Step Back In Time by Ali McNamara
Published by: Sphere (7th Nov 2013)
Received a proof copy from the publisher, thank you!
Blurb:
How many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts for ever?
When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic life: everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?
Why you would love this:
If you've not heard of Ali McNamara, please hide underneath your bed and don't come out until you've read her books. She's one of my favourite authors and when I found out that she's working on a music-themed book, I was very excited (that was a year ago when I finished reading From Notting Hill to New York.. Actually - loved it!). Then.. Step Back In Time arrived a few days ago and here I am, penning my thoughts about it. Please don't shoot me if my review doesn't do the book justice!
Step Back In Time follows the story of Jo-Jo McKenzie, who is a thirty-year-old accountant in 2013, but when she crosses the zebra crossing on King's Road one day, she gets hit by a car, and wakes up in the 60's, followed by the 70's, 80's, 90's and up to the present day. Time travelling through London by decades, she must figure out how to get back to 2013, but as easy as it sounds, it isn't. So she has to rely on the only constants in her life through out her time travels, her friends Ellie and Harry as well as the wise owl that is George!
OK, how do I write a review on a book that has completely blown me away? Let's start with the time travelling. If you're a fan of The Beatles, then you will absolutely love this gem. Or if you're a die-hard Take That fan, that is. I can't tell you how much research Ali McNamara has gone into writing this book, but I have to give her credit. It's like reading a fabulous music memorabilia filled with the loveliest characters and wonderful settings of different eras where the fashion, music and culture are ever-changing. It was an absolute treat to read about the gorgeous fashion trends and absorb the sensation of experiencing different eras!
The characters in the book are very cleverly written! Each one of them is named after a person either from The Beatles or affiliated to the Fab Four! I thought Jo-Jo was a fabulous protagonist, and Harry and Ellie are equally wonderful to read about! Not to forget the lovely, kind George. He would give your favourite relative a run for their money, George is the benevolent uncle you would want to have!
I can't tell you how much I adored Step Back In Time. It's funny, fresh and filled with humour and fun facts about music throughout the decades. I grew up listening to The Beatles (my mum and aunts are huge fans!) and reading about the Fab Four does bring back memories! You'll definitely want to take a day off so you could Step Back In Time with Jo-Jo to a time where nothing matters but good music and wonderful company!
Step Back In Time is a sparkling, magical love story which you will no doubt love and have the strongest urge to get hit by a car while you're on the zebra crossing so you could escape to the glamorous music scene! Pure escapism at its best - Ali McNamara has outdone herself and I cannot wait for her next one! Bring it on, Ali!
Rating: 10/10
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| Emma Stone as Jo-Jo, John Krasinksi as Harry, Carey Mulligan as Ellie and Robin Williams as George |
Love those casting decisions, they're perfect.
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