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Class of '98
"A fun read." -- Michelle @Book Briefs
"Witty and refreshing." -- E. Ross
"I love a good second chance novel!" --
"Would be a great movie!" -- Mandy
Jackie Dunn and Matt Stewart barely knew each other in high school, back when she was a blue-haired alterna-kid and he was a preppy jock. High school rules dictated they'd never hang out, or sit at the same lunch table, or God forbid, date.
But when a weird storm transports them from their ten-year reunion back to senior year, they have to work together to figure out a way to get back to 2008.
Stuck in high school, Jackie and Matt agree to tough it out. They agree to do everything exactly as they remember, even though that means staying with the boyfriend Jackie knows will betray her, or playing nice with the girl that will someday be Matt’s ex-wife. Soon, they come to rely on one other, even become friends.
Jackie’s just starting to get used to curfews and term papers again, when Matt hits her with the biggest surprise of he’s fallen in love with her. He’ll change the past however he has to if it means a future with Jackie. But Jackie’s terrified they’ll not only alter their lives, but the lives of everyone around them.
Class of '98 is Back to the Future meets She's All That!
"Witty and refreshing." -- E. Ross
"I love a good second chance novel!" --
"Would be a great movie!" -- Mandy
Jackie Dunn and Matt Stewart barely knew each other in high school, back when she was a blue-haired alterna-kid and he was a preppy jock. High school rules dictated they'd never hang out, or sit at the same lunch table, or God forbid, date.
But when a weird storm transports them from their ten-year reunion back to senior year, they have to work together to figure out a way to get back to 2008.
Stuck in high school, Jackie and Matt agree to tough it out. They agree to do everything exactly as they remember, even though that means staying with the boyfriend Jackie knows will betray her, or playing nice with the girl that will someday be Matt’s ex-wife. Soon, they come to rely on one other, even become friends.
Jackie’s just starting to get used to curfews and term papers again, when Matt hits her with the biggest surprise of he’s fallen in love with her. He’ll change the past however he has to if it means a future with Jackie. But Jackie’s terrified they’ll not only alter their lives, but the lives of everyone around them.
Class of '98 is Back to the Future meets She's All That!
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
3 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 22, 2014
I thought this was a darling storyline. Doesn't pretty much everyone wonder what it would be like if you could go back to the past and change things? Even one thing? This story had all the ingredients to make a terrific story, but I didn't like some of the content.
I loved how secure Jackie was with herself as a teenager. It seemed that she became more insecure as she grew older because of something that happened to her in high school. She looked like a rebel with her blue hair, but was a really good girl.
Matt was also pretty secure with himself and was such a good friend and support to Jackie, even when she tried pushing him away.
I hate it when I can't decide how to rate a book. I'm not a big fan of teenage "hooking up" and drinking; I know it happens, but it's just not something I approve of, nor is it something in my standards, and that's what makes it hard for me to rate. Technically, the one night stand was between two 28 year old people who had traveled back to their 18 year old lives, and it faded to black--no descriptions. Technically, the two main characters aren't underage drinkers, but everyone else at the parties are too young. But I really, really liked the storyline, the lessons learned, and the way it ended.
Content: moderate swearing; no violence; kissing, talk of hooking up, lots of drinking, talk of drug use, a fade-to-black one night stand. I would say it's still PG-13.
I loved how secure Jackie was with herself as a teenager. It seemed that she became more insecure as she grew older because of something that happened to her in high school. She looked like a rebel with her blue hair, but was a really good girl.
Matt was also pretty secure with himself and was such a good friend and support to Jackie, even when she tried pushing him away.
I hate it when I can't decide how to rate a book. I'm not a big fan of teenage "hooking up" and drinking; I know it happens, but it's just not something I approve of, nor is it something in my standards, and that's what makes it hard for me to rate. Technically, the one night stand was between two 28 year old people who had traveled back to their 18 year old lives, and it faded to black--no descriptions. Technically, the two main characters aren't underage drinkers, but everyone else at the parties are too young. But I really, really liked the storyline, the lessons learned, and the way it ended.
Content: moderate swearing; no violence; kissing, talk of hooking up, lots of drinking, talk of drug use, a fade-to-black one night stand. I would say it's still PG-13.
April 16, 2015
3.5!!
Ohhhh I really like the whole concept of this book but it failed to deliver on some aspects. And it kind of slowed down at the middle I almost DNFed it.
More to come!
Ohhhh I really like the whole concept of this book but it failed to deliver on some aspects. And it kind of slowed down at the middle I almost DNFed it.
More to come!
December 19, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour at Donnie Darko Girl.
If you had a chance to redo high school, would you do things differently? Class of '98 was a fun (and oftentimes stressful!) trip back in time to Jackie and Matt's senior year of high school where they get to answer that very question. At their ten year high school reunion, they are transported back to their homecoming dance senior year by a freak storm. They're the only ones who know the truth, and at first, they decide not to change anything.
While I was reading, I felt such a mixture of emotions with vivid memories assaulting me! At first, I felt so much pain I could hardly breathe, because I was reliving my own high school experience with them and the awkwardness of it all. A.L. Player captures the high school experience perfectly. Jackie is an "alterna-girl" while Matt is a popular jock. I identified with Jackie straightaway and while I wasn't crazy about her decisions, I was more like her in the sense of how I fit into the high school picture.
The book spans over six months. Jackie is determined not to change anything after the time travel movies she has seen and the basic "rules" discussed in those movies. She's so determined she becomes obsessed. When she talks about what they should do with Matt, she explains her reasoning for not changing anything, and he agrees. Soon, his twenty-eight-year-old mind can't cope with the teenagers surrounding him, and he begins living his life differently. At first, Jackie is furious, but then she relents and changes what she would have done, too.
Both of them know what happens to them in the future, and Jackie is so worried about what she knows is going to happen, she obsesses over it. Matt is right when he tells her she is so obsessed with the past and future that she can't live in the present. Jackie has AWESOME parents by the way. The kind of parent I want to be for my kids - where I give guidance when needed but also allow them to be who they are without judgement.
I loved the pop culture references and was looking forward to them. There was so much good music and so many good movies in the 90's! Plus I learned that the movie Clueless was based on the novel Emma. I swear I didn't know that, and if I did, then I had forgotten. When Jackie jumps into her best friend, Ali's, car and Garbage is blasting through the speakers, I wanted to cheer. Those were some good days (at times, lol).
Who wouldn't want to go back to a time where you have no responsibility except for homework and trying to stay out of trouble? Well, as Jackie and Matt learned, you're basically trading one set of headaches for another. But they also learned about love along the way with not only all of its messiness but also the way it can allow you to be fully accepted by the other person. I cheered for their romance all the way. I never really like Shane all that much, knowing how he hurts Jackie in the future.
Class of '98 made me think about what I would do if this happened to me. I'm in the class of '99, and so many times I've thought over the years how I'd like the chance to redo high school. There's so much I would change, but if I didn't have the knowledge that I do now, I wouldn't want to go back. Luckily, Jackie and Matt had a huge advantage - when they were transported back in time, they retained the knowledge they've gained over the last ten years plus knowing what was going to happen to them. It showed me how much growth people go through from high school to adulthood, and the way the choices you make have a ripple effect that get you to where you are today.
If you had a chance to redo high school, would you do things differently? Class of '98 was a fun (and oftentimes stressful!) trip back in time to Jackie and Matt's senior year of high school where they get to answer that very question. At their ten year high school reunion, they are transported back to their homecoming dance senior year by a freak storm. They're the only ones who know the truth, and at first, they decide not to change anything.
While I was reading, I felt such a mixture of emotions with vivid memories assaulting me! At first, I felt so much pain I could hardly breathe, because I was reliving my own high school experience with them and the awkwardness of it all. A.L. Player captures the high school experience perfectly. Jackie is an "alterna-girl" while Matt is a popular jock. I identified with Jackie straightaway and while I wasn't crazy about her decisions, I was more like her in the sense of how I fit into the high school picture.
The book spans over six months. Jackie is determined not to change anything after the time travel movies she has seen and the basic "rules" discussed in those movies. She's so determined she becomes obsessed. When she talks about what they should do with Matt, she explains her reasoning for not changing anything, and he agrees. Soon, his twenty-eight-year-old mind can't cope with the teenagers surrounding him, and he begins living his life differently. At first, Jackie is furious, but then she relents and changes what she would have done, too.
Both of them know what happens to them in the future, and Jackie is so worried about what she knows is going to happen, she obsesses over it. Matt is right when he tells her she is so obsessed with the past and future that she can't live in the present. Jackie has AWESOME parents by the way. The kind of parent I want to be for my kids - where I give guidance when needed but also allow them to be who they are without judgement.
I loved the pop culture references and was looking forward to them. There was so much good music and so many good movies in the 90's! Plus I learned that the movie Clueless was based on the novel Emma. I swear I didn't know that, and if I did, then I had forgotten. When Jackie jumps into her best friend, Ali's, car and Garbage is blasting through the speakers, I wanted to cheer. Those were some good days (at times, lol).
Who wouldn't want to go back to a time where you have no responsibility except for homework and trying to stay out of trouble? Well, as Jackie and Matt learned, you're basically trading one set of headaches for another. But they also learned about love along the way with not only all of its messiness but also the way it can allow you to be fully accepted by the other person. I cheered for their romance all the way. I never really like Shane all that much, knowing how he hurts Jackie in the future.
Class of '98 made me think about what I would do if this happened to me. I'm in the class of '99, and so many times I've thought over the years how I'd like the chance to redo high school. There's so much I would change, but if I didn't have the knowledge that I do now, I wouldn't want to go back. Luckily, Jackie and Matt had a huge advantage - when they were transported back in time, they retained the knowledge they've gained over the last ten years plus knowing what was going to happen to them. It showed me how much growth people go through from high school to adulthood, and the way the choices you make have a ripple effect that get you to where you are today.
December 16, 2013
Will they get it right this time, or waste a second chance to fall in love...
