Now and Then

This summer has been filled with some of the most incredible reads. Diving into new perspectives and reading things that are just plain fun has been a wonderful escape from the world. Sarah Everett’s new contemporary teen fiction Some Other Now is being called a This Is Us for teens but for those of us with vivid memories of 1995, it reminds me of the Christina Ricci coming of age movie Now and Then. However you look at it, it’s a story filled with romance, friendships, and deep heartbreak.

When Jessi first meets Rowan Cohen not only does she meet her new best friend but she also meets her second family. In the Cohen’s she finds refuge and love that she doesn’t receive at home. Her mother battles debilitating depression and her father does the best he can. In Mel Cohen she has a mother and a confidant. Last summer, everything changed. Mel is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she kisses Luke Cohen and their world begins to unravel. Told, in equal parts, in the past and the present, readers journey with Jessi towards and understanding of the devastation last summer.

Sarah Everett doesn’t hide the tough parts of growing up. She vividly describes Jessi’s feelings about her parents and her mother’s battle with depression. Jessi’s anger and hurt runs deep and the family is struggling to acknowledge the years of pain and loneliness. It’s why Jessi found herself a new family but when that family is threatened she thrusts herself into a series of work and volunteer positions so she always keeps moving. We rarely want to acknowledge hurt and deep loss, Jessi keeping herself busy is very reflective of how many deal. 

There is a lovely storyline with Jessi and Ernie and elderly man for whom Jessi is acting as a companion. He’s always trying to push her away before she can grow weary of him but Jessi sticks with Ernie and recognizes their similarities more than their differences.

Then there is Luke and the powerful attraction between him and Jessi. It’s a perfect tragic romance with enough spark to keep readers wondering will they or won’t they. When the whole world come crashing down around them will their love remain or will it fade like the memories of those they lost.

Some Other Now will pick you up and hold onto you tight.