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In One Life and Out Another
This is the story of how my parents split me in two, and how I ultimately put myself back together...
On the eve of Marin’s birthday, her parents tell her they’re getting divorced—or, in a parallel universe, they don’t tell her anything at all. This defining moment, along with Marin’s subsequent choices, turn her into polar ends of herself and drastically affect the relationships she has with her two best friends, her mom, and soccer player Sam Hanson. The possibilities of ‘what could have been’ play out in alternating scenarios throughout the book.
If Marin can't make it into Wash U and get away from her suffocating mother, she just might self-implode. She’s determined that nothing will stop her, but then she can’t seem to say no to what everyone else wants—or yes to Sam, seeing as her best friend Hannah wants him too.
Things that this Marin puts up with—a narcissistic mother and a buoyant yet selfish best friend—the other never would. But then, the other can’t stop fighting long enough to get who or what she wants. Instead, she marks a path through life that nearly alienates her best friend Whitney and the boy from work she won’t let herself be distracted by, because distractions like Sam Hanson won’t get her into dance school and away from her mom.
One moment may have changed the trajectory of her future, but if Marin can’t find her way back to herself, she’ll not only lose the boy and her best friends, but also the future she’s worked so hard for.
IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER will appeal to fans of E.Lockhart, Brenna Yovanoff, and Kristin Dwyer, as well as readers who enjoyed the SLIDING DOOR premise of MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid or THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig.
Told in alternating chapters, this story asks if the person changes the life, or if the life changes the person.
On the eve of Marin’s birthday, her parents tell her they’re getting divorced—or, in a parallel universe, they don’t tell her anything at all. This defining moment, along with Marin’s subsequent choices, turn her into polar ends of herself and drastically affect the relationships she has with her two best friends, her mom, and soccer player Sam Hanson. The possibilities of ‘what could have been’ play out in alternating scenarios throughout the book.
If Marin can't make it into Wash U and get away from her suffocating mother, she just might self-implode. She’s determined that nothing will stop her, but then she can’t seem to say no to what everyone else wants—or yes to Sam, seeing as her best friend Hannah wants him too.
Things that this Marin puts up with—a narcissistic mother and a buoyant yet selfish best friend—the other never would. But then, the other can’t stop fighting long enough to get who or what she wants. Instead, she marks a path through life that nearly alienates her best friend Whitney and the boy from work she won’t let herself be distracted by, because distractions like Sam Hanson won’t get her into dance school and away from her mom.
One moment may have changed the trajectory of her future, but if Marin can’t find her way back to herself, she’ll not only lose the boy and her best friends, but also the future she’s worked so hard for.
IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER will appeal to fans of E.Lockhart, Brenna Yovanoff, and Kristin Dwyer, as well as readers who enjoyed the SLIDING DOOR premise of MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE by Taylor Jenkins Reid or THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig.
Told in alternating chapters, this story asks if the person changes the life, or if the life changes the person.
- GenresContemporary
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2023
61 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
J. Mercer
10 books89 followersJ. Mercer grew up in Wisconsin where she walked home from school with her head in a book, filled notebooks with stories in junior high, then went to college for accounting and psychology. She now writes young adult and women's fiction novels and talks editing on The Novel Ending podcast.
IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER is a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, and won the Canadian Book Awards in the young adult category. Her novel TRIPLICITY won Moonbeam and Readers' Favorite awards, and SHADY WOODS received a perfect score from the BookLife Prize, an indie arm of Publisher's Weekly.
She wishes she were an expert linguist and enjoys exploring with her husband and two daughters.
For updates and news, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram @jmercerbooks, talking about what she’s reading and other bookish things.
IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER is a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, and won the Canadian Book Awards in the young adult category. Her novel TRIPLICITY won Moonbeam and Readers' Favorite awards, and SHADY WOODS received a perfect score from the BookLife Prize, an indie arm of Publisher's Weekly.
She wishes she were an expert linguist and enjoys exploring with her husband and two daughters.
For updates and news, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram @jmercerbooks, talking about what she’s reading and other bookish things.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 20, 2023
I received an ARC of this book thanks to BookSirens in exchange for a review.
If you like what if books, this is one to consider adding to your list.
I have to admit after reading the blurb that I thought the parallel lives Marin would live as a result of her parent's choice would play out over years and diverge more than it did. Instead it plays out only over a couple of years although the book itself only shows a few months of Marin's life towards the end of High school making this YA book which I was also not aware ot would be.
Although YA I did not find the book juvenile in its writing style or clichéd in its plot or characters. Instead we see a mature level headed Marin surrounded by other nicely developed characters. It was an easy enjoyable quick read that did not disapoint. One to watch out for!
If you like what if books, this is one to consider adding to your list.
I have to admit after reading the blurb that I thought the parallel lives Marin would live as a result of her parent's choice would play out over years and diverge more than it did. Instead it plays out only over a couple of years although the book itself only shows a few months of Marin's life towards the end of High school making this YA book which I was also not aware ot would be.
Although YA I did not find the book juvenile in its writing style or clichéd in its plot or characters. Instead we see a mature level headed Marin surrounded by other nicely developed characters. It was an easy enjoyable quick read that did not disapoint. One to watch out for!
May 17, 2023
J. Mercer's "In One Life and Out Another" is a beautiful and poignant exploration of "what if?". Here we meet Marin, a girl who loves dancing, her two best friends, and Sam Hanson, as she lives two vastly different lives that resulted in the what if's of her parents' rocky relationship. In one life, they divorced; in another, they never did; in both, Marin has to deal with the repercussions of their choices and those that she makes on her own. Does that one decision beyond her control really make for two different girls? Or is the same girl buried under it all?