This was supposed to be the day when Jackie finally gets that promotion at work. With $7 coffee in her hand she finds out that someone else gets the job that she worked so hard for. Oh and at the same time she spills that $7 coffee on herself. And finds out that it’s her high school reunion where she needs to revisit her days of blue hair and heartbreak.
When Jackie arrives to the reunion, she greets Matt Stewart who was always nice but never was in the same circle of people. When they step out of the room, they suddenly open the doors to 1998 – their last year in high school. Not knowing what to do, they will have each other to rely on and try to figure out if this is the second chance they wanted. For Jackie – find happiness and not have to go through breakup and her best friend’s betrayal and for Matt – making a mistake of marrying his highschool girlfriend only to find himself divorced few years later.
With light and humorous writing, Class Of ‘98 was very enjoyable read. Although the story did not stuck up to me as something special, I did enjoy reading about Jackie and Matt’s friendship and how it grew into something more. Definitely did not expect to like this one as much as I did but I’m really glad I read it.
This was supposed to be the day when Jackie finally gets that promotion at work. With $7 coffee in her hand she finds out that someone else gets the job that she worked so hard for. Oh and at the same time she spills that $7 coffee on herself. And finds out that it’s her high school reunion where she needs to revisit her days of blue hair and heartbreak.
When Jackie arrives to the reunion, she greets Matt Stewart who was always nice but never was in the same circle of people. When they step out of the room, they suddenly open the doors to 1998 – their last year in high school. Not knowing what to do, they will have each other to rely on and try to figure out if this is the second chance they wanted. For Jackie – find happiness and not have to go through breakup and her best friend’s betrayal and for Matt – making a mistake of marrying his highschool girlfriend only to find himself divorced few years later.
…………………………………………………………………………
With light and humorous writing, Class Of ‘98 was very enjoyable read. Although the story did not stuck up to me as something special, I did enjoy reading about Jackie and Matt’s friendship and how it grew into something more. Definitely did not expect to like this one as much as I did but I’m really glad I read it.
September 6, 2013
Ahhhhh, I cannot WAIT for this book to come out. It sounds awesome! Viva la 1990s!!!
Want to read
December 19, 2013Hey! I graduated in '98!!
October 27, 2015
It’s not the end of the world to get hurt. I don’t regret it, because for a moment I had a chance at being with someone I really care about, and I know I did everything I could to make that happen
There were some interesting ideas in this book and I appreciated the fact that the romance wasn’t too mushy and sentimental.
To me, the story focused a lot more on family and friendship, which is a subject matter you have to admit is often discarded in most contemporary lit. And this is coming from someone, who loves romance. But in Jackie and Matt’s particular case, I’ll also say that I wasn’t sold about them being lovebirds. I only warmed up to it after having already read 70% of the book. I know that since these two get into a situation that is totally out of their control, they have no choice but to stick it out together, so while in the 1998 period they remember they didn’t seem to have much in common, now that they are thrust into the 90s again, they are each other’s only allies.
Consequently, they of course spend more time together than what is acceptable to their mutual friends and then fall in love in the process. I guess. Why the cynicism, you ask ? Well, I don’t know if it was because of how the story was written (there was nothing wrong with the writing per say) but it was sort of…disjoined? I mean I felt very detached from both of the protagonists’ feelings; I cared about their well-being and sure, I liked Matt more than and he really was the epitome of goodness, which I loved because I’m #TeamNiceguy. Always. But the chemistry between him and Jackie was lacking. I never understood why he liked Jackie so much. He told us a dozen times but I never felt it. I think their story was one of the few instances where, as much as it’s kind of unbelievable for me to say this because I’m usually dead set against it, it would have benefited from having a dual POV, from both the guy and the girl.
In short, I really enjoyed the idea and premise of this book; the execution however, left to be desired in some parts and I wish it had showed more entertainment and humor.
There were some interesting ideas in this book and I appreciated the fact that the romance wasn’t too mushy and sentimental.
To me, the story focused a lot more on family and friendship, which is a subject matter you have to admit is often discarded in most contemporary lit. And this is coming from someone, who loves romance. But in Jackie and Matt’s particular case, I’ll also say that I wasn’t sold about them being lovebirds. I only warmed up to it after having already read 70% of the book. I know that since these two get into a situation that is totally out of their control, they have no choice but to stick it out together, so while in the 1998 period they remember they didn’t seem to have much in common, now that they are thrust into the 90s again, they are each other’s only allies.
Consequently, they of course spend more time together than what is acceptable to their mutual friends and then fall in love in the process. I guess. Why the cynicism, you ask ? Well, I don’t know if it was because of how the story was written (there was nothing wrong with the writing per say) but it was sort of…disjoined? I mean I felt very detached from both of the protagonists’ feelings; I cared about their well-being and sure, I liked Matt more than and he really was the epitome of goodness, which I loved because I’m #TeamNiceguy. Always. But the chemistry between him and Jackie was lacking. I never understood why he liked Jackie so much. He told us a dozen times but I never felt it. I think their story was one of the few instances where, as much as it’s kind of unbelievable for me to say this because I’m usually dead set against it, it would have benefited from having a dual POV, from both the guy and the girl.
In short, I really enjoyed the idea and premise of this book; the execution however, left to be desired in some parts and I wish it had showed more entertainment and humor.
June 21, 2014
I LOVED this book! Such an original idea and executed so well, even though sometimes I wanted to grab the main character, Jackie, and shake her!!!! I would love to see this as a movie. I can't rave about it enough!!!
July 28, 2019
3.5 stars
December 19, 2013
We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:
Class of '98 by A.L. Player
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Review:
Class of '98 was a fun, romantic and lovely story. I really liked the idea of take a trip back in time, re-living your senior year and figuring out if you would do exactly the same and if you would made the same decisions you once did.
A. L. Player didn't forget to put a hilarious touch to this time travel story. Mostly when the two main characters are together and trying to figure out what happened or trying to get back to 2008. Specially, in the first chapters, there's a moment when they arrive to 1997 that everything changes and they don't really know what happened that the very first logical explanation that both of them come up with is that they are both in a coma? A shared coma? I couldn't stop laughing. And I have to thank Ms. Player for that because sometimes is really hard to get a smile from us, readers, and she did a wonderful job.
“What’s going on?” she asked. Jackie glanced at the sky, where the stars twinkled. “There was a storm. Did we get hit by lightning?”
“Do you think I’m in a coma?” Matt asked in a daze.
“If you are, I’m there, too,” Jackie said.
“Or maybe we’re dead,” he said.
Jackie walked over to him and grabbed his wrist. “You have a pulse. So you’re not
dead.” She checked her own wrist. “Neither am I. Maybe it is a coma. But why are we together?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “This is my first coma.”
“Now is really not the time for jokes,” she said.
I love second chances in life. Why not? If you would be in Jackie and Matt's situation would you try to do things differently? Better? The author goes through that moral thinking when the main character, Jackie, tries to do what she thinks is the right thing in order to not change anything from the future they know or doing what her mind, her heart and her new grown-up personality tells her is right.
Jackie, to me, represented what I always wanted to be in High School. A girl secure with herself and who didn't matter what others think about her. She was different and she wanted to show it. She had blue hair and had a unique personality that always made her be the easy target for the popular and mean crowd. So, yeah, I admire her and thought she was a real, brave girl.
Matt was simply adorable. He is sweet, charming and cute. He was in the popular crowd in 1997 and he was a jock, but not the stereotypical kind of jock. He kept wondering how could've never been smart enough to talk to the cute girl with the blue hair and it made my heart beat faster. Girls, he's beyond sweet. Every time he spoke throughout the story was my very favorite part, 'cause I knew he would say something to Jackie that would make me fall for him a little bit more.
And when Jackie didn't want to do anything about her feelings for Matt to not cause a butterfly effect in the future? It made me want to slap Jackie (Sorry, Jackie).
I don't know you guys, but I loved this book 'cause I'd love a second chance sometimes. And Jackie and Matt get that second chance when they go back to their senior year. They see how things can be different and what they are missing in live by not talking to a best friend or not giving love a second chance. It also reminded me to "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol" but with a different touch that only A. L. Player could give to Jackie & Matt's adventure.
This was an amazing, funny and sweet story that cheered my "Christmas" spirit and also my romantic side, specially the one open to second chances. I had a great time reading A. L. Player's story and I can only recommend it to you, Book Addicts, 'cause I know you'll enjoyed it, too!
Class of '98 by A.L. Player
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Review:
Class of '98 was a fun, romantic and lovely story. I really liked the idea of take a trip back in time, re-living your senior year and figuring out if you would do exactly the same and if you would made the same decisions you once did.
A. L. Player didn't forget to put a hilarious touch to this time travel story. Mostly when the two main characters are together and trying to figure out what happened or trying to get back to 2008. Specially, in the first chapters, there's a moment when they arrive to 1997 that everything changes and they don't really know what happened that the very first logical explanation that both of them come up with is that they are both in a coma? A shared coma? I couldn't stop laughing. And I have to thank Ms. Player for that because sometimes is really hard to get a smile from us, readers, and she did a wonderful job.
“What’s going on?” she asked. Jackie glanced at the sky, where the stars twinkled. “There was a storm. Did we get hit by lightning?”
“Do you think I’m in a coma?” Matt asked in a daze.
“If you are, I’m there, too,” Jackie said.
“Or maybe we’re dead,” he said.
Jackie walked over to him and grabbed his wrist. “You have a pulse. So you’re not
dead.” She checked her own wrist. “Neither am I. Maybe it is a coma. But why are we together?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “This is my first coma.”
“Now is really not the time for jokes,” she said.
I love second chances in life. Why not? If you would be in Jackie and Matt's situation would you try to do things differently? Better? The author goes through that moral thinking when the main character, Jackie, tries to do what she thinks is the right thing in order to not change anything from the future they know or doing what her mind, her heart and her new grown-up personality tells her is right.
