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rmkf17's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
It has been a very long time since I’ve cried this hard over a book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Chronic illness and Grief
Minor: Cancer and Miscarriage
persephonejae's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.25
This was a pretty special story. It was so relatable. I mean, who really knows what they want from life; what they would do if they could try again? I think, however, our main character, Alice, learns what truly has meaning in her life through trial and error. It was a touching and thoughtful story. Would totally read it again!
Fun fact: the author's father is Peter Staub.
Fun fact: the author's father is Peter Staub.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Drug use, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment
korikam's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
If you're having a "mid-life crisis", have ever lost a parent, or both - this book is like a punch in the heart. But in a beautiful, I needed that cry, sort of way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Chronic illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
tkhz's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a woman who accidentally travels back in time on her 40th birthday to the day she turned 16. In an attempt to save her father from facing a crippling illness later in life, she desperately searches for the "right way" to re-live her 16th birthday.
I loved that this book 1. featured a non-extraordinary main character and 2. focused on the relationship between an adult daughter and her father. It was refreshing to see a narrator who isn't perfect, has a relatively average life, and still finds small things to appreciate in her everyday. It also explored a unique and wholesome relationship of a daughter and single father, and ultimately placed this relationship over any friendships or romantic relationships in the book. I could feel the emotions she was experiencing as she re-lived her life as her teenage self and was able to gain a new appreciation for all the moments she shared with her dad, especially in moments where she was initially blinded by teenage angst. Overall very well-written and emotional, and knowing that the book was based on the author's relationship with her father makes it even better.
I also really enjoyed that she chose not to stay in the "perfect" life about halfway through the book. The fact that she realized her father was still sick in her ideal reality and chose to continue to find a way to spend more time with him was a testament to the strength of their bond and their love for each other.
I loved that this book 1. featured a non-extraordinary main character and 2. focused on the relationship between an adult daughter and her father. It was refreshing to see a narrator who isn't perfect, has a relatively average life, and still finds small things to appreciate in her everyday. It also explored a unique and wholesome relationship of a daughter and single father, and ultimately placed this relationship over any friendships or romantic relationships in the book. I could feel the emotions she was experiencing as she re-lived her life as her teenage self and was able to gain a new appreciation for all the moments she shared with her dad, especially in moments where she was initially blinded by teenage angst. Overall very well-written and emotional, and knowing that the book was based on the author's relationship with her father makes it even better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
katelynprice's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wasn't so sure about the first half of the book, but once I got to about 60%, it got really good. The nostalgia and beauty and appreciation of her father and their simple, ordinary days was all so lovely. I really loved the thoughts about growing up alongside your parents and about childhood memories being the parents' favorite memories, too. I really appreciated that this was a love story about family and friends and self, yet I liked the hint of full-circle romantic love at the end. It was satisfying without taking away from the depth of the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cursing and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Drug use, and Sexual content