Opposite of Always

by Justin A Reynolds

Debut author Justin A. Reynolds delivers a hilarious and heartfelt novel about the choices we make, the people we choose, and the moments that make a life worth reliving. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and John Green.

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.

• ISBN10: 0062748386
• ISBN13: 9780062748386
• Publish Date: 7 April 2020 (first published 5 March 2019)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 480
• Language: English

Reviews

[jen20]

3.5 stars

[leahrosereads]

Holy heck! This was a fantastically well written story, and I loved the main character. Jack was a little more love sick than I remember being in high school, but it didn't take away from the story.

I loved all the characters here! And I appreciated that there's on page parents parenting.

I didn't know what this was about going in so gotta a little confused at a spoilery part but that, though not explained, made for a very interesting premise to a contemporary story.

[maggiefan]

I cried, smiled and laughed with this book. I don't know exactly what I like so much about it. Maybe it's the writing style, simple, relatable and funny. Maybe it's the characters, that are written so beautifully. Maybe it's the message of the story. I just love this book so much, I can't!!!

[Sam@WLABB]

What lengths would you go to, to save the ones you love? That was the challenge Jack accepted, over and over again, in Opposite of Always, and the results were always the same for me - laughter and tears.

This book had SO many strengths! I am just going to pinpoint some of my favorite things.

• Reynolds created a full cast of multidimensional characters, who I loved. Both Jack and Kate were stupendous, and I grew to care for them deeply, but he also gave us Jack's parents, and his best friends, Franny and Jillian too. Each of these characters were wonderful and integral to my enjoyment of this story.

• The time loop was done so well. These Groundhog Day style books seem to be popping up a lot lately, but this has been one of the most successful for me since I read Before I Fall. Reynolds used the time loop judiciously, and didn't allow the story to become repetitive. It never dragged or got old for me, and I kept looking forward to the seeing what adjustments he would make. I also loved the chapter entitled, "What Would Bill Murray Do?". Nice.

• Kate's illness was treated quite thoughtfully. I appreciated the genetic disease that was selected for her, because it's one you don't hear about enough. I also liked that she didn't suddenly become ill, but rather she had been dealing with it her whole life. It brought a different sort of feel to the story and point of view from Kate, then a sudden illness would.

• Can we just talk about my emotions? I was crying, I was laughing, I was "craughing" (crying + laughing). It was quite a roller coaster, and because we were in a time loop, I was forced to relive a lot of painful things over and over again. BUT, I also had the pleasure of watching Jack and Kate fall in love over and over again, and that made it worth each and every tear.

• Reynolds expertly navigated all the relationships in this book. Those between Jack and his parents, between Jack and his best friends, and between Jack and Kate were all done brilliantly. The love, the affection, the emotions were all communicated beautifully.

Given this stellar debut, I am looking forward reading more from Justin A. Reynolds. He gifted me with a lovely story about love, family, friendship, second chances, learning from your mistakes, as well as living in the moment, and it was perfection.

Bravo, Justin A. Reynolds!



*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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[Amber]

I received Opposite of Always as a review copy from NetGalley. Obviously, these are my honest thoughts and feelings about the book. I also posted this review on my book blog if you'd like to check it out!

Opposite of Always is a very hyped book, and I can see why. I read it back in February, and as someone who’s not normally a fan of romance and main characters who are all about their romantic relationships, I ended up really enjoying it.

What hooked me was the promise of a Groundhog Day time travel loop. Jack (Jack King… lol), our main character, is stuck in a loop to try to save his girlfriend from dying. I absolutely love books and movies about time travel and parallel universes, which is why I requested this one.

I have to admit, Jack’s relationship with Kate is kind of insta-lovey, but that can be forgiven because the more I saw of them, the better I felt about it. Their relationship developed a lot better than I thought it would at the beginning, and getting glimpses into it over and over again really helped.

What I liked most about Opposite of Always was the way Justin Reynolds handled the other relationships. The relationships that Jack had with his friends and his family were the best part. Reynolds really showed how important it is to include everyone in your life, and not to shut people out. These relationships are just as important as any other relationship if you’re surrounded by good people, and the book teaches appreciation and respect. I had a lot of time for that.

Opposite of Always is a fast paced ride, and I had a lot of fun reading it. It got a bit emotional, but it was definitely worth the tears.

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