when you're ready.

What is the significance of the title, 'So Much Closer,' in relation to Brooke's journey?

The title 'So Much Closer' holds multiple meanings. Initially, it might refer to Brooke being physically closer to Scott in NYC. However, it ultimately signifies her getting 'so much closer' to understanding herself, her true desires, and finding a more authentic form of love and happiness.

Does the book suggest that sometimes losing what you think you want is essential for finding what you truly need?

Yes, the book strongly suggests this. Brooke's loss of Scott and her initial romantic ideal forces her to re-evaluate her life and priorities. This painful experience ultimately opens the door for her to discover self-reliance, new friendships, and a more fulfilling, unexpected love, which she truly needed.

How does the setting of New York City itself act as a character in Brooke's story?

New York City acts as a dynamic character, challenging Brooke with its fast pace and anonymity, but also empowering her with opportunities for independence and self-discovery. Its energy and vastness contribute to her growth, pushing her to adapt and find her place, rather than simply being a backdrop.

About the author

Susane Colasanti

Susane Colasanti

Susane Colasanti is an author known for her young adult fiction, exploring themes of love and relationships. Her notable works include "When It Happens," "Something Like Fate," "Take Me There," and "So Much Closer." Colasanti's writing often resonates with teen readers, reflecting their experiences and emotions.

All 4 summaries of Susane Colasanti's books →

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