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Maybe Tomorrow I'll Know
A boy is trapped in a time loop—and in a girl’s body—in this heartfelt and wryly humorous love story.
Laurie wakes up in a girl’s body with no memories, driving down an unknown highway, and promptly crashes the car. Thankfully, a handsome stranger named Gideon comes to his rescue. It’s awkward for Laurie to pretend that he’s a girl, but at least this is the scariest thing he’ll ever have to deal with.
Except the next morning—and every morning after—Laurie wakes up barreling down that same highway. He re-meets Gideon every day, with no idea who this girl whose body he’s inhabiting even is. Only one thing is clear: he’s on a countdown. Laurie has been given only one hundred days to get back in the right body, break the time loop, and not fall for Gideon while he does it.
Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know is a funny, deeply felt exploration of love, identity, and what it means to move through the world in a body that is truly yours.
Laurie wakes up in a girl’s body with no memories, driving down an unknown highway, and promptly crashes the car. Thankfully, a handsome stranger named Gideon comes to his rescue. It’s awkward for Laurie to pretend that he’s a girl, but at least this is the scariest thing he’ll ever have to deal with.
Except the next morning—and every morning after—Laurie wakes up barreling down that same highway. He re-meets Gideon every day, with no idea who this girl whose body he’s inhabiting even is. Only one thing is clear: he’s on a countdown. Laurie has been given only one hundred days to get back in the right body, break the time loop, and not fall for Gideon while he does it.
Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know is a funny, deeply felt exploration of love, identity, and what it means to move through the world in a body that is truly yours.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2026
About the author
Alex Ritany
4 books72 followersAlex is a Canadian artist, musician, and YA author of DEAD GIRLS DON’T SAY SORRY, I WISH YOU WOULDN’T, MAYBE TOMORROW I'LL KNOW, and ALL THE WAY HOME. When they’re not at the keyboard, you can find them hosting tabletop game night, working on illustrations, or at their other keyboard composing music.
Alex’s love of art, music, and the western Canadian landscape regularly spills into their writing, which tends to feature complex friendships, twisty romances, and explorations of queerness. They live in Calgary with their roommate, cat, and dice collection.
Alex’s love of art, music, and the western Canadian landscape regularly spills into their writing, which tends to feature complex friendships, twisty romances, and explorations of queerness. They live in Calgary with their roommate, cat, and dice collection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
✰ 3 stars ✰
I thought this had a beautiful message, which just took very long to get there. While I also understand the necessity of it, to depict the realism of how such decisions and choices are not and cannot be spur of the moment, it does also affect one's reading. And to have numerous chapters dedicated to too many of the days of the countdown in the time loop did get taxing.
Laurie's struggles and growth was expressed in a sincere and cathartic light. A confused boy waking up every morning in a girl's body, unaware of how he'll get out of it. One where even the mystery behind their unknown identity was gripping as slight memories emerged as truths were pieced together from each time loop. ⏲️ A reckoning towards an eventual fallout that would either save them or destroy them. It's a nerve-wrecking journey. It's a gut-wrenching process. Waiting for a tomorrow that may never come.
“Even when I’m not looking for Gideon, I find him.”
As we get glimpses into the one whose body they inhabit, I could connect the dots, but it's sad to see that it still takes time for Laurie to solve a jigsaw puzzle, except I don’t know what the final picture is supposed to be. 😟 But, at least Laurie was not always alone. Gideon was a welcome reprieve, an honest friend, a helping hand that gave Laurie the strength to be brave.
The Author's Note is an important one, because even though I felt the last chapter was unfair, I also agree with it. It gives us hope not to lose hope; that even when one takes that fateful very scary plunge, it may not be the answer to escape, but it leaves you with a profound feeling of being released. I know that sounds like a double entendre, but when you read it, you do understand.
“It is mine, is the thing.
Mine, and still wrong.”
I know I cannot relate, but my heart goes out to everyone who does. That scene with Laurie's parents was heartbreaking. It was a pivotal buildup, highlighted even in the printing that really set the tone. Please don't ever forget to be a loving and caring parent. 🥺 Love should not come with a price or forced expectations. It is such an unsettling fear, and to live with that extra burden and shame of being true to yourself is unimaginable.
My niggles may be insignificant, but sadly it did dampen the overall experience. I read it one go, and the writing soothed my palette, and was fitting for its Young Adult target audience. However, a few inclusions of representation did not quite feel fitting; they were not impactful, but felt a forced inclusion. 😮💨 Too much emphasis on the side characters' drama. It was exhausting to the point that going around and around in circles could have easily been cut out - in both Laurie and Gideon's friend circles.
“I see you.” His grip tightens around me. “I’m sorry, I see you now.”
Gideon was special. He was not perfect, but he was perfect in how he cared deeply for Laurie. I do wish it could have toned down the various instances in which their days reoccurred, but I suppose it was the only way to show their relationship develop, as not an instant, nor a slow-burn, just a believable bond of love and trust. 🫂 That heartfelt honest intimacy Laurie so desperately yearned for with that pitch perfect understanding of what was never needed to be said.
And for that this is an important read; one that certainly reminds us the importance of empathy. It's a bittersweet but poignant look that I hope in this world that still shows so much hatred, people will still remember that it costs very little if nothing at all to be kind and accepting to those who truly deserve it. ❤️🩹
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“Beauty creeps in slowly, but you have to make space for it on purpose.”
I thought this had a beautiful message, which just took very long to get there. While I also understand the necessity of it, to depict the realism of how such decisions and choices are not and cannot be spur of the moment, it does also affect one's reading. And to have numerous chapters dedicated to too many of the days of the countdown in the time loop did get taxing.
Laurie's struggles and growth was expressed in a sincere and cathartic light. A confused boy waking up every morning in a girl's body, unaware of how he'll get out of it. One where even the mystery behind their unknown identity was gripping as slight memories emerged as truths were pieced together from each time loop. ⏲️ A reckoning towards an eventual fallout that would either save them or destroy them. It's a nerve-wrecking journey. It's a gut-wrenching process. Waiting for a tomorrow that may never come.
“Even when I’m not looking for Gideon, I find him.”
As we get glimpses into the one whose body they inhabit, I could connect the dots, but it's sad to see that it still takes time for Laurie to solve a jigsaw puzzle, except I don’t know what the final picture is supposed to be. 😟 But, at least Laurie was not always alone. Gideon was a welcome reprieve, an honest friend, a helping hand that gave Laurie the strength to be brave.
The Author's Note is an important one, because even though I felt the last chapter was unfair, I also agree with it. It gives us hope not to lose hope; that even when one takes that fateful very scary plunge, it may not be the answer to escape, but it leaves you with a profound feeling of being released. I know that sounds like a double entendre, but when you read it, you do understand.
“It is mine, is the thing.
Mine, and still wrong.”
