A review by tkhz
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a woman who accidentally travels back in time on her 40th birthday to the day she turned 16. In an attempt to save her father from facing a crippling illness later in life, she desperately searches for the "right way" to re-live her 16th birthday.

I loved that this book 1. featured a non-extraordinary main character and 2. focused on the relationship between an adult daughter and her father. It was refreshing to see a narrator who isn't perfect, has a relatively average life, and still finds small things to appreciate in her everyday. It also explored a unique and wholesome relationship of a daughter and single father, and ultimately placed this relationship over any friendships or romantic relationships in the book. I could feel the emotions she was experiencing as she re-lived her life as her teenage self and was able to gain a new appreciation for all the moments she shared with her dad, especially in moments where she was initially blinded by teenage angst. Overall very well-written and emotional, and knowing that the book was based on the author's relationship with her father makes it even better.

I also really enjoyed that she chose not to stay in the "perfect" life about halfway through the book. The fact that she realized her father was still sick in her ideal reality and chose to continue to find a way to spend more time with him was a testament to the strength of their bond and their love for each other.
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