I loved this novel. It was unlike any other YA novel I have read, and trust me, that's a big deal. Most are "yadda yadda love, i hate my life, high school sucks" but no, this one takes a whole different approach. How would you feel if you were a senior, and you dropped your phone into a fountain and the only person you could call was your FRESHMAN self? That'd be AMAZING. & That's exactly what Devi is going through. She wished and it came true, all because of the fountain.
It's unlike anything I've read and I did not want to put it down. It's adorably written, interesting & a really unique novel!
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Devi hates her senior year. In fact, she wishes that she could re-do her whole high school experience. When a freak phone accident occurs, she finds herself talking to her younger self. Now, she can tell her fourteen-year-old self all the things to fix before she ruins her life, starting with not dating her ex-boyfriend.
Devi spent so much time with him and neglected her friends and her school work. When they break up, she has nothing left. That's all about to change.
She doesn't have to go on that first date. She can spend more time with her friends. She can study for her classes and join in extracurricular activities to impress colleges.
Freshman Devi tries to improve their life - but she's stuck with all the work while senior Devi enjoys the benefits. For senior Devi, life's changing quickly. She can't keep up with the changes and, worst of all, she has no memories of the new photos in her room or the changes in her life and those she loves.
The more they change, the more they both ask the question: Is it better to know the future?
Changing the future is an intriguing concept that works beautifully in Sarah Mlynowski's new novel. It begs the reader to ask the question of their life - what would you change? I love the hope and the determination of both Devis, and how they want to make the future brighter for themselves. At the same time, they both work to find that balance that makes life livable.
GIMME A CALL is a fast and fun chick-lit read reminiscent of Meg Cabot and Lauren Myracle. For a rather outrageous premise, the story is actually well done, and, given to the right audience, will be gleefully devoured.
The greatest thing about this book is that it never loses its momentum. GIMME A CALL starts out a tad bumpily for the first couple of chapters, but before you know it, you'll be over halfway through the book and definitely enjoying the ridiculous ride. For a book that consists mostly of mistakes, poor judgments, and shocking consequences within every chapter, it surprisingly does not get dull. The voices of the two Devis are light and relatable, never forced.
I did find it rather off-putting that freshman Devi sounded much more intelligent and likable than senior Devi, yet took everything senior Devi did at face value. Indeed, senior Devi's borderline hyperventilating exaggerations and freakouts got irritating quickly, and if it werent for the book's unique and well-written plot, I would've liked the book a lot less.
GIMME A CALL will probably not leave a lasting impression on you, but it's definitely a great light choice for the days when you just need to switch your brain to off mode. You will be intrigued by the development of the speculative aspect, and find it well-grounded in the familiar contemporary success-obsessed high school world.