I know I cannot relate, but my heart goes out to everyone who does. That scene with Laurie's parents was heartbreaking. It was a pivotal buildup, highlighted even in the printing that really set the tone. Please don't ever forget to be a loving and caring parent. 🥺 Love should not come with a price or forced expectations. It is such an unsettling fear, and to live with that extra burden and shame of being true to yourself is unimaginable.
My niggles may be insignificant, but sadly it did dampen the overall experience. I read it one go, and the writing soothed my palette, and was fitting for its Young Adult target audience. However, a few inclusions of representation did not quite feel fitting; they were not impactful, but felt a forced inclusion. 😮💨 Too much emphasis on the side characters' drama. It was exhausting to the point that going around and around in circles could have easily been cut out - in both Laurie and Gideon's friend circles.
“I see you.” His grip tightens around me. “I’m sorry, I see you now.”
Gideon was special. He was not perfect, but he was perfect in how he cared deeply for Laurie. I do wish it could have toned down the various instances in which their days reoccurred, but I suppose it was the only way to show their relationship develop, as not an instant, nor a slow-burn, just a believable bond of love and trust. 🫂 That heartfelt honest intimacy Laurie so desperately yearned for with that pitch perfect understanding of what was never needed to be said.
And for that this is an important read; one that certainly reminds us the importance of empathy. It's a bittersweet but poignant look that I hope in this world that still shows so much hatred, people will still remember that it costs very little if nothing at all to be kind and accepting to those who truly deserve it. ❤️🩹
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2024
look okay i know this isn’t out yet so i haven’t even read the polished version yet but GENUINELY. book of my soul. all you transmascs out there are gonna lose your shit about this book (in a good way). i was inconsolable for about five days afterwards
March 22, 2026
{3.5 stars}
Thanks to WW Norton and Norton Young Readers for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Laurie wakes up in the middle of a strange highway in a speeding car in a body that is not his own, quickly realizing he must live the same day over and over. He spends his days trying to figure out who the girl who owns his body is and quickly finds himself drawn to the townspeople of the small town he wakes up in each day. Not quite sure what puzzles he needs to solve to get out of the time loop.
I have, for the most part, stopped requesting YA fiction. Now that I'm in my 40's I struggle to relate to catty, immature teenagers. But once in a while, a concept grabs me and I make an exception. This was one of those, I love a good time travel story. I have to say I was impressed with the complexity of the teens. It also explores an angle that is relevant to youth today that was not necessarily a major issue in my day, gender identity. I thought it was handled well and definitely provided food for thought.
Thanks to WW Norton and Norton Young Readers for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Laurie wakes up in the middle of a strange highway in a speeding car in a body that is not his own, quickly realizing he must live the same day over and over. He spends his days trying to figure out who the girl who owns his body is and quickly finds himself drawn to the townspeople of the small town he wakes up in each day. Not quite sure what puzzles he needs to solve to get out of the time loop.
I have, for the most part, stopped requesting YA fiction. Now that I'm in my 40's I struggle to relate to catty, immature teenagers. But once in a while, a concept grabs me and I make an exception. This was one of those, I love a good time travel story. I have to say I was impressed with the complexity of the teens. It also explores an angle that is relevant to youth today that was not necessarily a major issue in my day, gender identity. I thought it was handled well and definitely provided food for thought.
May 12, 2026
Our protagonist-narrator wakes up from a nightmare in an unfamiliar body doing 120 in an unfamiliar car on an unfamiliar highway. Unsurprisingly, car and driver wind up in a ditch. Fortunately, help arrives in the form of a deliciously handsome man named Gideon, and doesn't that make for a tidy meet-cute?
It might, except that: (1) "Laurie" is just the first name that comes to mind; our protagonist doesn't know their real name; (2) the female body driving the car can't really be Laurie's, because although Laurie can remember nothing whatsoever about either this person's life or Laurie's own, Laurie does know for sure that he's a boy; (3) these events turn out to have inaugurated a 100-day countdown in a time loop; (4) Laurie has no idea how to break the loop; (5) as the days repeat, so do meetings with Gideon, and it doesn't take Laurie long to start falling for him; (6) this being a time loop, Gideon never remembers Laurie.
There's more, but that strikes me as a long enough list to be going on with. Alex Ritany and Laurie share at least one valuable skill -- that of imparting variety and change into day after recurring day. Laurie soon learns the identity of the girl, Valerie, whose body he's found himself in, and from there embarks on a search for the male body that the real Valerie is presumably inhabiting. Surely finding that person will break the loop?
But the "real" Valerie proves elusive, for a reason I figured out only a few pages before Laurie gets it. Meanwhile there's a great deal to discover about Valerie's family and friends, and about Gideon as well. I could have wished for more clarification here and there -- what significance does the person named Tenley have in Gideon's life, for example? They seem to occupy a roughly parental role, so it's odd that they appear only briefly and in only a couple of days in the loop. Gideon is maybe a little too perfect -- except for one instance of shocking violence, whose place as part of his characterization never does get resolved. Every so often Laurie's resilient navigating of a situation you might expect him to be terrified by comes off a bit odd or even self-centered. (But then, this is a teenager we're talking about, so fits of obliviousness should probably be expected.)
These are quibbles. The most important point is that "Maybe Tomorrow I'll Know" is engaging, imaginative, and emotionally complex. It's YA, so I'd recommend it especially to any queer and/or gender-questioning teen, but this cranky old cis queer was much taken by it too.
Thanks to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for the ARC.
It might, except that: (1) "Laurie" is just the first name that comes to mind; our protagonist doesn't know their real name; (2) the female body driving the car can't really be Laurie's, because although Laurie can remember nothing whatsoever about either this person's life or Laurie's own, Laurie does know for sure that he's a boy; (3) these events turn out to have inaugurated a 100-day countdown in a time loop; (4) Laurie has no idea how to break the loop; (5) as the days repeat, so do meetings with Gideon, and it doesn't take Laurie long to start falling for him; (6) this being a time loop, Gideon never remembers Laurie.
There's more, but that strikes me as a long enough list to be going on with. Alex Ritany and Laurie share at least one valuable skill -- that of imparting variety and change into day after recurring day. Laurie soon learns the identity of the girl, Valerie, whose body he's found himself in, and from there embarks on a search for the male body that the real Valerie is presumably inhabiting. Surely finding that person will break the loop?
But the "real" Valerie proves elusive, for a reason I figured out only a few pages before Laurie gets it. Meanwhile there's a great deal to discover about Valerie's family and friends, and about Gideon as well. I could have wished for more clarification here and there -- what significance does the person named Tenley have in Gideon's life, for example? They seem to occupy a roughly parental role, so it's odd that they appear only briefly and in only a couple of days in the loop. Gideon is maybe a little too perfect -- except for one instance of shocking violence, whose place as part of his characterization never does get resolved. Every so often Laurie's resilient navigating of a situation you might expect him to be terrified by comes off a bit odd or even self-centered. (But then, this is a teenager we're talking about, so fits of obliviousness should probably be expected.)
