Publishers Weekly
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A teen stuck in a time loop is forced to relive his 16th year while the world moves on without him in this convoluted speculative love story. When Carter Cohen wakes up on his 16th birthday, he has no idea that he’s reliving this year for the sixth time. Once his 17th birthday arrives, his mind and body reset, leaving him confused and concerned about why nothing is the way he remembers: his parents seem older and tired, and his formerly younger brother is now in college. Forced to readjust to being 16 (again) and struggling to manage his—and everyone else’s—surety that he has no future, Carter attempts to reconnect with friends he’s forgotten about and seeks a cure for his condition. Along the way, he meets and falls back in love with his former girlfriend Maggie, despite others’ warnings that their relationship is doomed. Rubin (Zed Moonstein Makes a Friend) spins a tale bordering on horror, as unnerving plotting outlines how Carter’s curse affects both him and those who care for him. At times sorrowful and hopeful, it’s an introspective story about grief, regret, and maturation disguised as a lighthearted romance that considers memory’s impact on relationships and poses existential questions about personhood. Carter is white and Jewish. Ages 14–up. Agent: Mollie Glick, CAA. (Jan.)

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Carter Cohen just turned 16—again. On the morning of Carter’s 16th birthday, his family delivers some unbelievable news: This isn’t the first time. Technically he’s 22—and his “little brother,” Lincoln, is 19. Every December, when Carter is supposed to turn 17, he instead loops backward; any physical changes and his memories from the previous year are erased, while the rest of the world keeps going. Carter is now on his sixth loop, and doctors haven’t been able to figure out what’s causing his unusual condition. Meanwhile, Maggie Spear, Carter’s girlfriend from the previous loop, is devastated that he no longer remembers her. She decides it’s better to pretend their relationship never happened than to risk heartbreak again. Despite Maggie’s efforts to move on from Carter, the two find themselves drawn together again. As Carter’s next birthday comes closer, he and Maggie question what their future will look like when there’s no guarantee that Carter will reach 17. Rubin offers an original take on the time-loop trope, deftly exploring the complexities of relationships and what it means to change. The novel alternates in perspective between Carter and Maggie, who have distinct voices, resulting in a delightfully banter-filled love story. Carter is Jewish, and he and Maggie both read white. There are queer and racially diverse characters among the supporting cast. An engaging time-loop love story with a unique spin. (author’s note)(Romance. 14-18) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.