Member Reviews
This BOOK!!! I went in completely blind, just requesting it because I love Robbie Couch's writing. Man am I glad because the time loop threw me for a twist and made it just so much more fun. Imagine reliving the same day of your life for almost a YEAR before something dramatically different happened. But more than just the gimmick of being in a time loop, this book is about recognizing your feelings, experiencing loneliness, and struggling to make friends in the modern era. I loved how empathetic Clark became as the book went on and I was near tears toward the end. The narrator for the audio was also amazing at differentiating between the various characters' dialogue, all while leaning into the madness that is a time loop book. This is an ode to romcoms and time loop movies everywhere, but done in that special Robbie Couch way. Now don't mind me while I curl up with a blue velvet brownie.
*Thank you to Simon Teen and NetGalley for an ARC and Simon Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*
Consider this my official request to have this book made into a movie.
Yes I know it technically hasn't even been released yet but oh my god y'all this book is just that good.
Clark has been stuck, no like seriously stuck, reliving September 19th. The loop starts his day at 7:15am and he follows his usual routine until the loop ends at 11:16pm, then you just rinse and repeat and September 19th starts all over again. This has happened 309 times, but things change on day 310 when Beau comes crashing into Clark's life and changes everything. After a whirlwind day with Beau, Clark is more ready than ever to get to tomorrow and thinks Beau might just be the key to getting him there.
I loved everything about this book. The characters are super lovable, the whole idea of the time loop just really kept my interest and the way that information is revealed to us throughout the book just felt right. Watching the pieces fall into place for Clark as he learns more about not just those who were in his life before the loop but those who he met on all of the September 19ths was such a magical reading experience for me. This is without a doubt a new favorite ya romance for me.
Also if anybody needs my help with casting if this ever does get turned into a movie (it better) then just let me know. I have ideas.
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster, Robbie Couch, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Need Robbie to write a million more books!
Simply put, Robbie's books are IT. They're expertly written YA stories, infused with fun, relatability, and lots of heart. And in my opinion, Robbie is a top-tier writer of character. His stories feature characters who are so memorable, well-crafted, and well-rounded, they feel *real.* You want to root for them. You want to follow their journey. You want to be their bffs! Simply masterclass.
I've never *loved* a time loop story, but Robbie handles this trope so deftly and in such a captivating way. It kept me going, and it kept me guessing. Clark's world -- Ben's, Splendid Cinemas, the Aragon-- is one you want to stay and get cozy in.
Robbie's stories, IF I SEE YOU AGAIN being no exception, are also really tender and thought-provoking, without shoving a moral or theme down your throat. I love the discussions of loneliness through Clark's journey, the thoughtful ideas about fear, family, and forever.
I think Robbie's stories are incredibly important for everyone, especially queer youth. (And people who like brownies.)
Read for the following:
- time loops that aren't boring
- "errands" with your crush
- rom-com appreciation
- "I'm not lonely when I'm with you."
- therapy love
- delicious desserts that are not the color nature intended them to be
- carpe-ing the damn diem
- loitering in empty ballrooms
- trying, failing, and trying again (and again)
- finding healing & connecting even in complex family relationships
Read this book!!!
A big thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
Are you looking for a YA book about mental health with speculative elements? How about:
Same Day - Clark has been waking up to the same day, about 300 times
Loneliness - He has tried all the usual ways to to get out of the time loop, but overall he just feels lonely
New Guy - until one day a new guys he doesn’t know shows up in his class, and he spends the rest of the day with him
Stop Cycle - But can Clark find Beau tomorrow in order to stop the cycle of today?
As much as this book seems like a YA Groundhog Day type book, I have to say that the way everything connects and comes together was truly genius. Less important are the 90s movies references, even though that was very fun. But more importantly, this book is about mental health in not only its discussion on being lonely, but also how sometimes it feels like you live the same day over and over and no one believes you. The hardest part about this book is how it ends, because honestly, while you do get a resolution, I wanted so much to continue on the journey with not only Clark and Beau but also the other people involved along the way. It’s really beautiful. I will definitely be picking up more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One thing you should know about me: I adore time loops. If you don’t, or think they’re overdone, than this book might not be the right fit for you. But me? I will read just about anything that has a time loop in it. Is this because I not so secretly wish I could be stuck in a (temporary!) time loop of my own so I could finally get ahead of all the reading I want to do? Maybe. But that’s not the point!
The point is… this book was really good and did the time loop trope in a really fun way, with a nice fresh perspective (actually two!) on how and why a time loop could happen and how to break out of it. I loved the explanation, and that there was one! Frequently, time loops just happen and the why is never left explained, but there’s a very satisfying explanation to this one. The characters (even the ones not Trapped in Time) were fun and well fleshed out. The only place this book left me hanging? I really kind of want a recipe for those blue velvet brownies!
**Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Great YA queer romance with a very fun sci-fi twist. Clark and Beau are so sweet and easy to root for. I'm happy to see this added to the contemporary YA canon.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the advance Kindle copy of this 4.18.23 release. All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. I absolutely INHALED this. High school senior Clark is stuck in a time loop. He has relived the same Monday 309 times. He is desperately lonely, until Day 310 brings him Beau. And, as it seems, Beau is also stuck. But he is also elusive after their amazing day together, and Clark NEEDS him to crack the code that will release them from the loop. Hand to fans of They Both Die At The End.
Fast paced, fun story about a teenager stuck in a time loop. Heartwarming with just the right amount of life lessons. This book will be featured on an upcoming episode of Your Rainbow Reads podcast.
One thing about me is that I will always jump at the chance to read a new Robbie Couch book. So it should come at no surprise that I fell head over heels into his upcoming novel If I See You Again Tomorrow.
Clark feels trapped…and he is - in a time loop. After his admission to his therapist on Day 309 that he is lonely, Clark goes through the motions on Day 310, expecting everything to go as it normally does. But then, Beau barges into his last period class. The problem is…this has never happened before. As Clark joins Beau on a chaotic journey around Chicago to run errands, he starts to wonder if Beau is exactly what he needs to cure his loneliness and get him to tomorrow.
Let’s get it out of the way at the top. Anyone who has read this book is absolutely dying to try the blue velvet brownies and I am absolutely no different. In fact, while I was reading, I was so enamored by Ben’s Everything Blue Bakery that I had to order some sweets for myself. They may not have been blue, but they were an excellent addition to my reading. I would highly recommend getting yourself some brownies and cinnamon rolls to snack on while you read this book (it’ll make you feel better when you get to the end and there isn’t a recipe for the blue velvet brownies!)
On to the actual review…
Time loop stories have been done and done again, but Robbie is able to present a fresh new take on it. Though Clark is reliving the same day, his journey from when we meet him to when the book ends is surprisingly unpredictable at times. Even when Clark goes through the same motions, the reader never feels like things become repetitive or boring, a feat that not all time loop stories can achieve and that Robbie has done expertly.
While there is romance as a side plot, the story at its heart is about being lonely and finding a way to pull yourself out of the depths of that loneliness. This is the story that we all need right as now as we battle increasing isolation due to the rise of social media and technology. Even when you are surrounded by people, it’s easy to feel alone in the world. Clark’s journey to find his way to tomorrow feels universal because, while we may not be stuck in an actual time loop, the day to day monotony of running through the same routine can lead to the same feelings of loneliness that we see in Clark. We could all use a Beau and Ms. Hazel to shake things up and remind us we have the ability to feel better, regardless of how hopeless it feels at times.
Through Clark’s journey, he engages with a few different characters. Each of them is complex is their own way and I wouldn’t mind if they each got their own book (hint hint nudge nudge Robbie). Even as they forget Clark on every new reset of the day, they become a kind of found family for him that makes your heart feel happy. It’s an excellent reminder that every person you run into has the potential to be a bigger part of your life - they could even be the person that helps you to heal yourself.