These are quibbles. The most important point is that "Maybe Tomorrow I'll Know" is engaging, imaginative, and emotionally complex. It's YA, so I'd recommend it especially to any queer and/or gender-questioning teen, but this cranky old cis queer was much taken by it too.
Thanks to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 24, 2026HEAR YE HEAR YE! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR APRIL! I feel like I’m the town crier for this book and I will continue to ring my silly little bell and hoot and holler about it because it really is that wonderful. Will be tucking my ARC copy of this book gently into my bookshelf with a kiss on the head goodnight.
The concept and hook of this book is so unbelievably clever and such an immensely tender, smart, and empathetic lens into what it’s like to be trans. I have no doubt this book will deeply touch any and all people, but particularly important for kids figuring out who they are in this crazy world, even (and especially) when it can be incredibly scary. PLUS you get a time loop and romance and GIDEON?! HELLO?! It had me down bad for Nanton. NANTON!!!
On top of it all, as usual, Alex is immensely talented at capturing the spirit of YA & making me giggle/blush/punch the wall when my beloved characters don’t kiss when I want them to. It’s a masterclass in split perspectives, pacing, dialogue, and humour.
The concept and hook of this book is so unbelievably clever and such an immensely tender, smart, and empathetic lens into what it’s like to be trans. I have no doubt this book will deeply touch any and all people, but particularly important for kids figuring out who they are in this crazy world, even (and especially) when it can be incredibly scary. PLUS you get a time loop and romance and GIDEON?! HELLO?! It had me down bad for Nanton. NANTON!!!
On top of it all, as usual, Alex is immensely talented at capturing the spirit of YA & making me giggle/blush/punch the wall when my beloved characters don’t kiss when I want them to. It’s a masterclass in split perspectives, pacing, dialogue, and humour.
January 23, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Norton Young Readers for sending me this ARC!
“Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know” is a very surprising novel. This is the first novel I have read that has a unique representation of finding yourself: a time loop. Through Laurie’s repeated experiences with love, acceptance, and truth, I understand the depths of identity and change. I can understand the feeling of being in a body that is unfamiliar to you and how the truth can change your life in many ways. I wouldn’t characterize the change of events as plot twists, though. They were more of steps toward the truth and an unveiling of what lay beyond Laurie’s visions, which I loved. There were many details I adored: Gideon (love him so much) and his scenes with Laurie, the realistic dialogue between Laurie and his loved ones, the alluring hooks and mystery, and finally, the epilogue. The epilogue was quite vague, but it defined the meaning of “tomorrow.” Tomorrow is defined by Laurie’s fears, by Laurie’s love, and by Laurie’s inability to predict. The epilogue was a fresh start, a reminder to welcome tomorrow and the changes that come along with it. (Of course, the faint familiarity between Laurie and Gideon still almost made me cry). Overall, “Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know” is an amazing and raw novel—I would recommend it to anyone!
“Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know” is a very surprising novel. This is the first novel I have read that has a unique representation of finding yourself: a time loop. Through Laurie’s repeated experiences with love, acceptance, and truth, I understand the depths of identity and change. I can understand the feeling of being in a body that is unfamiliar to you and how the truth can change your life in many ways. I wouldn’t characterize the change of events as plot twists, though. They were more of steps toward the truth and an unveiling of what lay beyond Laurie’s visions, which I loved. There were many details I adored: Gideon (love him so much) and his scenes with Laurie, the realistic dialogue between Laurie and his loved ones, the alluring hooks and mystery, and finally, the epilogue. The epilogue was quite vague, but it defined the meaning of “tomorrow.” Tomorrow is defined by Laurie’s fears, by Laurie’s love, and by Laurie’s inability to predict. The epilogue was a fresh start, a reminder to welcome tomorrow and the changes that come along with it. (Of course, the faint familiarity between Laurie and Gideon still almost made me cry). Overall, “Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know” is an amazing and raw novel—I would recommend it to anyone!
April 8, 2026
I was THRILLED to receive this eARC through Netgalley, so thank you Norton Young Readers!
This book is soooo important. Insightful isn't quite a good enough word to describe it. Even if you can not personally relate to feeling like your outsides do not match your insides! It felt like discovering who you are at 1am, having gut wrenching cry about it, and then waking up feeling lighter than you ever have before. The premise was unique, and it was great at building into a super satisfying release.
It makes me so happy and proud that the LGBTQIA+ youth, especially trans youth, have more representation!
This book is soooo important. Insightful isn't quite a good enough word to describe it. Even if you can not personally relate to feeling like your outsides do not match your insides! It felt like discovering who you are at 1am, having gut wrenching cry about it, and then waking up feeling lighter than you ever have before. The premise was unique, and it was great at building into a super satisfying release.
It makes me so happy and proud that the LGBTQIA+ youth, especially trans youth, have more representation!
December 18, 2025
Wow 🤯 just wow. This book is amazing. I don’t even know what to say, it’s left me speechless. I read this in one sitting because the story just pulled me in. I needed to know the ending. Also that ending was perfect. I felt for Laurie, and can understand the over religious parents who just wouldn’t understand. And for someone who had to leave to find herself, I can understand why Lawrence and Laurie needed to leave! Also Gideon is just everything!! 😍😍
* I was lucky enough to win this book through the Goodreads giveaways. *
* I was lucky enough to win this book through the Goodreads giveaways. *
January 13, 2026
This is the first book that I’ve read which takes place within a time loop, and I’m not sure if it’s this reason that took me a while to get into it. I did struggle at the beginning with the repetitiveness but once I got into it, about 20% through, I was hooked. I love the idea of this book, however I do believe the plot twist about the main character was blatantly obvious from the get go, I wonder if this was the intention? For this reason,I can only give this book 3 stars although that is not to say I did not enjoy parts of it greatly!
April 8, 2025
this is and most likely will remain my favorite book of all time. i finished reading it on a flight home from visiting my parents on 0 hours of sleep and something genuinely shifted in my universe. it is the perfect book to me. i can't believe i forgot to review it until now. when i have a physical copy of it in my hands i'm going to start sleeping with it like a teddy bear.
April 17, 2026
Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know is, at its core, a deeply empathetic book. Just, you know, one that likes to sock you in the stomach every so often. It perfectly threads the needle between gentle and hard-hitting, wielding both to their greatest impact.
Above all, I found the characters very easy to like and care about. I loved Laurie from pretty much page one, which made it easy to get caught up in both his emotions and the mystery of his existence. Ritany also did a great job of making me feel the palpable connection between Laurie and Gideon. I wanted them to be okay and happy individually. I wanted to watch them fall in love. I wanted them to be happy together so much my heart squeezed in my chest.
