Time and Time Again
Phoebe Mendel's day is never ending--literally.
On August 6th, she woke up to find herself stuck in a time loop. And for nearly a month of August 6ths since, Phoebe has relived the same day: pancakes with Mom in the morning, Scrabble with Dad in the afternoon, and constant research into how to reach tomorrow and make it to her appointment with a doctor who may actually take her IBS seriously. Everything is exactly, agonizingly the same.
That is, until the most mundane car crash ever sends Phoebe's childhood crush Jess crashing into the time loop.
Now also stuck, Jess convinces Phoebe to break out of her routine and take advantage of their consequence-free days to have fun. From splurging on concert tickets, to enacting (mostly) harmless revenge, to all-night road trips, Jess pulls Phoebe further and further out of her comfort zone--and deeper in love with them. But the more Phoebe falls for Jess, the more she worries about what's on the other side of the time loop. What if Jess is only giving her the time of day because they're trapped with no other options? What if Phoebe's new doctor dismisses her chronic pain? And perhaps worst of all: What if she never gets the chance to find out?
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Why we picked this
I chose this queer YA romance because it takes place during the summer. Actually, it takes place during a whole month of August 6ths. Yes, it's a twist on the classic Groundhog Day time loop story. Phoebe Mendel, a sweet, smart, and anxious teen who is struggling with IBS, finds herself caught in a time loop. Everyday she wakes up, and the same day begins again.
Eventually, her former friend and childhood crush, Jess, is thrust into the time loop too, allowing them to reconnect through a series of fun, summery adventures. But questions linger in Phoebe's mind. Like, why did they stop being friends years ago? Would Jess hang out with her if they weren't stuck together? And will Phoebe ever make it to her doctor's appointment the next day?
This is a fun, easy summer read with a lot of heart. Although the stakes feel real, I never doubted that things would work out for Phoebe and Jess. Plus, a love story between characters who are queer, Jewish, nonbinary, and disabled is a breath of fresh air. Cook up some pancakes, put on some Dusty Springfield, and enjoy this sweet romp!
Recommended by Anna Schechter, Reader in Residence
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