Book Review: Maybe in Another Life

Katherine Ziwot ’25

Think back to a moment in your life when you were stuck between two decisions that could change the course of your life. If you could go back and change whatyoudecided,wouldyou?

Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2015, Washington Square Press), explores how the decisions we make can lead us on vastly different paths. The story follows Hannah Martin, twenty-nine, on the heels of leaving yet another city after years of meaningless jobs and no clue what to do with her life. Shereturnstoherhometown,whereshedecidestostay with her best friend Gabby, and figure things out. One night, Gabby and Hannah go to the local bar and meet upwithHannah’shighschoolboyfriend,Ethan.

When the night comes to an end, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. Seconds later, Ethan offers togiveGabbyaridehomesoshecanstaywithhimfora while longer. Hannah looks between the two, unsure which to pick and more importantly, unsure where her decision will lead her. The story splits into two concurrent storylines: one following Hannah if she goes home with Gabby; the other follows Hannah if she stays with Ethan. The novel continues in two parallel but radically different stories, each one with its challenges andconsequencesforHannahandthosearoundher.

Both storylines are filled with so much joy and contentment, showing that no matter what choices you make in life, you will be exactly where you are meant to be.Ithinkashumanssomethingalotofusstrugglewith is regret. We replay past scenarios in our heads and think about how we could have said something different and how they would affect us in the present. I love this book because it teaches us that it doesn’t matter which path we didn’t take because the reality is we made a choice and can’t go back. We can’t see what our future would look like if we chose option 2, so why spend time agonizing over somethingthatdidn’thappen?

Whatever is meant to be will be and whatever isn’t won’t. And although I don’t want to spoil the book, I can confidently say that Hannah finds happiness in both storylines. So as our seniors graduate and move on to adulthood, I hope they remember that wherever life takes them is where theyaresupposedtogo.

Start a New Chapter in Your Life

Johanna Aguilar ’25

Movies are a great way to start that new chapterinyourlife.Theideaofgoingtocollegemight be scary, but I recommend watching LegallyBlonde, a movie that is based on a young sorority girl who tries to win her boyfriend back. She ultimately decides to apply to Harvard Law School to earn a JD; throughout her time at Harvard, she works very hard to achieve hergoal.

Bythetimeofhergraduation,sheisknownfor her great success as she overcomes being stereotyped as a blonde. I recommend watching this moviebecauseitgivesyouaninsightintohowyou can accomplish anything you put your mind to. This movie has many great themes that include feminine power. Young women will be able to succeed and it doesn’t matter whether or not people judge you for who you are as a person. LegallyBlonde is a lesson ofempowerment.