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In Some Other Life
Kennedy Rhodes turns down an acceptance to an elite private school, instead choosing to stay at her high school and jump at the opportunity to date the boy of her dreams. Three years later, Kennedy walks in on that same boyfriend cheating with her best friend—and wishes she had made a different choice. But when Kennedy hits her head and wakes up in the version of her life where she chose to attend the private school, she finds that maybe it’s not as perfect of a world as she once thought.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2017
121 people are currently reading
4162 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Brody
60 books2,812 followersJessica Brody is the author of more than 20 novels for teens, tweens, and adults including The Geography of Lost Things, The Chaos of Standing Still, Amelia Gray is Almost Okay, A Week of Mondays, 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, the Unremembered trilogy, and the System Divine trilogy which is a sci-fi reimagining of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, co-written with Joanne Rendell. She’s also the author of the #1 bestselling novel-writing guides, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel as well as several books based on popular Disney franchises like Descendants and LEGO Disney Princess. Jessica’s books have been translated and published in over 20 languages and several have been optioned for film and television. She’s the founder of the Writing Mastery Academy and lives with her husband and three dogs near Portland, OR.
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
Visit her online at JessicaBrody.com or WritingMastery.com. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @JessicaBrody
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
October 5, 2017
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
In Some Other Life by Jessica Brody
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: August 8, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Kennedy Rhodes turns down an acceptance to an elite private school, instead choosing to stay at her high school and jump at the opportunity to date the boy of her dreams. Three years later, Kennedy walks in on that same boyfriend cheating with her best friend—and wishes she had made a different choice. But when Kennedy hits her head and wakes up in the version of her life where she chose to attend the private school, she finds that maybe it’s not as perfect of a world as she once thought.
What I Liked:
I've read a number of Jessica Brody's books, including 52 Reasons to Hate My Father and A Week of Mondays. I especially loved 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, and I enjoyed A Week of Mondays. In Some Other Life is just as creative and sweetly romantic as her previous books, but something felt lacking in the story. The book felt all over the place, and not just in terms of the parallel universe jump.
Kennedy Rhodes is a model student at her high school. She is the editor-in-chief of the Southwest Star, a newspaper that she started up at the high school. She always dreamed of going to The Windsor Academy, an elite private school that churns out amazing students that go to Ivy League schools. But her life at the public high school is great. That is, until she walks in on her boyfriend and her best friend kissing... and it doesn't look like it is the first occurrence. When Kennedy falls and hits her head, she wakes up and finds herself in another life, in which she accepted her invite to attend Windsor, and she is now one of the elite students she always dreamed of being. But she quickly discovers that life as a Windsor isn't what she thought it would be, and her life in this parallel universe isn't perfect and happy.
I was nervous about this book because it clearly involves cheating and I hate cheating in a book. The cheating wasn't handled particularly well, in my opinion, and I'll talk about that later. Most of the story around the cheating was okay though. I was not in danger of abandoning the book, and I got really into the story once Kennedy entered the parallel universe.
I liked Kennedy immediately because I was so like her in high school and in college. She is top of her class, a hard worker, a workaholic, in charge of everything, never stopping. She's the girl that does it all, even at the expense of personal relationships. Not that her best friend and her boyfriend hooking up behind her back is excused. That is definitely not Kennedy's fault.
The idea of this book is pretty cool. At first you think it's simply Kennedy hitting her head and waking up in another world. But the author uses physics to explain this occurrence. You see, Kennedy's little brother has a fascination with physics, and while all of the physics talk confuses Kennedy, she remembers him talking about parallel universes. Her life at The Windsor Academy definitely happens in another universe, according to physical theory.
It's so interesting to see Kennedy's two different lives compared to each other. She thinks she has everything she ever wanted when she wakes up and realizes that she is an actual student at Windsor, but she realizes that very little is the same. Her mom is more stressed, her dad doesn't even live at home anymore, her best friend at Windsor might not even be a real friend, and "Other Kennedy" isn't as perfect as Kennedy in her "real" life.
I liked the love interest in the other life, Dylan Parker. He is funny and confident and he loves to antagonize Kennedy. He isn't a preppy student, despite attending a very elite preppy school. He and Kennedy have a lot more chemistry than she and Austin ever did. Although she and Austin were pretty much no longer in a relationship, from the start of the book.
I loved that Kennedy's parents have such a sweet relationship and they are so supportive and normal. I feel like YA parents are either not present or they are crazy. Kennedy's mom and dad are very cool, in the "real" life. In the parallel universe, they are probably going in the direction of divorce. But in Kennedy's real life, they are a wonderful example of married parents with teenagers.
The ending is a happily-ever-after and wraps up well, though it is a little open-ended in terms of one aspect. I wanted that aspect to be expounded upon so I'm kind of hoping that the author writes some sort of epilogue. No sequel, but a few pages of an epilogue would be lovely.
What I Did Not Like:
I really hated the cheating part of this story. Austin and Laney, Kennedy's boyfriend of three years and best friend of... forever, are quite possibly the worst people in this book, in any universe. I can get behind the fact that they fall in love. I CANNOT get behind the fact that they sneaked around and hooked up many times for over three months, while Kennedy and Austin were still a couple. Three months! And who knows how far they took things? This bothers me so much! To me, there is never a good excuse for cheating. If Austin was so bored of his relationship with Kennedy, or if he was so in love with Laney, why did he not break things off with Kennedy? If Laney is such a good friend like she is noted to be, how could she betray her best friend like that?
And what pisses me off even more is it was three months of that happening. Were Kennedy and Austin sexually active? Were Laney and Austin sexually active concurrently? We don't know either case for sure, but you see why this would disgust me, right? There is no good excuse for allowing this to happen (on Austin and Laney's part).
To make matters worse, Kennedy only seems to blame Laney. Every time she thinks about Austin and Laney together, she thinks about how her best friend could have done this to her. How dare her best friend have the audacity to cry and look so sad (when Kennedy walked in on them). How dare her best friend betray her. Okay, I agree with all of these feelings, they are very valid. But... what about Austin? Is he not the CHEATER in this case? It definitely takes two to cheat and your best friend shouldn't be the only one to be blamed.
I hated that, in the end, Kennedy forgives Austin and Laney like nothing. It is something that she does like flipping a light switch. Look, guys. I don't care if Austin and Laney were meant to be together like it was fate or destiny or whatever. I don't think they felt guilty enough or suffered enough. Yes I realize that people should practice forgiveness. But I also think that people should acknowledge that they did something wrong and pay the price. Kennedy's forgiveness seemed way too sudden and too easy.
And then of course Kennedy and her romance (with Dylan) is in the other universe. Think on that.
I think I would have LOVED this book if the Austin/Laney thing had not happened. Maybe the author could have done some other catastrophe, like Kennedy getting booted as editor-in-chief, or the newspaper getting cut, or something with her parents. I don't know. The cheating thing was handled so poorly.
Would I Recommend It:
While I didn't hate this book, I also didn't love it, and I can't say I'd recommend it. Brody's A Week of Mondays kind of deals with a similar concept (in that book, the protagonist wakes up every day and it's still the same Monday, so she is living that same Monday over and over.). I liked that book. This would have been terrific had it not had the cheating part of the story.
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. I'll still be looking forward to reading more books by this author, because my experiences with her YA contemporary novels have been good overall. But here was one bad apple and I didn't totally enjoy the book. It's not a terrible book overall but not really for me.
In Some Other Life by Jessica Brody
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: August 8, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
Kennedy Rhodes turns down an acceptance to an elite private school, instead choosing to stay at her high school and jump at the opportunity to date the boy of her dreams. Three years later, Kennedy walks in on that same boyfriend cheating with her best friend—and wishes she had made a different choice. But when Kennedy hits her head and wakes up in the version of her life where she chose to attend the private school, she finds that maybe it’s not as perfect of a world as she once thought.
