A review by thenextgenlibrarian
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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? Yes
5.0
Fate or not, our lives are still the results of our choices.”
🛣
Hannah Martin doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. After ending an affair with a married man, she moves back to where she grew up in LA to stay with her best friend, Gabby, and her husband. Shortly after returning home Hannah goes out to a bar to meet up with her high school boyfriend, who she still wonders if there’s something between them after all this time. When Ethan asks Hannah to stay, her life veers off in two directions: the Hannah that stays with Ethan and the Hannah that leaves with Gabby and her husband. Those two lives are played out in alternate chapters: how much of our lives is by chance or choice? Are soul mates real?
🛣
While this novel was written for adults, I could see an older teen enjoying it so that’s why I chose to write a book review on it. Reid is a favorite author of mine so now I’m dipping into her back catalog since loving her newer releases and this book does not disappoint. The idea that one small choice can cause our lives to go in totally different directions is a concept I think about a lot. Fans of the movie Sliding Doors will love this book. I believe Hannah’s outlook on life regardless of which version she’s living in was inspiring. The friendship between Gabby and Hannah was also incredibly sweet. I adored the audiobook as well and loved both lives for Hannah.
CW: car accident, loss of unborn child, adultery
🛣
Hannah Martin doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. After ending an affair with a married man, she moves back to where she grew up in LA to stay with her best friend, Gabby, and her husband. Shortly after returning home Hannah goes out to a bar to meet up with her high school boyfriend, who she still wonders if there’s something between them after all this time. When Ethan asks Hannah to stay, her life veers off in two directions: the Hannah that stays with Ethan and the Hannah that leaves with Gabby and her husband. Those two lives are played out in alternate chapters: how much of our lives is by chance or choice? Are soul mates real?
🛣
While this novel was written for adults, I could see an older teen enjoying it so that’s why I chose to write a book review on it. Reid is a favorite author of mine so now I’m dipping into her back catalog since loving her newer releases and this book does not disappoint. The idea that one small choice can cause our lives to go in totally different directions is a concept I think about a lot. Fans of the movie Sliding Doors will love this book. I believe Hannah’s outlook on life regardless of which version she’s living in was inspiring. The friendship between Gabby and Hannah was also incredibly sweet. I adored the audiobook as well and loved both lives for Hannah.
CW: car accident, loss of unborn child, adultery
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident and Death