Opposite of Always

I love a good time loop, but this one lost me the more it went on.

The central narrative is simple enough: boyfriend goes back in time to save girlfriend. I think it starts out strong. The first and second chapters are jarring back-to-back. You're waiting for the other shoe to drop.

So what's the problem?

The problem is Jack repeatedly turning his life and close relationships inside-out for insta-love. At no point in the book has Jack known Kate for more than four months. Four months!!! That's shaky ground to stand on. And it's hard to keep rooting for a protagonist whose perspective doesn't feel justified.

Outside of that, there was just a lot going on. Jack's initial “always a bridesmaid, never a bride” mindset didn't ever seem relevant to plot. Franny and Jillian and Kate all dealt with family issues, but the latter two were so vague, and nothing really came of either. I was also bothered by none of the timelines allowing Franny the option to work through his dad not being part of his life, instead of constantly cajoling The Coupon to finally come to a game or dinner. Franny was short-changed the entire book. I don't even want to talk about Jack and Jill abandoning him and then him getting shot?! I mean what the fuck Justin. Why would you do this? Franny's a saint. Anyway.

This book reads quick and easy for 450+ pages, and its diversity is refreshing. Though severe illness in YA is far from my favorite, I think it is important to talk about a condition like sickle cell, and its disproportionate impact on African Americans. I just think when you try to do so many things at once, all of the things lose impact. Especially if the primary motivation is a brand new relationship. Four months, guys.