What I Liked:
I've read a number of Jessica Brody's books, including 52 Reasons to Hate My Father and A Week of Mondays. I especially loved 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, and I enjoyed A Week of Mondays. In Some Other Life is just as creative and sweetly romantic as her previous books, but something felt lacking in the story. The book felt all over the place, and not just in terms of the parallel universe jump.
Kennedy Rhodes is a model student at her high school. She is the editor-in-chief of the Southwest Star, a newspaper that she started up at the high school. She always dreamed of going to The Windsor Academy, an elite private school that churns out amazing students that go to Ivy League schools. But her life at the public high school is great. That is, until she walks in on her boyfriend and her best friend kissing... and it doesn't look like it is the first occurrence. When Kennedy falls and hits her head, she wakes up and finds herself in another life, in which she accepted her invite to attend Windsor, and she is now one of the elite students she always dreamed of being. But she quickly discovers that life as a Windsor isn't what she thought it would be, and her life in this parallel universe isn't perfect and happy.
I was nervous about this book because it clearly involves cheating and I hate cheating in a book. The cheating wasn't handled particularly well, in my opinion, and I'll talk about that later. Most of the story around the cheating was okay though. I was not in danger of abandoning the book, and I got really into the story once Kennedy entered the parallel universe.
I liked Kennedy immediately because I was so like her in high school and in college. She is top of her class, a hard worker, a workaholic, in charge of everything, never stopping. She's the girl that does it all, even at the expense of personal relationships. Not that her best friend and her boyfriend hooking up behind her back is excused. That is definitely not Kennedy's fault.
The idea of this book is pretty cool. At first you think it's simply Kennedy hitting her head and waking up in another world. But the author uses physics to explain this occurrence. You see, Kennedy's little brother has a fascination with physics, and while all of the physics talk confuses Kennedy, she remembers him talking about parallel universes. Her life at The Windsor Academy definitely happens in another universe, according to physical theory.
It's so interesting to see Kennedy's two different lives compared to each other. She thinks she has everything she ever wanted when she wakes up and realizes that she is an actual student at Windsor, but she realizes that very little is the same. Her mom is more stressed, her dad doesn't even live at home anymore, her best friend at Windsor might not even be a real friend, and "Other Kennedy" isn't as perfect as Kennedy in her "real" life.
I liked the love interest in the other life, Dylan Parker. He is funny and confident and he loves to antagonize Kennedy. He isn't a preppy student, despite attending a very elite preppy school. He and Kennedy have a lot more chemistry than she and Austin ever did. Although she and Austin were pretty much no longer in a relationship, from the start of the book.
I loved that Kennedy's parents have such a sweet relationship and they are so supportive and normal. I feel like YA parents are either not present or they are crazy. Kennedy's mom and dad are very cool, in the "real" life. In the parallel universe, they are probably going in the direction of divorce. But in Kennedy's real life, they are a wonderful example of married parents with teenagers.
The ending is a happily-ever-after and wraps up well, though it is a little open-ended in terms of one aspect. I wanted that aspect to be expounded upon so I'm kind of hoping that the author writes some sort of epilogue. No sequel, but a few pages of an epilogue would be lovely.
What I Did Not Like:
I really hated the cheating part of this story. Austin and Laney, Kennedy's boyfriend of three years and best friend of... forever, are quite possibly the worst people in this book, in any universe. I can get behind the fact that they fall in love. I CANNOT get behind the fact that they sneaked around and hooked up many times for over three months, while Kennedy and Austin were still a couple. Three months! And who knows how far they took things? This bothers me so much! To me, there is never a good excuse for cheating. If Austin was so bored of his relationship with Kennedy, or if he was so in love with Laney, why did he not break things off with Kennedy? If Laney is such a good friend like she is noted to be, how could she betray her best friend like that?
And what pisses me off even more is it was three months of that happening. Were Kennedy and Austin sexually active? Were Laney and Austin sexually active concurrently? We don't know either case for sure, but you see why this would disgust me, right? There is no good excuse for allowing this to happen (on Austin and Laney's part).
To make matters worse, Kennedy only seems to blame Laney. Every time she thinks about Austin and Laney together, she thinks about how her best friend could have done this to her. How dare her best friend have the audacity to cry and look so sad (when Kennedy walked in on them). How dare her best friend betray her. Okay, I agree with all of these feelings, they are very valid. But... what about Austin? Is he not the CHEATER in this case? It definitely takes two to cheat and your best friend shouldn't be the only one to be blamed.
I hated that, in the end, Kennedy forgives Austin and Laney like nothing. It is something that she does like flipping a light switch. Look, guys. I don't care if Austin and Laney were meant to be together like it was fate or destiny or whatever. I don't think they felt guilty enough or suffered enough. Yes I realize that people should practice forgiveness. But I also think that people should acknowledge that they did something wrong and pay the price. Kennedy's forgiveness seemed way too sudden and too easy.
And then of course Kennedy and her romance (with Dylan) is in the other universe. Think on that.
I think I would have LOVED this book if the Austin/Laney thing had not happened. Maybe the author could have done some other catastrophe, like Kennedy getting booted as editor-in-chief, or the newspaper getting cut, or something with her parents. I don't know. The cheating thing was handled so poorly.
Would I Recommend It:
While I didn't hate this book, I also didn't love it, and I can't say I'd recommend it. Brody's A Week of Mondays kind of deals with a similar concept (in that book, the protagonist wakes up every day and it's still the same Monday, so she is living that same Monday over and over.). I liked that book. This would have been terrific had it not had the cheating part of the story.
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded up to 3 stars. I'll still be looking forward to reading more books by this author, because my experiences with her YA contemporary novels have been good overall. But here was one bad apple and I didn't totally enjoy the book. It's not a terrible book overall but not really for me.
July 12, 2017
I'm marking this as a DNF at this time, which makes me incredibly disappointed.
This multiverse/parallel universe story started off pretty strong, introducing a fun family with an overachieving girl, Kennedy Rhodes. Though I found it silly that Kennedy would drop the school over a BOY (but to each their own, I guess), I was intrigued to see how Kennedy would play out in a different world based on one different decision.
However, I'm deciding to not finish this novel due to some internalized misogyny present –as Parallel Universe Kennedy finds herself shocked that she is a "girly girl" and claims that makeup is "fake and misleading." I understand that the author was trying to really show the distinctive traits between Normal Kennedy and Parallel Universe Kennedy, but I think it could have been handled better. Especially for an audience that is largely comprised of impressionable young teens, this book spreads some sexism that I'm not too happy about.
This multiverse/parallel universe story started off pretty strong, introducing a fun family with an overachieving girl, Kennedy Rhodes. Though I found it silly that Kennedy would drop the school over a BOY (but to each their own, I guess), I was intrigued to see how Kennedy would play out in a different world based on one different decision.
However, I'm deciding to not finish this novel due to some internalized misogyny present –as Parallel Universe Kennedy finds herself shocked that she is a "girly girl" and claims that makeup is "fake and misleading." I understand that the author was trying to really show the distinctive traits between Normal Kennedy and Parallel Universe Kennedy, but I think it could have been handled better. Especially for an audience that is largely comprised of impressionable young teens, this book spreads some sexism that I'm not too happy about.
Read
September 6, 2017DNF
Mini review:
I was really looking forward to reading this. I loved the synopsis and couldn't wait to start it. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.
My problem was the main character. I found her to be utterly annoying and crazily over dramatic. I have no idea if she improved, I didn't have it in me to see for myself.
I have a feeling people will still enjoy this. Recommend.
Mini review:
I was really looking forward to reading this. I loved the synopsis and couldn't wait to start it. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.
My problem was the main character. I found her to be utterly annoying and crazily over dramatic. I have no idea if she improved, I didn't have it in me to see for myself.
I have a feeling people will still enjoy this. Recommend.