The secondary cast was likewise well-drawn. The friendly characters were likable and felt like they had a life even off the page and away from the leads. The antagonistic ones were painful without ever becoming caricatures. There was such a profound humanity to all the characters, which only grew and expanded with every discovery Laurie made and every layer Ritany peeled back.
Which brings me to this book’s ontological mysteries. I thought Ritany did a great job keeping me curious and pacing the revelations. There was a lot to unpack, all of it felt deeply rooted in the soul of the characters. The clues came at a believable, balanced pace, and on the whole I thought Laurie did a good job actually solving and discovering, not just sitting back and letting clues fall in his lap. There was a bit of a lag time in the middle, where Laurie stopped actively investigating, but it still felt believable to where he was emotionally at the time. And hey, it gave his relationship with Gideon a chance to breathe and blossom.
It’s worth noting that Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know is a very queer book, and in particular a very trans one. And I love that! Here in particular, Ritany’s characterization shines with extra warmth and authenticity. To their credit as an author, Ritany doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. But neither do they milk it for cruelty and sensationalism. There’s pain and rejection, and fear. But there is also so, so much love and camaraderie.
In case it’s not obvious by now, I loved this book. The snappy chapters and engaging voice made it difficult to put down. The only reason I did was I had other ARCs I needed to finish first. Otherwise, I would have blitzed through it in a night. The ending left me emotional, sad to turn the final page but satisfied with where it left me.
Time to trawl Ritany’s backlist and eagerly await whatever they do next. Five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions within are my own.
Above all, I found the characters very easy to like and care about. I loved Laurie from pretty much page one, which made it easy to get caught up in both his emotions and the mystery of his existence. Ritany also did a great job of making me feel the palpable connection between Laurie and Gideon. I wanted them to be okay and happy individually. I wanted to watch them fall in love. I wanted them to be happy together so much my heart squeezed in my chest.
The secondary cast was likewise well-drawn. The friendly characters were likable and felt like they had a life even off the page and away from the leads. The antagonistic ones were painful without ever becoming caricatures. There was such a profound humanity to all the characters, which only grew and expanded with every discovery Laurie made and every layer Ritany peeled back.
Which brings me to this book’s ontological mysteries. I thought Ritany did a great job keeping me curious and pacing the revelations. There was a lot to unpack, all of it felt deeply rooted in the soul of the characters. The clues came at a believable, balanced pace, and on the whole I thought Laurie did a good job actually solving and discovering, not just sitting back and letting clues fall in his lap. There was a bit of a lag time in the middle, where Laurie stopped actively investigating, but it still felt believable to where he was emotionally at the time. And hey, it gave his relationship with Gideon a chance to breathe and blossom.
It’s worth noting that Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know is a very queer book, and in particular a very trans one. And I love that! Here in particular, Ritany’s characterization shines with extra warmth and authenticity. To their credit as an author, Ritany doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. But neither do they milk it for cruelty and sensationalism. There’s pain and rejection, and fear. But there is also so, so much love and camaraderie.
In case it’s not obvious by now, I loved this book. The snappy chapters and engaging voice made it difficult to put down. The only reason I did was I had other ARCs I needed to finish first. Otherwise, I would have blitzed through it in a night. The ending left me emotional, sad to turn the final page but satisfied with where it left me.
Time to trawl Ritany’s backlist and eagerly await whatever they do next. Five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions within are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This book felt like a warm hug. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community, I really connected with its affirming message and how it shows the long, sometimes painful journey of figuring out who you are and learning to live that truth. There were moments that straight-up brought me to tears, just because books like this are so important. Seeing these experiences on the page felt validating in a way that still feels rare.
I was totally hooked at the start, but the middle lost me a little. The repetition, especially with the countdown element, got a bit tedious and my attention drifted. That said, the story pulled me back in by the end, and I finished feeling really emotionally attached.
I loved Laurie as a character. His frustration, confusion, quirks, and growing self-awareness felt so real. I loved how he could be so certain about some things, like hockey and his feelings for Gideon, while still quietly knowing who he really was. Gideon was great too. He was warm, accepting, and honest, but still dealing with his own stuff. I appreciated all the LGBTQ+ representation and the idea of a “village,” though at times it felt a bit forced. On the other hand, the less than affirming characters felt realistic and added real emotional weight.
The writing worked for a YA audience, though I got a little lost in some of the dialogue and small talk here and there. I really loved the Groundhog Day meets Freaky Friday element. It was such a clever way to show what it might feel like to be transgender, carrying all that weight, hiding out of fear, and still longing to be seen.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this as a YA read, especially for LGBTQ+ teens, but also for anyone who wants to better understand the trans experience. Books like this matter, and I really wish I had one like this growing up
* Thank to the publisher for the DRC via NetGalley for an honest review.
I was totally hooked at the start, but the middle lost me a little. The repetition, especially with the countdown element, got a bit tedious and my attention drifted. That said, the story pulled me back in by the end, and I finished feeling really emotionally attached.
I loved Laurie as a character. His frustration, confusion, quirks, and growing self-awareness felt so real. I loved how he could be so certain about some things, like hockey and his feelings for Gideon, while still quietly knowing who he really was. Gideon was great too. He was warm, accepting, and honest, but still dealing with his own stuff. I appreciated all the LGBTQ+ representation and the idea of a “village,” though at times it felt a bit forced. On the other hand, the less than affirming characters felt realistic and added real emotional weight.
The writing worked for a YA audience, though I got a little lost in some of the dialogue and small talk here and there. I really loved the Groundhog Day meets Freaky Friday element. It was such a clever way to show what it might feel like to be transgender, carrying all that weight, hiding out of fear, and still longing to be seen.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this as a YA read, especially for LGBTQ+ teens, but also for anyone who wants to better understand the trans experience. Books like this matter, and I really wish I had one like this growing up
* Thank to the publisher for the DRC via NetGalley for an honest review.
April 8, 2026
thank you to netgalley and norton young readers for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review! the initial concept of this book was so intriguing to me, and even though i had some idea of how it would go early on, watching the entire story unfold was such a privilege. the circumstances obviously create some tension, and it only took me two sittings to read this book because i was so invested in what was going on. i don’t want to say a ton and give anything away, but i will say that this is one of the more rewarding YA novels i’ve read recently in that it really trusts its reader to understand what’s going on. i’ll also say that laurie’s romance with gideon is very sweet, and that i was actually invested in gideon both as a love interest and as his own character. i would love to know more about him and his backstory as an individual, but that’s literally my only complaint here. if you’re down for some existentialism with a dash of absurdity and romance, give this one a shot!
this review is also available on instagram here!
this review is also available on instagram here!
April 14, 2026
I recently won this in a giveaway, and it’s a must-read for YA fans who love a good "Groundhog Day" twist with deep emotional stakes.
