Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon
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Web ID: 18497029Relatable
Past Present Future by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a heartfelt and engaging sequel to Today Tonight Tomorrow, following Rowan and Neil as they navigate the challenges of a long-distance relationship during their first year of college. This novel beautifully captures the complexities of young love, self-discovery, and the transition to adulthood. What I Loved: Character Development: Solomon excels at portraying the growth of her characters. Rowan and Neil’s struggles with their new environments and personal challenges are depicted with authenticity and depth. Their journey feels real and relatable. Dual Perspectives: The alternating viewpoints of Rowan and Neil provide a well-rounded understanding of their experiences and emotions. This narrative style enriches the story, allowing readers to connect deeply with both characters. Emotional Resonance: The book tackles themes of mental health, identity, and the pressures of academic life with sensitivity and insight. Solomon’s exploration of these issues adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates strongly. What Could Be Improved: Pacing: At times, the story’s pacing can feel uneven. Some sections, particularly those focusing on their individual struggles, might drag for readers looking for more interaction between the main characters. Secondary Characters: While Rowan and Neil are well-developed, some secondary characters could benefit from more depth. This would enhance the overall richness of the narrative and provide a fuller picture of their new lives. Overall, Past Present Future is a touching and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance and coming-of-age stories. It’s a testament to the resilience of young love and the importance of self-discovery. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
intriguing sequel goes to college
PAST PRESENT FUTURE is an intriguing sequel to a YA romance that follows the relationship through the turmoil of long distance. The story is told in alternating points-of-view with Rowan and Neil during their freshman year of college, in different cities. While they had a whirlwind romance, they are now figuring out who they want to be in college and how their relationship fits in. What I loved: The book does a great job at capturing the start of college experience. They have left behind the people in their hometown who know everything about them, being able to invent themselves anew in college - but who will they be? Neil is no longer surrounded by people who know about his father and family, and he finds freedom in the new friendships he is able to make. He is dealing with a new personal problem that is becoming more apparent to himself when alone in a new city. Rowan has long dreamed of being a writer, and she is struggling to find her voice in the creative writing class she was so excited to take. In addition to that, she is finding a lot of conflict in the messages others send about her relationship. Struggles with classes, mental illness, friendships, and long-distance (friendships or relationships) are themes that many college-aged readers will recognize and speak to the experience well. This book does get a bit spicier in places, and it may work best for an older YA audience (for whom the college experience would generally be more relevant as well). What left me wanting more: The book felt a bit meandering in places as some passages felt like filler. It does broaden the world of the two main characters, but it did not have the focus and fast-pace that would really pull the reader in as a result. That being said, it does continue the relationship well with a frequent enough connection that it still feels central. Final verdict: Overall, PAST PRESENT FUTURE is an intriguing sequel that will work well for readers who like themes of long-distance relationships and college or just want to hear more from Rowan and Neil. Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com