Jackie, to me, represented what I always wanted to be in High School. A girl secure with herself and who didn't matter what others think about her. She was different and she wanted to show it. She had blue hair and had a unique personality that always made her be the easy target for the popular and mean crowd. So, yeah, I admire her and thought she was a real, brave girl.
Matt was simply adorable. He is sweet, charming and cute. He was in the popular crowd in 1997 and he was a jock, but not the stereotypical kind of jock. He kept wondering how could've never been smart enough to talk to the cute girl with the blue hair and it made my heart beat faster. Girls, he's beyond sweet. Every time he spoke throughout the story was my very favorite part, 'cause I knew he would say something to Jackie that would make me fall for him a little bit more.
And when Jackie didn't want to do anything about her feelings for Matt to not cause a butterfly effect in the future? It made me want to slap Jackie (Sorry, Jackie).
I don't know you guys, but I loved this book 'cause I'd love a second chance sometimes. And Jackie and Matt get that second chance when they go back to their senior year. They see how things can be different and what they are missing in live by not talking to a best friend or not giving love a second chance. It also reminded me to "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol" but with a different touch that only A. L. Player could give to Jackie & Matt's adventure.
This was an amazing, funny and sweet story that cheered my "Christmas" spirit and also my romantic side, specially the one open to second chances. I had a great time reading A. L. Player's story and I can only recommend it to you, Book Addicts, 'cause I know you'll enjoyed it, too!
December 21, 2013
Review: 3 1/2 Stars
I will say this about A.L. Player: she knows how to capture the feelings of 20-somethings when they are reflecting back on their high school years. Seriously… I was reflecting back on some of the “major crises” that dominated my high school life, and, I just want to cringe and go back in time and slap all of them (including my past self). But, I’m not saying that Jackie and Matt did that in CLASS OF 98. In fact, they handled the whole time travel thing a lot better than I would have.
First, her male characters! I don’t know why but when it comes to YA books, a lot of people like to write their male protagonists as “beautiful” instead of actually describing their physical features (in short, the lazy route). However, the thing I really liked is how A.L. Player doesn’t really do that. I think it’s better this way because, like in real life, you fall for the character themselves and not the “beautiful” face.
The description she gave when it came to Matt seemed pretty generic. I mean, it didn’t strike a “oh my God, she just described an angel” chord, but she made me crush on Matt through his actions and words throughout the entire book….I think she pretty much confirmed for me that I need a boyfriend my age whose mentality is about ten years older than his physical age…
Another is Jackie’s current/ex bf in high school (how am I supposed to label this!). I mean, while reading, I got that he’s a good kid and I’m sure that he was an excellent boyfriend by high school standards, I could definitely see him as immature and a little entitled through 20-something-in-teenage Jackie’s eyes.
However, I thought she didn’t do that good of a job with the female characters, especially Jackie. I understood her concern about not wanting to mess up the timeline at all and I thought that she was going to be this amazing mature protagonist, but, at times, it was easy to forget that she was an adult in a teenager’s body. Some of the issues that she concerned herself with throughout her book was kind of petty and, while they might have been monumental for a high schooler, they shouldn’t have been that big of a concern for mature Jackie.
But, the overall pacing of the character growth was amazing! You could definitely see the shift when Matt starts to care for Jackie and vice-versa and you can definitely see the shift where they mature even more because of their unfortunante circumstances.
The plot pace itself was a little wobbly though. To be honest, I was expecting a little more effort from them in figuring out how to return home, but they pretty much stopped like halfway throughout the book. Even worse, I didn’t know if they stopped because they pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that they were never getting back home or if they stopped because it was a part of their plan .They just stopped.
And, to make things even more worse, the way they returned home was very anti-climatic. Like, I was expecting something a little bit more but it ended up more-or-less like how they ended up in the past.
But, I would have to say that I really liked the ending. I originally thought the ending was going to be bad because of the way Matt and Jackie parted back in their HS bodies. And, when they arrived back at the reunion, nothing really changed at all. The stuff that they did in the past didn’t cross over into their original timeline and Matt and Jackie parted with animosity that they carried over. Then, to make it seem like she was rubbing salt on my disappointment, there was a cookie-cutter, Disney-esque reunion of the two friends at the reunion which led to a wedding invitation…..
Which led to the happy ending that I originally wanted but, this way, was much better and more satisfying. Because of this ending, A.L. Player illustrated that even though people may not ever get a second chance at a do-over, it doesn’t mean that it’s too late.
Originally posted at http://reader.christiney.com
I will say this about A.L. Player: she knows how to capture the feelings of 20-somethings when they are reflecting back on their high school years. Seriously… I was reflecting back on some of the “major crises” that dominated my high school life, and, I just want to cringe and go back in time and slap all of them (including my past self). But, I’m not saying that Jackie and Matt did that in CLASS OF 98. In fact, they handled the whole time travel thing a lot better than I would have.
First, her male characters! I don’t know why but when it comes to YA books, a lot of people like to write their male protagonists as “beautiful” instead of actually describing their physical features (in short, the lazy route). However, the thing I really liked is how A.L. Player doesn’t really do that. I think it’s better this way because, like in real life, you fall for the character themselves and not the “beautiful” face.
The description she gave when it came to Matt seemed pretty generic. I mean, it didn’t strike a “oh my God, she just described an angel” chord, but she made me crush on Matt through his actions and words throughout the entire book….I think she pretty much confirmed for me that I need a boyfriend my age whose mentality is about ten years older than his physical age…
Another is Jackie’s current/ex bf in high school (how am I supposed to label this!). I mean, while reading, I got that he’s a good kid and I’m sure that he was an excellent boyfriend by high school standards, I could definitely see him as immature and a little entitled through 20-something-in-teenage Jackie’s eyes.
However, I thought she didn’t do that good of a job with the female characters, especially Jackie. I understood her concern about not wanting to mess up the timeline at all and I thought that she was going to be this amazing mature protagonist, but, at times, it was easy to forget that she was an adult in a teenager’s body. Some of the issues that she concerned herself with throughout her book was kind of petty and, while they might have been monumental for a high schooler, they shouldn’t have been that big of a concern for mature Jackie.
But, the overall pacing of the character growth was amazing! You could definitely see the shift when Matt starts to care for Jackie and vice-versa and you can definitely see the shift where they mature even more because of their unfortunante circumstances.
The plot pace itself was a little wobbly though. To be honest, I was expecting a little more effort from them in figuring out how to return home, but they pretty much stopped like halfway throughout the book. Even worse, I didn’t know if they stopped because they pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that they were never getting back home or if they stopped because it was a part of their plan .They just stopped.
And, to make things even more worse, the way they returned home was very anti-climatic. Like, I was expecting something a little bit more but it ended up more-or-less like how they ended up in the past.
But, I would have to say that I really liked the ending. I originally thought the ending was going to be bad because of the way Matt and Jackie parted back in their HS bodies. And, when they arrived back at the reunion, nothing really changed at all. The stuff that they did in the past didn’t cross over into their original timeline and Matt and Jackie parted with animosity that they carried over. Then, to make it seem like she was rubbing salt on my disappointment, there was a cookie-cutter, Disney-esque reunion of the two friends at the reunion which led to a wedding invitation…..
Which led to the happy ending that I originally wanted but, this way, was much better and more satisfying. Because of this ending, A.L. Player illustrated that even though people may not ever get a second chance at a do-over, it doesn’t mean that it’s too late.
Originally posted at http://reader.christiney.com
December 10, 2013
Find this review and more at
kimberlyfaye reads
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A.L. Player's Class of '98 was a delightfully fun escape. Being Class of '97 myself, I was extremely excited about the idea behind this book. For one, I was excited to take a trip back in time to see if it felt authentic. And two, who hasn't thought – even for a minute or two – about what it would be like to go back to high school, knowing what you know now? I loved living vicariously through Jackie as she did just that.
I love a good second chance novel. Where this one deviates from most is that the two characters who wind up getting a second chance, never truly had a first. Jackie and Matt weren't friends in high school. Jackie was in the alternative crowd; Matt was a jock. Jackie was dating a guy who eventually cheats on her with her best friend (bad behavior all around) and Matt is half of the most popular couple in school. He girlfriend (and future ex-wife) is a nasty, nasty piece of work. Hence the divorce and all. When Jackie and Matt connect at their ten year class reunion, there's a bit of chemistry and an unexpected turn drops them right back into 1997. Their connection from 2008 carries back to the past with them, and despite the fact they weren't friends in the original 1997, they have a difficult time staying away from each other in the do-over. They naturally gravitate towards each other as friends first and then things begin to get complicated.
Jackie was a great protagonist. She was relatable. I admired her strength in present day and liked her spunk in the past. We didn't know much about present-day Matt before we were flung back to 1997, but I found past Matt charming and absolutely adorable. He wasn't your stereotypical jock. I enjoyed every minute of their time in both 1997 and 2008. Their connection felt very real and believable. They were both so darned likable that I just couldn't help but root for them to fix the mistakes of the past and have a better future together.
Class of '98 was unique and well-written. I shy away from time travel books because I typically find them confusing and hard to follow. That wasn't the case with this book. I had no problem following the story – and more than that – being completely sucked in. I liked that both Jackie and Matt not only knew what was happening to them, but they took their memories, experiences and personalities with them back to 1997. The slang, dialogue and setting was authentic. It felt like I was back in 1997. I found it interesting to see how, while they were trying *not* to change anything that happened in the past for fear of what it would do to the present (butterfly effect and all), small changes happened regardless. Then larger changes happened. Their life experiences definitely changed who they were – and how they behaved – in 1997 the second time around.
This was just an all-around fun book. I devoured it in one sitting and it left me with a huge, goofy smile on my face.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A.L. Player's Class of '98 was a delightfully fun escape. Being Class of '97 myself, I was extremely excited about the idea behind this book. For one, I was excited to take a trip back in time to see if it felt authentic. And two, who hasn't thought – even for a minute or two – about what it would be like to go back to high school, knowing what you know now? I loved living vicariously through Jackie as she did just that.
