Review of Rewind to Us by Molly Morris
When I first dove into Rewind to Us, I was immediately drawn in by the tantalizing premise: a young girl with the power to rewind time as she navigates the messy terrain of teenage relationships. As a long-time fan of Molly Morris’s work, I was excited to see how she would blend magical realism with the complexities of love and identity. Spoiler alert: she did not disappoint.
At the heart of Rewind to Us lies Dixie Mulligan, whose life is anything but straightforward. She’s carrying the weight of her parents’ fame and the burden of unspoken feelings for her best friend, Sawyer Cook. What struck me most about Dixie was her relatability; her flaws felt real and raw, not just plot devices. Morris carefully explores how Dixie’s fear of being seen only as “Charlie Roman and Mich’s daughter” isolates her from those around her. I found myself cheering for her, hoping she would muster the courage to address her truths.
Morris’s world-building, particularly the magic system of “Rewinds,” is delightfully layered. From the bureaucratic Impact Reports to Grandma’s quirky video rental store, each element contributes to a world that feels both fantastic and authentic. There’s humor woven throughout, which balances the heavier themes of regret and vulnerability, making for a nuanced reading experience.
The dynamic between Dixie and Sawyer was another highlight. Their relationship doesn’t fit neatly into the “perfect love interest” stereotype, which I appreciated. Sawyer’s hurt and anger toward Dixie felt deserved and proportional, adding depth to their journey from friends to something more. I’ll admit, some of their miscommunications left me yearning for clarity, reflecting how easily misunderstandings can shape our lives. A particularly memorable quote from their interactions illustrates this beautifully, capturing the emotional stakes at play.
Morris’s writing stands out for its accessibility balanced with emotional depth. Dialogue flows naturally, and her ability to convey complex feelings through simple moments—like the visual of Sawyer painting Little Dixie’s hair orange—speaks to her mature storytelling instincts. The integration of text messages and social media felt genuine, grounding their experiences in a relatable context.
However, the ambitious premise does lead to some narrative inconsistencies. While the concept of “Rewinds” is intriguing, certain aspects—like who remembers what—can be a bit confusing. And while I appreciated the commentary on celebrity culture, parts of that subplot felt distant from the central narrative, interrupting the flow at times.
That said, Rewind to Us is more than a delightful romance; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of identity, privilege, and the courage required to be truly vulnerable with another person. Morris doesn’t shy away from presenting the complexities of love and forgiveness, focusing on the hard work needed to foster genuine connections.
For readers who appreciate young adult fiction that delves deep into emotional terrain while also incorporating engaging magical elements, Rewind to Us will resonate beautifully. Its ability to linger in your thoughts—long after the final page—speaks to the power of first love and the reality that second chances are messy but worthwhile.
So, if you’re looking for a book that captures the bittersweet essence of youth, complete with magic and real emotional stakes, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Rewind to Us a read. Trust me, you’ll find a bit of yourself in Dixie and Sawyer, along with a gentle reminder of the transformative power of love.