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schweibertsm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book. Early on there were parts that absolutely made me cringe, but Sophie Cousens nails what it's like to be a working mom. I've never felt more seen then the scene with Baby Amy being sick. By the end of this story you are rooting for Lucy and her family and the life she wants. How many times have we all wished our lives away? But life is found in the small moments and the mundane.
Moderate: Child death, Death, Sexual content, Vomit, Grief, and Pregnancy
bookish_leslie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Spice: 2đśď¸
Romantic tension, under clothes groping, sex scenes that fade to black before anything explicit happens
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Romantic tension, under clothes groping, sex scenes that fade to black before anything explicit happens
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My Thoughts
This book wasnât at all what I was expecting, but I liked it. The cover design had me expecting a typical romcom, and while there was a romance subplot, this book was no romcom. It was a character-driven story about choices, family, identity, grief, and self discovery; a story about regrets, acceptance, love in all its myriad forms, second chances, and the both/and of life.
I think what I loved most about this book was how thought-provoking it was. What makes us who we are? What truly matters in life? If I could forget the experiences that have led to my grief - would I? Or in doing so would I lose parts of myself Iâd want to keep? What matters more - remembering or living? What are my current choices saying about what my future will be like? What bright spots in my life might I be overlooking amongst the grievances? What role does the philosophy of âfake it until you make itâ play in personal and professional growth? These are just some of the many things this book prompted me to think about.
But the relationships between the characters really shone for me in this book, too. Sure, the main character, Lucy, acted questionably and immaturely at times, but I think her reactions to what happened to her were very real too. I especially loved her interactions with 7-year-old Felix, but it was heartwarming to see her grow into her relationships with Sam and Amy, as well.
This probably isnât the book for you if youâre a plot-based reader, as it was largely character driven, but I do think it would be a good fit for people who like a bit of depth to their stories, philosophizing about life, or who are feeling nostalgic for old 90s movies like 13 Going on 30 (although in this case it was 26 going on 42).
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Infidelity and Sexual content
mgbrownley's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Outing
meredith_williams_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
Once again, Sophie Cousens takes a plot you think you know and manages to turn it into the most heartfelt and endearing story youâve ever read! 26 year-old Lucy is tired of being broke and single. After a disappointing night out, she wishes to skip to âthe good partâ of her life and wakes up 16 years in the future. She must fill in the gaps of her future life or find her way back to the past. This story is magical and cozy and warm. The characters are well written (especially Sam đ) and the overall themes of love and friendship are well developed. If youâre a fan of the book The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, the movie 13 Going on 30, or the song Invisible String by Taylor Swift, pick up this book!
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Child death and Pregnancy
Minor: Cursing, Sexual content, and Alcohol
readingwithmeredith's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, and Grief
Side character with alternative lifestyle, closed door
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