June 23, 2017
DNF at 31%
I kinda liked the concept of this book, but the characters was just infuriating and very sexist, being horrified at the fact that she became a "girly girl" in her other life, like it was a bad thing (along with the fact that she is obviously too good for make up, because it's "fake and misleading"). Anyway, I could keep reading this book but I don't want to spend my time reading some sexist lines.
I kinda liked the concept of this book, but the characters was just infuriating and very sexist, being horrified at the fact that she became a "girly girl" in her other life, like it was a bad thing (along with the fact that she is obviously too good for make up, because it's "fake and misleading"). Anyway, I could keep reading this book but I don't want to spend my time reading some sexist lines.
September 29, 2018
This book is the equivalent of a pop song.
Enjoyable, fluffy, and totally a guilty pleasure.
Did I get anything out of this?
No.
Was it cliche?
Yes.
Did I secretly enjoy it?
Also yes.
Enjoyable, fluffy, and totally a guilty pleasure.
Did I get anything out of this?
No.
Was it cliche?
Yes.
Did I secretly enjoy it?
Also yes.
October 27, 2017
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I mostly enjoyed this parallel life tale. There was one thing that I wish the author would not have pursued, but still liked the majority of the story.
•Pro: I am a fan of parallel universe stories, and this one had a little touch of It's a Wonderful Life in how Kennedy's alternate choice affected all those in her world.
•Con: I would have been fine with the cheating part of the book, if it had just served as the impetus for Kennedy rethinking her choice, but I just was not a fan of where Brody went with it. I appreciated how she tried to build a case for her decision and direction, but I could not get on board with it. That said, it did not ruin the whole story for me.
•Pro: Kennedy grew so much through this experience. She re-evaluated many things she thought were important and also recognized the things that were really important.
•Pro: The whole idea of how one decision can have a butterfly effect is quite powerful.
•Con: I thought the book could have been shorter. A few things felt unnecessary and at 464 pages for a contemporary, we could have done without them.
•Pro: Frankie was so fabulous. He was this little science nerd, and man, I was enthralled when he was talking nerdy to me. I also love strong sibling relationships, and was surprised by this one, because of the age difference, but I adored their interactions.
•Pro: I was a total Dylan fan. I liked the verbal sparring between him and Kennedy, and I liked how he challenged her. I greatly enjoyed watching their relationship bloom, and wish we had gotten more of it later on.
•Pro: I like most of the ending. If one thing had been omitted, I would have loved the ending. (I know, it's shocking to hear me say such things.)
•Pro: This was a fun read, and I love fun reads. I enjoyed a majority of the story, and liked almost all the characters. The family focus was a plus too, because it's always great when we meet solid YA families.
•Pro: There are a lot of great subtle messages in the story: being true to yourself, doing what you love, forgiveness, looking ahead and not behind. Lots of good take aways.
Overall: A fun and breezy tale, which asked if you should consider "what-ifs" or appreciate the "what-ares".
I mostly enjoyed this parallel life tale. There was one thing that I wish the author would not have pursued, but still liked the majority of the story.
•Pro: I am a fan of parallel universe stories, and this one had a little touch of It's a Wonderful Life in how Kennedy's alternate choice affected all those in her world.
•Con: I would have been fine with the cheating part of the book, if it had just served as the impetus for Kennedy rethinking her choice, but I just was not a fan of where Brody went with it. I appreciated how she tried to build a case for her decision and direction, but I could not get on board with it. That said, it did not ruin the whole story for me.
•Pro: Kennedy grew so much through this experience. She re-evaluated many things she thought were important and also recognized the things that were really important.
•Pro: The whole idea of how one decision can have a butterfly effect is quite powerful.
•Con: I thought the book could have been shorter. A few things felt unnecessary and at 464 pages for a contemporary, we could have done without them.
•Pro: Frankie was so fabulous. He was this little science nerd, and man, I was enthralled when he was talking nerdy to me. I also love strong sibling relationships, and was surprised by this one, because of the age difference, but I adored their interactions.
•Pro: I was a total Dylan fan. I liked the verbal sparring between him and Kennedy, and I liked how he challenged her. I greatly enjoyed watching their relationship bloom, and wish we had gotten more of it later on.
•Pro: I like most of the ending. If one thing had been omitted, I would have loved the ending. (I know, it's shocking to hear me say such things.)
•Pro: This was a fun read, and I love fun reads. I enjoyed a majority of the story, and liked almost all the characters. The family focus was a plus too, because it's always great when we meet solid YA families.
•Pro: There are a lot of great subtle messages in the story: being true to yourself, doing what you love, forgiveness, looking ahead and not behind. Lots of good take aways.
Overall: A fun and breezy tale, which asked if you should consider "what-ifs" or appreciate the "what-ares".
August 16, 2017
What’s this? I actually like a YA Contemporary book? This hasn’t happened in a very long time. This book was excellent with an interesting premise, a wonderful message about regret and even pretty good anti-establishment message that didn’t come off too preachy. At time it was incredibly predictable and the main character wasn’t the smartest in the world but there are some great twists and Brody wrote some excellent characters. I look forward to reading more books by Brody.
~Spoilers~
“May I suggest that you refrain from Googling ‘possible catastrophes at print shops’ from now on”—Page 1
Ha!
There’s always either a teacher or friend who knows something about parallel universes in these types of stories. I should be glad, since if you don’t have those characters then you get something like the Future of Us.
I really like Frankie, he’s well written smart character. He clearly knows a lot about science and is interested in the stuff but he doesn’t get everything completely right. Kennedy can still stump and they tease each other. He’s still a kid where there’s a parallel universe with no showers.
“Because we’re totally, absolutely, one-hundred-percent in tune with each other.”—Page 25
Your boyfriend likes coffee and you don’t. He has mannerism that you don’t like. And likes a comedy show that you don’t. Opposite attracted but you don’t see to have much in common.
“And she loves saying balls.”—Page 30
I like her.
“She stops typing as an unreadable expression blankets her face. ‘That’s weird,’ she says flatly.”—Page 31
You’re fucking her boyfriend, aren’t you Laney?
“You have to go over to Austin’s and watch it with him!”—Page 37
Okay, Kennedy is kind of stupid.
“Because they’re too busy kissing.”—Page 48
What a shock.
“Dad nods pensively. ‘Okay then, break a pen! Bust a laptop! Burn a book!’”—Page 63
Her dad is great.
Well, that interview didn’t go well.
If I were Kennedy in this situation, I probably would ask a lot less questions and just go with the flow. Then I would start freaking about what homework I would have to do and where my classes are.
“We’ve been in how many of the same classes—not to mention the other things we’ve done together—”—Page 163
A fling?
Y’know getting into a good college is important but high school is where you should have fun. Not stress out. You should definitely work hard, be ambitious and strive for excellence but these kids are nuts.
Okay, so I thought Kennedy was having a headache because something with the switching to a different universe thing but apparently it’s just caffeine withdrawal.
I also thought that Lucinda had killed herself due to the stress but apparently she just cheated.
“…but I never would have imagined anyone would resort to cheating.”—Page 197
People cheat in average classes all the time.
“The time we misspelled a word in our front-page story about teen literacy.”—Page 251
That’s hilarious. Kennedy how could you not realize that without you all the stuff you did at your other high school wouldn’t have happened?
“That shouldn’t be allowed to be a club. Who approved this? Who thought this was a good idea? Those are the best computers in the school! They shouldn’t be used for something so pointless, not to mention…violent.”—Page 256
Oh, give me a break.
I’m glad that Brody made Laney and Kennedy both in the wrong. Kennedy was taking her friendship with Laney for granted and Laney was cheating with Kennedy’s boyfriend.
“Starting next week, we will begin docking one percentage point a week from every student grade until the person responsible decides to make the right choice.”—Page 268
In what universe would this happen? I’m pretty sure the parents of every student would have something to say about this. I can’t imagine this is legal.
