The Future of Us, book review

Author: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Genre: YA (Contemporary fiction)

Year: 2011

Book or Audio: Audio

First impression: Very good

Writing style: Pleasing, easy to follow

Pros: The Characters are flawed and believable. It is easy to follow both POV’s. The protagonists are relatable and somewhat mature for age, but still being teenagers.

Cons: I do not have any.

Comments:

I always cringe when listening to coming-of-age stories. Some writers try too hard. Dialogue is forced and cliché-ish, not genuine, and there’s more cussing and sexual humor than I find necessary. It’s a very real part of growing up, but I didn’t hang out with kids like that. I didn’t like it then, and I don’t enjoy reading it now. It’s a big turn off.

I am pleasantly surprised by this book. It is refreshing and enjoyable. I was in my twenties when the 90’s hit, but I enjoy all of the 90’s references. The dialogue and thought processes are true to the time frame. The cussing and sexual content comes in about halfway through, but it is done in such a way that isn’t off-putting. Emma’s POV reminds me of the way I would share my own experiences with a friend. Josh is a typical guy, but it’s nice to see him express his feelings. There’s an interesting twist where Emma starts out cautious, then throws everything out the window compared to Josh going with the flow, then slowing down and deliberating as he discovers things.

Like all good time-travel stories there is a lesson to be learned. The future is what you make it. If you are unhappy, no amount of changing will fix it if you choose to be unhappy. A good life isn’t about who you marry or how many children you have or what job you get or where you live. It’s about living life now.

Would I recommend this book: Most definitely.