The choices we make will always affect our character, but can free-will alter our fate?
We have all asked ourselves "what if". We might have even pondered it for longer than the decision took to turn to regret. In any case, J. Mercer allows us to live out these what ifs through Marin and helps us realize that maybe who we are and where we will go is something that was decided long before we even had the chance to choose it for ourselves. This novel is a comfort and a promise that no matter what our past is built from, our future can be brighter if we let it.
Both versions of Marin share sentiments and characteristics despite being vastly different people. In both lives, she still dances, she still looks after her friends, she still fights with her mom, and, above it all, she still craves freedom. Even though she is two separate people in this novel, her fragments offer everyone someone to relate to. And, in a novel that explores the idea of choice and regret, a character who feels familiar is important.
Warnings: To note, this novel does not explore many mature themes in great detail. Abuse is mentioned as well as sex, but neither were given scenes outside a reference in dialogue.
This wonderful novel should be a required reading for high school students. J. Mercer gives us this unique space to reevaluate everything we regret if only to teach us how to appreciate it for who it allowed us to become. She asks the question, but gives us something better than an answer; she gives us a way to move forward. Prepare to relive those tumultuous emotions of your teenage self, because "In One Life and Out Another" promises to set them free.
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The choices we make will always affect our character, but can free-will alter our fate?
We have all asked ourselves "what if". We might have even pondered it for longer than the decision took to turn to regret. In any case, J. Mercer allows us to live out these what ifs through Marin and helps us realize that maybe who we are and where we will go is something that was decided long before we even had the chance to choose it for ourselves. This novel is a comfort and a promise that no matter what our past is built from, our future can be brighter if we let it.
Both versions of Marin share sentiments and characteristics despite being vastly different people. In both lives, she still dances, she still looks after her friends, she still fights with her mom, and, above it all, she still craves freedom. Even though she is two separate people in this novel, her fragments offer everyone someone to relate to. And, in a novel that explores the idea of choice and regret, a character who feels familiar is important.
Warnings: To note, this novel does not explore many mature themes in great detail. Abuse is mentioned as well as sex, but neither were given scenes outside a reference in dialogue.
This wonderful novel should be a required reading for high school students. J. Mercer gives us this unique space to reevaluate everything we regret if only to teach us how to appreciate it for who it allowed us to become. She asks the question, but gives us something better than an answer; she gives us a way to move forward. Prepare to relive those tumultuous emotions of your teenage self, because "In One Life and Out Another" promises to set them free.
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.In One Life and Out Another by J. Mercer allows us to see two different scenarios for the age-old question "what if I" for Marin Greene.
Will Marin Greene have hope that things will work out?
Marin Greene with Divorced Parents
Marin Greene dealing with her divorced parents is the main life for her. This is the one that broke her into two. In this version of her life, she goes back and forth between her parents' houses while also being friends with Hannah. Marin tries to appease everyone and make everyone happy. Except that by doing that, especially with Hannah, Marin isn't living her life for herself but conforming herself with other people, especially when it concerns Hannah's feelings for Sam or how her mom will react to Marin doing anything that isn't surrounding her mom. Her only way of escape is to go to Wash U... that is if nothing deters her. She definitely grows into a well-balanced person throughout the book in this world.
Marin Greene with Married Parents
Now for the Marin Greene that has her parents still married. Unlike the other Marin, this one isn't friends with Hannah and isn't the most popular girl in school. Marin doesn't even go to some of her classes all the time. She also works two jobs and dances at a studio, where she dreams of getting into a school in LA. Marin works at a grocery store and teaches kids to dance at a studio. She has to pay for her car insurance and is always butting heads with her mom whenever she gets home. I honestly felt sorry for the version of Marin that was stuck in this situation, as it was far worse than if her parents divorced. I liked how she and her mom eventually stopped head-butting long enough to realize that maybe they could fix their relationship with a bit of hope.
The Story
We end up going back and forth between situations that Marin would have taken depending on what happened with her parents, like who her best friend was who stayed with her when her parents divorced and helped her in high school. I like how throughout the story, you can see that Marin, no matter which parallel universe part we were in, how her decisions shaped who she is and how those decisions will keep hurting her unless she changes course. I loved how the whole theme of the book is just a simple thing: Do you have hope? Hope to change your situation in your life?
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to In One Life and Out Another by J. Mercer, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to read a great young adult paranormal romance. I am only adding on the paranormal part because of the parallel or alternate universe that takes place with Marin. Ms. Mercer hooked me from the beginning, and I loved every minute of it. I did get a bit confused at the beginning, but it became easier as I eased into the flow of the style she was going for with this one.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of In One Life and Out Another by J. Mercer.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Marin Greene have hope that things will work out?
Marin Greene with Divorced Parents
Marin Greene dealing with her divorced parents is the main life for her. This is the one that broke her into two. In this version of her life, she goes back and forth between her parents' houses while also being friends with Hannah. Marin tries to appease everyone and make everyone happy. Except that by doing that, especially with Hannah, Marin isn't living her life for herself but conforming herself with other people, especially when it concerns Hannah's feelings for Sam or how her mom will react to Marin doing anything that isn't surrounding her mom. Her only way of escape is to go to Wash U... that is if nothing deters her. She definitely grows into a well-balanced person throughout the book in this world.
