Chasing Through Time

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Author(s)

Tara Hodgson

Publisher Name

FriesenPress

Genre(s)

Age Range

13+

Release Date

April 18, 2024

ISBN13

978-1038302175

ISBN10 or ASIN

In the tumultuous world of high school, Emma grapples with a devastating breakup, a social media scandal that threatens her reputation, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. Her parents are distant, she has no true friends, and her despair deepens with each passing day.

One fateful night during a sudden snowstorm, Emma forges a connection with Sarah, a girl who navigates the treacherous high school terrain of 2001. In this improbable friendship, they bond through the digital ether, supporting each other's struggles at the same school, in the same town, while separated by two decades.

The friendship becomes a lifeline for both girls. Their lives bear striking similarities, yet the differences are equally profound. While Sarah is spared from the perils of social media, she gains self-assurance and begins to discover herself. In contrast, Emma's struggles intensify as she faces dire consequences for her actions online and misguided romantic entanglements.

Sarah watches helplessly as Emma's life unravels, yearning to help but bound by the constraints of time. Emma's perilous descent accelerates, and the danger of not receiving the help she desperately needs looms large. Sarah, trapped twenty years in the past, must find a way to intervene before it's too late.

This gripping tale of bridging the gap between eras explores the enduring power of human connection, the complexities of teenage life, and the lengths to which a stranger will go to save a life.

Editor review

1 review

A Beautiful and Touching YA Novel

July 31, 2024

Overall rating

4.7

Writing Style

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

CHASING THROUGH TIME is a book that I was instantly excited to read. Between the dual timelines and the important subject matter, this book made for an unforgettable read.

I loved the author's ability to make Emma and Sarah's voices distinct and easily recognizable. I appreciated how, though they were both teenage girls, they had very different personalities. This helped me invest in their stories more and ultimately made for a beautiful and heart-wrenching ending since I was attached to them individually. Though this book had dual POVs, it was not at all hard to follow along with each girl's perspective.

Another thing worth noting is Emma's realistic colloquial speech. Hodgeson perfectly captured the jargon of a Gen Z teenager without it feeling contrived or awkward. She allows just enough pop culture and social media references, and, as a teenager, I felt that Emma was a realistic and relatable character.

The high school setting and the struggles each girl faces were portrayed perfectly in both timelines. The stark opposition of their home lives really drew the focus to their differences while still validating both girls' unique battles. Sarah's narrative focused on the relentless competition for popularity and attention in high school, and Emma's story highlighted the struggles that teenagers face in the digital age and tackled weighty topics like mental health and attempted suicide.

There were moments when I felt like the plot was dragging out longer than necessary, but I am glad that I stuck with the book long enough to reach the massive plot twist near the end. At that point, I couldn't put the book down.

CHASING THROUGH TIME is a moving novel that you will not want to put down. With an immensely impactful ending that brought me to tears and a unique concept, this is a book that I will never forget.