THE OPPOSIE OF ALWAYS by Justin Reynolds. New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2019. 457p. ISBN 978-006274837-9 hc. $17.99    Gr. 8-12    Y.A. FIC

The first chapter gives readers a glimpse of Jack’s life, which revolves around his lifelong best friends, Jillian and Franny, and his new love interest, Kate.  Unfortunately, Kate has sickle cell anemia and dies shortly after they meet.  Jack’s story evolves into a time loop beginning on the day Jack meets Kate.  He tries to find ways to save her, while lying to friends and family, gambling with information from the future, and meddling in family affairs he shouldn’t - then starting the scenario all over again.  He even refers to the movie "Ground Hog Day," in which actor Bill Murray wakes up every morning and tries to redo his routine, until he learns valuable life lessons.  Essentially, Jack does the same in a new, fresh setting for teens.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI