Welcome back to The Debut a Month Challenge, where I read and review a debut novel each month in 2021. September’s new release (which just came out today!) is Your Life has Been Delayed by Michelle Mason.
Your Life Has Been Delayed centers around seventeen-year-old Jenny Waters, who boards a plane in 1995 and lands in 2020. Sidenote: This book takes place in 2020, but think of it as taking place in an alternate universe 2020 where the pandemic never happened. The bright new future Jenny has plunged into is confusing enough for her without an unprecedented plague.
So what did I think?
One thing I really enjoyed is that YLBD focuses on the personal implications of what has happened more than any supernatural explanation. The basic premise is very similar to the TV show Manifest, but the execution couldn’t be more different. Despite its out of this world premise, this is a character driven book about family, friends, and dealing with unexpected massive life changes. The complicated relationships between Jenny, her family, and her old and new friends is a major strength of the work. The book also delves into the pros and cons of social media through the lens of a character suddenly thrust into a tech savvy world.
YLBD is the kind of book that manages to be quiet without being boring, and reflective without being slow. If you’re in the mood for something contemplative and character driven, or perhaps just something set in our modern day that doesn’t include COVID, check out Your Life has Been Delayed.
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