I love a good second chance novel. Where this one deviates from most is that the two characters who wind up getting a second chance, never truly had a first. Jackie and Matt weren't friends in high school. Jackie was in the alternative crowd; Matt was a jock. Jackie was dating a guy who eventually cheats on her with her best friend (bad behavior all around) and Matt is half of the most popular couple in school. He girlfriend (and future ex-wife) is a nasty, nasty piece of work. Hence the divorce and all. When Jackie and Matt connect at their ten year class reunion, there's a bit of chemistry and an unexpected turn drops them right back into 1997. Their connection from 2008 carries back to the past with them, and despite the fact they weren't friends in the original 1997, they have a difficult time staying away from each other in the do-over. They naturally gravitate towards each other as friends first and then things begin to get complicated.
Jackie was a great protagonist. She was relatable. I admired her strength in present day and liked her spunk in the past. We didn't know much about present-day Matt before we were flung back to 1997, but I found past Matt charming and absolutely adorable. He wasn't your stereotypical jock. I enjoyed every minute of their time in both 1997 and 2008. Their connection felt very real and believable. They were both so darned likable that I just couldn't help but root for them to fix the mistakes of the past and have a better future together.
Class of '98 was unique and well-written. I shy away from time travel books because I typically find them confusing and hard to follow. That wasn't the case with this book. I had no problem following the story – and more than that – being completely sucked in. I liked that both Jackie and Matt not only knew what was happening to them, but they took their memories, experiences and personalities with them back to 1997. The slang, dialogue and setting was authentic. It felt like I was back in 1997. I found it interesting to see how, while they were trying *not* to change anything that happened in the past for fear of what it would do to the present (butterfly effect and all), small changes happened regardless. Then larger changes happened. Their life experiences definitely changed who they were – and how they behaved – in 1997 the second time around.
This was just an all-around fun book. I devoured it in one sitting and it left me with a huge, goofy smile on my face.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2014
3.5/5 stars
When I first saw the gals at YA Bound send out this tour invite, I had to join up. Who doesn't love a good blast from the past story? This was the time I was in high school, or almost in high school anyway, so I loved reading and actually getting the pop culture references that A.L. included. Now, I am at the point in my life Jackie and Matt are- my 10 year reunion was this year- so I could relate to this story on both spectrums.
I felt for Jackie. She and I are very similar to one another. Her present is filled with work, she's unmarried, and really didn't want to go to her high school reunion. She had been deeply hurt by her ex-boyfriend and best friend, and she definitely doesn't want to have a run in with either of them. Overall, I liked Jackie, but I thought she was a little too obsessive at times during the novel. I get that she was afraid of changing the past and interrupting the future, but by doing so, she came really close to jeopardizing something really great.
Jackie ends up running into Matt at their high school reunion and while they are cordial to one another, they are really just acquaintances. They didn't run in the same social circles while in HS, even though she always thought he was nice and he always thought she was cool. Matt is not entirely happy with his present either. He is recently divorced and that really bothers him. When this freak storm hits and the two are transported back in time to their senior year, he isn't all that upset over it. Both of them stated that there are things they would change if they could- but never ever guessed they would maybe have a chance to do it!
This book reminded me a little bit of the movie 17 Again with Zac Efron. Matt and Jackie are back in their high school bodies, but still remain 28 mentally. As I said, Jackie is obsessed with keeping things the same for fear of changing the present. However, that is really easier said than done. Both of them are miserable trying to pretend to be their former selves. Matt doesn't want to play by the rules- he'd much rather ditch his HS girlfriend Christy and spend time with Jackie. I really felt for the guy because Jackie would keep throwing it in his face that they don't hang out, that it would be weird to be seen together, etc. Matt doesn't care though- he likes Jackie and likes spending time with her. So when she tells him they can't hang out, he is really hurt by this.
I liked watching Matt with Jackie. He is really sweet and cute and I wanted to shake her so much throughout the book. I was like GIRL! Hot guy is into you! GO AFTER THAT! He's nice, sweet, fun, and you enjoy being with him! However, there's only so much rejection a guy can take. Jackie constantly pushing Matt away when he shows his feelings to her, is not bound to have good results...
Overall, this was a really cute read about two people who, with the knowledge they have now, have the opportunity to go back and maybe not necessarily change the past, but create a better future and come back with more wisdom and understanding than they did back when.
*Received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
When I first saw the gals at YA Bound send out this tour invite, I had to join up. Who doesn't love a good blast from the past story? This was the time I was in high school, or almost in high school anyway, so I loved reading and actually getting the pop culture references that A.L. included. Now, I am at the point in my life Jackie and Matt are- my 10 year reunion was this year- so I could relate to this story on both spectrums.
I felt for Jackie. She and I are very similar to one another. Her present is filled with work, she's unmarried, and really didn't want to go to her high school reunion. She had been deeply hurt by her ex-boyfriend and best friend, and she definitely doesn't want to have a run in with either of them. Overall, I liked Jackie, but I thought she was a little too obsessive at times during the novel. I get that she was afraid of changing the past and interrupting the future, but by doing so, she came really close to jeopardizing something really great.
Jackie ends up running into Matt at their high school reunion and while they are cordial to one another, they are really just acquaintances. They didn't run in the same social circles while in HS, even though she always thought he was nice and he always thought she was cool. Matt is not entirely happy with his present either. He is recently divorced and that really bothers him. When this freak storm hits and the two are transported back in time to their senior year, he isn't all that upset over it. Both of them stated that there are things they would change if they could- but never ever guessed they would maybe have a chance to do it!
This book reminded me a little bit of the movie 17 Again with Zac Efron. Matt and Jackie are back in their high school bodies, but still remain 28 mentally. As I said, Jackie is obsessed with keeping things the same for fear of changing the present. However, that is really easier said than done. Both of them are miserable trying to pretend to be their former selves. Matt doesn't want to play by the rules- he'd much rather ditch his HS girlfriend Christy and spend time with Jackie. I really felt for the guy because Jackie would keep throwing it in his face that they don't hang out, that it would be weird to be seen together, etc. Matt doesn't care though- he likes Jackie and likes spending time with her. So when she tells him they can't hang out, he is really hurt by this.
I liked watching Matt with Jackie. He is really sweet and cute and I wanted to shake her so much throughout the book. I was like GIRL! Hot guy is into you! GO AFTER THAT! He's nice, sweet, fun, and you enjoy being with him! However, there's only so much rejection a guy can take. Jackie constantly pushing Matt away when he shows his feelings to her, is not bound to have good results...
Overall, this was a really cute read about two people who, with the knowledge they have now, have the opportunity to go back and maybe not necessarily change the past, but create a better future and come back with more wisdom and understanding than they did back when.
*Received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
December 13, 2013
Class of '98 is a contemporary book that has an element of time travel in it. In this case, two adults get transported back to their senior year when a storm hits them during their ten-year reunion.
The story begins with the author showing us how Jackie is like as an adult. She's constantly working and she barely has a social life. Things don't turn out good for Jackie right at the start of the book. Spending time at the ten-year reunion was not how she wanted to spend the rest of the day, but she decided to do so to escape her friend's idea of a blind date.
At the reunion, she happened to bump into Matthew Stewart and they started a conversation. All of a sudden, there was a huge storm and Jackie wakes up to blue hair and not blonde. Senior year Jackie had blue hair.
I really liked the plot. I thought it was really unique. I've never read a time travel book before because I tend to shy away from those kind of books. But I have to say that this definitely opened up my mind and I wouldn't mind reading more time travel books.
This was also a pretty easy read. It isn't long so you'll fly through it. I read this in one sitting. I did not stop. At all. Well, maybe for toilet breaks and those kind of important stuffs.
As for characters, I had a pretty hard time dealing with them. I have a love and hate relationship with Jackie. She's a nice and fun character to read and her interactions with Matt were so fun to read. But, I really disliked it when she was being selfish and lying to people around her. It doesn't sit right with me. I felt really bad for Matt. But then again, I do understand her reasons for doing so. It fits her character. I wouldn't have expected her to do something else. It was real. I did enjoy the character development. It was nice to see her stop being so afraid anymore and to face life straight on.
I don't quite have a problem with the other characters. I liked them especially Matt and Jackie's parents. They're so sweet and understanding. I enjoyed getting to know them.
All in all, this was a pretty enjoyable read. It was great. Sure, there were problems here and there. But I think this book teaches you a pretty important lesson. Life is always unexpected. You'll never know when the good and bad is going to come. But that doesn't mean you should be afraid. We all have one life to live. We should waste our time being scared of what is to come or what will happen. We should all enjoy ourselves to the fullest and appreciate every single day.
So yes, I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking out for books by this author.
Originally posted on Met In Eleven
The story begins with the author showing us how Jackie is like as an adult. She's constantly working and she barely has a social life. Things don't turn out good for Jackie right at the start of the book. Spending time at the ten-year reunion was not how she wanted to spend the rest of the day, but she decided to do so to escape her friend's idea of a blind date.
At the reunion, she happened to bump into Matthew Stewart and they started a conversation. All of a sudden, there was a huge storm and Jackie wakes up to blue hair and not blonde. Senior year Jackie had blue hair.
I really liked the plot. I thought it was really unique. I've never read a time travel book before because I tend to shy away from those kind of books. But I have to say that this definitely opened up my mind and I wouldn't mind reading more time travel books.
This was also a pretty easy read. It isn't long so you'll fly through it. I read this in one sitting. I did not stop. At all. Well, maybe for toilet breaks and those kind of important stuffs.
As for characters, I had a pretty hard time dealing with them. I have a love and hate relationship with Jackie. She's a nice and fun character to read and her interactions with Matt were so fun to read. But, I really disliked it when she was being selfish and lying to people around her. It doesn't sit right with me. I felt really bad for Matt. But then again, I do understand her reasons for doing so. It fits her character. I wouldn't have expected her to do something else. It was real. I did enjoy the character development. It was nice to see her stop being so afraid anymore and to face life straight on.
I don't quite have a problem with the other characters. I liked them especially Matt and Jackie's parents. They're so sweet and understanding. I enjoyed getting to know them.