Marin Greene with Married Parents
Now for the Marin Greene that has her parents still married. Unlike the other Marin, this one isn't friends with Hannah and isn't the most popular girl in school. Marin doesn't even go to some of her classes all the time. She also works two jobs and dances at a studio, where she dreams of getting into a school in LA. Marin works at a grocery store and teaches kids to dance at a studio. She has to pay for her car insurance and is always butting heads with her mom whenever she gets home. I honestly felt sorry for the version of Marin that was stuck in this situation, as it was far worse than if her parents divorced. I liked how she and her mom eventually stopped head-butting long enough to realize that maybe they could fix their relationship with a bit of hope.
The Story
We end up going back and forth between situations that Marin would have taken depending on what happened with her parents, like who her best friend was who stayed with her when her parents divorced and helped her in high school. I like how throughout the story, you can see that Marin, no matter which parallel universe part we were in, how her decisions shaped who she is and how those decisions will keep hurting her unless she changes course. I loved how the whole theme of the book is just a simple thing: Do you have hope? Hope to change your situation in your life?
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to In One Life and Out Another by J. Mercer, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to read a great young adult paranormal romance. I am only adding on the paranormal part because of the parallel or alternate universe that takes place with Marin. Ms. Mercer hooked me from the beginning, and I loved every minute of it. I did get a bit confused at the beginning, but it became easier as I eased into the flow of the style she was going for with this one.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of In One Life and Out Another by J. Mercer.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Read
June 11, 2023Thank you J. Mercer and Bare Ink for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In One Life and Out the Other follows Marin in two timelines separated by her parent’s divorce. In one life, they split up and in another they stay together despite their miserable marriage. Either way, Marin is surrounded by controlling and suffocating characters (mainly her mom and best friend Hannah).
WHAT I ENJOYED
J. Mercer explores themes around abusive family relationships and friendships. I love the author’s focus because more young adults should read about unhealthy relationships outside of romance. Hannah comes off like a vibrant, sunny friend and Marin is convinced Hannah loves her, despite her actions showing us the opposite. For young readers, Marin’s journey and inner turmoil with keeping or leaving her best friend is important and well written. The author keeps her process real.
As for her relationship with her unhealthy mother, I’m sure some youth will relate to Marin and how she doesn’t feel at home in her own house. Though heartbreaking, Marin’s anxiety and her honest perspective makes this book authentic. I enjoyed reading Marin’s journey and struggle with finding her own voice and a healthier mindset. I cheered on our MC and empathized so much with her. The dialogue is a little choppy at times but these are all great themes for young adults to explore.
A WARNING TO PARENTS & YOUNG READERS
My main issue with this book, and the reason I cannot decide on a star rating, is the relationship between a 17 year old high schooler and 25 year old man. At first, the author does a great job of pointing out this problematic paring. Marin doesn’t know how to tell her best friend Whitney that she is in danger and Vic is not, in fact, a good person.
Their friendship suffered and I admired J. Mercer for adding such a complicated obstacle for our MC. Sadly, real life youth can find themselves in this situation; either as Whitney or Marin. I thought the book would show young adults how they can navigate this situation or caution them of these relationships- but the book failed in this aspect.
Unfortunately, the book makes this relationship the best thing that could’ve happened to Whitney and Marin ‘learns’ that she should be gracious and give people a chance. Even though Whitney is 18 by the end of the book, she is still a senior in high school and Vic knows she’s underage early on in the relationship.
I’m concerned this subplot and theme teaches youth that it’s okay to date older people as a minor. The fact that Whitney’s life turns for the better tells readers that they can have a great ending in an inappropriate relationship. Whitney’s character is also the worst off in the book, and I found her storyline unfair. She suffers from an abusive home and openly admits she wants a savior to keep her safe, making her a typical target for older men seeking younger girls. I do not feel comfortable with this subplot being told to young readers. Especially because this book reads for middle schoolers to early high schoolers.
OVERALL
The book has great themes, a real MC, and tackles toxic relationships outside of romance. Exploring these themes made me enjoy the story. But I do have to caution readers and parents of Whitney’s subplot that, in my opinion, can harm young readers.
I hope this review is helpful to future readers. I did not know how to give this book a star rating and how to impact the overall review. I chose to only highlight what I liked and disliked without a star rating.
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In One Life and Out the Other follows Marin in two timelines separated by her parent’s divorce. In one life, they split up and in another they stay together despite their miserable marriage. Either way, Marin is surrounded by controlling and suffocating characters (mainly her mom and best friend Hannah).
WHAT I ENJOYED
J. Mercer explores themes around abusive family relationships and friendships. I love the author’s focus because more young adults should read about unhealthy relationships outside of romance. Hannah comes off like a vibrant, sunny friend and Marin is convinced Hannah loves her, despite her actions showing us the opposite. For young readers, Marin’s journey and inner turmoil with keeping or leaving her best friend is important and well written. The author keeps her process real.
As for her relationship with her unhealthy mother, I’m sure some youth will relate to Marin and how she doesn’t feel at home in her own house. Though heartbreaking, Marin’s anxiety and her honest perspective makes this book authentic. I enjoyed reading Marin’s journey and struggle with finding her own voice and a healthier mindset. I cheered on our MC and empathized so much with her. The dialogue is a little choppy at times but these are all great themes for young adults to explore.
A WARNING TO PARENTS & YOUNG READERS
My main issue with this book, and the reason I cannot decide on a star rating, is the relationship between a 17 year old high schooler and 25 year old man. At first, the author does a great job of pointing out this problematic paring. Marin doesn’t know how to tell her best friend Whitney that she is in danger and Vic is not, in fact, a good person.
Their friendship suffered and I admired J. Mercer for adding such a complicated obstacle for our MC. Sadly, real life youth can find themselves in this situation; either as Whitney or Marin. I thought the book would show young adults how they can navigate this situation or caution them of these relationships- but the book failed in this aspect.
