What would you do if you had a second chance? Would you try to make up for what you’ve done wrong or try to live while you can, or maybe even both?
Samantha Kingston was having the time of her life, her boyfriend was perfect, she was perfect, popular, had an adorable math teacher and great friends. She could walk all over everyone else because she was the most popular, she could make fun of Juliet, the school freak and get away with it. She was having the best time at a party, but when her friend Lindsay insists on driving home drunk, they crash and Sam is the only one who dies. When she is closing her eyes for what she thinks is the last time, leads to a repeat of that day, to make up for everything that went wrong.
You can’t help but hate the group of best friends, Sam, Lindsay, Elody and Ally. Especially Lindsay. They are just cruel and rude, and will do anything to get on top of the food chain. Yet, you still feel sympathy for what each of the girls is going through, they all have problems, anywhere from as small as being bullied until 6th grade to big as being bulimic, whatever the problem, they always stick together and never speak of past problems. I feel that, that can really show how well they get along and how deep down they are sensitive.
The plot is gripping yet familiar (hence Groundhog Day) however, Lauren made it feel brand new and not at all cheesy. It had a gripping ending and great supporting characters. You could also see the transition of Sam’s emotions about having to repeat the day, at first skeptical, then mad and finally the realization strikes. I’m also obsessed with the ending, however I have read many reviews about how people hated the ending, so I would love to converse with you about your opinions of the ending!
The only flaws were that I thought that a lot of the events were unrealistic, such as when seniors and sophomore don’t talk because they hate each other. I felt like most of the events and character were stereotypical. However, it was still addicting.
Rating: 9/10
*ages 13 and older, sexual content and swearing.