Jeneva Rose’s The Girl I Was is a heart-tugging, time-travel-meets-self-discovery tale that somehow manages to be laugh-out-loud funny and quietly devastating all at once. It’s like having brunch with your past self—and realizing she might not like who you’ve become.
The story centers on Alexis Spencer, a burnt-out corporate worker who wakes up one morning to find herself back in her teenage body… with her adult memories intact. Think 13 Going on 30 in reverse—but instead of bubblegum dreams, Alexis is confronted with acne, awkward school dances, and the terrifying freedom of youth. What starts as a quirky trip down memory lane quickly turns into a deeper exploration of regret, resilience, and second chances.
Jeneva Rose keeps the tone brisk and witty—there are plenty of moments where Alexis’s adult cynicism clashes hilariously with the over-dramatics of high school life. But just beneath the humor is a soft ache: the quiet realization of how many things we let go of—dreams, friendships, versions of ourselves—without even noticing. There’s a particular scene involving a childhood friend that sneaks up on you emotionally, the way old songs sometimes do.
What makes The Girl I Was stand out isn’t just the clever premise—it’s the emotional honesty tucked between the lines. Rose reminds us that while we can’t rewrite the past, maybe we can learn to forgive the girl we once were… and give her a little grace.
It’s a breezy read with unexpected depth, perfect for anyone who’s ever looked back and wondered, “How did I end up here?” Nostalgic, funny, and tinged with the bittersweet truth of growing up, The Girl I Was might just leave you wanting to write a letter to your younger self.
No comments:
Post a Comment