Maybe in Another Life, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’m at the point right now where I feel like TJR can’t write a bad story. Maybe in Another Life was INCREDIBLE. Maybe I’m biased because I just adore her writing so much, but I thought this one one excellent.

Maybe in Another Life is a story about the choices we make and how they impact our fate. Hannah Martin is almost thirty, jobless, no place to call home, and fresh out of a relationship with a married man. After moving back to her hometown of L.A., Hannah heads out to a bar with her best friend, Gabby. While at the bar, Hannah meets Ethan, her high school boyfriend. He asks Hannah to come home with him at the end of the night, but Hannah is reluctant. Should she go home with Ethan? Or head back with Gabby? What will be the outcome of either choice? We don’t have to wonder because we get to read two concurrent storylines both about Hannah’s life and how either choice impacts her future.

Man, oh man. This was such a fantastic read! Unputdownable. I finished this one in two days. I loved the parallel storylines and how each chapter alternated between Hannah’s two worlds…her “I choose Ethan” life and her “I choose Gabby” life. Both so different, yet so many similarities. I love the idea that one choice can lead to a completely different life and that’s exactly what this story gives. How much is determined by chance?

I absolutely love the way TJR writes her characters…the dialogue is always so realistic and the characters are well developed. At it’s core, this story is about love in all different types of relationships. It’s definitely not a fairy tale kind of love story though…it’s real and raw and your “traditional” happy endings aren’t the norm. I found myself wanting one outcome for both lives, but being so happy things didn’t necessarily pan out the way I expected. Sometimes a “wrong” decision can lead to a great life and happiness can be found regardless of the choices you make.

Truly a delightful, thought provoking book, Maybe in Another Life ranks right up there with her others I adore and love so much. Unique and endearing, you’re sure to finish this one with ALL the feels!!!! I HIGHLY recommend (would also be a great pick for a book club!)

5 out of 5 stars

TW: adultery, infant loss,