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Chasing Through Time

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In the tumultuous world of high school, Emma grapples with a devastating breakup, a damning social media scandal that threatens her reputation, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. Her parents are distant, she has no true friends, and her despair deepens with each passing day.One fateful night during a sudden snowstorm, Emma forges a connection with Sarah, a girl who navigates the treacherous high school terrain of 2001. In this improbable friendship, they bond through the digital ether, supporting each other's struggles at the same school, in the same town, while separated by two decades.The friendship becomes a lifeline for both girls. Their lives bear striking similarities, yet the differences are equally profound. While Sarah is spared from the perils of social media, she gains self-assurance and begins to discover herself. In contrast, Emma’s struggles intensify as she faces dire consequences for her actions online and misguided romantic entanglements.Sarah watches helplessly as Emma's life unravels, yearning to help but bound by the constraints of time. Emma’s perilous descent accelerates, and the danger of not receiving the help she desperately needs looms large. Sarah, trapped twenty years in the past, must find a way to intervene before it’s too late. This gripping tale of bridging the gap between eras explores the enduring power of human connection, the complexities of teenage life, and the lengths to which a stranger will go to save a life.

264 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2024

1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Tara Hodgson

2 books17 followers
Tara Hodgson is the YA contemporary author of Chasing Through Time and At Least I’m Trying. As a long-time teacher, she is passionate about communicating the potential implications of a technology-centred world and spark necessary conversations about these impacts on teens, using her fiction to do so. She lives on an acreage in Sturgeon County, Alberta with her husband, two children, and a crew of cats and dogs. When she isn't teaching or writing, she is reading. She loves all genres of books, but especially YA Contemporary, Fantasy, and Dystopian (but she’ll read anything, really!) She spends her down time walking, camping, boating, and relaxing at home with her family and animals.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for K.
185 reviews7 followers
February 25, 2025
⭐️4.25⭐️

This story follows two teenagers on two different timelines as they navigate their 10th year of high school. In 2022, Emma is struggling with a devastating breakup along with a social media scandal that leaves her feeling powerless and alone, while in 2001, Sarah fights to overcome the betrayal of her best friend and infuriating rumors that put herself and a beloved teacher at risk. Their lives collide during a strange yet fateful snowstorm, mysteriously prompting them to forge an unexpected friendship through an old internet connection despite being two decades apart.

Young Adult books are normally not my cup of tea, as I struggle to relate to them now that I am older. But this book hit differently than any other YA book I’ve read. I found the struggles that both main characters had mirrored my own trauma from my own HS days, making this an emotional experience.

This story is unique because it shows how incredibly hard it is to be a teenager, no matter the generation. These challenges are universal and are equally damaging. The digital age puts a lot of unexpected pressure on today’s generation, and this story shows that just having one person in our corner can turn the tide with mental health. Being present for our children is more important than ever.

Although the premise of this one is a bit mysterious and unrealistic at times, it capitalizes on real challenges teenagers wrestle with every day. This book tackles a lot of heavy topics that should be talked about more, but still check the trigger warnings if you are sensitive to certain themes.

Overall, I enjoyed this YA read and must thank the author for reaching out and providing me a copy of her debut for my honest review. It’s impressively well written and I believe this book did a great job of showing the realistic damage of HS drama and can be relatable to every person who picks it up!
Profile Image for Melina Lobo.
822 reviews98 followers
June 19, 2025
Chasing Through Time by Tara Hodgson is a YA novel that explores the harsh realities many young adults face such as bullying, peer pressure, and insecurities, but does so in a refreshingly engaging way through the lens of time travel. The lives of two girls from different decades intertwine, making for a unique and emotional journey.

This book takes the dark side of social media to a deeper level, helping readers truly connect with the characters as they struggle. At the same time, the author makes it a point to show that there is light, whether it’s forming genuine friendships or finding support when you need it most.

Tara Hodgson’s storytelling is captivating. It keeps you emotionally invested all the way through, making you root for every character while also reminding you that real life isn’t always easy, but there’s always room for hope.

This is a book I’d recommend to anyone who’s ever struggled, and especially to adults, parents, teachers, guardians, who want to better understand the challenges today’s youth face. So often, kids suffer in silence while the adults in their lives remain unaware.
Profile Image for Brittany Johnson.
17 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2024
This is a real-world book about real high school issues that we have all (or may) face in our lives. Themes of depression, suicide, bullying, peer pressure, etc. are explored throughout this book in very real and intimate ways. Our two main characters find themselves bonded despite 2 decades of separation between them. Their lives look similar, as being a teen really doesn’t change much across decades. Teenage years are hard for everyone.

The descriptions in this book kept me captivated throughout the length of the novel. I could not put this book down and will admit that I neglected some of my responsibilities so I could finish because I needed to know how the story was going to end. I will say that it’s not a dialogue heavy book, which I usually get bored with, but as I said: this one hooked me instantly.