The Story:
Laurie wakes up in a body that isn't his on a deserted highway with no memories. He’s rescued by a guy named Gideon, but there’s a catch: the day keeps resetting. Laurie is trapped in a 100-day time loop and has to figure out who he is and how to get his own life back before time runs out.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Mystery: The dual timeline keeps you guessing about whose body Laurie is "borrowing."
The Romance: The slow-burn connection between Laurie and Gideon is heart-melting, even when they have to meet for the "first time" every day.
Identity & Heart: It’s a powerful, lyrical story about the trans experience and finding yourself when you feel invisible.
Final Verdict: It’s a fast-paced, emotional page-turner that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. If you like speculative fiction with queer themes, definitely add this to your TBR list!
The Story:
Laurie wakes up in a body that isn't his on a deserted highway with no memories. He’s rescued by a guy named Gideon, but there’s a catch: the day keeps resetting. Laurie is trapped in a 100-day time loop and has to figure out who he is and how to get his own life back before time runs out.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Mystery: The dual timeline keeps you guessing about whose body Laurie is "borrowing."
The Romance: The slow-burn connection between Laurie and Gideon is heart-melting, even when they have to meet for the "first time" every day.
Identity & Heart: It’s a powerful, lyrical story about the trans experience and finding yourself when you feel invisible.
Final Verdict: It’s a fast-paced, emotional page-turner that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. If you like speculative fiction with queer themes, definitely add this to your TBR list!
April 23, 2026
YA is less and less of my jam but I would argue that this book is just a really good novel. A Groundhog Day coming of age story with a magnetic romance and thoughtful questions around gender identity. A contemplative takeaway is all about loving the people in your life for the people they are more than anything else. A very interesting read for a cis woman, contemplative at times. Enjoyable throughout, I enjoyed the characters and unraveling the mystery as it were. I liked the ending. A very unique story, I haven’t read anything like it. Would recommend.
April 20, 2026
4.5 I jumped into this one immediately as I understood the main concept. I loved the characters from the first day to the repetition. Perfect YA read with trans representation. The journey of understanding oneself becomes intense and we realize the twist before the character which makes it more powerful. Some of the repetitions are funny and made me laugh, some are rebellious.
I noticed that the audio has two narrators which can be fun.
I noticed that the audio has two narrators which can be fun.
April 13, 2026
I don’t have much words. I won’t forget this story though.
April 11, 2026
ARC Review
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
I was hooked from the start. The sci-fi time loop kept me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next. At its heart, it’s a beautiful story about queer love, trans resilience, and finding joy even when life is tough. 4/5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
I was hooked from the start. The sci-fi time loop kept me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next. At its heart, it’s a beautiful story about queer love, trans resilience, and finding joy even when life is tough. 4/5 ⭐️
Want to Read
May 12, 2025"A YA romance with a body swap twist pitched as If I See You Again Tomorrow meets Every Day. Laurie wakes up in a girl's body with no memories, only to discover he's stuck in a time loop with 100 days to figure out whose body he's in and how to break the loop—all while inconveniently falling in love with a boy who forgets him at the end of each day."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Maybe tomorrow I’ll know by Alex Ritany, someone is driving down the road and realizes their hands don’t look familiar nor does the face in the rearview mirror and before they know it they’re crashing their car into a ditch. This is the first time they need Gideon in a small town called Nanette. Unbeknownst to them this is just the first day of many we do learn she goes by Laurie because that is the first name that popped in her head she also learned she has 100 days to fix change or come up with the resolution so she can have her tomorrow but what it is and how to accomplish it baffles her. In the meanwhile she continues to see Gideon on every go round either by chance or by purpose and assume falling in love with him. She also gets to know the local gas station owner a person named Tinney There’s also another POV with Val the daughter of a preacher and his wife whose brother has ghosted their parents and although Val tries to be the perfect daughter dating the perfect guy being the best at her sport hockey but soon that disguise becomes claustrophobic and she feels as if she cannot do it anymore. Back in the net Lori is trying to help Gideon with his problems and even finds a way to be friend his sister Jade who she learns has problems of her own. The longer she’s there the more she gets to know herself and the town that to every day Sees her as a stranger . Can Lori find out who she really is and at the same time save Gideon and her friends? let me just say I really couldn’t wait to read this book that is why I have read this so early it says in the summary that aboy wakes up and the girls body and tries to learn to cope with that. Would my antique brain I thought it was going to be exactly that a girl is in a boy‘s body while the boy tries to figure out how to live like a girl but no this book is much more layer than that it’s no slapstick OMG I’m a masculine boy trying to figure out how to be a girl this book was brilliant especially the end the end was awesome I loved it so much. Towards the end of the book I kept thinking things that I won’t say cause it would ruin it but when the end came I was like OMG theres nothing more humbling than some good hard truths and the epilogue of this book made it that much more amazing. this is where the problem comes in. Not only is every friend they have in this book lesbians gay transgendered or whatever the heterosexual people in the book are up to no good planting drugs being horrible parents etc the other thing I didn’t like about this book as I know people have every right to be who they are because no one can be you better than you and no one knows what makes you feel loved and safe more than you do but I am talking about someone in this book comes out to their parents and all they care about is telling them their truth there’s no commentary on how this is going to make their parents feel it’s only about how their parents are gonna feel about them and not that you’re erasing every dream those parents had for that child every scenario the head of them in the future is now gone and even if parents support their child in a trans position or not they still are losing the child they thought they had. I know saying this people are going to say I do not support the LGBTQ community and you could say that go right ahead I think people have every right to be who they are absolutely I just think people are so defensive when it comes to this they’re not even charitable enough to acknowledge that regardless it is going to hurt the parents and or the people that love them even if they support them it just feels so selfish to me I mean if they love you they will come around or be there from the beginning but if you love them you would understand that some measurement it isn’t going to be a happy come to Jesus moment. this is still a really awesome book with a brilliant ending so kudos to the author I just wish he would perpetrate straight people as kind and generous as he does those from the LGBTQ plus community. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
November 30, 2025
(Advance copy received at NCTE conference)
Alex Ritany’s YA novel, Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know, is rather unique - both in plot direction and what genre it belongs to. To best categorise this novel is to attach the label of a drama as its genre, one that includes the standard YA conventions within, the likes of coming of age themes, family drama, romance, and relationships central to the story and storytelling. Yet the story never affixes it to any of these like a romance or coming of age would, instead centralising the plot and said conventions around its overlying mystery, not quite structured enough to earn a thriller title, but still a story that revolves around solving a mystery, and getting to know the main character.
In post, it makes a lot of sense why the story takes this unconventional approach of writing what is best described as a drama/thriller, but whilst you’re reading it, it feels like a “good” YA novel. It reads like a slow burn, and the book blends subdued versions thriller reveals alongside overt romance and drama conventions of a YA novel. It's a page-turner, the obvious countdown and the slow reveal of information alongside the story developing overall a really fun story.
