Review Detail

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.