Tara has wrote something that feels so intimately real and harsh, with characters that nearly anyone can relate to. I just cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s definitely one that I wouldn’t search for on my own, but when Tara approached me about reading this one, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. The plot sounded intriguing and I’m looking to expand my reading selections these days.

And my god, it did not disappoint. I cried so many times while reading this because I saw myself, both as a teen and a mother, in this book. I felt the anguish of the teenagers and the worry of one of the parents. I simply felt encapsulated by the energies in this book. Highly recommend. And this was just her DEBUT!!!!! I cannot imagine how much more incredible her books will get as time goes on.
Profile Image for Diya Ramwani.
241 reviews16 followers
December 5, 2024
"Chasing Through Time" by Tara Hodgson is an extraordinary tale that masterfully intertwines the struggles of two teenage girls separated by two decades. Emma, battling the storm of modern high school life, is consumed by heartbreak, a social media scandal, and suffocating loneliness. Enter Sarah, a girl from 2001, who offers Emma a lifeline through an improbable yet poignant connection. Their shared pain and resilience are at the heart of this touching story, highlighting the universal trials of growing up and the strength found in unexpected bonds.

As the story unfolds, the parallels between Sarah and Emma's lives deepen, yet their worlds remain starkly different. Sarah, free from the shadow of social media, learns self-confidence, while Emma’s struggles escalate amidst online backlash and emotional turmoil. Tara Hodgson captures these contrasts brilliantly, painting a vivid picture of how technology can both connect and destroy. The bond between the girls feels heartbreakingly real, as Sarah, bound by the constraints of her era, watches helplessly while Emma’s life spirals out of control.

What makes "Chasing Through Time" truly unforgettable is its exploration of time-transcending human connection. Hodgson's writing is gripping, emotional, and deeply relatable, offering a raw glimpse into the vulnerabilities of youth. This novel is more than a story about friendship; it’s a call to understand, forgive, and support each other—even across seemingly insurmountable barriers. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt lost but found hope in the most unlikely places.
Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,574 reviews156 followers
July 18, 2025
Chasing Through Time by Tara Hodgson is a compelling Teen & Young Adult novel that follows the lives of two teenagers—Sarah from 2001 and Emma from 2022. Though separated by over two decades, both girls attend Cardothia High School.

Their worlds unexpectedly collide when they begin communicating through an old computer. Sarah is stunned by the technological advances of 2022, especially when she learns that Emma owns a cellphone. As their conversations deepen, the two discover they share many common struggles, including feelings of isolation and neglect. Finding each other became a source of comfort and strength.

Sarah is dealing with the sudden loss of her best friend Danny, who has started ignoring her—something even their teacher, Ms. Ampleson, notices. Meanwhile, Emma is facing a personal crisis after a private photo of hers is leaked online, triggering a wave of cruel comments and messages. While Sarah begins a journey of self-discovery, Emma is in urgent need of support. Though Sarah wants to help, the barrier of time stands in the way. Can she find a way to make a difference before it's too late?

This story is not only engaging but also thought-provoking. It sheds light on the challenges faced by today’s teenagers and serves as a wake-up call for parents, particularly about the impact of social media on a child’s mental health. The plot is refreshingly original, with excellent pacing. Both Sarah and Emma are well-developed, relatable characters that leave a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books199 followers
August 19, 2025
The Review

Incredibly compelling and emotionally thought-provoking, this novel is full of heart and drives the reader to revisit one of life’s most difficult stages: the teenage years. The struggles of growing up and slowly moving from childhood to adulthood already make being a teenager difficult for many. Still, the added pressures of bullying make life so difficult for teenagers as well. The author brought this to life in visceral yet essential detail, making the use of imagery in their writing style so crucial to fully engaging in the characters’ arcs.

This novel was very character-driven, with the author capturing both eras of the book, the early 2000s and 2020s, in vivid detail. The experiences both protagonists had in their personal lives, and the way they were able to connect through time became the emotional crux of this narrative, shining a beaming light on the dangers of online bullying and mental health struggles so many teenagers go through, and allowing readers to journey through the process of human connection and the fight against alienation and loneliness as a whole.

The Verdict

Emotionally heartfelt and thoughtful in delivery, author Tara Hodgson’s “Chasing Through Time” is a must-read YA drama meets metaphysical fiction novel. The story felt like a YA version of the film Frequency, connecting two people who desperately need each other and discovering themselves in the process. The twists and turns the narrative takes and the thought-provoking themes will keep readers engaged until the book’s final chapter.
Profile Image for Randi-Lee Bowslaugh.
Author 27 books16 followers
August 6, 2025
This book isn’t just a story; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that somehow managed to echo parts of my own teenage years. I’ve felt that pain Sarah goes through when she loses her best friend, through no fault of her own. That raw, aching emptiness? Yeah, I knew it well.