The main duo that we follow are interesting characters, both characters with evolving plots that eventually intertwine and who share enjoyable interactions with one another. I largely enjoyed their romance and their characters (especially our main character), who I felt were perfect for the novel, and perfect for readers. I would hesitate to praise the extended cast the same, as they feel as good as YA characters can be. Most of the extended cast I felt lacked any clear conclusion to their character arcs that the story prompted, despite each having intriguing characters and promising plot lines. However, despite the lack of conclusion, they still satisfy, intriguing and complex on screen (or I guess page, lol?), despite certain characters getting discarded as the story moves on.
A simplified description of the novel is that it is a book where the main character is given a chance to “right their wrongs” under unknown mystical circumstances. This framework, is applied to a YA novel, where the book overall satisfies in both plot and main characters, entertaining readers whilst incorporating a wonderfully diverse cast of characters.
Overall, a really enjoyable novel for YA readers!
Alex Ritany’s YA novel, Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know, is rather unique - both in plot direction and what genre it belongs to. To best categorise this novel is to attach the label of a drama as its genre, one that includes the standard YA conventions within, the likes of coming of age themes, family drama, romance, and relationships central to the story and storytelling. Yet the story never affixes it to any of these like a romance or coming of age would, instead centralising the plot and said conventions around its overlying mystery, not quite structured enough to earn a thriller title, but still a story that revolves around solving a mystery, and getting to know the main character.
In post, it makes a lot of sense why the story takes this unconventional approach of writing what is best described as a drama/thriller, but whilst you’re reading it, it feels like a “good” YA novel. It reads like a slow burn, and the book blends subdued versions thriller reveals alongside overt romance and drama conventions of a YA novel. It's a page-turner, the obvious countdown and the slow reveal of information alongside the story developing overall a really fun story.
The main duo that we follow are interesting characters, both characters with evolving plots that eventually intertwine and who share enjoyable interactions with one another. I largely enjoyed their romance and their characters (especially our main character), who I felt were perfect for the novel, and perfect for readers. I would hesitate to praise the extended cast the same, as they feel as good as YA characters can be. Most of the extended cast I felt lacked any clear conclusion to their character arcs that the story prompted, despite each having intriguing characters and promising plot lines. However, despite the lack of conclusion, they still satisfy, intriguing and complex on screen (or I guess page, lol?), despite certain characters getting discarded as the story moves on.
A simplified description of the novel is that it is a book where the main character is given a chance to “right their wrongs” under unknown mystical circumstances. This framework, is applied to a YA novel, where the book overall satisfies in both plot and main characters, entertaining readers whilst incorporating a wonderfully diverse cast of characters.
Overall, a really enjoyable novel for YA readers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know” was not quite what I was expecting after reading the teaser. With Laurie waking up in a girl’s body (Valerie) and reliving the same calendar day over and over, I expected the story would focus more on the discomfort of being a boy in a girl’s body and the practical aspects of that dilemma— clothes, makeup, hormones, societal expectations, etc. However, that is not how the author incorporates the transgender aspect of the story. And I am glad the story was not what I expected because I think the book is better for the approach the author took.
The time loop concept was an interesting one, especially once some of the actions that Laurie took remained permanent instead of resetting each time the day was experienced again, and once Gideon became caught in the time loop and recognized that he was reliving the same day over again as well. I was glad that the story not only gave Laurie a second chance but also allowed Gideon’s future to be altered in a positive way. I enjoyed the evolution in their friendship/relationship. It was also interesting to see what the author had them do (where they traveled, how they spent their time, etc.) on days they were not actively trying to figure out how to get out of the time loop.
The story kept me guessing. Laurie believes he has somehow switched bodies with Valerie and is trying to figure out who he really is so he can find the real Valerie and somehow switch back. I thought I knew who Laurie was going to be, but I was wrong. The truth of Valerie/Laurie was even better.
I appreciated the overarching message about the importance of self-acceptance and living authentically, along with the recognition of how hard that can be, especially when significant people in your life are not accepting.
The time loop concept was an interesting one, especially once some of the actions that Laurie took remained permanent instead of resetting each time the day was experienced again, and once Gideon became caught in the time loop and recognized that he was reliving the same day over again as well. I was glad that the story not only gave Laurie a second chance but also allowed Gideon’s future to be altered in a positive way. I enjoyed the evolution in their friendship/relationship. It was also interesting to see what the author had them do (where they traveled, how they spent their time, etc.) on days they were not actively trying to figure out how to get out of the time loop.
The story kept me guessing. Laurie believes he has somehow switched bodies with Valerie and is trying to figure out who he really is so he can find the real Valerie and somehow switch back. I thought I knew who Laurie was going to be, but I was wrong. The truth of Valerie/Laurie was even better.
I appreciated the overarching message about the importance of self-acceptance and living authentically, along with the recognition of how hard that can be, especially when significant people in your life are not accepting.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The clock reads 1:00 when Laurie’s eyes open, and he quickly realizes that he is driving down an unfamiliar highway in someone else's body with no memories of how he got there. What follows is a series of Groundhog’s Days, the same day repeating over and over again as Laurie attempts to determine what happened and how to return to reality. Along the way, Laurie meets Gideon, a boy who somehow always seems to find his way into Laurie’s life, despite having to start over with each meeting. As Laurie learns more about the world and the person he’s inhabiting, truths become increasingly more evident, and as the clock counts backward, Laurie realizes there may be a limit to the number of second chances he’s able to have. This unique young adult novel introduces readers to Laurie, a character whose story is unfolding for both Laurie and the reader. Each cycle reveals more information, and readers will be curious to discover what happens next and what circumstances brought Laurie to this unprecedented experience. As Laurie begins to become comfortable sharing the fact that he is a boy inside a girl’s body, his feelings for Gideon become more obvious, and the two develop a sweet and slow burn romance. A poignant exploration of one trans youth’s journey to self acceptance, this book will resonate with readers regardless of their individual backgrounds. Strong language punctuates emotional moments within the story and dialogue propels the narrative alongside Laurie's introspective reflection, all of which work together to build a novel that feels real despite its imagined elements. Engaging and resonant, this book is a heartfelt addition to library collections for mature young adult readers and up.
April 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. Overall, this was really cute and interesting!
The pros: The best parts of this book are the characters. I love Laurie, I love Gideon, I love Tenley (wish we saw more of them) and Bri and Matty and Ibha and everybody. They are fantastic. I love the queerness of this book and how central the queer experience is despite this not being, in the author's words, "a coming out book" (which I agree, it's not). I also just love the world, and how the loop works, and all the things Laurie gets to do because of it. Also, I love the romance. I do not know why the "not fall foe Gideon" bit is in the synopsis up there because that never comes up in the book lol, but despite being a little bit insta-attraction I did love the two of them very much. This was a very fun read!