Unfortunately, the book makes this relationship the best thing that could’ve happened to Whitney and Marin ‘learns’ that she should be gracious and give people a chance. Even though Whitney is 18 by the end of the book, she is still a senior in high school and Vic knows she’s underage early on in the relationship.
I’m concerned this subplot and theme teaches youth that it’s okay to date older people as a minor. The fact that Whitney’s life turns for the better tells readers that they can have a great ending in an inappropriate relationship. Whitney’s character is also the worst off in the book, and I found her storyline unfair. She suffers from an abusive home and openly admits she wants a savior to keep her safe, making her a typical target for older men seeking younger girls. I do not feel comfortable with this subplot being told to young readers. Especially because this book reads for middle schoolers to early high schoolers.
OVERALL
The book has great themes, a real MC, and tackles toxic relationships outside of romance. Exploring these themes made me enjoy the story. But I do have to caution readers and parents of Whitney’s subplot that, in my opinion, can harm young readers.
I hope this review is helpful to future readers. I did not know how to give this book a star rating and how to impact the overall review. I chose to only highlight what I liked and disliked without a star rating.
youtube | instagram
June 1, 2023
In One Life and Out Another tells the story of Marin, a high school senior who is trying to make a variety of decisions such as which college to attend or whether or not to date the nice boy who is interested in her. Each chapter is divided into two sections, this is a very simple way to describe them: the first is one side of a decision and the second section is the other outcome. It is not quite so "choose your own adventure" as that description may seem though.
There are two sides of the story of Marin's life, with several features that are common to both trajectories, for example, her controlling mother, indecision about dating Sam, friendship/relationship challenges, and uncertainty around college applications. But each side also has its own unique aspects. The first half of every chapter describes Marin's life if she is still friends with her best friend Hannah and no longer friends with Whitney, her parents are divorced and her mom relies on her for emotional support, and she knows Sam through her friend group, specifically Hannah, she is hoping to go to college with Hannah, far enough away from her mom, but at a school that offers physical therapy training. The second half of each chapter tells Marin's life with her parents still together but dysfunctional, she is still friends with Whitney rather than Hannah, she struggles to balance working at a grocery store (with Sam) and dancing at a studio where she is required to teach younger students, she wants to go to California for school to potentially make it in the dance industry.
I initially was a bit worried about the back and forth storytelling but I quickly realized it was not an issue and this would not be a hard story to follow by any means. The writing was absolutely fantastic, and the concept and storyline(s) were so well done. It was a really neat way to present this story and I loved every minute of it! I loved the consistency of events in both sides of Marin's life and the way that in the end they wrapped up to be the same story as she learned lessons about herself.
This book is definitely a YA coming of age story and intended for younger audiences, but I think that the lessons that this story teaches are applicable to people at any age in life. I really appreciated the lessons related to relationships, as young adults (but also could apply to people at any age), often are learning to navigate new relationships or changes to relationships that come during growth and maturity. Mercer offers readers opportunities to consider relationship themes and challenges such as: understanding that just because someone is your family, does not mean you need to plan your life around them - if someone treats you poorly, you can stand up for yourself - if he is the right person for you, he will stick around through the good and bad - even if you could go back and do things differently, you will still have regrets when it comes to relationships.
I think that Marin is a great role model for young readers, and as far as age appropriateness, there is definitely some underage drinking and weed/vaping that happens, sex is referred to in passing, but there are no explicit scenes and minimal foul language. Definitely fine for a young adult audience!
I would definitely recommend this book and am so glad I got the chance to read it! I was gifted a copy of this book by the author since I had read and reviewed her previous book. That being said, my reviews and opinions are all my own.
TL;DR: This is a great YA book and you should read it!
There are two sides of the story of Marin's life, with several features that are common to both trajectories, for example, her controlling mother, indecision about dating Sam, friendship/relationship challenges, and uncertainty around college applications. But each side also has its own unique aspects. The first half of every chapter describes Marin's life if she is still friends with her best friend Hannah and no longer friends with Whitney, her parents are divorced and her mom relies on her for emotional support, and she knows Sam through her friend group, specifically Hannah, she is hoping to go to college with Hannah, far enough away from her mom, but at a school that offers physical therapy training. The second half of each chapter tells Marin's life with her parents still together but dysfunctional, she is still friends with Whitney rather than Hannah, she struggles to balance working at a grocery store (with Sam) and dancing at a studio where she is required to teach younger students, she wants to go to California for school to potentially make it in the dance industry.
I initially was a bit worried about the back and forth storytelling but I quickly realized it was not an issue and this would not be a hard story to follow by any means. The writing was absolutely fantastic, and the concept and storyline(s) were so well done. It was a really neat way to present this story and I loved every minute of it! I loved the consistency of events in both sides of Marin's life and the way that in the end they wrapped up to be the same story as she learned lessons about herself.
This book is definitely a YA coming of age story and intended for younger audiences, but I think that the lessons that this story teaches are applicable to people at any age in life. I really appreciated the lessons related to relationships, as young adults (but also could apply to people at any age), often are learning to navigate new relationships or changes to relationships that come during growth and maturity. Mercer offers readers opportunities to consider relationship themes and challenges such as: understanding that just because someone is your family, does not mean you need to plan your life around them - if someone treats you poorly, you can stand up for yourself - if he is the right person for you, he will stick around through the good and bad - even if you could go back and do things differently, you will still have regrets when it comes to relationships.