This is my first time loop novel and I was very curious to see how author Robbie Couch would pull it off. I will admit that there was a brief period of time where I thought the reiterations of Clark’s Monday had gone too far, too stagnant, but we turned a corner and I fell right back into the story.
Relatable depiction of emotion, of anxiety, and loneliness even if our main character was stuck in an unbelievable situation. Each character has their own personality and you come to appreciate them for who they are in a way that most novels, in their linear form don’t allow for. This book made me feel things that I did not expect to- I became more emotionally attached to the individual characters that I thought I had and that is the mark of a really good writer for me!
I am a sucker for a good ending… and Couch delivers. If I See You Again Tomorrow will certainly be on my recommendation list & I plan on buying a copy once it’s officially out! Thank you to NetGalley & Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this ARC.
Time loops are difficult especially when you are quickly falling in love with the person you are stuck in a loop with. Such an adorable story about two people finding extraordinary in all the little things while trying to make it to tomorrow.
this has so easily become a new favorite book of the year, and maybe just in general. it was incredibly well written and heartfelt. i think the ending was perfect and brought me just about to tears.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this ARC.
Okay, I typically DESPISE time loop books, and yet I keep picking them up and reading them in the hopes that they have a new twist that will draw me in and change my opinion for the better. This book came close to doing just that. On one hand, it had a lot of typical time loop scenarios, which are more or less unavoidable. (I mean, there's only so much wiggle room when it comes to this trope.) However, the story did manage to make some things feel fresh. For one, the poor time looper is already 309 days into his loop. so at least you don't have to suffer with him for the whole time. For another, the way to break the loop was an interesting twist that didn't exactly play into the whole "make yourself a better person" plot. The story also had some fun and emotional moments along the way that made putting up with the time-loopness bearable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It hooked me pretty quickly, and while parts were a little boring due to the repetitive nature of the same day repeating over and over and over, I couldn't put it down. I HAD to know what happened. If you're a fan of Robbie Couch like I am or you're looking for a queer twist on a time loop, you should definitely check out this book.
4.5 stars
Clark is stuck in a time loop. He has been for 309 days now, and he can’t figure out how to get out of it. But on day 310, something different happens. His math class is interrupted by a boy he’s never seen before. A boy that Clark finds himself wanting to follow.
As Clark follows this new boy, Beau, in errands around Chicago, he learns new things about himself. He also realizes that he might be falling for him. But how can you form a relationship with someone when you’re stuck in the same day? Will Clark ever be able escape his time loop and get back to his regular life? And what will happen if he can't?
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch to review! It’s Robbie Couch, so you know I had to pick this one up! So far, none of his books have been a disappointment.
As per usual, Couch’s characters are what really drive his story. You may think because Clark is stuck in a time loop that the side characters aren’t as developed, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Clark makes friendships throughout the story, forming relationships even when they completely forget about him until the next time they see him. It’s really some masterful character writing!
Clark’s emotional journey in this book is also so well done. Yes, he is stuck in a time loop, which isn’t something anyone can necessarily relate to. But ultimately, the book is about Clark learning how to make new connections and become less lonely. To deal with his parents’ divorce and his best friend moving away. That loneliness is something a lot of teens, queer teens especially, can relate to.
I still love The Sky Blues, but I think this book might be Couch’s best writing yet. Plus, I guarantee you’ll want to try to figure out how to make blue velvet brownies once you finish it.
Definitely pick this one up when it comes out in April!
