Opposite of Always (Book Review)

Opposite of Always has been on my TBR for the longest time now. I even added it to my list of books I needed to get through in 2020. I’ve been meaning to get around to it and this ended up being the perfect time to do just that.

I listened to Opposite of Always on audiobook. I used the CloudLibrary app to borrow it from my library.

Goodreads Synopsis

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.

But then 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. 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 to save the people he loves.

Trigger Warnings: Death, Chronic illness

The Good

This story gave me the laugh I needed. The banter between Jack and Kate just kept tugging at my heart strings. I was rooting for them so hard.

The character development was wonderful! Each of the main characters is fully fleshed out. One of the things I loved most was how diverse the group was. Jack and Kate are Black, Jillian is Italian, and Franny is Puerto Rican. They didn’t fall into any stereotypical character traits and we really got to see them as individuals. It was also nice seeing their relationship with Jack and how they were each such important people for him.

We also get to see how their home lives are impacting them and how different their backgrounds are and I just love that. One character has a father who’s in prison and it’s really nice to see that represented in YA because I’m sure there are many readers that can relate to that. This book just has such great representation.

The plot was wild (in a good way) and the time travel reminded me of Kindred by Octavia E. Butler. It’s was interesting to see Jack relive these four months multiple times over.

The pacing was just *chefs kiss* It didn’t leave me feeling like the story was dragging or going too quickly. It had a nice balance.

The Not So Good

One of the time loops pissed me off but it was also high key necessary so I can’t even be mad. Iykyk

All in All

This was exactly the kind of book I needed to read right now. It had a nice mix of light hearted banter while also dealing with real issues like chronic illness and family problems. It balanced out really nicely while tugging at my heart strings the whole way through.

I can’t wait to read more of Justin A. Reynolds work. Early Departures is coming out later this year and it also sounds really good.

4.5/5 Stars

Have you read Opposite of Always?

What are your favorite time travel stories?

What should I check out next?

Let me know in the comments below, let’s chat!