I think that Marin is a great role model for young readers, and as far as age appropriateness, there is definitely some underage drinking and weed/vaping that happens, sex is referred to in passing, but there are no explicit scenes and minimal foul language. Definitely fine for a young adult audience!
I would definitely recommend this book and am so glad I got the chance to read it! I was gifted a copy of this book by the author since I had read and reviewed her previous book. That being said, my reviews and opinions are all my own.
TL;DR: This is a great YA book and you should read it!
May 16, 2023
Masterful writing and themes of self-realization
J Mercer has birthed a beautiful, poignant, witty and relevant story, one as thought-provoking as it is fun. A must read for teens and adults!
J Mercer has birthed a beautiful, poignant, witty and relevant story, one as thought-provoking as it is fun. A must read for teens and adults!
April 20, 2023
Ever wonder what's it would be like to live your life on a different path? How things would be different than what they currently were? Wonder if things would still end up the same or completely different?
Marin's life in the book starts off with her parents fighting and her life is split between divorced and married parents, and a different view on her friendships. As she navigates through both, she learns more about who she is and what she wants out of life.
I enjoyed the different perspectives each life held. I wish I could get more of a glimpse on her future as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marin's life in the book starts off with her parents fighting and her life is split between divorced and married parents, and a different view on her friendships. As she navigates through both, she learns more about who she is and what she wants out of life.
I enjoyed the different perspectives each life held. I wish I could get more of a glimpse on her future as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2023
This book was cute and I appreciated the concept behind it. The dual timelines being so similar made it a bit hard to keep up with.
The petty teenage drama and the way they talk to one another is a big reason why I didn't enjoy this book.
I feel like if there were more distinction between the two timelines, I would have enjoyed it more overall.
The petty teenage drama and the way they talk to one another is a big reason why I didn't enjoy this book.
I feel like if there were more distinction between the two timelines, I would have enjoyed it more overall.
June 22, 2023
This concept reminds me of the movie, Sliding Doors, with Gwyneth Paltrow. Her life is vastly different depending on whether or not she catches her train. ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER explores how Marin’s life plays out based on her parents’ decision to divorce or stay together. In one life, her parents are still together, though unhappy as ever, but her friendships with her two BFFs, Whitney and Hannah, are fractured. In one life, she’s still friends with Whit and in another Hannah. In both lives, she’s hopelessly in love with Sam Hanson but can’t have him, though for different reasons.
What the author does really well is show how the choices parents make have very significant impacts on their children, impacts that can alter the course of their lives. And that staying together “for the sake of the children” might not always be the best choice, though divorce is no picnic either. The story is raw, the characters fully developed, and the choices that Marin needs to make, both due to and in spite of her parents, alter everyone’s lives, not just hers. The story is emotionally charged without being over done. Marin’s angst is palpable without being annoying as she navigates her journey into young adulthood with or without the support of her parents and friends.
Plot
There are three main plots running through the story as well as some subplots. I can’t really pick a main plot because all three are given similar weight and are equally important to Marin’s life. The first is getting into her dream school, the second is her relationship with Sam, and the third is her friendships with Whit and Hannah. There are also good subplots around her dancing as well as her relationships with both of her parents that are intertwined so thickly in the main plots that they can’t really be extracted without derailing the entire story. The author weaves them all together seamlessly, making us care about all of the characters, but especially Marin.
Characters
The characters are all fully fleshed out! No one is a cardboard cutout, not even Ernie, owner of the ice cream parlor! Marin, Whit, Sam, Hannah, and Marin’s mom are deep characters, with rich backstories and understandable motivations that drive their actions. Marin’s dad spends a lot less time on the page, so I didn’t get as much of a feel for him, but he’s not a stereotype either. The growth that all the characters experience is believable and necessary to the characters that J. Mercer has crafted for them.
What I Loved About IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER
1. The Concept. I love a good “what if” premise. It’s one of my favorites, especially when taken to extremes. The author does a masterful job of executing on this premise.
2. Sam. Sam is the dream guy. He’s patient, funny, understanding, but still vulnerable without being a pushover.
3. Marin. Her home life is a wreck, but she doesn’t let it destroy her, too. She has plans for her future and won’t let anyone or anything get in her way.
4. Family Drama. I don’t actually love family drama, but it’s a reality for so many families and seeing it portrayed so honestly with being overly done made the story that much richer.
5. Dance. As the mother of a dancer, I really enjoyed these aspects of the story.
Bottom Line
A wonderfully executed alternate choices tale with fully-developed characters.
What the author does really well is show how the choices parents make have very significant impacts on their children, impacts that can alter the course of their lives. And that staying together “for the sake of the children” might not always be the best choice, though divorce is no picnic either. The story is raw, the characters fully developed, and the choices that Marin needs to make, both due to and in spite of her parents, alter everyone’s lives, not just hers. The story is emotionally charged without being over done. Marin’s angst is palpable without being annoying as she navigates her journey into young adulthood with or without the support of her parents and friends.
Plot
There are three main plots running through the story as well as some subplots. I can’t really pick a main plot because all three are given similar weight and are equally important to Marin’s life. The first is getting into her dream school, the second is her relationship with Sam, and the third is her friendships with Whit and Hannah. There are also good subplots around her dancing as well as her relationships with both of her parents that are intertwined so thickly in the main plots that they can’t really be extracted without derailing the entire story. The author weaves them all together seamlessly, making us care about all of the characters, but especially Marin.
