Cassandra in Reverse: A Reese's Book Club Pick

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There’s only one problem: Harriet is the definition of awkward. Can she transform from geek to chic? Elise Dumpleton is the creator of The Nerd Daily and has a degree in Internet Communications—so all things coding, marketing, and more! She also lives and breathes all things television, musicals, and books. Geek + runway = a runaway UK hit! Geek Girl is the first book in a hilarious, internationally bestselling series that’s perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Julie Buxbaum. The issue isn’t so much your work performance,” he plows on gallantly. “Although, Christ knows, somebody who hates phone calls as much as you do shouldn’t be working in public relations.”

So, make yourself comfortable, grab your favorite reading beverage, and join me as we embark on this time-traveling adventure with Cassandra. I hope you will enjoy my discussion questions, and let me know what your thoughts are on this amazing novel! ✨ About the story Holly Smale is an exceptional writer and this book is a treasure. Everyone should read it and everyone will love it' Lindsey KelkThen, she spends the majority of the book trying to re-establish her relationship with her boyfriend. That got boring fast. Aglorious testament to the transformative power of being our own true selves. It’s a brilliantly clever, twisty story that dazzles with its wit whilst touching our hearts. . . .A hugely entertaining book with an important message, Cassandra in Reverseis a triumph!” —Sarah Haywood, New York Times bestselling author of The Cactus Time is the invisible thread that weaves our stories together. And sixty seconds can change everything.”

One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit. Holly Smale is an author that I was already familiar with having tried some of her young adult contemporary romance novels. I found her writing a ton of fun and seeing a this was an adult romcom that also mixed in another genre when I love books that mix genres I couldn’t help but get excited. The incredibly great part to this new series for me was finding that an autistic lead was at the front of this story and I couldn’t help but be enamored with it. This one turned into just what I hoped, a ton of laughs along with a lot of character growth as she finds herself and navigates the world so I couldn’t help but to enjoy it as I read along. It’s your general demeanor I can’t have in this office. You are rude. Insubordinate. Arrogant, frankly. You are not a team player, and do you know what this office needs?”

Advance Praise

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. He walks toward me and I immediately panic. Now and then I’ve caught him looking at me from the neighboring desk with an incalculable expression on his face, and I have no idea what it could be. Lust? Repulsion? I’ve been scripting a response to the former for a month now, just in case. I definitely likes things a certain way myself, but I always wonder if authors who write from the POV of an individual like Cassandra is generalizing people with autism or truly knows someone with her attributes? As other readers have mentioned, what is intended to be a late-in-the-game plot twist was something that I assumed from the first couple chapters: that the main character is autistic. I also assumed she knew and simply didn't say it outright. A series of time re-runs unveils Cassandra's complex history, her peculiar personality traits, and her relentless quest to avoid a certain woman at all costs.

Reflect on the ending of the book and the lessons Cassandra learns throughout her time-traveling adventures. How does the resolution of the story contribute to its overall message about life and change? Cassandra, the main character, has some great philosophical, original thoughts that effortlessly pulled me into the story. As she begins her narration, she even breaks the fourth wall by speaking directly to the reader. It was a really promising first impression, and even better, she only became more interesting the more I read. I could see how many people might be frustrated or annoyed with her horrible interactions with everyone around her. After all, she hasn't a clue how to engage in small talk or polite, casual conversation. She inevitably manages to offend or anger the person she is speaking to-completely unintentionally. Still, for me, her clumsiness at personal and professional relationships made me feel so sympathetic towards her struggles. The author spent a lot of time explaining Cassandra's differences, daily challenges, and feelings of despair that she couldn't stop pushing people away. Based on all of these things, it became crystal clear very early on that Cassandra is autistic, but was never diagnosed. Although this kind of concept has been done before (a single example: Groundhog Day), the main character shines. The plant.” He points at the shrubbery now clutched under my sweaty armpit. “It’s mine and I’d like to keep it.”Compare Cassandra in Reverse to other time-travel narratives you have read or watched. How does this book approach the concept of time travel differently? What unique elements does it bring to the genre?

Christina Aguilera’s Spot-On Halloween Costume Is Making Us Want to Rewatch One of Her GreatestMoviesBy the end, I was left floundering. I wondered what the lesson was. What was the message, the timeline of anything, the takeaway from everything I just read...? It's so unfortunate, but the promising beginning fizzled out to confusion in the final chapters. Everything I thought the book was about changed to something else, then left completely unresolved and undone. I decided on three stars, but this really was a tough one to rate. I enjoyed the author's writing style a lot, unfortunately the execution left something to be desired. Also, a minor complaint I have is the excessive references/comparisons to ancient Greek Gods. I understand that it was Cassandra's obsession, but there were so many insertions into the story that it became boring and I started skimming over them. Consider the title, Cassandra in Reverse. How does it encapsulate the essence of the story and the character? What does it reveal about Cassandra’s journey and her relationship with time?