All in all, this was a pretty enjoyable read. It was great. Sure, there were problems here and there. But I think this book teaches you a pretty important lesson. Life is always unexpected. You'll never know when the good and bad is going to come. But that doesn't mean you should be afraid. We all have one life to live. We should waste our time being scared of what is to come or what will happen. We should all enjoy ourselves to the fullest and appreciate every single day.
So yes, I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking out for books by this author.
Originally posted on Met In Eleven
December 21, 2013
See full review here
I finished this book in two days. I could not put it down, but I had other stuff to do, so I kind of had to. But that means nothing. I really enjoyed this book. I have a thing for sci-fi, especially of the time traveling sort. Being thrown back into the 90's? That was really amazing. I recently read The Future of Us which took place at about the same time, so I had a feel for it. I didn't grow up in the 90's or anything, but I really wish I did. There was a comment in this book that they had the best music. I must say, I love 90's bands. Pearl Jam. Nirvana. Counting Crows. There was a scene where "Mr. Jones" was playing and they were singing along. I flipped.
Characters
I cannot help it.
Jackie pissed me off. I genuinely like her overall. I totally get where she's coming from. But STILL. She does not need to be so mean, especially to Matt. Who is amazing. Now, he is NOT perfect either. Cute, sweet, whatever, yes. But perfect? Nah. He annoyed me at times, too. It was mostly Jackie's fault.
But anyways.
Jackie was definitely interesting. I found her to be relatable. Her fears were normal. Her attitude admirable and amusing at times. Yes, she was mean. Incredibly so. Her good intentions do not atone for it, in my opinion. But still, understandable.
Matt really was great. Good book boyfriend. I feel like I need some of that sometimes, haha. And he really fit the bill. He's funny and I love the banter in the book. I found myself laughing out loud, which weirded out some of the people around me. I could just tell.
Plot
Time travel. I mean, that explains a lot in itself. But I was a little disappointed by this one. Usually time traveling affects the future BIG TIME. You know? Back to the Future stuff?
This did, but not like Back to the Future at all. Which is sadly what I had been hoping for.
It was still good, though, trust me. It was a nice blend of sci-fi and realistic fiction (does this count as contemporary? Aha.). It has the romance, but it has a lot of other stuff, too. It deals with friends and family, growing up, the future (haha). It was a nice read and I did enjoy it. Cliffhanger ending, but I think it's obvious where it's going. So I'm hoping for the best!
The characters caught my attention and the plot kept me interested. Good pacing, interesting scenes, LOVE the references to movies and music.
Real Rating: 3.5 stars
Why: I really liked it. Not life-changing, but very enjoyable
Recommendation: people who like time traveling, this is worth a read. Also those who like contemporary with a bit of romance.
I finished this book in two days. I could not put it down, but I had other stuff to do, so I kind of had to. But that means nothing. I really enjoyed this book. I have a thing for sci-fi, especially of the time traveling sort. Being thrown back into the 90's? That was really amazing. I recently read The Future of Us which took place at about the same time, so I had a feel for it. I didn't grow up in the 90's or anything, but I really wish I did. There was a comment in this book that they had the best music. I must say, I love 90's bands. Pearl Jam. Nirvana. Counting Crows. There was a scene where "Mr. Jones" was playing and they were singing along. I flipped.
Characters
I cannot help it.
Jackie pissed me off. I genuinely like her overall. I totally get where she's coming from. But STILL. She does not need to be so mean, especially to Matt. Who is amazing. Now, he is NOT perfect either. Cute, sweet, whatever, yes. But perfect? Nah. He annoyed me at times, too. It was mostly Jackie's fault.
But anyways.
Jackie was definitely interesting. I found her to be relatable. Her fears were normal. Her attitude admirable and amusing at times. Yes, she was mean. Incredibly so. Her good intentions do not atone for it, in my opinion. But still, understandable.
Matt really was great. Good book boyfriend. I feel like I need some of that sometimes, haha. And he really fit the bill. He's funny and I love the banter in the book. I found myself laughing out loud, which weirded out some of the people around me. I could just tell.
Plot
Time travel. I mean, that explains a lot in itself. But I was a little disappointed by this one. Usually time traveling affects the future BIG TIME. You know? Back to the Future stuff?
This did, but not like Back to the Future at all. Which is sadly what I had been hoping for.
It was still good, though, trust me. It was a nice blend of sci-fi and realistic fiction (does this count as contemporary? Aha.). It has the romance, but it has a lot of other stuff, too. It deals with friends and family, growing up, the future (haha). It was a nice read and I did enjoy it. Cliffhanger ending, but I think it's obvious where it's going. So I'm hoping for the best!
The characters caught my attention and the plot kept me interested. Good pacing, interesting scenes, LOVE the references to movies and music.
Real Rating: 3.5 stars
Why: I really liked it. Not life-changing, but very enjoyable
Recommendation: people who like time traveling, this is worth a read. Also those who like contemporary with a bit of romance.
December 13, 2013
Class of '98 is a quick, fun read about two people that are unhappy with their lives by the time their ten year reunion rolls around. They somehow end up back in time- reliving their senior year. Class of '98 is all about them getting a second chance. Jackie and Matt knew of each other in high school but they weren't really close. Jackie had purple hair and was in the "alternative" crowd and Matt was a big time popular football jock.
As soon as I was reading about the high school reunion, I knew I was really going to enjoy this book. It was hilarious how accurate it seems. I haven't had my ten year high school reunion yet because I graduated in 2006, but it is coming up in a few years (holy cow!) and already you can see the people getting married and having babies. It seemed like that was all everyone talked about at the reunion, and if people kept coming up to me telling me I haven't changed at all I would have been even more agitated about it than Jackie was. A.I. Player did a great job of weaving humor into her writing. She made this book really fun to read.
When they first go back in time, Jackie seems to have thought through the implications a little more soundly than Matt had, but surprisingly at the very start it was Matt who wanted to work with Jackie and get them home ASAP. I would have thought it would have been more the other way around, but pretty quickly into their first week of being back in high school Matt seems to become complacent and they end up spending a lot of time in the past. I think once Matt saw that he had his 17 year old body and athletic abilities back he was glamoured into liking his "glory" days once again. I have no idea how he put up with his awful girlfriend the first time around though. She was enough of a witch to make me drop everything to get back to the future pronto!
Even though Jackie and Matt were very different people back in high school, this time around they saw a lot more of each other. It's completely understandable, they really were the only other person they each had to talk to about what they knew what happening to them, but it was still cute nonetheless. You just can't help but root for the two of them to get together. I really wanted both of them to be happy with their second chances. Class of '98 doesn't have tons of crazy twists and turns, and overall it is a fairly predictable read but I enjoyed that about it. It was kind of a feel good book. Once I started reading, that was what I expected from the story and that was what I got. Class of '98 delivered on being a nice, fun read that made me happy and put a smile on my face.
As soon as I was reading about the high school reunion, I knew I was really going to enjoy this book. It was hilarious how accurate it seems. I haven't had my ten year high school reunion yet because I graduated in 2006, but it is coming up in a few years (holy cow!) and already you can see the people getting married and having babies. It seemed like that was all everyone talked about at the reunion, and if people kept coming up to me telling me I haven't changed at all I would have been even more agitated about it than Jackie was. A.I. Player did a great job of weaving humor into her writing. She made this book really fun to read.
When they first go back in time, Jackie seems to have thought through the implications a little more soundly than Matt had, but surprisingly at the very start it was Matt who wanted to work with Jackie and get them home ASAP. I would have thought it would have been more the other way around, but pretty quickly into their first week of being back in high school Matt seems to become complacent and they end up spending a lot of time in the past. I think once Matt saw that he had his 17 year old body and athletic abilities back he was glamoured into liking his "glory" days once again. I have no idea how he put up with his awful girlfriend the first time around though. She was enough of a witch to make me drop everything to get back to the future pronto!
Even though Jackie and Matt were very different people back in high school, this time around they saw a lot more of each other. It's completely understandable, they really were the only other person they each had to talk to about what they knew what happening to them, but it was still cute nonetheless. You just can't help but root for the two of them to get together. I really wanted both of them to be happy with their second chances. Class of '98 doesn't have tons of crazy twists and turns, and overall it is a fairly predictable read but I enjoyed that about it. It was kind of a feel good book. Once I started reading, that was what I expected from the story and that was what I got. Class of '98 delivered on being a nice, fun read that made me happy and put a smile on my face.
April 2, 2015
Class of ‘98 is exactly the type of book I’ve always wanted to read. A book where the characters are forced to think about their lives, how their decisions and the people around them have shaped who they’ve become. Oh, and time travel, let’s not forget about the time travel. Because this is the type of scenario I’ve imagined for my own life. A chance to redo things, make the right decisions, start living my life sooner. Of course, by the time I got to the end of the book, I wanted to hate it. It didn’t turn out how I’d imagined, or wanted. But… hating it wasn’t really an option. It was just too enjoyable a read. The characters, Jackie and Matt, were so real and so relatable. They really grew throughout the book, despite already being 28 when it started.
What I really enjoyed were the sappy love scenes. These scenes appear in every YA novel, they’re very important, but where, in other novels, I’ll laugh scornfully at the characters admitting their eternal love, I didn’t in Class of ‘98. Why? Because they’re actually 28. When they say they know what they want, they’ve lived long enough that they probably really do. Especially Jackie and Matt, who both made plenty of mistakes in their lives. So, you go ahead and be sappy, you’re adorable.
What I didn’t like, was the ending. And the more I think about it, the more I hate it. But I wouldn’t exchange my time reading it for my memory of the ending. I read it in a day, a day society thinks I should have used more productively, ha. I’ve accepted the ending and I’m moving on because, the book is definitely worth this heartache.
Class of ‘98 is more a story of self discovery than it is a love story, and that’s what I love most about it. You can’t really have time travel without self discovery. After reading Player’s novel you’ll appreciate just how much you have grown as a person. I used to be under the illusion that I was only person I knew who hadn’t changed when, in truth, I’d probably changed more. High school is the ultimate place for growing and changing, and Class of ‘98 is a testament to that.
