Title: Gimme a Call
Author: Sarah Mlynowski
First published April 27, 2010
301 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385735889 (ISBN10: 038573588X)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
In Gimme a Call, Devi’s life isn’t going as planned. She’s focused all her attention on her ex-boyfriend and neglected everything else.
But after dropping her phone in a mall fountain, she discovers that it can only call one number- hers, from three years ago when she was fourteen. Despite the initial shock, Devi realizes she’s been given a unique opportunity to right all her wrongs and make better choices.
With advice from her future self, she sets out to change her life for the better. But what happens when getting everything you want means changing everything you know?
Sarah Mlynowski’s latest novel is a hilarious and heartwarming story about learning to take control of your life, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Fans of her Magic in Manhattan series won’t want to miss this one.
About the Author
Sarah was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. She pursued her passion for literature and graduated with honors in English from McGill University.
Sarah then moved to Toronto and landed a job at Harlequin Enterprises, where she gained experience in romance publishing. Fuelled by her experiences, she wrote her debut novel, Milkrun, which kickstarted her career.
Since then, Sarah has written a multitude of novels for both adults and young readers. Some of her works include Fishbowl, As Seen on TV, and Me vs.
Me for adults, and the Whatever After series and Upside-Down Magic series for middle-grade readers. She has also written for teenagers with her Magic in Manhattan series and standalone novels such as Gimme a Call, Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn’t Have), Don’t Even Think About It, Think Twice, and I See London, I See France.
Sarah has also co-authored books with other writers such as How to Be Bad with Lauren Myracle and E. Lockhart, and See Jane Write with Farrin Jacobs.
Sarah is also involved in promoting literacy and co-founded OMG BookFest, an event that celebrates books for early to middle-grade readers. The festival brings together well-known authors with underserved local communities to encourage reading through games and activities.
Sarah’s books have been translated into 29 languages and have caught the attention of Hollywood. She currently resides in New York City with her husband and two daughters.
Editoral Review
Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski is a delightful young-adult novel that explores the concept of second chances and the power of self-reflection. Published on April 27, 2010, it marries fantasy and reality, creating a whimsical yet relatable narrative that is sure to resonate with its target audience.
Mlynowski is a New York Times bestselling author, best known for her popular “Whatever After” series. Gimme a Call demonstrates her skill in creating compelling characters and weaving intricate plots that touch upon important universal themes.
The novel deals with topics such as personal growth, friendship, love, and the challenges of transitioning from high school to college. The story centers around teenager Devi Banks, who, after dropping her phone in a fountain, wakes up to discover she can call her younger self.
With this newfound power, Devi embarks on a journey of self-discovery that takes her on a whirlwind adventure through her past, present, and future. Along the way, she is forced to confront her regrets and make decisions that will ultimately determine her future.
Mlynowski’s writing style is witty, fresh, and accessible, capturing the humor and angst of adolescence with a keen eye. She expertly balances the humor and the emotional weight of the story, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The characters, too, are well-crafted, each with their unique quirks and motivations. One of the novel’s strongest themes is the importance of self-reflection and owning one’s mistakes.
Devi’s journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to make amends and work towards self-improvement. Her relationship with her best friend, Deb, is another highlight of the story, demonstrating the importance of supportive friendships in helping us navigate life’s challenges.
However, the novel does have its shortcomings. The plot feels a bit predictable at times, and the characters’ actions can feel contrived.
Additionally, the ending feels rushed and somewhat unsatisfying, leaving readers wanting more. Despite these flaws, Gimme a Call remains an enjoyable read that is sure to appeal to its intended audience.
It is a fun, fast-paced, and insightful novel that examines the malleable nature of time and the power of self-reliance. It provides a refreshing take on the coming-of-age genre and is a welcome addition to any young adult reader’s bookshelf.
Overall, Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski is a well-crafted, heartwarming, and entertaining novel that reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, friendship, and second chances. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light, fun, and thought-provoking read.
This novel receives four out of five stars.
