Time of Our Lives
Teens try to balance duty and dreams in road-trip romance.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Time of Our Lives, by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, is a coming-of-age romance about two high school seniors who meet while touring colleges. Fitz and Juniper have different ideas about what they want out of college and how far they want to be from family. Driven, high-achieving Juniper can't wait to start her adult life away from her noisy, overbearing family, while quiet, introverted Fitz wants to be close to his mom so he can care for her when her early onset Alzheimer's worsens. They challenge and change each other in a short amount of time. Because this is a romance, expect lots of descriptions of attractiveness, flirting, making out, and some sex. Strong language is infrequent and includes "s--t," "f--k," and "a--hole." The two main characters don't drink, but they attend a fraternity party with lots of drinking. Characters lie to their parents a few times about what they're doing and who they're with. The story offers some good discussion opportunities around love, how much responsibility teens should have to their families, and how teens can make informed decisions about their futures.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In TIME OF OUR LIVES, Fitz Holton is touring colleges against his will, while Juniper Ramirez has a serious agenda and can't wait to find a school that will change her life. Fitz's mom has early onset Alzheimer's, and he wants to attend a local college so he can help care for her when her condition gets worse. His mom doesn't want to hold him back and urges him to consider schools farther afield. Juniper is from a noisy, nosy, big family. They are always in her business. She wants to live her life on her own terms and figure out who she is outside of her family. She sets out for an East Coast college tour with her boyfriend and crosses paths a few times with Fitz. The two spark a friendship that grows into something more. They challenge each other's worldview and future plans. As they get to know each other, they learn a lot about themselves, love, responsibility, family, and the hard decisions that come with becoming an adult.
Is It Any Good?
Two high school seniors with opposite goals meet cute on college tours in this bittersweet romance. Even though it's a light, fast-paced story, Time of Our Lives accurately depicts the excitement and anxiety of leaving high school and entering adulthood. It's a scary transition, even if you're looking forward to it. Fitz and Juniper show both sides of this: One can't wait, and the other feels guilty about moving on. Both are so wrapped up in what they want that they don't see what's going on with the important people in their lives, another common teen trait.
The story moves along at a good pace, with the chapters alternating between each character's viewpoint. Fitz and Juniper are engaging and relatable, but a lot of the dialogue is forced and unnaturally mature. Still, the two grow in satisfying ways and learn how to live more in the present and appreciate their lives as they are.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters view leaving home in Time of Our Lives. Graduating from high school is an exciting and scary time. Are you excited to start your adult life? Scared? Worried? How can families work together to decide which decisions are best for teens on the brink of adulthood?
How do you feel about the way teen relationships are depicted in YA books? Do you like more realistic stories or escapist ones? Where do you think this one falls?
How much responsibility do you think teens should have in helping out their families with babysitting, caring for sick parents, tutoring, cooking, and other duties?
Book Details
- Authors: Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund-Broka
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: April 21, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 384
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 7, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Education of Margot Sanchez
Social climbing and cultural identity collide in a fun read.
-
Love & Gelato
Teen grapples with grief and first love in charming romance.
-
I Have Lost My Way
Three teens meet and change one another in poignant story.
-
Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak
Uneven take on summer breakups and teen love.
For kids who love romance
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate