jerzgrl626's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Justin is a high school student struggling to get by in many aspects of his life. He's had a tough upbringing with very little family involved and just wants more out of his life than what he's been given so far. His grandparents tragically died in a fire and it forever changed his Mother. When he's suddenly transported from 2023 back to 1985, he realizes that he has one week to change his life and the lives of his family and goes on a mission to prevent the very fire that killed his grandparents.
This was an adventurous book very reminiscent of Back to the Future and, although considered YA, only had a slight YA feel to it. Overall, I enjoyed the story line a lot, but at times it was a bit confusing to follow and some parts of the ending were a bit vague considering how much story line was devoted to them. I also thought that the book moved a bit slowly at times and there were some drawn out parts to it that were unnecessary.
Justin is a high school student struggling to get by in many aspects of his life. He's had a tough upbringing with very little family involved and just wants more out of his life than what he's been given so far. His grandparents tragically died in a fire and it forever changed his Mother. When he's suddenly transported from 2023 back to 1985, he realizes that he has one week to change his life and the lives of his family and goes on a mission to prevent the very fire that killed his grandparents.
This was an adventurous book very reminiscent of Back to the Future and, although considered YA, only had a slight YA feel to it. Overall, I enjoyed the story line a lot, but at times it was a bit confusing to follow and some parts of the ending were a bit vague considering how much story line was devoted to them. I also thought that the book moved a bit slowly at times and there were some drawn out parts to it that were unnecessary.
bargainsleuth's review
4.0
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
For March 2023, Amazon First Reads offered a variety of books, including this one. Put out by Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio, I was intrigued and interested in the book, but as happens in life, I didn’t get a chance to read it prior to it’s release to the general public. I ended up spending the $1.99 for the accompanying audio book and listened to it recently.
I really wanted to like I’ll Stop the World. After all, I enjoy a good Young Adult novel, I love time travel stories, and since 1985 is full of core memories for me, I thought I’d love this book. While it wasn’t terrible, I thought it was just okay.
One the one hand, the audio book is a great production because there’s a distinct voice for each character. On the other hand, the point-of-view changed so often it was hard to keep track of all the characters. And even though this novel is about time travel, it doesn’t happen until about page 100. Before that, there’s a lot of teen angst and drama, as happens when you’re reading a YA novel. The ping-pong effect of the narrative made me believe that this book was best read and not listened to.
The one thing I do have to say is that the very dynamic that I just complained about a little actually makes a very compelling book because it kind of unique. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and that made me keep with it even though I had a hard time keeping everyone straight at first. There’s a mystery to be solved, and I’ll be darned until I find out the solution since I couldn’t figure it out on my own.
My advice: READ the book, don’t listen to it. It’s a unique Young Adult time travel mystery romance that you won’t soon forget.
For March 2023, Amazon First Reads offered a variety of books, including this one. Put out by Mindy Kaling’s Book Studio, I was intrigued and interested in the book, but as happens in life, I didn’t get a chance to read it prior to it’s release to the general public. I ended up spending the $1.99 for the accompanying audio book and listened to it recently.
I really wanted to like I’ll Stop the World. After all, I enjoy a good Young Adult novel, I love time travel stories, and since 1985 is full of core memories for me, I thought I’d love this book. While it wasn’t terrible, I thought it was just okay.
One the one hand, the audio book is a great production because there’s a distinct voice for each character. On the other hand, the point-of-view changed so often it was hard to keep track of all the characters. And even though this novel is about time travel, it doesn’t happen until about page 100. Before that, there’s a lot of teen angst and drama, as happens when you’re reading a YA novel. The ping-pong effect of the narrative made me believe that this book was best read and not listened to.
The one thing I do have to say is that the very dynamic that I just complained about a little actually makes a very compelling book because it kind of unique. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and that made me keep with it even though I had a hard time keeping everyone straight at first. There’s a mystery to be solved, and I’ll be darned until I find out the solution since I couldn’t figure it out on my own.
My advice: READ the book, don’t listen to it. It’s a unique Young Adult time travel mystery romance that you won’t soon forget.
abrswf's review against another edition
4.0
This YA book is really 4.5 stars. Maybe 4.75. A genre bending tale about high school students, time travel, fate, love and morality, it was impossible to put down and very touching. I’m a leathery old soul but the ending, which is perfect, brought me near tears. And I’m a bit awed at the way this book disclosed its central story from the beginning, then rolled it out in a way that truly surprises. Oh, and there are actually central characters who are BIPOC and LGBTQ. Enjoy.
bookworm1979's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ginasandra's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ashleynicole042416's review
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
fictiondiction9's review against another edition
3.0
For such an interesting story premise, this turned out to be aggressively average.
lolomcro's review
4.0
This was really good and had me sobbing at the end. Great turns and twists and alot of heart.
lycheetini's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Slow to start with some twists and turns halfway through. I ended up liking how everything wrapped up in the end.
However there are so many characters to keep track of, I had draw a diagram to keep everything straight.
However there are so many characters to keep track of, I had draw a diagram to keep everything straight.