The cons: Now I admit that despite my love of timeloops I actually haven't read/watched that many of them, so maybe this is a more common issue than I think, but... this story was very predictable. Two major reveals that happen in the last 20% are things that I had been saying for quite a while. One was not as egregious but the Big Reveal was something I first guessed before the 25% mark. And I'm torn because on one hand if it was anything but that it would've felt cheap. But on the other hand the fact that I had known basically the whole book made the reveal not hit very hard at all. Also, while I overall love how the loop works, I find it cheap that we start skipping days (from the audience's perspective). Relatedly, I think it's a little too long. There are a lot of moments in the middle that could've been cut or trimmed, and maybe that would've helped with the looping, too.
3.5 stars. Overall, this was really cute and interesting!
The pros: The best parts of this book are the characters. I love Laurie, I love Gideon, I love Tenley (wish we saw more of them) and Bri and Matty and Ibha and everybody. They are fantastic. I love the queerness of this book and how central the queer experience is despite this not being, in the author's words, "a coming out book" (which I agree, it's not). I also just love the world, and how the loop works, and all the things Laurie gets to do because of it. Also, I love the romance. I do not know why the "not fall foe Gideon" bit is in the synopsis up there because that never comes up in the book lol, but despite being a little bit insta-attraction I did love the two of them very much. This was a very fun read!
The cons: Now I admit that despite my love of timeloops I actually haven't read/watched that many of them, so maybe this is a more common issue than I think, but... this story was very predictable. Two major reveals that happen in the last 20% are things that I had been saying for quite a while. One was not as egregious but the Big Reveal was something I first guessed before the 25% mark. And I'm torn because on one hand if it was anything but that it would've felt cheap. But on the other hand the fact that I had known basically the whole book made the reveal not hit very hard at all. Also, while I overall love how the loop works, I find it cheap that we start skipping days (from the audience's perspective). Relatedly, I think it's a little too long. There are a lot of moments in the middle that could've been cut or trimmed, and maybe that would've helped with the looping, too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is one of my favorite reads so far this year. It’s a simple premise and trope, but through a queer and trans lens - it’s incredible. I was enraptured from beginning to end, and I ended up reading Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know in a single day.
Using amnesia and the time loop to let Laurie go on a slow, deliberate journey of self discovery, isolated from the pressures of the “real world” was incredible. It made the feeling of “I am stuck in someone else’s body” palpable and knowable (and achingly familiar to some) - and unquestionable through the tie in of the Freaky Friday element. I loved the moments of making decisions that “felt right” as well as the moments that “clicked” where Valerie and Laurie had common interests/passions.
The YEARNING in this book. This book has me reaffirming my belief that YA romance is unmatched for a good, slow burn, yearning romance. Paired with the time loop? Perfection! The time loop in this book amplifies the vulnerability, and the twist with Gideon in the middle was both relieving and heart-wrenching. The roof scene with Gideon and Laurie had me kicking my feet with yearning-induced butterflies!!
I loved that the supporting characters had deep, interesting plot lines and complexities. The time loop played with each of their own storylines, and I think it was exceptionally well done with how short this book was.
Ugh! The ending! I’ll take a sequel please. I’m ready for a part 2: college romance for these main characters.
Thank you to Alex Ritany and W. W. Norton & Company for the eARC! I’m off to read the rest of Alex’s works!
Using amnesia and the time loop to let Laurie go on a slow, deliberate journey of self discovery, isolated from the pressures of the “real world” was incredible. It made the feeling of “I am stuck in someone else’s body” palpable and knowable (and achingly familiar to some) - and unquestionable through the tie in of the Freaky Friday element. I loved the moments of making decisions that “felt right” as well as the moments that “clicked” where Valerie and Laurie had common interests/passions.
The YEARNING in this book. This book has me reaffirming my belief that YA romance is unmatched for a good, slow burn, yearning romance. Paired with the time loop? Perfection! The time loop in this book amplifies the vulnerability, and the twist with Gideon in the middle was both relieving and heart-wrenching. The roof scene with Gideon and Laurie had me kicking my feet with yearning-induced butterflies!!
I loved that the supporting characters had deep, interesting plot lines and complexities. The time loop played with each of their own storylines, and I think it was exceptionally well done with how short this book was.
Ugh! The ending! I’ll take a sequel please. I’m ready for a part 2: college romance for these main characters.
Thank you to Alex Ritany and W. W. Norton & Company for the eARC! I’m off to read the rest of Alex’s works!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Laurie is trapped in a time loop and they are unable to figure out why. Worse is that the body he's currently in isn't his: not even the right gender. Laurie tries to survive the endless repetition of the day by trying to do something different each time: the only thing that changes him is his interactions with Gideon. Soon, the two become close and Laurie finds that the time loop might mean something more personal than he thought.
I absolutely love how the time loop is Laurie's uncertainty of the future. After they run away from home, they are riddled with thoughts of what ifs and the feeling of immense doom keep lingering over them. Their wish to keep the day still turns into the time loop. Until Laurie became more confident and stopped doubting themselves, the loop would've continued. Growing up in a culture where being trans is not looked down upon and is treated like any other person, this story really hurt my soul because I can't help but feel sad about those who're trapped within themselves and can't find any way to become who they truly are. Feeling hopeless in a situation where multiple people who should've supported you say that you're either lying or confused hurts: worse is knowing you love them but for the sake of your mental health, you just have to leave them be. If they change, then good, but usually they don't.
The time looping aspect was cleverly done and I definitely recommend reading this! It shows the struggle of someone being uncomfortable in their old skin, trying to find who they are.
thank you to Alex Ritany for the ARC and I voluntarily give my review.
I absolutely love how the time loop is Laurie's uncertainty of the future. After they run away from home, they are riddled with thoughts of what ifs and the feeling of immense doom keep lingering over them. Their wish to keep the day still turns into the time loop. Until Laurie became more confident and stopped doubting themselves, the loop would've continued. Growing up in a culture where being trans is not looked down upon and is treated like any other person, this story really hurt my soul because I can't help but feel sad about those who're trapped within themselves and can't find any way to become who they truly are. Feeling hopeless in a situation where multiple people who should've supported you say that you're either lying or confused hurts: worse is knowing you love them but for the sake of your mental health, you just have to leave them be. If they change, then good, but usually they don't.
The time looping aspect was cleverly done and I definitely recommend reading this! It shows the struggle of someone being uncomfortable in their old skin, trying to find who they are.
thank you to Alex Ritany for the ARC and I voluntarily give my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for letting me get a sneak peek of this book - I still have it on my wishlist - and waiting approval :) lol.
Okay this of this book like Footloose, mixed with Groundhogs day, and strict non supportive Christian parents, mistaken identity (at least in the FMC mind) - and you have a winner on your hands.