Characters
The characters are all fully fleshed out! No one is a cardboard cutout, not even Ernie, owner of the ice cream parlor! Marin, Whit, Sam, Hannah, and Marin’s mom are deep characters, with rich backstories and understandable motivations that drive their actions. Marin’s dad spends a lot less time on the page, so I didn’t get as much of a feel for him, but he’s not a stereotype either. The growth that all the characters experience is believable and necessary to the characters that J. Mercer has crafted for them.
What I Loved About IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER
1. The Concept. I love a good “what if” premise. It’s one of my favorites, especially when taken to extremes. The author does a masterful job of executing on this premise.
2. Sam. Sam is the dream guy. He’s patient, funny, understanding, but still vulnerable without being a pushover.
3. Marin. Her home life is a wreck, but she doesn’t let it destroy her, too. She has plans for her future and won’t let anyone or anything get in her way.
4. Family Drama. I don’t actually love family drama, but it’s a reality for so many families and seeing it portrayed so honestly with being overly done made the story that much richer.
5. Dance. As the mother of a dancer, I really enjoyed these aspects of the story.
Bottom Line
A wonderfully executed alternate choices tale with fully-developed characters.
July 14, 2023
I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this book with how the structure would work with Marin’s life diverging into two different life paths. It is really simple but effective, each Marin gets alternate chapters it was one after the other and they were marked with sentences that would start the chapter on one life and then end at the start of the next life which was very clever.
I had thought that I would easily get confused about which version of Marin that I was reading about but actually that didn’t really happen, each chapter had very similar themes but it was fairly easy to keep track of which storyline I was reading and it was only towards the end of the book that I got a bit mixed up once or twice.
It was interesting to see the differences in Marin’s lives due to this one big change but I like that the author didn’t go too outlandish with this, there were differences in each Marin but fundamentally they had the same aspirations. I found her to be a very relatable character, I think everyone can understand trying to manage different relationships and doing things to please people whilst also trying to please yourself.
I enjoyed getting to explore the different relationships in Marin’s life from the different perspectives just to see what changed. Her relationship with her mum was kind of fascinating because it was on a knife edge all the time and was fraught with tension, it wasn’t always easy to read because she made me so frustrated on Marin’s behalf but it was portrayed so well.
Also, it was good to see how Marin was with Whitney and Hannah in both timelines, I like that you could see the differences in how Marin acts because of how these formative relationships have helped to shape her. They were both kind of similar in each timeline, there were still some subtle differences but it was interesting to get a fuller picture of them depending on which Marin we are with. I quite liked that Sam seemed the same no matter what storyline, that he and Marin had that easy chemistry in both and that he was consistent in his feelings, he was a very loveable character.
I wasn’t sure how the author was going to pull it all together for the ending but it worked really well and I left feeling glad that both versions of Marin had a path going forward that was the best option for her, it made me feel hopeful. In One Life and Out Another is a book with an intriguing premise which I feel it really delivers on, it is an excellent look at relationships and an enjoyable read.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I had thought that I would easily get confused about which version of Marin that I was reading about but actually that didn’t really happen, each chapter had very similar themes but it was fairly easy to keep track of which storyline I was reading and it was only towards the end of the book that I got a bit mixed up once or twice.
It was interesting to see the differences in Marin’s lives due to this one big change but I like that the author didn’t go too outlandish with this, there were differences in each Marin but fundamentally they had the same aspirations. I found her to be a very relatable character, I think everyone can understand trying to manage different relationships and doing things to please people whilst also trying to please yourself.
I enjoyed getting to explore the different relationships in Marin’s life from the different perspectives just to see what changed. Her relationship with her mum was kind of fascinating because it was on a knife edge all the time and was fraught with tension, it wasn’t always easy to read because she made me so frustrated on Marin’s behalf but it was portrayed so well.
Also, it was good to see how Marin was with Whitney and Hannah in both timelines, I like that you could see the differences in how Marin acts because of how these formative relationships have helped to shape her. They were both kind of similar in each timeline, there were still some subtle differences but it was interesting to get a fuller picture of them depending on which Marin we are with. I quite liked that Sam seemed the same no matter what storyline, that he and Marin had that easy chemistry in both and that he was consistent in his feelings, he was a very loveable character.
I wasn’t sure how the author was going to pull it all together for the ending but it worked really well and I left feeling glad that both versions of Marin had a path going forward that was the best option for her, it made me feel hopeful. In One Life and Out Another is a book with an intriguing premise which I feel it really delivers on, it is an excellent look at relationships and an enjoyable read.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
May 1, 2023
In one life out another by J. Mercer
Summary:
This is the story of how my parents split me in two, and how I ultimately put myself back together...
On the eve of Marin’s birthday, her parents tell her they’re getting divorced—or, in a parallel universe, they don’t tell her anything at all. This defining moment, along with Marin’s subsequent choices, turn her into polar ends of herself and drastically affect the relationships she has with her two best friends, her mom, and soccer player Sam Hanson. The possibilities of ‘what could have been’ play out in alternating scenarios throughout the book.
If Marin can't make it into Wash U and get away from her suffocating mother, she just might self-implode. She’s determined that nothing will stop her, but then she can’t seem to say no to what everyone else wants—or yes to Sam, seeing as her best friend Hannah wants him too.
Things that this Marin puts up with—a narcissistic mother and a buoyant yet selfish best friend—the other never would. But then, the other can’t stop fighting long enough to get who or what she wants. Instead, she marks a path through life that nearly alienates her best friend Whitney and the boy from work she won’t let herself be distracted by, because distractions like Sam Hanson won’t get her into dance school and away from her mom.
One moment may have changed the trajectory of her future, but if Marin can’t find her way back to herself, she’ll not only lose the boy and her best friends, but also the future she’s worked so hard for.
