I almost said “no” to reading and reviewing 16 Forever by Lance Rubin. This YA novel is a mix of speculative fiction and romance, with a lot of 50 First Dates meets Groundhog Day vibes.
And I’m really glad I said YES to reading this one.
What’s 16 Forever about?
In 16 Forever, Carter Cohen wakes up on the morning of what should be his 17th birthday—only to find that he’s regressed overnight and thinks it’s now his 16th birthday. He has no memory of the past year, when he was 16 years old for 364 days. No memory of what he did, who his friends were, what he learned, or even who he dated. He even looks like he did when he was fifteen-going-on-sixteen. (Cue The Sound of Music soundtrack.)
Confused? You’re not the only one.
Luckily, Carter’s family sets him straight: this repeat experience has now happened SIX TIMES. And while everyone in Carter’s family, friend circle, and even school are used to it, Carter’s definitely not.
What further complicates things? During Carter’s 5th loop, he dated Maggie. Which means that he woke up one morning with no memory of Maggie and their relationship whatsoever. But Maggie remembers – and she’s doing everything she can to keep from falling for Carter again in case he stays 16 forever.
So, is 16 Forever just another Groundhog Day?
Let’s get this out of the way: I hate Groundhog Day. And, I hate any other movies or books or TV shows (even singular TV show episodes) that deal with time loops and trying to figure out what minuscule little detail needs to change to break out of the loop. The idea of being stuck in a time loop is terrifying to me – probably because I don’t think I’d be smart enough to figure my way out.
Thankfully, 16 Forever is not another Groundhog Day. Author Rubin puts a fresh and unique twist on the tired ol’ time loop trope. The fact that only Carter resets – or “loops” – is original. Everyone else in Carter’s world grows up, moves on, lives their lives like normal. 16 Forever chronicles Carter’s 6th go-round of being a 16 year-old high school kid (even though he’s technically been alive for 22 years).
What I liked about 16 Forever
One of my least favorite parts of any time loop story is the MC having to convince his friends and family about what’s happening to him. But, everyone knows what Carter’s deal is. Rubin gives us Carter’s POV most often, but we also get to see his family’s and Maggie’s POVs a lot.
Plus, it’s pretty interesting that Carter loops not just for a day, but an entire year. And, over and over again. His memories, his experiences, and even his physical growth are rewound so that Carter is fully back to 15-turning-16 on his birthday. It’s pretty intense to think about.
Yes, there are a lot of potential plot holes with this situation. Rubin handles them well, acknowledging reader concerns as they pop up. Yes, Carter’s been to see doctors about his condition. Yes, he’s seeing a psychiatrist. No, he’s not the subject of some TLC “weird human conditions” documentary or an Instagram anti-aging influencer.
The one thing that I don’t understand is how he wasn’t hauled away by the government and dissected for research in a bunker like that alien in Independence Day. But I gues Rubin can’t answer everything.
Should you read 16 Forever?
16 Forever is a fun and engaging read for readers of all ages, but it’s especially perfect for fans of YA romances. It’s also obviously great for those who can’t get enough “repeating timelines” like those in The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue and The Midnight Library, and movies like 50 First Dates, Palm Springs, and Groundhog Day.
What’s the book-inspired recipe?
Check out the book-inspired recipe: Birthday Cake Ice Cream.
Although I received a complimentary advance copy of 16 Forever from the author, all opinions expressed in this review are my own. I was not compensated in any way for this review or for any other promotion/publicity I’ve done related to this book.
