Review Detail

First off I have to admit I have a problem with some time-travel stories as the protagonist just ends up back in time without any real explanation on how this happened or there isn't real enough consequences of what occurs after the trip. This story though kept my interest as it felt as if it could happen plus there's real consequences to messing with the time line.

When I first started reading SO CLOSE TO YOU, I was hooked. The whole premise of a teen listening to the so-called conspiracy tales of her grandfather rang true to me. I really liked Lydia as she has a close relationship with her grandfather even though others think he's a little nuts. I like how the family is portrayed too without the snark that is almost too common in a lot of YAs out there.

What I really loved is what happens after Lydia goes back in time. She encounters her great-grandfather right before he goes missing in 1944. She also stumbles on secrets and finds out maybe grandpa wasn't so wrong after all. Her struggles and conflicts with whether or not she should mess with time are put to the test especially when she runs into Wes, a mysterious boy, who seems to follow her. Wes might have the key to helping Lydia go back to 2012 and also on helping her family.

There's twists and turns throughout the story with a revelation at the end that shows the consequence of going back in time. The author calls it the 'butterfly effect'.

The pop culture references to 1944 didn't take over the story either which is a huge plus.

Think The Time Traveler's Wife meets YA. This is a Sci-Fi that works on many levels. There's action, suspense, and even a hint of a forbidden romance. I can't wait to read the second book which follows up with the consequence of Lydia's choice.