Class of ‘98, in so many words, is about getting a second chance at life. However unexpected and scary that might be.
★★★☆
http://emmasescape.co.vu/post/1133317...
What I really enjoyed were the sappy love scenes. These scenes appear in every YA novel, they’re very important, but where, in other novels, I’ll laugh scornfully at the characters admitting their eternal love, I didn’t in Class of ‘98. Why? Because they’re actually 28. When they say they know what they want, they’ve lived long enough that they probably really do. Especially Jackie and Matt, who both made plenty of mistakes in their lives. So, you go ahead and be sappy, you’re adorable.
What I didn’t like, was the ending. And the more I think about it, the more I hate it. But I wouldn’t exchange my time reading it for my memory of the ending. I read it in a day, a day society thinks I should have used more productively, ha. I’ve accepted the ending and I’m moving on because, the book is definitely worth this heartache.
Class of ‘98 is more a story of self discovery than it is a love story, and that’s what I love most about it. You can’t really have time travel without self discovery. After reading Player’s novel you’ll appreciate just how much you have grown as a person. I used to be under the illusion that I was only person I knew who hadn’t changed when, in truth, I’d probably changed more. High school is the ultimate place for growing and changing, and Class of ‘98 is a testament to that.
Class of ‘98, in so many words, is about getting a second chance at life. However unexpected and scary that might be.
★★★☆
http://emmasescape.co.vu/post/1133317...
August 5, 2016
This was a cute read, but a little disappointing. I love time travel books, and yes, I know, when it's a book about time travel I feel a little dumb for writing this, but it just didn't have any explanation for how it happened. Usually there's something. Back to the Future, All Our Yesterdays, 15 Minutes, Erasing Time, there was a machine. Here, there's really nothing. So that bothered me a bit. And also, instead of being back in time and having to deal with younger versions of themselves (like in All Our Yesterdays) they are thrown back into their high school bodies, with with their 28 year old brains. I actually liked this (even if it didn't make sense) because it had so much potential. Reliving your senior year of high school with the wisdom/life experience of being ten years older? Really liked that premise.
You have Jackie and Matt, two complete opposites in high school. She had blue hair and was artsy and he was a preppy jock. They didn't run in the same circles. But when they go back, Jackie is too scared to do anything to change her future, she thinks there's a possibility that she could change things and her life would be worse even though her life basically sucks in the future. So she goes through the motions, except she studies a lot. Matt wants to change things, he wants to hang out with Jackie because he's starting to like her, but she's like, no, stay with your horrible girlfriend and don't talk to me. So she was a bit annoying. Matt was a great character, but Jackie...not so much. I did like that they felt so beyond all of the drama of high school, it made me think about all of the paranormal books I read where there's some 100+ year old person who hangs out with teenagers (and even falls in love with a teenager) and it never seems to come up how far apart they are life experience wise. And then the ending...what? Kind of a let down. I realize this review will read a lot more negative than I felt when reading the book. And I did like the book, it was cute and fun, but just a bit of a letdown.
For more reviews see (YA) Escape from Reality
You have Jackie and Matt, two complete opposites in high school. She had blue hair and was artsy and he was a preppy jock. They didn't run in the same circles. But when they go back, Jackie is too scared to do anything to change her future, she thinks there's a possibility that she could change things and her life would be worse even though her life basically sucks in the future. So she goes through the motions, except she studies a lot. Matt wants to change things, he wants to hang out with Jackie because he's starting to like her, but she's like, no, stay with your horrible girlfriend and don't talk to me. So she was a bit annoying. Matt was a great character, but Jackie...not so much. I did like that they felt so beyond all of the drama of high school, it made me think about all of the paranormal books I read where there's some 100+ year old person who hangs out with teenagers (and even falls in love with a teenager) and it never seems to come up how far apart they are life experience wise. And then the ending...what? Kind of a let down. I realize this review will read a lot more negative than I felt when reading the book. And I did like the book, it was cute and fun, but just a bit of a letdown.
For more reviews see (YA) Escape from Reality
December 17, 2013
Jackie is still working at the same old job and got passed over for promotion once again and her social life is pretty much non existing. Matt just got divorced from his high school sweetheart and works at a job where he has no idea what he's doing. These two people are quite different from their teenage selves. Jackie used to be a blue haired weirdo and Matt was the popular jock type. So back in the day these two would have never talked, but in modern day there might be a click. Still now they are thrown back to those high school days and they will need each other's help to get back to 2008.
One of the reasons I really liked this book, is because it takes place in the 90s. When Titanic just came out and one of my neighbour girls kept sing My Heart Will Go On for the entire neighbourhood, there were no smartphones, internet existed, but Google didn't. A time of pure nostalgia for me and all those who grew up in that awesome decade.
Getting stuck in high school is what nightmares are made off and not something you expect happening when you go to your ten-year reunion. Going back in time and being seventeen again has its perks, like you get that old body again, but the downside is, you're seventeen again! When these two go back in time, they will have to figure out a way to get back, not that they are trying really hard though.
The book did last longer than I would have expected. Jackie and Matt are really reliving their entire senior year. Also they tried to go back a couple of times, but mostly they were just going with the flow. I can understand that they might see it as a way to change things, to make different choices, but I'd think they could have freaked out a bit more. Besides Jackie wants to do all things the exact same way, so nothing would change in her future life, so she could have tried harder trying to get back.
Class of '98 is predictable at times but oh so fun to read. It's the type of story that has been told over and over in books, movies and TV, because it's so entertaining. If you like romantic comedies, you'll like Class of '98.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
One of the reasons I really liked this book, is because it takes place in the 90s. When Titanic just came out and one of my neighbour girls kept sing My Heart Will Go On for the entire neighbourhood, there were no smartphones, internet existed, but Google didn't. A time of pure nostalgia for me and all those who grew up in that awesome decade.
Getting stuck in high school is what nightmares are made off and not something you expect happening when you go to your ten-year reunion. Going back in time and being seventeen again has its perks, like you get that old body again, but the downside is, you're seventeen again! When these two go back in time, they will have to figure out a way to get back, not that they are trying really hard though.
The book did last longer than I would have expected. Jackie and Matt are really reliving their entire senior year. Also they tried to go back a couple of times, but mostly they were just going with the flow. I can understand that they might see it as a way to change things, to make different choices, but I'd think they could have freaked out a bit more. Besides Jackie wants to do all things the exact same way, so nothing would change in her future life, so she could have tried harder trying to get back.
Class of '98 is predictable at times but oh so fun to read. It's the type of story that has been told over and over in books, movies and TV, because it's so entertaining. If you like romantic comedies, you'll like Class of '98.
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
September 13, 2016
This review first appeared on Books i View. I recieved an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Class of ’98 by A.L. Player is a story about two 28 year-olds, who by chance, end up traveling back in time to their senior year of high school. This is one of those plots that get retold time and time again throughout literature and movies. And there is a good reason for that — its just fun!
In the beginning, Jackie is working a dead-end job, with a little/no social life. In ’98 shes a blue haired alternagirl. We don’t know much about Matt in ’08 other than he married his high school sweetheart then divorced her. The ’98 version of Matt is a popular jock. Ordinarily, Jackie and Matt wouldn’t give the other the time of day, however after meeting again at their high school reunion and traveling through time together, they’ll get a chance at forging a new relationship.
I was particularly drawn to this book because it takes place, for the most part, in the 90s. Back when Titanic just came out, smart phones didn’t exist, and “I Don’t Want to Wait” came on the radio every five minutes. Now I was born in 1991, so I wasn’t a teenager back then but I do think the 90s was one of the greatest decades ever. I’m sure this book will bring on the nostalgia for all you 90s kids!
One thing that I didn’t expect was that the book spans across most of their senior year. Also, Jackie and Matt didn’t seem all that concerned about finding a way back. I mean they did attempt to recreate how it happened, but they also weren’t freaking out or rushing to get things back to normal like I know I would have. I wanted more pressure on the situation, more dilemmas, more consequences.
This was a very quick read being only 238 pages long, perfect if you want something to read in one sitting. Predictable yes but nonetheless fun! If you love Romantic Comedies or have enjoyed movies like 13 Going on 30 or 17 Again then you’ll enjoy The Class of 98′.
The Class of ’98 by A.L. Player is a story about two 28 year-olds, who by chance, end up traveling back in time to their senior year of high school. This is one of those plots that get retold time and time again throughout literature and movies. And there is a good reason for that — its just fun!
In the beginning, Jackie is working a dead-end job, with a little/no social life. In ’98 shes a blue haired alternagirl. We don’t know much about Matt in ’08 other than he married his high school sweetheart then divorced her. The ’98 version of Matt is a popular jock. Ordinarily, Jackie and Matt wouldn’t give the other the time of day, however after meeting again at their high school reunion and traveling through time together, they’ll get a chance at forging a new relationship.
I was particularly drawn to this book because it takes place, for the most part, in the 90s. Back when Titanic just came out, smart phones didn’t exist, and “I Don’t Want to Wait” came on the radio every five minutes. Now I was born in 1991, so I wasn’t a teenager back then but I do think the 90s was one of the greatest decades ever. I’m sure this book will bring on the nostalgia for all you 90s kids!
One thing that I didn’t expect was that the book spans across most of their senior year. Also, Jackie and Matt didn’t seem all that concerned about finding a way back. I mean they did attempt to recreate how it happened, but they also weren’t freaking out or rushing to get things back to normal like I know I would have. I wanted more pressure on the situation, more dilemmas, more consequences.
This was a very quick read being only 238 pages long, perfect if you want something to read in one sitting. Predictable yes but nonetheless fun! If you love Romantic Comedies or have enjoyed movies like 13 Going on 30 or 17 Again then you’ll enjoy The Class of 98′.
