Past Present Future

Gr 10 Up–This sequel to Today Tonight Tomorrow focuses on Rowan and Neil as they give their fairly new romantic relationship a big challenge: long-distance dating during college. Rowan is headed to Boston, while Neil is pursuing his lifelong dream of attending NYU, and both experience unexpected battles while negotiating classes, roommates, new friends, and, of course, how to keep the romance alive. When someone from Neil’s past starts insisting on renewing a relationship, he struggles with feelings of inadequacy. Meanwhile, Rowan is questioning her future as a writer, which has defined her identity for years. Will these problems jeopardize their relationship or can they prevail together? Fans of Solomon’s other books will love this new installment, which ages up a bit to match the experiences of Rowan and Neil. Sex is discussed frankly and respectfully, with enough spicy, age-appropriate scenes to hook readers who come for the romance. The problems that the main characters face are typical but are handled with sensitivity and care in keeping with the characters’ established personalities. Rowan and Neil are the same earnest, high-achieving nerds readers know and love, but they are growing up and settling into themselves as young adults. Solomon clearly loves her characters, and she makes Boston and New York City come alive.