Thank you NetGalley, Robbie Couch, & Simon and Schuster Children’s Publish for sending me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶
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I LOVED this book so much! Immediately after reading I bought a physical ARC and preordered the hardcover. I have absolutely loved all of Robbie’s books and this one was no different. I just love the storytelling and writing in his books. When the book starts Clark has been stuck in a time loop reliving the same monday for 309 days! Clark has gotten into a habit of following his normal schedule and honestly I think thats how I would deal with a time loop. I think I relate to Clark alot and I loved to read how he learned to deal with his loneliness and find love at the same time. I think this book has become one of my new favorites and it was so addicting. It was so fun to unwrap the mystery with Clark and figure out how he got stuck in a time loop. I couldn’t put it down or stop thinking about it. I also loved how it ended and felt it wrapped up the story so beautifully! It has light science fiction vibes as it does deal with timeloops. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested! 💕
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If I See You Again Tomorrow, by Robbie Couch comes out on April 18th!
To be quite honest, I haven’t really gotten into many YA books the last couple of years. I’ve always enjoyed them in the past, but maybe I felt like, after turning 40, I’d aged out of them? Either way, I was a big fan of Robbie Couch’s first two books and immediately preordered this, his third. I am so grateful to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for approving me for an eARC.
To continue with my honesty, I LOVED this book. This is the first book in a very, very long time that stirred my emotions enough to elicit actual tears. No just my eyes getting a little teary. No, giant tears rolling down my cheeks. My heart was also warmed my these rich, nuanced characters that Couch brought to life and I loved to see these characters arcs from the beginning of the story to how they end. It was truly wonder and beautiful and emotional. And the cherry on top? I love a good Groundhog’s Day story line and this one was executed magnificently.
I cannot wait for the rest of the world to meet Clark, Beau, and the rest of these characters. And, yes, I’m still keeping that preorder and can’t wait to see this beautiful book on my shelf next to Sky and Blain.
Get me a Robbie Couch sticker, slap it on my chest, and call me his new biggest fan. This one was AMAZING. I can’t wait to scream about it.
This is, by far, Robbie Couch's best and most mature work to date. I honestly think he's created a story that is digestible for all ages, even though it's technically YA. While it's certainly a story about romance, I really loved the family dynamics and the ancillary storylines. And God, would I love to try a blue brownie!
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP ROBBIE DID IT AGAIN MY GOOD GOD I am obsessed with this one. I think this is Robbie's best work so far. Perfect for fans of THEY BOTH DIED AT THE END.
Now that his best friend has moved away and his parents are divorcing, Clark feels lonely. What adds to his loneliness is the unending monotony of living the same Monday over and over and over. No one could possibly believe that he's stuck in a time loop, and he has yet to figure his way out.
On one of those Mondays, Clark admits his loneliness to his therapist, and as she sees this as a breakthrough, she gives him a different assignment than he's gotten on any other Monday: she wants him to make a new friend, help someone who needs it, be vulnerable with someone, and do what scares him.
When the next morning begins, same as it has the past 309 times, Clark prepares for another day of the same old thing. But when a new student shows up in his trig class and disrupts the routine, Clark is shocked out of his complacency. Beau, a transfer student, stirs things up and runs out of the classroom, so Clark decides to follow him. When Beau shows Clark the teacher's keys and plans to steal a car for a day of adventure, Clark decides he has nothing to lose and joins Beau for a ride into Chicago to visit three of Beau's favorite places.
Beau doesn't give Clark many answers along the way, but Clark is intrigued by him. When they end their day kissing atop the Splendid Theatre, police and parents closing in on them, Beau asks Clark to remember him. And when Clark wakes up, on the 311th iteration of the same day, he has a new mission: find Beau and figure out how they can both escape the time loop.
I'm not generally a fan of this kind of "Groundhog Day" scenario, but it worked very well here. Clark's struggles with loneliness, a lack of friends or a love interest, and dealing with a fractured family are all ones that would obviously take time to resolve or overcome, which makes the repeated day a wonderful way for the reader to see how Clark begins to deal with the issues himself and to turn his gaze onto others. While Clark tries to find a way forward out of the time loop, Beau initially appears as a magical being who begins shaking up Clark's existence, but the reader gradually discovers that Beau has his own struggles and needs a helping hand as well.
Engaging story, well-paced, heartwarming but not sappy, with some wonderful side characters who help steer Clark's journey.
Thank you, Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.