Scan barcode
A review by kari_f
Twice in a Lifetime by Melissa Baron
4.0
It’s SO important to see a variety of people represented in media, and I appreciate that this book exists. There are some very heavy topics that our main character deals with, including crippling anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, parental abuse, grief, and traumatic brain injury.
But.
There is also so much lightness to the book, with romantic banter and tender friendship and characters working hard to become better and stronger versions of themselves.
Plus, time travel, of course.
The description likens this one to a cross between Oona Out of Order and The Time Traveler’s Wife, but I’m not sure I agree. Yes, there is a time aspect, but it was quite different than the premise of Oona and had the healthy personal development that TTTW lacked. As far as time travel comparisons go, I’d almost say this one is more like a combination Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow and the movie The Lake House. Add some of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library to this and you’ll have a feel for the time travel and emotional impact of this book. (Of course, Twice in a Lifetime has so many aspects that are uniquely its own!)
One thing I wished was a longer “falling in love” build-up period for our protagonists. It felt a bit rushed to me, as did parts of the conclusion.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks (though not to the level of our protagonist), it’s lovely to see a character who has a host of mental health conditions and is still lovable and bright and creative (even though she doesn’t always see herself as such). Seeing how she views herself versus how others view her was fantastic, and it’s clear to me that the author has had personal experience in this area.
Do check the trigger warnings for your own mental health. My anxiety was pretty high as I read the book, so if your anxiety is triggered by reading about the anxiety of others, just be aware of that. This isn’t really an escapism sort of novel. It was worth it though, and I really enjoyed the book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for this advanced copy!
But.
There is also so much lightness to the book, with romantic banter and tender friendship and characters working hard to become better and stronger versions of themselves.
Plus, time travel, of course.
The description likens this one to a cross between Oona Out of Order and The Time Traveler’s Wife, but I’m not sure I agree. Yes, there is a time aspect, but it was quite different than the premise of Oona and had the healthy personal development that TTTW lacked. As far as time travel comparisons go, I’d almost say this one is more like a combination Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow and the movie The Lake House. Add some of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library to this and you’ll have a feel for the time travel and emotional impact of this book. (Of course, Twice in a Lifetime has so many aspects that are uniquely its own!)
One thing I wished was a longer “falling in love” build-up period for our protagonists. It felt a bit rushed to me, as did parts of the conclusion.
As someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks (though not to the level of our protagonist), it’s lovely to see a character who has a host of mental health conditions and is still lovable and bright and creative (even though she doesn’t always see herself as such). Seeing how she views herself versus how others view her was fantastic, and it’s clear to me that the author has had personal experience in this area.
Do check the trigger warnings for your own mental health. My anxiety was pretty high as I read the book, so if your anxiety is triggered by reading about the anxiety of others, just be aware of that. This isn’t really an escapism sort of novel. It was worth it though, and I really enjoyed the book!
Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for this advanced copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent