Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Blurb (on back of book): From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.
At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.
Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?
In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?
Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.
MY OPINION: *****
This is definitely one of Taylor Jenkins Reid's most underrated books and I think everyone should go out and buy a copy of this book right now. I absolutely loved this book just as much as 7HoEH and DJ&t6 and, while the writing is much less developed in comparison, found it to be a really engaging and captivating story.
I finished this book over two days, which, while it used to be easy for me back in the day, is a real accomplishment, especially considering I was in the midst of AP exams and trying to finish my senior year. The concept behind it, while maybe not the most unique, was very interesting.
The story is told through two concurrent timelines, right after Hannah, our main character, makes one decision. The first storyline is about the aftermath of one choice and the other is the aftermath of the second choice. Both storylines end up very different, highlighting how one decision can change your entire life. While some things end up the same, a commentary on fate and how some things will happen no matter what, Hannah #1 and Hannah #2 become two very different people as a result of her singular choice.
I've recently gotten into reading more literary fiction, though I will always have a soft spot for a good romance. The romance in this book, while fun and intriguing, is definitely not the main focal point of the plot, and I actually ended up enjoying that. It was refreshing to not have to focus on which man she would end up with, the third act miscommunication drama, the break-ups and make-ups, etc. I liked seeing Hannah's development as she navigates her life and struggles to figure out who she is and where she is headed at the rip old age of 29 (?). I liked how she doesn't have it all figured out, even though she's older.
The book also highlights the importance of family and friendship. In both worlds, Gabby, Hannah's best friend, Ethan, Hannah's high-school boyfriend, and Hannah's immediate family play integral roles in Hannah's life. The relationships you have are the most important in figuring out who you will be, a fact starkly highlighted throughout this book. In one of Hannah's timelines, she also meets new people who soon grow into more core characters and people she needs in order to truly find herself. I liked how she wasn't all alone in figuring herself out and instead learned to rely on others to truly find out who she was.
I also love the concept of soulmates and its inclusion in this book. We all don't just have one soulmate, and one person may be the soulmate of one version of yourself, and in another alternate reality, that person may not be the one to whoever you are in that world. I loved that idea and seeing how that all played out in the two worlds.
The ending was beautiful. While it was not at all what I expected, it was very satisfying to readers who were rooting for both versions of Hannah. I liked how Reid made Hannah's conclusion happy without being too unrealistic.
While I normally don't like books told in alternating timelines or characters, I liked the way that this book was put together. It was never confusing or annoying and I found it easy to follow. I liked both perspectives, which is rare for me in these kinds of books, and while I did like the world with Henry a bit more (I love that man with my whole soul), both were engaging and fun to read. From page one, I was obsessed with this book and I'm glad I decided to pick it up.
Be prepared for a litany of Reid reviews coming soon. I plan to finish her repertoire of books by the end of this summer, and I've already done a fair few. I love this book and recommend it to anyone who was a fan of Reid's more popular books and are looking for more of the same voice, writing style, and unique and compelling stories.
Main Character: Hannah
Sidekick(s): Gabby, Ethan, Henry, family, etc
Villain(s): Misunderstandings, choices, etc
Realistic Fiction Elements: This book was all very real to life.
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