The psychology of time loops is not something I thought I’d be genuinely curious about going into 2023. I also didn’t expect for this YA romance (with a sci-fi edge) to tug open my heart as much as it did, but here I sit, with tabs about time loops open as I weep into a bowl M&M, Hershey Hug, Pretzel bites on a Monday night.
I was fortunate enough to snag a galley of If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch at YALLFest this year, and I’m so glad I did…even if it’s the cause of new research—and a healthy dose of feels.
If I See You Again Tomorrow follows Clark, a seventeen year old who has been stuck in September 19 for…well…over 300 days. Every morning, he wakes at 7:15 on the dot to a view of his (cursed, tbh) white nightstand, and every day ends at 11:16 no matter what. Clark can choose what he does with the hours in between 7:15am and 11:16pm, but without fail, as soon as the clock strikes 11:16 on Monday night, it’s suddenly 7:15 on Monday morning.
You can imagine how lonely it is, right? To be stuck in this endless loop, where no one believes you so eventually you stop trying to find your way out. Clark finally admits to his therapist (during the same therapy appointment he’s had for 300+ days) that he’s lonely, and her answer is…unexpected.
Even more unexpected is Beau, who becomes an anomaly on Day 310 of Clark’s otherwise monotonous September 19 existence.
What follows is a beautiful lesson in friendship, outreach, vulnerability, and courage. Robbie Couch is so incredibly talented at writing a story that will both captivate you and leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last word.
My only complaint is that I wish this story came with the recipe for Ben’s Blue Velvet Brownies, because I need to try them like, yesterday.
If I See You Again Tomorrow is available for preorder now here, and releases on April 18, 2023. I can’t wait to gush over this book with you.
Love and fistfuls of Splendid Cinemas popcorn,
Mandy
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review with my honest feedback. If you purchase a copy using my Amazon affiliate link above, I will receive a small commission from Amazon which I will use to justify my literary addictions and to spoil my dogs (probably).
