A science-loving teen is unexpectedly thrust into a series of parallel universes after reading a mysterious poem, forcing her to confront questions of identity, belonging, and the consequences of her choices as she struggles to return home. As she grows attached to a version of her family and ex-boyfriend in a world that isn’t hers, she must decide whether to reclaim her own life or risk taking happiness from another version of herself.

Reader Review Summary

Set in the multiverse, the story follows Aria Patel, a science-focused high school senior who values predictability and control. After breaking up with her boyfriend Rohan to avoid the uncertainties of a long-distance relationship, Aria’s life is upended when she and her mother are involved in a car accident. This event triggers Aria’s involuntary journey through parallel universes, each with its own version of her family, friends, and herself. A mysterious poem, “To Be or Not To Be 2.0,” recurs in every universe, serving as a thematic and narrative anchor. Aria’s travels range from whimsical worlds, such as a Bollywood musical universe and a tech-dominated society with a sarcastic AI, to more emotionally resonant realities where her late father is alive and she has a younger sister, Zayna. The bulk of the narrative centers on Aria becoming stuck in a universe very similar to her own, where she grapples with the ethical and emotional implications of living a life that belongs to another version of herself, all while searching for a way home and confronting questions of identity, belonging, and the consequences of choice.

Readers appreciated the book’s integration of quantum physics, poetry, and coming-of-age themes, noting that the scientific concepts were often used as metaphors for Aria’s emotional journey. Many found Aria’s character relatable, especially her struggles with grief, control, and the unpredictability of life. The depiction of family dynamics, particularly Aria’s relationship with her alternate-universe sister Zayna and her interactions with versions of her deceased father, resonated with readers. The representation of South Asian Muslim culture and community life was highlighted as a positive and authentic aspect, with scenes set in mosques and community festivals standing out. The book’s humor, fast-paced early chapters, and the exploration of philosophical questions about identity and choice were also frequently mentioned as strengths. Several readers enjoyed the variety of alternate universes, especially the AI and tech-free worlds, and praised the audiobook narration for bringing Aria’s emotions to life.

Some readers found the scientific explanations, especially those related to quantum physics and the mechanics of the multiverse, confusing or difficult to follow, with several admitting to skimming these sections. The pacing was a common point of criticism: while the initial universe-hopping was described as fun, others felt it became repetitive or was glossed over too quickly in favor of focusing on a single alternate universe. The narrative’s tension and emotional stakes were described as stressful or drawn out by some, and the ending was frequently cited as abrupt, confusing, or lacking closure. A number of readers felt the book’s marketing as a second-chance romance was misleading, as the romance subplot was not the central focus. Secondary characters, such as Aria’s best friend Dilnaz and her mother, were sometimes seen as underdeveloped. Some also wished for more detail about the fate of the other Arias and a deeper exploration of the consequences of Aria’s actions in the multiverse.

The book is categorized as young adult science fiction with elements of fantasy and magical realism, and is written in first-person point of view. It was published in May 2025 and has received an average rating of 3.94 out of 5 from early readers, with 72 ratings and 36 full reviews. The narrative is set primarily in Chicago and its suburbs, and includes references to pop culture such as Doctor Who and Keanu Reeves. The story addresses themes of grief, self-discovery, and the importance of living in the present, and features a protagonist who is not portrayed as a genius but as a realistically flawed teenager. The book has been compared to titles like “You’ve Reached Sam,” “See You Yesterday,” and “The Midnight Library,” and is noted for its focus on character relationships over hard science. The audiobook is narrated by Kausar Mohammed, whose performance was praised by listeners.