There’s something really powerful about the way the author lays out the emotions—raw and unfiltered. I found myself nodding along, tearing up, and genuinely rooting for both Sarah and Emma through every twist.

One thing that really stood out to me was how bullying knows no time. It didn’t matter what time period the author was writing; the effects of bullying carried through, even if the way the bullying happened changed. It doesn’t go away just because time passes. The emotional scars, the fear, the self-doubt—they linger, and this book shows that perfectly.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, because honestly, this is one of those books that you need to experience yourself. Just know: it’s worth the read. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, if you’ve ever had to grieve someone still living, or if you’ve ever struggled to find your place—this story will speak to you.

The author wove the two stories together seamlessly, and it never once felt confusing or forced. I loved how everything connected, how the emotional threads tied through time just as much as the story did.

If you are looking for a book to hit you in the feels, I suggest Chasing Through Time.
1,313 reviews61 followers
August 11, 2025
"Chasing Through Time" is a powerful story that every parent and teenager should read. It explores the impact of social media on today’s youth through a compelling narrative centered around two characters—Sarah and Emma—who live in different time periods.

Sarah is a high school student in 2001. After being abruptly cut off by her best friend Danny, she finds herself feeling isolated and misunderstood—except by her English teacher, Ms. Ampleson, who offers her some solace.

In 2022, another teenager, Emma, is grappling with her own struggles. The pressures of social media have taken a serious toll on her mental health, and she’s in desperate need of support.

One day, Sarah notices someone new online on MSN Messenger—it’s Emma, from 2022. As the two begin chatting and opening up about their lives, they’re shocked to realize they’re from entirely different decades. Sarah is amazed by how advanced the world has become.

This story made me reflect on my own social media use and inspired me to set boundaries. Sarah’s journey is especially moving; her efforts towards self-discovery are truly inspiring. Emma’s experiences serve as a wake-up call for parents—to be more aware of their children’s lives and how social media is impacting them.

"Chasing Through Time" is an eye-opening, thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Jordan.
Author 1 book19 followers
December 25, 2024
Chasing Through Time may be the biggest surprise of 2024 for me. I am not a huge YA reader as the characters just aren’t very relatable to me anymore and cuz of that i tend to not enjoy them, BUT Tara did an amazing job crafting Sarah and Emma and making them relatable to EVERYONE - teenagers, young adults and adults. At some point we’ve been one of the characters in this story.

The magical realism in this book is done so well as well. Tara found a way to show the positives of social media, but also the harsh negative reality that it revolves around as well. She did it in an authentic, relatable way that included two girls delegated by a decade and tons of differences.

I absolutely ate up Tara’s writing style! It was fresh, bingable, raw and emotional but also just absolutely gripping. I didn’t want to put it down and felt so connected to Emma and Sarah from start to finish.

This should be required reading for teens. It touches on some really touch topics - suicide, depression, anxiety, loneliness, parental neglect - but it’s done with care and compassion.

I would absolutely recommend this book to peers & will definitely read more by this author!
Profile Image for Miv.
1 review
December 26, 2024
Everything about this book had me hooked - the premise, the writing, the relationships, and the authenticity! The element of time travel was easy to accept in a book that was rooted in raw emotions and the realities of everyday life for many teenagers, both now and before social media existed. The book offers a thoughtful illustration of how life has changed with the omnipresence of smartphones and social media in all of our lives without preaching morality or diminishing the real lived experience of teens in 2022. As a millennial, I felt a sense of nostalgia reading about Sarah’s world without social media in contrast to Emma’s physical relationship to her cell phone. The dual narratives wove together well, keeping me engaged and invested in both stories. This is a young adult novel that I would recommend to teens, parents, millennials, teachers, and anyone else who may benefit from exploring the complexities of mental health and technology.
Profile Image for ReneeReads.
1,456 reviews121 followers
December 17, 2024
If you have ever been a teenager you will definitely relate to this book. This book focuses on Emma in the present and Sara, a girl from 2001. These two end up in a time connection through the internet and are able to chat to one another via a messenger app as though the other are in the same timeline. Emma and Sara form a friendship over the internet (and time) and help each other through the tumultuous times that are high school with no shortage of boy and friend drama. This book is a realistic take on what teenagers actually go through during high school and the different expectations, drama, cliques and the cutting world of social media.

I love that this one ended on a positive note and both Emma and Sara are able to maintain a friendship.

Please check trigger warnings for this one before reading as there are some sensitive topics.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Dickhut.
Author 1 book8 followers
December 31, 2024
This contemporary YA book offers a unique spin on time travel as two teenagers, Sarah and Emma, meet online one fateful night during a snowstorm. While Sarah lives in 2001, Emma resides in 2022. Both girls are suffering from bullying and harassment, but Emma is worse off since she has the added layer of online bullying.