“No. I won’t let you start a newspaper because you’re too hard on yourself. You’re already stretched far too thin and I’m worried about you.”—Page 276
Well, that is a good reason but there’s also the fact that you’re basically turning this into a witch-hunt. Kennedy, already thinks that Dylan did this just because she doesn’t like him.
“It actually seems pretty biased. And a bit lazy.”—Page 281
This. I really like this. Brody has a character with flaws, Kennedy clearly doesn’t like Dylan and that’s leading her to be biased and make bad choices. It comes off as annoying but then Brody has another character immediately call her out. I’ve been seeing this so rarely in other YA contemporary books. Characters should have flaws that lead them to make bad decisions but that doesn’t mean that the character either shouldn’t be called out for it or realize their flaws themselves.
“I know it was you. And I’m going to get to the bottom of it. With or without your help.”—Page 282
“I’m going to prove you’re guilty with or without your help.” That sounds kind of stupid.
Dylan ranking people’s mental breakdowns is kind of awful.
“He smiles a handsomely devilish smile. ‘That I’ve achieve enlightenment!’”—Page 294
I really like this kid.
“She’ll have to attend community college.”—Page 296
Hey! Also, y’know that kids in public school get into good schools all the time and that Ivy League schools aren’t the only option.
It’s totally Windsor-Kennedy who’s selling these tests.
“It takes him a while to reply. But when he does, he say, ‘Yes. And admittedly a little turned on.’”—Page 336
Haha, Dylan is becoming one of my favorite characters.
“Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV” “TSM4” that’s a really great twist.
The essay was heartbreaking.
“When I woke up this morning, I called a cab to the airport, I bought a plane ticket, and I left.”—Page 380
Well, that was unexpected.
“‘I don’t regret anything,’ Dad whispers into my ear. ‘I promise.’”—Page 394
I love her dad so much.
“It’s fear. Fear of not living up to your potential. Fear of failure.
And, in that moment, I realize something for the very first time.
The students aren’t the only ones who are pressured to succeed in this place. The students aren’t the only ones pushed to exhaustion to fulfill an Ivy League quota. The teacher feel the exact same thing. They suffer the exact same debilitating stress. Fitz probably gets even less sleep than I do.”—Page 409
Favorite quote.
Damn, Sequoia turned Kennedy and Dylan in.
Well, Kennedy’s back in her old life. Does that mean that Windsor-Kennedy was living our Kennedy’s life? I kind of want to read that story.
Yay! This universe’s Dylan is now going to the same school! They’re really cute together.
~Spoilers~
“May I suggest that you refrain from Googling ‘possible catastrophes at print shops’ from now on”—Page 1
Ha!
There’s always either a teacher or friend who knows something about parallel universes in these types of stories. I should be glad, since if you don’t have those characters then you get something like the Future of Us.
I really like Frankie, he’s well written smart character. He clearly knows a lot about science and is interested in the stuff but he doesn’t get everything completely right. Kennedy can still stump and they tease each other. He’s still a kid where there’s a parallel universe with no showers.
“Because we’re totally, absolutely, one-hundred-percent in tune with each other.”—Page 25
Your boyfriend likes coffee and you don’t. He has mannerism that you don’t like. And likes a comedy show that you don’t. Opposite attracted but you don’t see to have much in common.
“And she loves saying balls.”—Page 30
I like her.
“She stops typing as an unreadable expression blankets her face. ‘That’s weird,’ she says flatly.”—Page 31
You’re fucking her boyfriend, aren’t you Laney?
“You have to go over to Austin’s and watch it with him!”—Page 37
Okay, Kennedy is kind of stupid.
“Because they’re too busy kissing.”—Page 48
What a shock.
“Dad nods pensively. ‘Okay then, break a pen! Bust a laptop! Burn a book!’”—Page 63
Her dad is great.
Well, that interview didn’t go well.
If I were Kennedy in this situation, I probably would ask a lot less questions and just go with the flow. Then I would start freaking about what homework I would have to do and where my classes are.
“We’ve been in how many of the same classes—not to mention the other things we’ve done together—”—Page 163
A fling?
Y’know getting into a good college is important but high school is where you should have fun. Not stress out. You should definitely work hard, be ambitious and strive for excellence but these kids are nuts.
Okay, so I thought Kennedy was having a headache because something with the switching to a different universe thing but apparently it’s just caffeine withdrawal.
I also thought that Lucinda had killed herself due to the stress but apparently she just cheated.
“…but I never would have imagined anyone would resort to cheating.”—Page 197
People cheat in average classes all the time.
“The time we misspelled a word in our front-page story about teen literacy.”—Page 251
That’s hilarious. Kennedy how could you not realize that without you all the stuff you did at your other high school wouldn’t have happened?
“That shouldn’t be allowed to be a club. Who approved this? Who thought this was a good idea? Those are the best computers in the school! They shouldn’t be used for something so pointless, not to mention…violent.”—Page 256
Oh, give me a break.
I’m glad that Brody made Laney and Kennedy both in the wrong. Kennedy was taking her friendship with Laney for granted and Laney was cheating with Kennedy’s boyfriend.
“Starting next week, we will begin docking one percentage point a week from every student grade until the person responsible decides to make the right choice.”—Page 268
In what universe would this happen? I’m pretty sure the parents of every student would have something to say about this. I can’t imagine this is legal.
“No. I won’t let you start a newspaper because you’re too hard on yourself. You’re already stretched far too thin and I’m worried about you.”—Page 276
Well, that is a good reason but there’s also the fact that you’re basically turning this into a witch-hunt. Kennedy, already thinks that Dylan did this just because she doesn’t like him.
“It actually seems pretty biased. And a bit lazy.”—Page 281
This. I really like this. Brody has a character with flaws, Kennedy clearly doesn’t like Dylan and that’s leading her to be biased and make bad choices. It comes off as annoying but then Brody has another character immediately call her out. I’ve been seeing this so rarely in other YA contemporary books. Characters should have flaws that lead them to make bad decisions but that doesn’t mean that the character either shouldn’t be called out for it or realize their flaws themselves.
“I know it was you. And I’m going to get to the bottom of it. With or without your help.”—Page 282
“I’m going to prove you’re guilty with or without your help.” That sounds kind of stupid.
Dylan ranking people’s mental breakdowns is kind of awful.
“He smiles a handsomely devilish smile. ‘That I’ve achieve enlightenment!’”—Page 294
I really like this kid.
“She’ll have to attend community college.”—Page 296
Hey! Also, y’know that kids in public school get into good schools all the time and that Ivy League schools aren’t the only option.
It’s totally Windsor-Kennedy who’s selling these tests.
“It takes him a while to reply. But when he does, he say, ‘Yes. And admittedly a little turned on.’”—Page 336
Haha, Dylan is becoming one of my favorite characters.
“Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV” “TSM4” that’s a really great twist.
The essay was heartbreaking.
“When I woke up this morning, I called a cab to the airport, I bought a plane ticket, and I left.”—Page 380
Well, that was unexpected.
“‘I don’t regret anything,’ Dad whispers into my ear. ‘I promise.’”—Page 394
I love her dad so much.
“It’s fear. Fear of not living up to your potential. Fear of failure.
And, in that moment, I realize something for the very first time.
The students aren’t the only ones who are pressured to succeed in this place. The students aren’t the only ones pushed to exhaustion to fulfill an Ivy League quota. The teacher feel the exact same thing. They suffer the exact same debilitating stress. Fitz probably gets even less sleep than I do.”—Page 409
Favorite quote.
Damn, Sequoia turned Kennedy and Dylan in.
Well, Kennedy’s back in her old life. Does that mean that Windsor-Kennedy was living our Kennedy’s life? I kind of want to read that story.
Yay! This universe’s Dylan is now going to the same school! They’re really cute together.
