Time and Time AgainReview posted November 16, 2024
Bloomsbury, 2024. 327 pages.
Review written November 6, 2024, from a library book.
Starred Review
This is a time loop novel. Instead of taking us through how Phoebe figures out she's in a time loop, this book starts on Version 26 of her August 6th. She has the same breakfast with her mom, walks to her dad's house, plays Scrabble and eats his chicken parmesan and then goes to sleep with her Irritable Bowel Syndrome acting up, because the time she told her dad she couldn't eat it, she hurt his feelings and it wasn't worth it.
But every day on the way to her dad's house, she sees her childhood best friend Jess drive by, and they exchange a look. Phoebe analyzes the look, but doesn't know what to make of it, and starts thinking of that as the brightest spot of her (repeated) day.
And then one of the repeated days, she's not paying attention and walks in front of Jess's car. Jess hits Phoebe, and comes out of her car, very much alarmed. Phoebe isn't hurt, but it's a dramatic change from the other days. And then the next day, Jess remembers that it happened! Before long, it becomes apparent that Jess has been pulled into the time loop, too. Jess is appalled that Phoebe has been doing the same thing every day, so she decides to show Phoebe how to have fun.
And then the two girls fall in love - or rather both realize that they already had a crush on each other. It's beautifully done, since they have all the time in the world. But we see the progression of shared moments and plans to brighten each other's days.
Now, in any speculative fiction novel, I'm picky about how the magic (or "science") works. But I do tend to suspend my criticism for time loop novels, because it's such a fun story idea. However, I have to say the biggest challenge is how they come out of the loop and what the repercussions are. And does it help the whole thing make any sense? For me, that was where this novel fell short and I didn't really buy how it worked at the end. That said, I still loved reading this - it's a charming romance between a fat girl with IBS and a girl who is disabled. Because no, those aren't the most important things about either one. And I love the way their romance builds on their childhood friendship and how each one fills in encouragement when the other one needs it. So no matter how you feel about the time loop, this is a delightful romance.