January 24, 2014
This was an interesting book. I have always found time travel to be a fascinating topic, so I'm glad that I got to read this in exchange for an honest review. What was really intriguing to me was the fact that Jackie and Matt never really figured out what had happened to them or how they ended up literally re-living their high school days. The "time travel storm" was truly just part of the background in the story, despite having repercussions that were a main plot-line in the book. That wasn't a bad thing, really, since it kept the reader guessing.
I thought that the characters were pretty interesting, and I liked that they defied their stereotypes - Jackie had blue hair as a teenager and was described as "alternative," but she was really book-smart and compassionate; Matt was a jock and football star, and a popular "prep" student, but he was also a really nice guy who didn't care about what others thought of him. The two of them had cute chemistry together.
But I must say that Jackie really got on my nerves sometimes. Despite having the chance to start her life over again, she actually chose to relive it in exactly the same way, even though it made her unhappy. I know that she only did that because she was hoping that she could go back to her normal life in 2008, but I really doubt that others in her situation would do the same. Jackie also tended to complain a lot to herself while continuing to make those bad decisions, so I couldn't really sympathize with her. At least things eventually worked out for her.
Overall I'd say this was a good story, and as a child of the 90's (I was born in 1989) I really enjoyed a lot of the pop culture references. This was also a light, quick read. I will warn you that the ending was rather abrupt, and could have been better (in my opinion), but it was worth a read. I say give it a shot. Even though Jackie's choices were sometimes unfavorable, it was still refreshing to encounter a character who actually deviated from the way you wanted her to be. Nice job!
I thought that the characters were pretty interesting, and I liked that they defied their stereotypes - Jackie had blue hair as a teenager and was described as "alternative," but she was really book-smart and compassionate; Matt was a jock and football star, and a popular "prep" student, but he was also a really nice guy who didn't care about what others thought of him. The two of them had cute chemistry together.
But I must say that Jackie really got on my nerves sometimes. Despite having the chance to start her life over again, she actually chose to relive it in exactly the same way, even though it made her unhappy. I know that she only did that because she was hoping that she could go back to her normal life in 2008, but I really doubt that others in her situation would do the same. Jackie also tended to complain a lot to herself while continuing to make those bad decisions, so I couldn't really sympathize with her. At least things eventually worked out for her.
Overall I'd say this was a good story, and as a child of the 90's (I was born in 1989) I really enjoyed a lot of the pop culture references. This was also a light, quick read. I will warn you that the ending was rather abrupt, and could have been better (in my opinion), but it was worth a read. I say give it a shot. Even though Jackie's choices were sometimes unfavorable, it was still refreshing to encounter a character who actually deviated from the way you wanted her to be. Nice job!
March 24, 2015
After being turned down for a promotion to become partner at her firm, the last thing Jackie Dunn wanted to do was attend her ten year class reunion and go down memory lane. But at her mom’s urging, she goes back to her home town of Eliot, SC to Birdsey High School — Home of the Knights. There were only two people she didn’t want to see – her former boyfriend, Shane Noonan, and her former best friend, Alison David. From the online information, it didn’t look like they would be there.
She makes light conversation with Matt Stewart. They’d been in the same class since second grade but didn’t hang out in the same groups. He’d been a jock and had married his high school sweetheart, Christy Gordon. The marriage didn’t last. They’d been discussing what they would do differently. Jackie says, “Are you kidding? I’d do it all differently. All of it.” A storm moves in quickly out of nowhere. They try to get back inside. He yanks on the door and “a blast of white light shot out at them …” Now they’ve been pulled from 2008 to 1998 and need to repeat senior year. They decide not to make any changes – it may have major repercussions on the future. He’s a jock again with Christy as his girlfriend … and she’s still a nag. Jackie has her blue hair, Shane is her boyfriend, and Alison is her best friend. But if they keep things the same, they are going to experience the same heartbreaks. After all, what are second chances for?
This was a fun and interesting concept, even though the theme has been done — written about and movies made about it before. Jackie and Matt didn’t realize how much they actually had in common until they were forced to repeat their past. The book is about romance, but it is a clean romance – nothing explicit. The characterization is wonderfully done. I could envision every scene very plainly. Even though they did change a few things in the past, nothing seemed to have changed dramatically once they returned to 2008. It now becomes a matter of what will they do with their future? I rated Class of ’98 at 4 out of 5.
She makes light conversation with Matt Stewart. They’d been in the same class since second grade but didn’t hang out in the same groups. He’d been a jock and had married his high school sweetheart, Christy Gordon. The marriage didn’t last. They’d been discussing what they would do differently. Jackie says, “Are you kidding? I’d do it all differently. All of it.” A storm moves in quickly out of nowhere. They try to get back inside. He yanks on the door and “a blast of white light shot out at them …” Now they’ve been pulled from 2008 to 1998 and need to repeat senior year. They decide not to make any changes – it may have major repercussions on the future. He’s a jock again with Christy as his girlfriend … and she’s still a nag. Jackie has her blue hair, Shane is her boyfriend, and Alison is her best friend. But if they keep things the same, they are going to experience the same heartbreaks. After all, what are second chances for?
This was a fun and interesting concept, even though the theme has been done — written about and movies made about it before. Jackie and Matt didn’t realize how much they actually had in common until they were forced to repeat their past. The book is about romance, but it is a clean romance – nothing explicit. The characterization is wonderfully done. I could envision every scene very plainly. Even though they did change a few things in the past, nothing seemed to have changed dramatically once they returned to 2008. It now becomes a matter of what will they do with their future? I rated Class of ’98 at 4 out of 5.
March 26, 2015
So this was probably more like 3.5, but I'm throwing it some serious nostalgia points as a graduate of the class of '99. I can't help it, man! I'm a sucker for all things 90's lately (read: always).
Is this the next Great American Novel? Okay, no. But it was really fucking cute, and such a great beach read. Side note: My definition of beach read has changed drastically since moving to Florida, but I could definitely see spending hours lounging in the sand with this one. However, since I don't have an uninterrupted week of beach lounging for it, I had been reading it at the gym while on the elliptical. I hate exercise, and this was entertaining enough to make me actually WANT to go so I could read it.
This was pretty much a modern "Peggy Sue Got Married". Did you guys see that? With Kathleen Turner and Nicholas Cage? I used to watch it on network TV all the time when I was a kid. But basically, a girl goes back in time (to the 1950's, if I recall) and relives being a teenager but with her adult knowledge. This was similar, except that it's two characters who get sent back, which is pretty fun. Lots of pop culture references (movies, music, etc) and highlights a lot of the differences between then and now--even though it's a relatively short time gap, technology is DRAMATICALLY different.
A lot of times, time travel stories will distract me because I'll get too caught up in logistics, but this one did a pretty good job of explaining it satisfactorily without getting too far into it. In other words, the time travel part ended up just being sort of part of the background and it was easy enough to suspend disbelief.
I liked this a lot. Like I said, so much 90's kid nostalgia, a cute love interest, and actually a pretty great subplot about female friendship, which I really appreciated. Totally recommend if you're looking for a quick, light, fun read.
Also, I'd really love to see this as a movie. Let's make it happen, internet!
Is this the next Great American Novel? Okay, no. But it was really fucking cute, and such a great beach read. Side note: My definition of beach read has changed drastically since moving to Florida, but I could definitely see spending hours lounging in the sand with this one. However, since I don't have an uninterrupted week of beach lounging for it, I had been reading it at the gym while on the elliptical. I hate exercise, and this was entertaining enough to make me actually WANT to go so I could read it.
This was pretty much a modern "Peggy Sue Got Married". Did you guys see that? With Kathleen Turner and Nicholas Cage? I used to watch it on network TV all the time when I was a kid. But basically, a girl goes back in time (to the 1950's, if I recall) and relives being a teenager but with her adult knowledge. This was similar, except that it's two characters who get sent back, which is pretty fun. Lots of pop culture references (movies, music, etc) and highlights a lot of the differences between then and now--even though it's a relatively short time gap, technology is DRAMATICALLY different.
A lot of times, time travel stories will distract me because I'll get too caught up in logistics, but this one did a pretty good job of explaining it satisfactorily without getting too far into it. In other words, the time travel part ended up just being sort of part of the background and it was easy enough to suspend disbelief.
I liked this a lot. Like I said, so much 90's kid nostalgia, a cute love interest, and actually a pretty great subplot about female friendship, which I really appreciated. Totally recommend if you're looking for a quick, light, fun read.
Also, I'd really love to see this as a movie. Let's make it happen, internet!
May 5, 2015
I have been given this book to review for the blog tour in exchange for my honest opinion, and this, in no way, would affect my review. You can also find this review here.
Back in 1998, Jackie Jackie graduated from high school. Now, in 2008, Jackie is expecting to get a promotion, but unluckily, she wasn't granted it.
Back in 1998, Matt also graduated from the same high school. Now, in 2008, Matt has already been divorced for three years.
In 2008, Matt and Jackie meet at their high school reunion once more. They talk, they laugh, then BAM! They get transported back to the past, in 1997 back when they were still seniors. At first they were both terrified, but after a while they both agreed they quite liked it, and agreed not to change a single detail, for the unknown is more terrifying than knowing bad things will come, even though it's a good one. But what happens when Matt fall in love with Jackie? Would Jackie be willing to take a risk, or would she let it all go to waste because of fear?
I really liked the idea of Class of '98, because I think that it's a unique plot for the time travel types. Most time travel doesn't have a contemporary feel to them, and I guess that's the reason why I liked this one so much. The pacing was a bit slow at some points, I thought Matt was a little bit too sentimental, and there were a few moments that just made me dumbfounded, and that's why I was only able to give it 4 stars. But all in all, I really liked it.
Class of '98 is a fun and light read that is recommended for when one is bored or just want to relax. I had fun following Matt and Jackie's story as their friendship, and eventually love, blossomed and I look forward to reading more books by the same author!
Back in 1998, Jackie Jackie graduated from high school. Now, in 2008, Jackie is expecting to get a promotion, but unluckily, she wasn't granted it.
Back in 1998, Matt also graduated from the same high school. Now, in 2008, Matt has already been divorced for three years.