August 4, 2017
To start off, I didn't have any expectations for this book so I wasn't disappointed by it. I did have many problems with it and the biggest one is that I found Kennedy to be naive and kind of clueless. She wanted to attend the Windsor Academy since 6th grade and when she applied she was wait listed until right before her freshman year when a spot opens up. This is exactly what she wants, but just a week earlier the boy she has a crush on asked her out. She has to choose between attending the school of her dreams or dating the boy she thought she was in love with. She chose the boy because she didn’t think their relationship would last if their at separate schools. I get that at the time she was young and he was probably her first boyfriend, but she turned down the school of her dreams for a guy she most likely wouldn’t spend the rest of her life with. I thought this was an incredibly stupid decision on her part because she passed up a great opportunity for a guy.
I also felt she was pretty stupid not to notice that something was going on with her best friend and boyfriend. I mean, the day she finds out she gets to school and Austin tries to kiss her but she gets grossed out when she smells his coffee breath and he tells her he was at Peabody's that morning. Not ten minutes later, when she's working on the newspaper with Laney, she smells coffee on her breath and Laney also says she was at Peabody's. Kennedy asks her if she saw Austin and Laney starts acting weird. If it were me, this would send up a red flag. Especially because she asks Laney to go over to Austin's that night to watch a TV show with him because Kennedy can't make it and Laney acts even stranger.
I feel like her stupidity increases when she arrives in the parallel universe. I get that she probably doesn't know everything there is to know about parallel universes, but her brother is obsessed with them and talks about it all the time that she should at least be familiar with the concept. But no, she naively thinks that everything is the exact same. When she arrives home after falling on the steps of the Windsor Academy, she is surprised to see her mom home. In her other life, her father just made a huge sale with his photographs so she thinks he’s down in the basement working. For two days. She hasn't seen him once for two days and she doesn’t question this. She doesn’t stop to think that maybe her parents couldn’t afford to send her to an expensive, prestigious school and that her dad had to get a different job. She doesn’t even think that maybe her parents are divorced in this life and that’s why he’s not around. I mean seriously, how could she think everything would be the exact same?
I also didn’t like how Sequoia acted about Kennedy’s behavior after her fall. She’s supposed to be her best friend but she doesn’t seem worried at all that Kennedy doesn’t know things she should. She just gives her strange looks and brushes it off as not enough caffeine. If I were her, I would think that Kennedy really did hurt herself when she fell and maybe suggest she see a doctor. It’s just common sense that when someone seems to have memory loss from a fall that there’s something wrong.
My last problem with this book is the huge presence of social media. Almost every other chapter they mention Kennedy checking her SnipPic. I don’t like social media and I didn’t like that this was such a huge part of the book.
I feel like I have a lot of complaints about this book and that it doesn’t really deserve a two star rating, but it wasn’t completely horrible. I liked her brother, Frankie, and the mystery of the cheating scandal at the Windsor Academy was interesting. I also think that part of the reason I gave this book two stars is because I won this in a giveaway and it was exciting to read an ARC, which is something I haven’t done before. This wasn’t a terrible book, but I’m a little wary of reading other books by this author.
I also felt she was pretty stupid not to notice that something was going on with her best friend and boyfriend. I mean, the day she finds out she gets to school and Austin tries to kiss her but she gets grossed out when she smells his coffee breath and he tells her he was at Peabody's that morning. Not ten minutes later, when she's working on the newspaper with Laney, she smells coffee on her breath and Laney also says she was at Peabody's. Kennedy asks her if she saw Austin and Laney starts acting weird. If it were me, this would send up a red flag. Especially because she asks Laney to go over to Austin's that night to watch a TV show with him because Kennedy can't make it and Laney acts even stranger.
I feel like her stupidity increases when she arrives in the parallel universe. I get that she probably doesn't know everything there is to know about parallel universes, but her brother is obsessed with them and talks about it all the time that she should at least be familiar with the concept. But no, she naively thinks that everything is the exact same. When she arrives home after falling on the steps of the Windsor Academy, she is surprised to see her mom home. In her other life, her father just made a huge sale with his photographs so she thinks he’s down in the basement working. For two days. She hasn't seen him once for two days and she doesn’t question this. She doesn’t stop to think that maybe her parents couldn’t afford to send her to an expensive, prestigious school and that her dad had to get a different job. She doesn’t even think that maybe her parents are divorced in this life and that’s why he’s not around. I mean seriously, how could she think everything would be the exact same?
I also didn’t like how Sequoia acted about Kennedy’s behavior after her fall. She’s supposed to be her best friend but she doesn’t seem worried at all that Kennedy doesn’t know things she should. She just gives her strange looks and brushes it off as not enough caffeine. If I were her, I would think that Kennedy really did hurt herself when she fell and maybe suggest she see a doctor. It’s just common sense that when someone seems to have memory loss from a fall that there’s something wrong.
My last problem with this book is the huge presence of social media. Almost every other chapter they mention Kennedy checking her SnipPic. I don’t like social media and I didn’t like that this was such a huge part of the book.
I feel like I have a lot of complaints about this book and that it doesn’t really deserve a two star rating, but it wasn’t completely horrible. I liked her brother, Frankie, and the mystery of the cheating scandal at the Windsor Academy was interesting. I also think that part of the reason I gave this book two stars is because I won this in a giveaway and it was exciting to read an ARC, which is something I haven’t done before. This wasn’t a terrible book, but I’m a little wary of reading other books by this author.
March 10, 2018
It was an okay read. I didn’t love it or hate it, it just wasn’t that memorable. Also, the main character Kennedy was pretty annoying. She felt really immature, naive, and so self-centered so it was kind of hard to like her. She redeemed herself in the end so that was good. I just wish the story was as beautiful as the cover haha.
August 11, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Contemporary
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Full Review Pending*
Not an original concept, but it is an intriguing idea of parallel universes. However, I guess I will remain against those who willingly cheat on another person be it with their spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, or best friend. It is inconceivable to me that our heroine would be willing to forgive so easily. Life is too short to just allow yourself to be abused and then laugh it off.
*Genre* Young Adult, Contemporary
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Full Review Pending*
Not an original concept, but it is an intriguing idea of parallel universes. However, I guess I will remain against those who willingly cheat on another person be it with their spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, or best friend. It is inconceivable to me that our heroine would be willing to forgive so easily. Life is too short to just allow yourself to be abused and then laugh it off.
June 16, 2018
For the past three years, Kennedy Rhodes has been keeping a big secret from her family. All her life, she wanted to attend Windsor Academy and that dream nearly came true until she gave it all up for a guy named Austin. Yes, you heard correctly - Kennedy chucked everything away for a high school romance. Now three years later, she has accomplished resurrecting a school newspaper and winning awards but is she truly happy as she constantly checks the Windsor website and wonders What If ? Especially now as Kennedy has just caught her best friend hooking up with her boyfriend. Running to her safe place, she heads to Windsor Academy and bumps her head. When Kennedy wakes up, she discovers she is a student at Windsor Academy and that she did accept the place after all. With this new life, Kennedy will finally experience what her life could have been? Will she like this version of Kennedy, her friends, and family or will she realize that life in a public school is better for all? I loved this book as I have always had a thing for parallel universes and I am the type to wonder "What If" for a few of my decisions. I have always thought it would be an interesting concept if there was a way we could view or experience our parallel universes? Maybe our dream worlds are our versions of parallel universes? This is one YA Book that I suggest all should read and give a go, as it will get you thinking about the what if scenarios in your life.
September 8, 2017
I honestly loved this book! I always think about how my life would be different if I'd made other choices, especially since I moved around a bit when I was a kid, and this book really captured the feeling. The ending was also perfect, and while there was little romance, I felt myself getting lost in Kennedy's story of self-discovery more and more.
For the people who DNF'd this book because of how Kennedy made fun of her other self for having makeup and girly things, get over yourselves. It's in the book very briefly, and it worked as a device to make Kennedy feel like she was in truly uncharted territory.
