By Cesca Major
Publication Date: 2023
Genre: Contemporary, Time Loop,
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
There is something undeniably addictive about a time loop. Whether it’s the existential charm of Groundhog Day or the poignant emotional depth of About Time, I have always been a sucker for a story that bends the rules of the calendar. So, when I stumbled upon Cesca Major’s Maybe Next Time in my ever-growing BorrowBox audiobook list, I knew I was in for a treat.
(I suspect this one earned its place on my “to-listen” list thanks to its status as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick—a gold standard I rarely find myself disagreeing with.)
The Premise
The story introduces us to Emma, who is currently living through the absolute worst day of her life. Things are chaotic, she’s feeling completely overwhelmed, and by the end of the day, she loses the one person who makes everything bearable.
But then, the alarm goes off the next morning, and Emma wakes up to relive that same disastrous day. And the next. And the next. She is stuck in a time loop, desperately trying to change the trajectory of her life, only to face the same heartbreaking outcome every time.
Why It Resonated
If you’ve enjoyed books like Audrey Niffenger’s The Time Traveller’s Wife, Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, or Cecelia Ahern’s The Gift, you will find yourself right at home here. I simply devoured this book.
While the concept of the time loop is the engine that drives the plot, the heart of the story lies in what happens between the repeats. As Emma navigates the loop, she begins to make small, incremental changes. With every reset, she learns more about herself, her family, and the fragile beauty of the life she’s been taking for granted.
A Personal Connection
This book hit particularly close to home for me—quite literally. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say that the children in the story are named Poppy and Miles. Since “Poppy” is a sweet pet name I have for my own daughter, and Miles happens to be my son’s name, I found myself instantly tethered to the emotional stakes of Emma’s journey.
The Takeaway
Beyond the clever premise, Maybe Next Time is a beautiful meditation on the importance of being present. It is so easy for us to get consumed by the frantic pace of work or the endless scroll of social media, forgetting to actually be there with the people who matter most.
This story is a poignant reminder that life is a gift, and that the true value of our days isn’t found in productivity, but in the quality of time we spend with our loved ones.
I finished this book feeling refreshed and grounded, and I can say with certainty that I will be seeking out more of Cesca Major’s work in the future. Highly recommended for your next listen!
Have you read Maybe Next Time, or are you a fan of the time-loop genre? Let me know your favourite “time-shift” stories in the comments!