Told in alternating chapters, this story asks if the person changes the life, or if the life changes the person.
Review:
I gave this book a 3-star rating and here’s why, I had trouble keeping up with and keeping the storyline straight in my mind. It could just be me. I should have read this when I first got it and not put it for so long. I didn’t rush through it if that’s what you’re thinking. I can say that this book has the best editing I’ve seen in some time. I didn’t find any grammatical errors. The characters were well-developed.
Conclusion: It’s an average book.
Would I recommend this book to others? NO
Is this book priced correctly? No way overpriced.
Is this book a full-length novel or novella? Full-length novel
Would I read other books by this Author? Maybe
I received this copy free for my honest review
Summary:
This is the story of how my parents split me in two, and how I ultimately put myself back together...
On the eve of Marin’s birthday, her parents tell her they’re getting divorced—or, in a parallel universe, they don’t tell her anything at all. This defining moment, along with Marin’s subsequent choices, turn her into polar ends of herself and drastically affect the relationships she has with her two best friends, her mom, and soccer player Sam Hanson. The possibilities of ‘what could have been’ play out in alternating scenarios throughout the book.
If Marin can't make it into Wash U and get away from her suffocating mother, she just might self-implode. She’s determined that nothing will stop her, but then she can’t seem to say no to what everyone else wants—or yes to Sam, seeing as her best friend Hannah wants him too.
Things that this Marin puts up with—a narcissistic mother and a buoyant yet selfish best friend—the other never would. But then, the other can’t stop fighting long enough to get who or what she wants. Instead, she marks a path through life that nearly alienates her best friend Whitney and the boy from work she won’t let herself be distracted by, because distractions like Sam Hanson won’t get her into dance school and away from her mom.
One moment may have changed the trajectory of her future, but if Marin can’t find her way back to herself, she’ll not only lose the boy and her best friends, but also the future she’s worked so hard for.
Told in alternating chapters, this story asks if the person changes the life, or if the life changes the person.
Review:
I gave this book a 3-star rating and here’s why, I had trouble keeping up with and keeping the storyline straight in my mind. It could just be me. I should have read this when I first got it and not put it for so long. I didn’t rush through it if that’s what you’re thinking. I can say that this book has the best editing I’ve seen in some time. I didn’t find any grammatical errors. The characters were well-developed.
Conclusion: It’s an average book.
Would I recommend this book to others? NO
Is this book priced correctly? No way overpriced.
Is this book a full-length novel or novella? Full-length novel
Would I read other books by this Author? Maybe
I received this copy free for my honest review
May 4, 2023
This book is soo good. It explores both sides of the what if's.
Basically we get an alternate of Marin's life. One where her parents aren't together and also she is friends with Hannah and not Whitney. Whom were all best friends at one point or another.
It explores how life is different when she is with Hannah and wanting things that she doesn't dare to take for herself I feel. Like with Sam, she really likes him and he likes her but because Hannah I think just wants him because he doesn't want her. So therefor Marin decides she can't have him either.
Then Marin's mother seems very nit in touch in one alternate life and doesn't seem to listen to her daughter at all.
Then we have Whitney which I felt so bad for at times. Both sides I feel she just wasn't understood at all until later on. Which those who pick this book up will see what I mean.
Sam is another character that in both sides was just great and he always tried to do the right thing. He definitely had some patience. Ha
This book is about life and the choices that we make that can affect everything that we do going forward. It's the what if I did this? What if I said this instead? Or if I pick this then everything changes and there is no going back, or is there? Sometimes the things we say and do cannot be changed but we can definitely learn from them. Whether mistakes of not seeing that a friend really needs some help or that a friend or family member is toxic. It's how we respond to all of these things that make us what we are. And I think Marin both sides of her are trying to figure all of that out along the way. Taking chances, or not taking chances. She is still Marin no matter the choices she makes or doesn't make right away.
Book makes you really think about choices and the affects they have on not only us but others as well.
Basically we get an alternate of Marin's life. One where her parents aren't together and also she is friends with Hannah and not Whitney. Whom were all best friends at one point or another.
It explores how life is different when she is with Hannah and wanting things that she doesn't dare to take for herself I feel. Like with Sam, she really likes him and he likes her but because Hannah I think just wants him because he doesn't want her. So therefor Marin decides she can't have him either.
Then Marin's mother seems very nit in touch in one alternate life and doesn't seem to listen to her daughter at all.
Then we have Whitney which I felt so bad for at times. Both sides I feel she just wasn't understood at all until later on. Which those who pick this book up will see what I mean.
Sam is another character that in both sides was just great and he always tried to do the right thing. He definitely had some patience. Ha
This book is about life and the choices that we make that can affect everything that we do going forward. It's the what if I did this? What if I said this instead? Or if I pick this then everything changes and there is no going back, or is there? Sometimes the things we say and do cannot be changed but we can definitely learn from them. Whether mistakes of not seeing that a friend really needs some help or that a friend or family member is toxic. It's how we respond to all of these things that make us what we are. And I think Marin both sides of her are trying to figure all of that out along the way. Taking chances, or not taking chances. She is still Marin no matter the choices she makes or doesn't make right away.
Book makes you really think about choices and the affects they have on not only us but others as well.
May 10, 2023
The author has written a wonderful ‘sliding doors’ story, answering the powerful question of ‘what if?’ awesomely. To have two parallel narratives is incredibly difficult to write, but she’s managed this exceptionally well. She’s created characters I cared for, and I wanted to know where their story led. And the ending was fantastic - weaving the threads together beautifully.