For the people who DNF'd this book because of how Kennedy made fun of her other self for having makeup and girly things, get over yourselves. It's in the book very briefly, and it worked as a device to make Kennedy feel like she was in truly uncharted territory.
September 24, 2017
An entertaining The Road Not Taken meets It's a Wonderful Life high school mashup. Although the story is predictable, it does have a positive message about following your bliss and being true to your values.
July 29, 2017
Loved it! Will review soon!
June 4, 2018
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
May 4, 2018
I really liked this book because it showed a sense of mystery. Kennedy showed curiosity by trying to figure out who was selling stolen exams to other students.
July 10, 2017
This is a story about choices and decisions.
Kennedy Rhodes made a decisions three years earlier between a boy and a prestigious school. She and the boy have been together for three years. She's the editor in chief of the school newspaper which she revived when she started ninth grade. She is determined to get into Columbia's School of Journalism. She has a mother who is a partner in a law firm and a stay-at-home father who is getting ready for his first gallery show featuring his photography. She has also raised worrying to an art form. If there were an Olympic event for "what ifs," Kennedy would be a gold medal winner.
She still wonders what would have happened if she had chosen the prestigious school. 89% of Windsor Academy graduates get in at Ivy League colleges. The school is state of the art. She frequently peruses Windsor Academy's website and follows social media for many of the students. When Kennedy catches her boyfriend making out with her best friend, she goes to Windsor Academy to see if she still has a place there. She is disappointed to learn that her spot has long since been filled. She is pushed and falls down the stairs when she is leaving. When she wakes up, she's a different Kennedy.
This Kennedy Rhodes is number one in her class at Windsor Academy. She has a new best friend named Sequoia and she has all the pressure that comes with an elite private school. Her life at home has changed too. Her father now works in advertising and is away on locations for half the year. Her mother is still an associate at her law firm so that she can come home afternoons to take care of Kennedy's brother. The only one she confides in is her younger brother whose passion is physics and who comes up with the theory of alternate parallel universes.
This Kennedy isn't the same as the first Kennedy. Instead of journalism, her focus is on economics. There's a boy in her new life too. Dylan is a misfit in buttoned down Windsor Academy. He's a legacy who would really like to go to school somewhere else. When a cheating scandal erupts, Kennedy decides to investigate and her first suspect is Dylan.
The story takes some interesting turns before it gets to a satisfying conclusion. I really liked Kennedy more and more as the story went on and as she dealt with the consequences of decisions. Who hasn't wanted to see what life was like if they made different choices? This one gives the ready a great story and lots to think about.
Kennedy Rhodes made a decisions three years earlier between a boy and a prestigious school. She and the boy have been together for three years. She's the editor in chief of the school newspaper which she revived when she started ninth grade. She is determined to get into Columbia's School of Journalism. She has a mother who is a partner in a law firm and a stay-at-home father who is getting ready for his first gallery show featuring his photography. She has also raised worrying to an art form. If there were an Olympic event for "what ifs," Kennedy would be a gold medal winner.
She still wonders what would have happened if she had chosen the prestigious school. 89% of Windsor Academy graduates get in at Ivy League colleges. The school is state of the art. She frequently peruses Windsor Academy's website and follows social media for many of the students. When Kennedy catches her boyfriend making out with her best friend, she goes to Windsor Academy to see if she still has a place there. She is disappointed to learn that her spot has long since been filled. She is pushed and falls down the stairs when she is leaving. When she wakes up, she's a different Kennedy.
This Kennedy Rhodes is number one in her class at Windsor Academy. She has a new best friend named Sequoia and she has all the pressure that comes with an elite private school. Her life at home has changed too. Her father now works in advertising and is away on locations for half the year. Her mother is still an associate at her law firm so that she can come home afternoons to take care of Kennedy's brother. The only one she confides in is her younger brother whose passion is physics and who comes up with the theory of alternate parallel universes.
This Kennedy isn't the same as the first Kennedy. Instead of journalism, her focus is on economics. There's a boy in her new life too. Dylan is a misfit in buttoned down Windsor Academy. He's a legacy who would really like to go to school somewhere else. When a cheating scandal erupts, Kennedy decides to investigate and her first suspect is Dylan.
The story takes some interesting turns before it gets to a satisfying conclusion. I really liked Kennedy more and more as the story went on and as she dealt with the consequences of decisions. Who hasn't wanted to see what life was like if they made different choices? This one gives the ready a great story and lots to think about.
January 23, 2018
Three years ago Kennedy chose a boy over the school of her dreams. She knew it wasn’t the right thing to do so she never told anyone she got off the waitlist. It stings a little extra when she walks in on her boyfriend with her best friend, and on top of that, she ruins her interview with Colombia, her dream university. In a desperate act, Kennedy visits Windsor Academy to convince them to let her attend the school. Before she leaves campus, Kennedy is knocked out. When she wakes up, she finds herself in a parallel universe, one where she attends the Academy.
My first Jessica Brody-novel, A Week of Mondays, was so hilarious that I often had to cry from laughter. Her books have been on my reading list for quite a while now but somehow it took me almost two years to read another one of her novels. ISOL isn’t as funny as AWOM, but it’s definitely fun. Unlike Ellison Kennedy isn’t reliving the same day over and over again. No, she is in an entirely different universe.
I really liked seeing Kennedy solve this puzzle about her life. I liked the dynamic between her and her little brother and I would’ve liked to see more between Dylan and her, though I really liked how Jessica ended things. The conclusion was exciting and sweet. Jessica’s writing keeps you interested in the character and her journey. In Some Other Life gets a big fat recommendation from me.
My first Jessica Brody-novel, A Week of Mondays, was so hilarious that I often had to cry from laughter. Her books have been on my reading list for quite a while now but somehow it took me almost two years to read another one of her novels. ISOL isn’t as funny as AWOM, but it’s definitely fun. Unlike Ellison Kennedy isn’t reliving the same day over and over again. No, she is in an entirely different universe.
I really liked seeing Kennedy solve this puzzle about her life. I liked the dynamic between her and her little brother and I would’ve liked to see more between Dylan and her, though I really liked how Jessica ended things. The conclusion was exciting and sweet. Jessica’s writing keeps you interested in the character and her journey. In Some Other Life gets a big fat recommendation from me.
September 7, 2018
WOW! A+ for a book I picked up randomly on a whim!
I’ve been reading a lot of multiverse theory books lately (Pivot Point, Maybe in Another Life, etc) and I am really enjoying this style of book.
I loved Kennedy. She was so easy to read about, and I loved her drive to succeed. And her family! Oh my goodness, I loved her family! Frankie was just the cutest, and I liked Kennedy’s relationship with him. The dad was funny and I liked how supportive he was. Kennedy really grew as a character, which made me like her even more.
And the romance!!! Soooo good! No instalove. They had wonderful chemistry and the romance was slow burn. Anyway, I loved him.
I read the whole book practically in one sitting, and that is not something I often do.
I’ve been reading a lot of multiverse theory books lately (Pivot Point, Maybe in Another Life, etc) and I am really enjoying this style of book.
I loved Kennedy. She was so easy to read about, and I loved her drive to succeed. And her family! Oh my goodness, I loved her family! Frankie was just the cutest, and I liked Kennedy’s relationship with him. The dad was funny and I liked how supportive he was. Kennedy really grew as a character, which made me like her even more.
And the romance!!! Soooo good! No instalove. They had wonderful chemistry and the romance was slow burn. Anyway, I loved him.
I read the whole book practically in one sitting, and that is not something I often do.
July 6, 2018
Quick read (despite its length). Thoughtful insights into topical issues. Maybe a little more balance needed.
