Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Spoiler Free Review)

Publication date: 7th July 2015

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Goodreads Link

Maybe in Another Life explores how Hannah’s life would be in two scenarios. The first; if she decides to go home from a bar with her old flame from school, or of she had decided not to. We are following two timelines side by side and somehow it doesn’t get confusing at all. Hannah’s life is so different in each on that it was very easy to keep the two stories straight.

You could possibly read this book in alternating chapters and enjoy one story at a time, however I didn’t go down this route. I love books that explore the concept of a multiverse and multiple timelines being possible and I think it was the right choice to tell the two timelines in alternating chapters.

Whilst this book is essentially a romance, my favourite relationship was that of Hannah and her best friend Gabby, it is complete friend goals. They are so supportive of each other and she is so close with Gabby’s family and it was wonderful to read about. Gabby is also very politically correct and calls Hannah and other characters out when needed, but not in a rude way.

Both timelines were an honest portrayal of life. Nothing was romanticised and it was all honest and real. I think I would have felt let down if one timeline was portrayed as clearly superior as life tends to not be all wrapped up with a bow on it, and sometimes a decision you are unsure of can lead you down an unexpected road that is great for you.

The book also deals with a lot of more serious themes. Some were so powerful and intense but were still balanced. Decisions weren’t made without thought of the other side, which was an interesting discussion considering the plot of the book.

If this all wasn’t enough to convince you, this book also features an adorable dog!

Favourite Quotes

You can’t change just one part, can you? When you sit there and wish things had happened differently, you can’t just wish away the bad stuff. You have to think about all the good stuff you might lose, too. Better just to stay in the now and focus on what you can do better in future.

It doesn’t matter if we don’t mean to do the things we do. It doesn’t matter if it was an accident or mistake. It does’t even matter if we think this is all up to fate. Because regardless of destiny, we still have to answer for our actions. We make choices, big and small, every day of our lives, and those choices have consequences.

Relationships aren’t neat and clean. They’re ugly and messy, and they make almost no sense except to the two people in them. I think if you truly love someone, you accept the circumstances; you don’t hide behind them.

My Rating: 5/5 ♥♥♥♥♥