For me, reading this as an eBook made it slightly more tricky to keep track of what was happening at times. With a physical copy it’s easy to flick back to check which narrative you’re in. And I needed to do this occasionally because many of the characters and locations were (out of necessity) the same in both storylines. But it all probably speaks more to my lack of technical prowess with my Kindle than the author’s storytelling.
And having said that, there were so many phrases, descriptions and passages I highlighted because they were so beautifully worded and the writing utter perfection.
I was really excited to read this. The concept put forward was highly intriguing and really caught my attention. I think the author has done an awesome job. I know my YA loving kids would really enjoy reading Marin’s story too and find much of it highly relatable. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to what the author produces next.
For me, reading this as an eBook made it slightly more tricky to keep track of what was happening at times. With a physical copy it’s easy to flick back to check which narrative you’re in. And I needed to do this occasionally because many of the characters and locations were (out of necessity) the same in both storylines. But it all probably speaks more to my lack of technical prowess with my Kindle than the author’s storytelling.
And having said that, there were so many phrases, descriptions and passages I highlighted because they were so beautifully worded and the writing utter perfection.
I was really excited to read this. The concept put forward was highly intriguing and really caught my attention. I think the author has done an awesome job. I know my YA loving kids would really enjoy reading Marin’s story too and find much of it highly relatable. Really enjoyed this and looking forward to what the author produces next.
May 24, 2023
As a stepmom who watched the struggle that exists when kids have two distinct worlds between divorced parent houses, I was eager to read this story. The parallel timelines follow Marin’s life in a post-divorce/two-house world and a life in which her parents didn’t divorce. What’s done particularly well is that the world where the parents don’t divorce isn’t presented as overly rosy either. This is an accurate portrayal of the teen mind and emotions and the messiness of life as Marin navigates typical friendship and romantic situations. The structure of the novel was unique in that you have an Either/Or situation . . . you have to pay close attention to those chapter indicators so you know which version of her life you’re in as the same characters inhabit both timelines. Great dialogue, rang very true-to-life.
May 1, 2023
Do you ever wonder what your life would have been like if you’d have chosen differently? J. Mercer’s In One Life and Out Another poses this question for readers. Just before Marin’s birthday, her parents tell her they’re getting a divorce. In a parallel story, they tell her nothing. In this novel, both happen—and readers get to see what happens next in each universe. I loved this story, filled with vividly drawn characters and the painful choices of adolescence. This book pairs well with a bag of penny candy and, just possibly, a drugstore ice cream cone. Grab a copy and explore your own “what ifs.”
May 15, 2023
The story follows Marin (FMC) and how her parents split her into two timelines and how she pull herself back together. There's one timeline where her parent's get a divorce while there is a parallel universe where they stay together. This defining moment and Marin's choice affects her relationships with her friends, her mom and her crush. The 'what could have been' is played out in each parallel timeline and is an interesting topic for the book.
I liked how each chapter was split in half to show both timelines and how they are different e.g chapter one is split into "Either divorce ..." and "... or not". I think it was a smart choice to help the readers understand that these events are happening at the same time but in different timelines. I liked how the story starts right away with setting up the plot and the day that caused Marin's life to split. You are introduced to her two best friends at the time, Whitney & Hannah, and how her parents are not in a healthy marriage. The book's subject is interesting and I am happy I was able to read it.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving a honest review.
I liked how each chapter was split in half to show both timelines and how they are different e.g chapter one is split into "Either divorce ..." and "... or not". I think it was a smart choice to help the readers understand that these events are happening at the same time but in different timelines. I liked how the story starts right away with setting up the plot and the day that caused Marin's life to split. You are introduced to her two best friends at the time, Whitney & Hannah, and how her parents are not in a healthy marriage. The book's subject is interesting and I am happy I was able to read it.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving a honest review.
May 24, 2023
This is the second book I've read from J. Mercer, and I was not disappointed. I loved the concept of "What if?" Marin had to deal with making some very tough decisions and how they played out. I wasn't a fan of her mother, but that is by design. I adored everything about Sam. He had the patience of a saint, and he was amazing. "In One Life and Out Another" will have you contemplating your decisions and how you made them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2024
When I first started reading this I knew that the book was going to be split into a parallel universe but I wasn't aware of how. The books storylines alternate between chapters which is a bit confusing if you sit the book down for a little while and then come back to it, but that's honestly my only real complaint. Other than that, I thought the book was written well and had many good lessons to think about.
April 20, 2025
Marin's parents either divorce...or they don't. In alternating chapters we see how this different decision affects Marin's life. Some things don't change, and some things change a lot. It's a clever concept and the author pulls it off really well. The writing is solid, the characters well developed, and the story engaging. I especially liked that Marin's female friendships were focused on by Marin more than her romantic relationship.
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May 18, 2023I love all of J. Mercer's books because she delves deep into the minds and hearts of her characters and doesn't flinch from leting them make mistakes. The result is always insightful, relatable, and engrossing. IN ONE LIFE AND OUT ANOTHER is a satifying exploration of the lost opportunities and near misses in all our lives. Just don't miss this one!
May 31, 2023
I really loved this story and the two potential paths of Marin’s life. It’s interesting to see the relationships between the same characters, friends, parent and love interests, based on both small and large decisions. But ultimately it was the fact that Marin figured out who she was, what she wanted and made it happen. Bravo!
August 30, 2024
I tried, I really tried, but I just didnt care for the story
September 7, 2024
Cute book. I’m not the target audience but that has never stopped me from reading YA. I liked the unique spin on telling the story.
I would read another book by this author even though this one was just okay for me.
I would read another book by this author even though this one was just okay for me.
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