Book Review: Maybe Once, Maybe Twice by Alison Rose Greenberg

Hey there book friends!

If you’re reading this on the day it was posted, Happy Monday. Hopefully, this is a holiday for you and you can spend the day with your nose in a book. I know I plan to.

Today, we’re diving into the world of ‘Maybe once, Maybe twice’ by Alison Rose Greenberg. This contemporary tale is a dance of relationships, music, and choices that offers a glimpse into different facets of love and the complex web it weaves. I’ve got to admit, this one left me in a state of mixed emotions, and I’m here to break it down for you.

One thing that stood out to me was the palpable chemistry between Maggie and her two romantic interests, Asher and Garrett. The story explored the various dimensions of love, showcasing its unique forms and manifestations. Greenberg’s writing style was a pleasant surprise, blending wit and poignancy seamlessly throughout the narrative.

However, the story felt like a whirlwind at times. There was a lot happening, with various storylines and frequent time jumps that made it a tad challenging to keep track of the plot’s flow. The repetitive experiences in different timelines felt like déjà vu, taking away from the potential depth of the characters and the story itself. I found myself craving a deeper exploration that would have added more meaning and resonance to the narrative.

A significant concern was the inclusion of a third-act conflict that felt forced and all together unnecessary. It seemed like a detour that didn’t contribute substantially to the overall plot, making the ending feel rushed and lacking the closure I had hoped for. Given that a significant part of the story revolved around Maggie choosing between her two suitors, it was disappointing to see the limited attention given to the resolution of that crucial aspect.

On a more positive note, I appreciated the musical element integrated into the story, reflecting Maggie’s journey as a songwriter. The incorporation of Maggie’s song lyrics throughout the book was a creative touch, allowing readers to delve deeper into her musical world. Additionally, the inclusion of Taylor Swift references added a fun pop culture twist to the narrative, giving it a contemporary and relatable vibe. The Swifties may love this book for the references alone, but I choose to believe they would also want more from this story.

So for me dear readers, ‘Maybe once, Maybe twice’ by Alison Rose Greenberg lands firmly in the middle of the road. While it had its strengths in character chemistry, witty writing, and musical flair, the challenges with pacing, repetitive experiences, and a rushed ending kept it from achieving a higher rating. However, I believe this book might resonate more with those who enjoy exploring complex relationships, and don’t mind the non-linear story jumps.

I’d like to express my gratitude to The author, Alison Rose Greenberg for crafting this story, to the publishers for bringing it to readers, and to NetGalley for providing the opportunity to review this wonderful audiobook.

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