Some days can make anyone wish they could go back in time and have a do-over. For Rachel Lynn Solomon’s main character Barrett Bloom in See You Yesterday, that day was September 21st: her very first day of college.
When Barrett, a prospective journalism student more than ready to leave high school behind, wakes up on Wednesday, Sept. 21, she isn’t prepared for the day she’s about to have. For the majority of high school, she’s considered her mother her only friend but college is her chance to change that. However, she discovers that her nemesis—thanks to a last-minute change—is her roommate, she’s determined to drop her physics class after being embarrassed by a classmate, and her past is dredged up yet again in her interview for the Washingtonian, the college paper. Just when she thinks it can’t get worse, in one clumsy move, a fraternity goes up in flames. Police are called, her identity is revealed, and Barrett does the only thing she can think of: she runs.
Her theme of bad luck continues when she returns to her dorm. Barrett was locked out by her roommate Lucie, leaving her to sleep in the common area. When she finally falls asleep, it’s with a looming sense of dread; but when she wakes up, she’s certain she’s still dreaming. Everything, from the people around her to frantic Google searching, indicates that it’s Wednesday, again. Barrett is stuck in a time loop, and nobody seems to be any different—except there’s something about that physics classmate, Miles. On the third day, Miles reveals the truth. He’s in the time loop, too, except he’s been here for months.
The premise is captivating, promising a YA novel that’s the perfect mix of time travel and romance. For the most part, it delivers. What’s happening to them is a blend of magic and science and both Miles and Barrett’s strengths shine as they investigate their circumstances.
Barrett and Miles try everything. At first, that meant that they stayed in the library, determined to find a way out, but after some time, trying ‘everything’ meant living life to the fullest. It meant finding closure, discovering some roommates might not be as bad as they seem, and uncovering mysteries. Together, they were able to do even more, riding an airplane together, watching Groundhog Day, adopting 15 dogs, and talking about things no one else knew; all while slowly falling for each other.
Every day with Barrett and Miles was a little different, but the idea of time loops comes with a bit of repetition that readers should be aware of going into the book. Barrett and Miles’ relationship is a slow-burn and arguments gradually change into banter, but this also leads to the plot being slower and more drawn out. See You Yesterday is rich with diversity as well, but Barrett isn’t perfect and isn’t always the best role model, specifically—but not limited to—her more revengeful set of days. All in all, for fans of time loops and slow-burn who don’t mind a bit of magic, See You Yesterday is worth the read, and it might just encourage readers to be like Barrett and Miles in at least one aspect by trying everything.