June 20, 2018
I picked this up on a whim at the library so I had no expectations because I’ve never heard of this book before, but I wasn’t disappointed or satisfied by this book. I don’t even really know how I feel about this book haha so I’m just gonna make a list:
Pros:
- I FLEW through this book. It’s 450 pages and as I was reading it I couldn’t believe that I was already on this page!
- Frankie is my FAVE character!!!
- this was a really cool concept.
- kind of enjoyable
Cons:
- not even half way through this book and I was just kind of done with it. I can’t say why but I just felt bored
- none of the characters were any good
- I felt like the plot was all over the place and things were kind of unresolved
- there was SO MUCH inner dialogue that was repeated that I skimmed a lot of the inner dialogue
- I know it’s stupid to say this book is unrealistic because Kennedy, our main character, switches lives by hitting her head, but there was so much in this book that just wouldn’t happen in real life!! There was so much cliche things and sometimes I’m a fan of cliches but not any of these
- SO PREDICTABLE
I feel like this could have been done better? I found myself wondering why I was reading this and feeling like it was a waste of my time. Just didn’t enjoy this one so 2 stars.
Pros:
- I FLEW through this book. It’s 450 pages and as I was reading it I couldn’t believe that I was already on this page!
- Frankie is my FAVE character!!!
- this was a really cool concept.
- kind of enjoyable
Cons:
- not even half way through this book and I was just kind of done with it. I can’t say why but I just felt bored
- none of the characters were any good
- I felt like the plot was all over the place and things were kind of unresolved
- there was SO MUCH inner dialogue that was repeated that I skimmed a lot of the inner dialogue
- I know it’s stupid to say this book is unrealistic because Kennedy, our main character, switches lives by hitting her head, but there was so much in this book that just wouldn’t happen in real life!! There was so much cliche things and sometimes I’m a fan of cliches but not any of these
- SO PREDICTABLE
I feel like this could have been done better? I found myself wondering why I was reading this and feeling like it was a waste of my time. Just didn’t enjoy this one so 2 stars.
December 13, 2017
I was enjoying this story until the end. I did not like the ending.
Read
August 29, 2019Super fast and fun read. I was looking for a low angst YA and this fit the bill perfectly!
November 18, 2017
Jessica Brody writes cute contemporary novels that don't take themselves too seriously. Her characters are funny and relatable and I find myself understanding why they do what they do, even if I don't always agree with their decisions. Everything in her novels is chill and easygoing, which I happen to love.
I also happen to hate In Some Other Life with a passion. The premise of the story is actually a trope I very much enjoy—MC gets to travel to a parallel universe! But sadly, the main character, Kennedy, is the most annoying, stupid and clueless character I read about this year. I am so disappointed by that, because as I said, Jessica Brody usually writes character in a way I love.
There are so many reasons as to why I hate Kennedy’s ass, but I am not a dedicated reviewer so here is the main one aka THE REASON KENNEDY SUCKS THE MOST:
(Backstory: ) Why does Kennedy even travel to a parallel universe? Basically, she had to make a tough decision 3.5 years ago. In the end, she decided to enroll in a public high school, where she has since acquired a best friend and a boyfriend named Austin. After Austin cheats on her (with her best friend) she wonders if she might have made the wrong choice. After all this goes down, we are presented with important information about her past: why did she not enroll into WA in the beginning? It WAS her dream school and she obsesses over it constantly in the first 10% of the book. So why not go there instead?
She didn't go to Widsor Academy because of Austin. She. Wanted. To. Go. On. A. First. Date. With. Austin.
Yep. She basically doesn't attend one of the best schools in the country because a boy she liked asked her out a few days before she got the acceptance letter and she was worried he wouldn't want to date her if she changed schools. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SYMPATHIZE WITH THIS FEMALE??????? You are wondering if you made the wrong choice? YES YOU STUPID HUMAN!!!!!!! Education comes freaking FIRST, and if he doesn't want to stay with you after you transfer schools then fuck him. You are better off. SHIT what did i just FUCKING READ???!?! They weren't even dating! She literally threw away Winsor Academy education for a CHANCE to date this guy. For a freaking chance. I am crying. Am I supposed to feel bad for her and think that no, her life here is good, no need to travel to a parallel universe where she didn't choose the boy and attends WA? 'Cause hell no, pack your bags and go get that life right now. I am all over that plan.
Before she gets to travel to a parallel universe though, something even BETTER happens. She has an interview with Columbia, but she totally blows it because she just found out Austin cheated on her and is oh-so distraught. So now she doesn’t have Austin or Columbia. Guess what she does next! She decides that it's a perfectly good and normal idea to drive to WA to get her spot. You know, the one that was offered to her 3.5 years ago. ??????? She literally goes to the deans office and says she wants the spot. Like now. And the dean is like what? And she’s like yeah, the one you gave me 3.5 years ago. I screwed up and now I want it. Oh my god I am so done. Goodbye.
I also happen to hate In Some Other Life with a passion. The premise of the story is actually a trope I very much enjoy—MC gets to travel to a parallel universe! But sadly, the main character, Kennedy, is the most annoying, stupid and clueless character I read about this year. I am so disappointed by that, because as I said, Jessica Brody usually writes character in a way I love.
There are so many reasons as to why I hate Kennedy’s ass, but I am not a dedicated reviewer so here is the main one aka THE REASON KENNEDY SUCKS THE MOST:
(Backstory: ) Why does Kennedy even travel to a parallel universe? Basically, she had to make a tough decision 3.5 years ago. In the end, she decided to enroll in a public high school, where she has since acquired a best friend and a boyfriend named Austin. After Austin cheats on her (with her best friend) she wonders if she might have made the wrong choice. After all this goes down, we are presented with important information about her past: why did she not enroll into WA in the beginning? It WAS her dream school and she obsesses over it constantly in the first 10% of the book. So why not go there instead?
She didn't go to Widsor Academy because of Austin. She. Wanted. To. Go. On. A. First. Date. With. Austin.
Yep. She basically doesn't attend one of the best schools in the country because a boy she liked asked her out a few days before she got the acceptance letter and she was worried he wouldn't want to date her if she changed schools. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SYMPATHIZE WITH THIS FEMALE??????? You are wondering if you made the wrong choice? YES YOU STUPID HUMAN!!!!!!! Education comes freaking FIRST, and if he doesn't want to stay with you after you transfer schools then fuck him. You are better off. SHIT what did i just FUCKING READ???!?! They weren't even dating! She literally threw away Winsor Academy education for a CHANCE to date this guy. For a freaking chance. I am crying. Am I supposed to feel bad for her and think that no, her life here is good, no need to travel to a parallel universe where she didn't choose the boy and attends WA? 'Cause hell no, pack your bags and go get that life right now. I am all over that plan.
Before she gets to travel to a parallel universe though, something even BETTER happens. She has an interview with Columbia, but she totally blows it because she just found out Austin cheated on her and is oh-so distraught. So now she doesn’t have Austin or Columbia. Guess what she does next! She decides that it's a perfectly good and normal idea to drive to WA to get her spot. You know, the one that was offered to her 3.5 years ago. ??????? She literally goes to the deans office and says she wants the spot. Like now. And the dean is like what? And she’s like yeah, the one you gave me 3.5 years ago. I screwed up and now I want it. Oh my god I am so done. Goodbye.
December 13, 2018
3.5 stars
Previously, I’ve only tried Jessica Brody’s science fiction (Unremembered), and it…didn’t do a lot for me. Despite that, I’ve had a few of her contemporary novels on my list forever but never gotten around to them. In Some Other Life appealed to me for that most classic of reasons: the cover’s cute. So sue me (actually, don’t, please). In Some Other Life is a fluffier readalike for Kasie West’s debut Pivot Point, and I liked it quite a bit.
Kennedy Rhodes turned down an elite private high school because her long-term crush wanted to date her; she decided to stick with public school in order to be with him. Three years after she let her shot at the private school go by, Kennedy discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her with her best friend. Despite her other big accomplishments (great grades, editor of an award-winning school newspaper), Kennedy regrets that missed opportunity.
Conveniently, a head injury catapults her into an alternate universe where she chose her education over her love life. It’s a classic “be careful what you wish for” sort of scenario. Kennedy’s life at the private school is everything she dreamed: she’s popular, she excels at everything, and she’s a shoe-in for her dream college. However, her family’s a mess, because her dad took the soulless corporate job he’d turned down in her timeline in order to pay for her schooling. All of this turned this private school Kennedy into someone this Kennedy doesn’t like or respect.
The voice is good, and there’s a cute little ship, though it’s not the focal point of the story. Kennedy’s father and brother are also highlights of the novel. It’s interesting that choosing a boy over her education turns out to have been the right choice; some readers might not like that, but I do appreciate the fact that the novel highlights the far-reaching complexities of choices. The novel would have benefited from more development for said boyfriend, because legit all I know about him is his deep abiding love of fart jokes; considering that he’s the motivator driving much of the novel, it would have been more emotionally resonant if I got their connection. However, it’s nice that Kennedy reconnects with her friend in the end, albeit not as emotional as if she’d come to that in an organic way.
In Some Other Life was a great airplane read. For me, this basic set up only gets so good (because, while I like the formulaic nature of romance, the formulaic nature of “be careful what you wish for” I’m a bit less into), but Brody makes the somewhat stale concept fun. For all its length, it really didn’t feel all that long.
Previously, I’ve only tried Jessica Brody’s science fiction (Unremembered), and it…didn’t do a lot for me. Despite that, I’ve had a few of her contemporary novels on my list forever but never gotten around to them. In Some Other Life appealed to me for that most classic of reasons: the cover’s cute. So sue me (actually, don’t, please). In Some Other Life is a fluffier readalike for Kasie West’s debut Pivot Point, and I liked it quite a bit.
Kennedy Rhodes turned down an elite private high school because her long-term crush wanted to date her; she decided to stick with public school in order to be with him. Three years after she let her shot at the private school go by, Kennedy discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her with her best friend. Despite her other big accomplishments (great grades, editor of an award-winning school newspaper), Kennedy regrets that missed opportunity.
Conveniently, a head injury catapults her into an alternate universe where she chose her education over her love life. It’s a classic “be careful what you wish for” sort of scenario. Kennedy’s life at the private school is everything she dreamed: she’s popular, she excels at everything, and she’s a shoe-in for her dream college. However, her family’s a mess, because her dad took the soulless corporate job he’d turned down in her timeline in order to pay for her schooling. All of this turned this private school Kennedy into someone this Kennedy doesn’t like or respect.
The voice is good, and there’s a cute little ship, though it’s not the focal point of the story. Kennedy’s father and brother are also highlights of the novel. It’s interesting that choosing a boy over her education turns out to have been the right choice; some readers might not like that, but I do appreciate the fact that the novel highlights the far-reaching complexities of choices. The novel would have benefited from more development for said boyfriend, because legit all I know about him is his deep abiding love of fart jokes; considering that he’s the motivator driving much of the novel, it would have been more emotionally resonant if I got their connection. However, it’s nice that Kennedy reconnects with her friend in the end, albeit not as emotional as if she’d come to that in an organic way.
In Some Other Life was a great airplane read. For me, this basic set up only gets so good (because, while I like the formulaic nature of romance, the formulaic nature of “be careful what you wish for” I’m a bit less into), but Brody makes the somewhat stale concept fun. For all its length, it really didn’t feel all that long.
March 22, 2020
Actual rating: 4.25 stars🌟
The theory of multiverse is a very interesting topic for me so I make it a point to acquire as many books with this theme as possible.
The cover and title of the book are what caught my attention first, then the synopsis made me add this book on my tbr.
We have Kennedy, the editor in chief of their school paper, who sometimes wishes she made a different choice years ago.
After experiencing the worst day of her life and accidentally tumbling down a flight of stairs, she found herself in a different life. A life vastly different from her original one. A life where she chose a different path, a different life. A seemingly better life.
This book hooked me. I was in the book and I very much felt Kennedy's struggles. It could have been a 5 star read if not for some too convenient things that happened. Also, a lot of Kennedy's decision are eye-roll-worthy. I want to shake her so bad until she realizes that what she's doing doesn't make sense at all. I was that deep into the book, my emotions are all over the place. 😂
It's been a while since I read a book with a high school setting but this one has a dash of science fiction on it. Good read. 👍❤
PS: I love Frankie. 😙
The theory of multiverse is a very interesting topic for me so I make it a point to acquire as many books with this theme as possible.
The cover and title of the book are what caught my attention first, then the synopsis made me add this book on my tbr.
We have Kennedy, the editor in chief of their school paper, who sometimes wishes she made a different choice years ago.
After experiencing the worst day of her life and accidentally tumbling down a flight of stairs, she found herself in a different life. A life vastly different from her original one. A life where she chose a different path, a different life. A seemingly better life.
This book hooked me. I was in the book and I very much felt Kennedy's struggles. It could have been a 5 star read if not for some too convenient things that happened. Also, a lot of Kennedy's decision are eye-roll-worthy. I want to shake her so bad until she realizes that what she's doing doesn't make sense at all. I was that deep into the book, my emotions are all over the place. 😂
It's been a while since I read a book with a high school setting but this one has a dash of science fiction on it. Good read. 👍❤
PS: I love Frankie. 😙
August 24, 2018
GUYS
Jessica Brody's books are seriously THE BEST! There's just something about them that always gets me. The characters are always so loveable. There's always that one character that's so delightfully nerdy. And the love interests? Well, they're pretty darn irresistible!
I'll admit that I was a bit hesitant to read IN SOME OTHER LIFE. The reviews I had seen had been mixed; however, I'm happy I gave it a chance. It was exactly what I needed in my life this past week. Witty & adorable, it had me hooked from start to finish!
RTC
Book Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Goodreads
Jessica Brody's books are seriously THE BEST! There's just something about them that always gets me. The characters are always so loveable. There's always that one character that's so delightfully nerdy. And the love interests? Well, they're pretty darn irresistible!
I'll admit that I was a bit hesitant to read IN SOME OTHER LIFE. The reviews I had seen had been mixed; however, I'm happy I gave it a chance. It was exactly what I needed in my life this past week. Witty & adorable, it had me hooked from start to finish!
RTC
Book Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Goodreads
April 29, 2019
In Some Other Life, Kennedy is a high school student who gets switches lives with another her. Kennedy made a choice of picking a boy over her dream school. Which I don't get why because she didn't even go on a date and she chose him. Kennedy's boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. It frustrated me because all the signs were there. Kennedy goes to the Windsor Academy to try and fix everything and she switches lives. In her new life, she goes to Windsor Academy and is a straight a student. There was a mystery about cheating and I thought Kennedy was buying the tests in this life. But she was actually the one selling them! But what I didn't get was why she turned herself in, and when she did she didn't even get in trouble. Kennedy ends up switching lives with her old self.
November 12, 2017
3.5 stars. This was a really good YA book that adults will enjoy. A different take on the storyline of a character who regrets the oath they took in life , bumps their head wakes up in the other life they wish they had chosen. Kennedy chose to go to the public high school because of a boy then discovers her best friend with him one day So she wakes up attending the prestige Windsor Academy the high school she regretted not going to. But the reality is every decision has consequences & realizes her other life affected not only her life but the life of others.
March 17, 2019
Wow, this was a joy to read. I was planning on giving it 3 stars, as it was very predictable and there were certain plot points that had me thinking, "there's no way this could actually happen." However, it was such a light, easy, and enjoyable read. I especially loved the ending, so I felt it deserved a 4 star rating. The protagonist is relatable, the romance is adorable, and it was such a great idea to have the split universes. I'm definitely going to have to reread this one when I'm craving a cute alternate universe story.
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