About the Book: Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books Publication Date: 4th April, 2019 Paperback: 457 Pages Genre: YA Contemporary
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SYNOPSIS
| Jack Ellison King. King of Almost. He almost made valedictorian. He almost made varsity. He almost got the girl . . . When Jack and Kate meet at a party, bonding until sunrise over their mutual love of Froot Loops and their favorite flicks, Jack knows he’s falling—hard. Soon she’s meeting his best friends, Jillian and Franny, and Kate wins them over as easily as she did Jack. Jack’s curse of almost is finally over. But this love story is . . . complicated. It is an almost happily ever after. Because Kate dies. And their story should end there. Yet Kate’s death sends Jack back to the beginning, the moment they first meet, and Kate’s there again. Beautiful, radiant Kate. Healthy, happy, and charming as ever. Jack isn’t sure if he’s losing his mind. Still, if he has a chance to prevent Kate’s death, he’ll take it. Even if that means believing in time travel. However, Jack will learn that his actions are not without consequences. And when one choice turns deadly for someone else close to him, he has to figure out what he’s willing to do—and let go—to save the people he loves. |
Should You read Opposite of Always?
“Don’t be afraid. Take chances. And when those don’t work out, take more.”
Opposite of Always was the last book I read last month and it was quite an interesting read especially as a YA contemporary. Let me tell you why..
The book’s about Jack who meets a girl called Kate at a party. Sparks fly and no sooner than their relationship takes its course, than it ends as Kate dies. Jack, on hearing this news, rushes to the hospital only to slip on the stairs and fall towards his death. However, Jack really isn’t “dead”. Jack, instead finds himself back at the party where he met Kate. Jack is also surprised that he remembers his life predating his “death” but Kate doesn’t. See, this is where he assumes that he’s alive because he has been given a second chance with Kate..perhaps, even to save her life this time. This second chance turns to a third, fourth and a fifth one.
Now, wait a minute.. how does Kate die?
Kate has sickle cell anaemia which is a genetically inherited disease and there’s no cure for it. Sure, there are treatments like bone marrow transplants but they’re expensive and Kate’s parents couldn’t afford it. Jack, learning of her disease tries to save money for her treatment and this leads to dire consequences every time. Does Kate and Jack live happily ever after? Well, you’ve to read it for yourself..
I loved the premise of time travel and this is the first time I’ve read it in YA contemporary. Time travel is an extremely tricky topic because if you’re not too careful, you’ll open up multiple alternative timelines. It is difficult to explain but if you’ve watched Avengers Endgame, then you might know what I’m talking about. However, it worked here because of the charcters and the dialogue. The repetitive time loops were a bit annoying but don’t let that stop you from picking up this book. Jack is a funny, cheesy and a very relatable character. His character development is marvellous to watch. You could see him battling with his decisions to save Kate as that meant damning his relationship with his friends or family.
“You don’t strike me as a person who’d let anything dictate her plans, the world included.”
Overall, I highly recommend this book because of it’s unique premise, interesting characters, amazing banter that’ll make you laugh and cry. Personally, I think this will make a great movie rather than a great book but..I will reiterate that you should definitely pick up this book.
| Thanks to the publisher for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review. |
VERDICT:
Author: Connect with Author Justin A. Reynolds here.
What do you think? Will you read Opposite of Always? If you have read it already, then let me know if you liked it or not.
Book Rambler 