I am bad about giving away the whole book - but our main female lead, believes that she is not in her body, like Freaky Friday, her soul was swapped with a male - and she has 100 days to try to find the real her so that way they can change bodies.
Throughout the book, you see her trying to find herself, like talking to her parents, going to school, sending messages on the deep web trying to say "hey if your in the wrong body here I am" - and she winds up in a town meeting the main male lead character.
This is a book, about honoring what you know to be, standing up for yourself, love (at least unconditional from siblings and friends), I think also it should be a wake up call to parents - who might be so unsupportive and unloving to their child (just because they didn't live the life you wanted them to have- do you stop loving them and how can you do that (I had a talk with my husband about this).
A great book and thank you again for letting me read this Netgalley!
Okay this of this book like Footloose, mixed with Groundhogs day, and strict non supportive Christian parents, mistaken identity (at least in the FMC mind) - and you have a winner on your hands.
I am bad about giving away the whole book - but our main female lead, believes that she is not in her body, like Freaky Friday, her soul was swapped with a male - and she has 100 days to try to find the real her so that way they can change bodies.
Throughout the book, you see her trying to find herself, like talking to her parents, going to school, sending messages on the deep web trying to say "hey if your in the wrong body here I am" - and she winds up in a town meeting the main male lead character.
This is a book, about honoring what you know to be, standing up for yourself, love (at least unconditional from siblings and friends), I think also it should be a wake up call to parents - who might be so unsupportive and unloving to their child (just because they didn't live the life you wanted them to have- do you stop loving them and how can you do that (I had a talk with my husband about this).
A great book and thank you again for letting me read this Netgalley!
May 16, 2026
I first picked this up because I saw it written by a Calgary writer. And I'm a Calgary writer so I was intrigued and then drawn to the premise. I also loved the cover so I added the book to my pile and bought it. (The cover also got better after reading the book which is an awesome achievement. Yay cover designer)
It was my first pick to read from my book pile when I got home on my Friday night and I was immediately drawn in by Alex's beautiful writing. I started reading and just kept going. The way they handled the different versions of the same day was so well done. I thought I had things figured out as far as who the main character really was, and loved that I was wrong. The way the characters figure out who they are as the days re-loop and the way their essence remains the same despite different outcomes was really well done.
Super impressive writing with some phrasing that made me stop in appreciation before diving back in to continue enjoying the book. This was a great way to show readers what it must feel like to feel like you are living in the wrong body. There was so much going on under the surface of the slightly magical but soul stirring story. I couldn't stop reading, pausing only to get some sleep and then got up in the morning to finish the book. Definitely YA with emotional punch and a true page turner.
It was my first pick to read from my book pile when I got home on my Friday night and I was immediately drawn in by Alex's beautiful writing. I started reading and just kept going. The way they handled the different versions of the same day was so well done. I thought I had things figured out as far as who the main character really was, and loved that I was wrong. The way the characters figure out who they are as the days re-loop and the way their essence remains the same despite different outcomes was really well done.
Super impressive writing with some phrasing that made me stop in appreciation before diving back in to continue enjoying the book. This was a great way to show readers what it must feel like to feel like you are living in the wrong body. There was so much going on under the surface of the slightly magical but soul stirring story. I couldn't stop reading, pausing only to get some sleep and then got up in the morning to finish the book. Definitely YA with emotional punch and a true page turner.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This modern day, progressive twist on "Groundhog Day" had an unhurried start. This was despite the protagonists' determination to make sense of the dual challenges: the time loop and being trapped in a girl's body.
Here's what this Reader did like.
The choice of name for the protagonist, Laurie. This name has universal application (see: Little Women's Laurie) and not confined to one gender.
The use of focus on the physical features of the protagonist. Laurie's preoccupation with freckles supports the unfamiliarity with being in a different body. Then there's naming the mom by her role as ',mom' and later by her first name. By doing so, this supports the out of body experience Laurie is feeling.
What this Reader did not like are the vast amount of subplots from Laurie's ex, to Laurie's BFF own love life, to Laurie's sibling own transformation and to Gideon's own angst with his family. Sometimes having the main plot, front and center, is more than enough to carry a story. Too many 'cooks/plots' ruin the 'broth/story' as it did here warranting a three rather than four star read.
Thank you W. W. Norton & Company | Norton Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MaybeTomorrowIllKnow #NetGalley
Here's what this Reader did like.
The choice of name for the protagonist, Laurie. This name has universal application (see: Little Women's Laurie) and not confined to one gender.
The use of focus on the physical features of the protagonist. Laurie's preoccupation with freckles supports the unfamiliarity with being in a different body. Then there's naming the mom by her role as ',mom' and later by her first name. By doing so, this supports the out of body experience Laurie is feeling.
What this Reader did not like are the vast amount of subplots from Laurie's ex, to Laurie's BFF own love life, to Laurie's sibling own transformation and to Gideon's own angst with his family. Sometimes having the main plot, front and center, is more than enough to carry a story. Too many 'cooks/plots' ruin the 'broth/story' as it did here warranting a three rather than four star read.
Thank you W. W. Norton & Company | Norton Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MaybeTomorrowIllKnow #NetGalley
April 23, 2026
Maybe Tomorrow I’ll Know by Alex Ritany is a young adult contemporary-fantasy romance built around a recurring temporal loop and an identity displacement premise. The narrative follows Laurie, who awakens repeatedly in a body that is not his own, creating an immediate tension between lived experience, memory fragmentation, and romantic attachment.
The central mechanism a one-hundred-day loop anchored to a single catalytic encounter, provides a structured narrative frame that supports both emotional escalation and procedural repetition. The relationship between Laurie and Gideon evolves under conditions of enforced reset, allowing for iterative character discovery while maintaining a persistent emotional throughline. The body-swap element further intensifies the novel’s exploration of gendered embodiment and self-recognition.
From a market perspective, the book aligns strongly with YA speculative romance trends that blend time-loop mechanics with identity-based emotional storytelling. Its hybrid structure positions it effectively for readers who engage with high-concept romance narratives that combine psychological introspection, LGBTQ+ themes, and accessible science-fiction framing.
The central mechanism a one-hundred-day loop anchored to a single catalytic encounter, provides a structured narrative frame that supports both emotional escalation and procedural repetition. The relationship between Laurie and Gideon evolves under conditions of enforced reset, allowing for iterative character discovery while maintaining a persistent emotional throughline. The body-swap element further intensifies the novel’s exploration of gendered embodiment and self-recognition.
From a market perspective, the book aligns strongly with YA speculative romance trends that blend time-loop mechanics with identity-based emotional storytelling. Its hybrid structure positions it effectively for readers who engage with high-concept romance narratives that combine psychological introspection, LGBTQ+ themes, and accessible science-fiction framing.
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