In 2008, Matt and Jackie meet at their high school reunion once more. They talk, they laugh, then BAM! They get transported back to the past, in 1997 back when they were still seniors. At first they were both terrified, but after a while they both agreed they quite liked it, and agreed not to change a single detail, for the unknown is more terrifying than knowing bad things will come, even though it's a good one. But what happens when Matt fall in love with Jackie? Would Jackie be willing to take a risk, or would she let it all go to waste because of fear?
I really liked the idea of Class of '98, because I think that it's a unique plot for the time travel types. Most time travel doesn't have a contemporary feel to them, and I guess that's the reason why I liked this one so much. The pacing was a bit slow at some points, I thought Matt was a little bit too sentimental, and there were a few moments that just made me dumbfounded, and that's why I was only able to give it 4 stars. But all in all, I really liked it.
Class of '98 is a fun and light read that is recommended for when one is bored or just want to relax. I had fun following Matt and Jackie's story as their friendship, and eventually love, blossomed and I look forward to reading more books by the same author!
January 26, 2014
The theme of traveling back in time to high school days has been done many times in both books and film, sometimes rather copycat-ish, other times fresh and fun. For me, Class of ’98 falls somewhere in the middle but leaning towards the fresh side. I think the biggest disconnect for me lay in the 90′s setting; I would have “bonded” with the story and characters a little better if things were moved back a few years. Having said that, I still found much to like, especially the new beginnings Jackie and Matt discover for themselves. In a way, I was reminded of my own 10th reunion when I ended up spending the evening with a guy I knew in school but had never really known. It was one of the best evenings of my adult life.
I loved Jackie with all her hidden vulnerability although I was surprised at how much her high school days were still bothering her; she really should have gotten past it ten years later, at least somewhat. Matt, on the other hand, is a doll and seemed to have grown into a very likeable young man with his feet on the ground and well past the popular jock syndrome. Their being so sympatico in the future isn’t surprising since that sort of thing actually happens pretty often in real life when people mature enough to appreciate the ones they would have scorned or ignored before.
Having these two carry their current sensibilities into the past was an interesting touch on Ms. Player’s part but this is where things fell apart for me just a bit. Somehow, knowing what they know now carrying back into the past diluted any tension there might have been so the story turned kind of soft for lack of a better word, Still, I like Ms. Player’s writing and will look forward to reading more from her.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, December 2013.
I loved Jackie with all her hidden vulnerability although I was surprised at how much her high school days were still bothering her; she really should have gotten past it ten years later, at least somewhat. Matt, on the other hand, is a doll and seemed to have grown into a very likeable young man with his feet on the ground and well past the popular jock syndrome. Their being so sympatico in the future isn’t surprising since that sort of thing actually happens pretty often in real life when people mature enough to appreciate the ones they would have scorned or ignored before.
Having these two carry their current sensibilities into the past was an interesting touch on Ms. Player’s part but this is where things fell apart for me just a bit. Somehow, knowing what they know now carrying back into the past diluted any tension there might have been so the story turned kind of soft for lack of a better word, Still, I like Ms. Player’s writing and will look forward to reading more from her.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, December 2013.
February 17, 2014
This was a fun, quick read, about two adults who end up time-traveling back to high school on the night of their 10 year reunion. Overall I enjoyed the book and would recommend it, I just had some qualms that left me with a three-star rating, including the lack of detailed reaction from Jackie and Matt as they realize they have time traveled. They were confused and Jackie did cry, but it's almost like they took it in stride and matter of fact. Then, as the book went on, I wish there had been more depth in their relationship as far as them falling for each other. There were periods of the book where they didn't even see each other for a long time and I found that odd as well - the one person in the world who knows what you're going through, and you're just going to live your teenage lives as if it's normal and avoid each other because of some awkwardness? It also seems like they stopped actively trying to get back to the present after awhile, and that wasn't explained. I know with a book like this you have to suspend disbelief for a little while, but I had a hard time doing that at some points.
I did love the pop culture references from the mid-1990s - even though I was only 12 in 1997, I distinctly remember going to see "Titanic" 4 times in the theaters, and I remember my sister coming home and telling me she had heard on the radio that Chris Farley died. It is a fun idea to think "What would you do?" if you were transported back to certain time in your life.
I did love the pop culture references from the mid-1990s - even though I was only 12 in 1997, I distinctly remember going to see "Titanic" 4 times in the theaters, and I remember my sister coming home and telling me she had heard on the radio that Chris Farley died. It is a fun idea to think "What would you do?" if you were transported back to certain time in your life.
May 13, 2014
As I am writing this, I'm 18 days away from my wedding. The pressure has been on for the books I've been reading lately. They need to be able to hold my attention and let me temporarily escape from "wedding brain." I am happy to say I really liked this book!
Although Jackie and Matt ran with different crowds in high school, they are friendly when they see each other at their ten-year reunion. Early into the night, a storm transports them - and only them - back to senior year. Jackie and Matt make a pact to do everything the same in hopes of returning to present day 2008. But do they want to do everything the same again?
This title immediately caught my attention. I am so nostalgic for the 90's. From 90's music to shows like Felicity, and appropriately, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, I love it all. I enjoyed the 90's references in this book and even wanted more! A lot has happened with technology since the 90's and it's nice to read about a slower time.
A mix of adult and YA, I would consider this more YA since the majority of the story revolves around high school and teenagers (although two of them still had 28 year old minds)!
Class of '98 is engaging, funny, and heartwarming. Highly recommended!
Although Jackie and Matt ran with different crowds in high school, they are friendly when they see each other at their ten-year reunion. Early into the night, a storm transports them - and only them - back to senior year. Jackie and Matt make a pact to do everything the same in hopes of returning to present day 2008. But do they want to do everything the same again?
This title immediately caught my attention. I am so nostalgic for the 90's. From 90's music to shows like Felicity, and appropriately, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, I love it all. I enjoyed the 90's references in this book and even wanted more! A lot has happened with technology since the 90's and it's nice to read about a slower time.
A mix of adult and YA, I would consider this more YA since the majority of the story revolves around high school and teenagers (although two of them still had 28 year old minds)!
Class of '98 is engaging, funny, and heartwarming. Highly recommended!
March 31, 2015
The premise sounded so good but the execution left me hanging.
This book is big missed opportunity it could have been so great but the story line and characters ruined it.
Jackie Dunn is on her way to her high school reunion, her day was not a success and now it seems that it can get even worse. For some reason a storm transport her and classmate Matt back in time 10 years ago. Jackie thinks it a good idea to keep everything just the way it was, so now she is waiting for her boyfriend en best friend to betray her.
Matt is actually a nice guy and I wished for him that Jackie was different.
Jackie’s character bothered me: if I ask any off the readers out there right now what would you do if you could back to being a teen at high school? If you could have a do over? I could name a 100 things right away that I would change. All the missed chances I would take instead I did have a cheating boyfriend for 3 years I would dump his ass in e second. So for me it’s hard to understand why Jackie did nothing and kept hiding behind her insecurities.
Jackie has no life altering trauma so I couldn’t not understand her whining and her choice to not have or try to have a relationship with anyone.
This book should have been funny and great.
This book is big missed opportunity it could have been so great but the story line and characters ruined it.
Jackie Dunn is on her way to her high school reunion, her day was not a success and now it seems that it can get even worse. For some reason a storm transport her and classmate Matt back in time 10 years ago. Jackie thinks it a good idea to keep everything just the way it was, so now she is waiting for her boyfriend en best friend to betray her.
Matt is actually a nice guy and I wished for him that Jackie was different.
Jackie’s character bothered me: if I ask any off the readers out there right now what would you do if you could back to being a teen at high school? If you could have a do over? I could name a 100 things right away that I would change. All the missed chances I would take instead I did have a cheating boyfriend for 3 years I would dump his ass in e second. So for me it’s hard to understand why Jackie did nothing and kept hiding behind her insecurities.
Jackie has no life altering trauma so I couldn’t not understand her whining and her choice to not have or try to have a relationship with anyone.
This book should have been funny and great.
January 3, 2014
“I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.”
With a tagline like “She’s All That” meets “Back To The Future”, how could I possibly pass up the opportunity to review this title? A.L. Player did an amazing job creating this world. It was really easy to get sucked in and refuse to put my kindle down. I genuinely enjoyed this read with all it intricacies and romance.
The storyline was right out of a movie but written in a way that was completely literary. The characters were strongly developed, there wasn’t a moment that you feel the action was unexpected.
Not only did I fully enjoy reading this book but I would love, love, LOVE to see this translated to film.
To read my full review please visit http://tipsyink.blogspot.com/2013/12/...
With a tagline like “She’s All That” meets “Back To The Future”, how could I possibly pass up the opportunity to review this title? A.L. Player did an amazing job creating this world. It was really easy to get sucked in and refuse to put my kindle down. I genuinely enjoyed this read with all it intricacies and romance.
The storyline was right out of a movie but written in a way that was completely literary. The characters were strongly developed, there wasn’t a moment that you feel the action was unexpected.
Not only did I fully enjoy reading this book but I would love, love, LOVE to see this translated to film.
To read my full review please visit http://tipsyink.blogspot.com/2013/12/...
February 23, 2014
I don't know what it is about this book, but I loved it. I don't know if it is because it is covering my senior year of high school and it brought about a lot of memories or what. I totally identified with the main character, Jackie. I felt her fear, her joy, and her pain. I also loved the other main character, Matt Stewart. He is a strong character that showed faults, but he learned and grew from them.
Yes, this book is a romance. Yes, this book will have you asking yourself some very interesting questions about your past, but hopefully it helps you look forward to the future and gives you courage to change and grow. Hopefully you become willing to "disturb the universe."
I would suggest this book to the clean romance fan.
Yes, this book is a romance. Yes, this book will have you asking yourself some very interesting questions about your past, but hopefully it helps you look forward to the future and gives you courage to change and grow. Hopefully you become willing to "disturb the universe."
I would suggest this book to the clean romance fan.
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