The year is 1996. Josh and Emma have been neighbors, and best friends for as long as they can remember. Josh made a mistake that changed everything last year between them, but when an AOL CD comes in the mail, Josh brings it over for Emma to install on her new computer. When Facebook pops up on the screen (which has yet to be invented), the two catch a glimpse into their lives 15 years in the future, and quickly learn that every move they make can alter their futures. The glimpse into the future leaves them playing with fire and deciding what decisions are best for them to make in the present.
I was excited for this book! These are two big names in the YA literature world. Although I kind of hated Thirteen Reasons Why (please, don't hurt me!), I wanted to give Asher another chance to redeem himself, in my eyes. I will say, this book didn't do it for me.
Usually I aim to give reviews for books that I think are amazing, or at least that I will heavily recommend, and while this one had an interesting plot, it just didn't deliver. The character development was weak, the pace was slow-moving, and I kept expecting more. The absolute strangest part to me, was that this final piece was the work of not one, but TWO popular authors. I expected greatness.
Even though Emma and Josh see their futures, and try to change the present in order to create better futures for themselves, there is no character growth. Josh is flat, and Emma is whiny and superficial, and she's close to learning a lesson in the end, but never really gets there. Now, is this because two authors collaborated and had trouble bringing their ideas together, or is it because the authors just didn't put enough effort into the characterization? Unsure of the answer. But, I know there was no part of me that gained any attachment to Emma or Josh, which makes it hard to keep reading.
Overall, interesting and fun concept, but a letdown for myself in terms of character development and the entirety of the plot.
Similar Reads:
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler
