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A review by sincerelyadi
Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Forgive me if I jump around in this review, but I feel like Rowan’s professor would just want me to free write my thoughts out anyway.
Okay so I had to re-read Today, Tonight, Tomorrow before reading this. And every time I’m reminded I don’t need to do that because the author will summarize key points throughout the book around the previous book. Which I get why they do it, but kind of wish they didn’t. It’s a me thing, I know.
Is it also common for sequels to be dual point of view? Or just the last few I’v read. Either way I’m not mad about it. I think it was important to be able to understand Neil’s struggles through his lenses versus Rowan’s.
One thing that I loved continued from this first book is the little bits from text messages, to flyers, to Neil’s interesting but relatable search history and more. That’s why I would recommend not listening to the audio version of this because those bits make this book extra special. I love when authors do that (looking at you The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson)
This book was a lot heavier than the first book, but I appreciated that aspect. I think as you grow and head into college there are a lot of changes that are thrown at you all at once. I also appreciated how Rowan navigated Neil’s mental health, never once making it about her, but focusing on helping him as best as she could - while also dealing with her own struggles of perfectionism.
This book brought me back to college and also back to my long distance relationship with my now husband. I really appreciated that the book didn’t do the stereotypical long distance struggles of jealousy/trust. But the real focus of two people who love each other and want to make it work but are also growing and evolving and navigating all of those changes.
Neil’s dad is a piece of shit. I said what I said. But I’m glad he stayed that way, I don’t think Neil would have deserved the “I’ve changed.” And being forced to struggle with forgiving him and having him in his life. Especially with all the trauma he dealt with all that his dad put him through and have to struggle how
Rowan’s writing block struggle is so relatable in my career and I loved how her professor challenged her. How it’s okay to write shitty stuff. It’s important just to try. To not go for the perfection but wherever the words take you. That’s something I need to remember more often. Luckily for me I highlighted and tabbed that section.
For being a YA book there was a lot more intimate scenes but before the parents freak it. It was tastefully done and also realistic to where they are at in life and with being in a long distance relationship. Though I do see this book getting banned for those moments. Which do not even get me started, that’s not even the point of the book. But they do show emotional maturity and what a healthy relationship should look like.
All in all this was a lovely read, even with all of the heavy bits. I think, many people will be able to see parts of themselves in this book which I think will help them as they continue their journey in life. Because yes, it’s more than just a love story.
But regardless we do love a good love story with depth, especially when it’s tied with a nice little bow in the end. Which is why I loved that we got to see glimpses in the future, a nice way to close the book on these two beautiful characters.
Okay so I had to re-read Today, Tonight, Tomorrow before reading this. And every time I’m reminded I don’t need to do that because the author will summarize key points throughout the book around the previous book. Which I get why they do it, but kind of wish they didn’t. It’s a me thing, I know.
Is it also common for sequels to be dual point of view? Or just the last few I’v read. Either way I’m not mad about it. I think it was important to be able to understand Neil’s struggles through his lenses versus Rowan’s.
One thing that I loved continued from this first book is the little bits from text messages, to flyers, to Neil’s interesting but relatable search history and more. That’s why I would recommend not listening to the audio version of this because those bits make this book extra special. I love when authors do that (looking at you The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson)
This book was a lot heavier than the first book, but I appreciated that aspect. I think as you grow and head into college there are a lot of changes that are thrown at you all at once. I also appreciated how Rowan navigated Neil’s mental health, never once making it about her, but focusing on helping him as best as she could - while also dealing with her own struggles of perfectionism.
This book brought me back to college and also back to my long distance relationship with my now husband. I really appreciated that the book didn’t do the stereotypical long distance struggles of jealousy/trust. But the real focus of two people who love each other and want to make it work but are also growing and evolving and navigating all of those changes.
Neil’s dad is a piece of shit. I said what I said. But I’m glad he stayed that way, I don’t think Neil would have deserved the “I’ve changed.” And being forced to struggle with forgiving him and having him in his life. Especially with all the trauma he dealt with all that his dad put him through and have to struggle how
Rowan’s writing block struggle is so relatable in my career and I loved how her professor challenged her. How it’s okay to write shitty stuff. It’s important just to try. To not go for the perfection but wherever the words take you. That’s something I need to remember more often. Luckily for me I highlighted and tabbed that section.
For being a YA book there was a lot more intimate scenes but before the parents freak it. It was tastefully done and also realistic to where they are at in life and with being in a long distance relationship. Though I do see this book getting banned for those moments. Which do not even get me started, that’s not even the point of the book. But they do show emotional maturity and what a healthy relationship should look like.
All in all this was a lovely read, even with all of the heavy bits. I think, many people will be able to see parts of themselves in this book which I think will help them as they continue their journey in life. Because yes, it’s more than just a love story.
But regardless we do love a good love story with depth, especially when it’s tied with a nice little bow in the end. Which is why I loved that we got to see glimpses in the future, a nice way to close the book on these two beautiful characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Vomit