This book explores the power of friendship while also examining the damaging effects of social media and social media addiction.

The plot twist is great and adds a layer of depth to the story. And as an English teacher, I appreciate that they serve as the heroes in some moments.

I would definitely recommend this book to teenagers and adults, especially those who have experienced similar situations. It’s a good reminder that there’s always someone there who’s willing to listen.
Profile Image for Susan.
4 reviews
August 19, 2024
The book offers an authentic exploration of the mental health of teenage girls, expertly capturing the complex emotional landscape of navigating high school (before and with cell phones/social media). While the premise is fictional, the author’s ability to depict raw and unfiltered experiences makes it a compelling read for teenagers and adults alike. I couldn’t put it down as I was so invested in what would happen next! As a high school teacher I will be recommending this book to students, staff, and families both because it’s a wonderful read and in the hope that it starts conversations about mental health and wellness.
Profile Image for Andrew A..
104 reviews
December 26, 2024
I am very proud to call Tara Hodgson my sister.
Don’t let that dim your view of my review, thinking I just being biased.
This is a VERY important book, for teens and, I think, parents of teens. I’ll tell you one thing, when I first opened the cover, I never thought I would have tears in my eyes on the last page, but there it is.

Read this book. To the men and dads, work through the uncomfortable parts, accept the awkward feelings you feel, and see the message.
I love you, Tara, and I’m proud of you. I’m so glad you wrote this book, and I’m so glad my kids have you as their auntie.
Profile Image for Melissa Hodgson.
1 review1 follower
May 16, 2024
Chasing Through Time is an inspiring read that captures the emotional and stressful reality of being a teenager. The book follows two teenagers trying to navigate their own struggles of growing up in a world with social media across time. This story can and should be enjoyed by both young adults and parents. The novel brings to light the challenges that youth are facing today in a compelling and thought provoking way. Loved it! 5 stars!
1 review
May 16, 2024
Compellingly captures the tumultuous lives of teenagers, then and now. It addresses many issues of social media, and the changing impacts connectivity to social platforms and technology can have on a students life.

The characters are relatable and well-written giving the reader the opportunity to empathize and truly care about them.
Profile Image for Jennifer Kwak.
1 review
May 25, 2024
Chasing Through Time was a captivating read about the differences and yet similarities between teenagers lives despite a gap in time. I couldn’t put the book down as I fell in love with the characters. Must read!
1 review
May 10, 2024
A beautiful book about the high school experience, the impacts of technology, and the importance of human connection. A must read for teens and parents.
Profile Image for J. Allen.
Author 1 book10 followers
May 13, 2025
Chasing Through Time by Tara Hodgson is an unforgettable read that beautifully captures the complexities of teenage life across two decades. The story follows Emma, a teen in 2022 overwhelmed by a social media scandal and isolation, and Sarah, a girl from 2001 facing her own struggles. Through a mysterious connection, they form a bond that transcends time, offering each other support and understanding when they need it most.

Hodgson’s portrayal of both characters is so authentic and relatable—you feel like you’re living their lives right alongside them. The dual timelines are brilliantly woven together, showing that even with years between them, the challenges of growing up are so much the same. It’s both heartwarming and eye-opening, with powerful themes of friendship, empathy, and finding strength in the hardest moments.

This is for sure a 5-star read. The storytelling is captivating, the characters are unforgettable, and the message lingers long after you turn the last page. If you love stories that make you think and feel deeply, Chasing Through Time is an absolute must-read.
Profile Image for Kate.
434 reviews33 followers
March 10, 2025
When Tara Hodgson asked me if I'd be interested in reading her novel, I read the description and immediately knew I was more than interested. Chasing Through Time is a YA novel that follows two high school girls, Emma and Sarah, growing up in extremely different high-school landscapes, 2001 & 2022, yet the teenage experience is so universal.

This book is so incredibly relatable. I was brought right back to my high-school self, dealing with real, incredibly hard feelings. Navigating that space is challenging and I think that Tara got it spot on, in a way I wasn't expecting. It's been over 10 years since I was in high school (yikes, I'm old) but this novel reminded me, viscerally, what it was like to be a teenage girl and dealing with the hard realities of growing up in the age of social media, but also just the realities of being a damn teenager, which can frankly suck.

The writing is so incredibly beautiful. I felt the heart wrenching feelings of the girls. I couldn't put it down, this is more than a story about friendship, it's a novel of about connecting in one of the most vulnerable times in your life. This novel is so in tune with emotions it was almost difficult to read at times because I could feel it all.

Thank you Tara for reaching out, this novel is truly beautiful.
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