Oona Out of Order could have been a kitschy, shallow time travel romp of a story. But Margarita Montimore wove themes of heartbreak and family into it, giving it depth and staying power. Even though I finished this book in December, I had to think about my review and dwelled on the book for 2 months. It'll stick with you in a good way.

If you love time travel stories, fish-out-of-water humor, family drama, and uplifting character journeys, you'll enjoy Oona Out of Order. I'm excited to see Montimore's future work thanks to this book.

This was a fresh take on the idea of a woman displaced in time. She doesn't have amnesia that makes her forget the last decade. She isn't communicating with her past self. Instead, starting on her 18th birthday, Oona starts living each year of her life out of order. In addition to making it hard for her to maintain relationships (except with her frankly astoundingly supportive mother), during the course of this book she has to contend with being a very young woman (18, 19, 20...) in an older body (50s, 40ish, even just late 20s). (Presumably, based on hints we get from her mother, who lives her life chronologically, she will eventually have to deal with being an old woman in a very young body.) In the guise of a relatively light, fun read, it's impossible not to find oneself considering what age really means, the nature of the different relationships one has over the course of one's life, and how we define ourselves. It's a pretty well balanced combination.

I also really liked Oona, even if she did some incredibly stupid things in her life. To be fair, she was a teenager untethered from her life's chronology. Either situation would be difficult on its own. Other characters aren't as well drawn, but it's better that way because it completely fits with the plot—the story is told from Oona's point of view, and essentially everyone she meets is a stranger on January 1. The sense of place is also pretty good, although in this book "place" should really be replaced with "time." Because she doesn't have enough problems, keeping up with the appropriate slang, available technology, etc. are also things Oona has to deal with.

In addition to Oona constantly finding her feet, there is another plot thread that tightens up the looser story, but with a gentle tugging rather than a hard yank, if that makes sense. It flows well. It's engaging. It's moving. It's thought-provoking. It's one of those books that will make you happy you're able to read and that fiction was invented. So why not 5 stars? I guess as usual I am being greedy and I just wanted more more more.

Highly recommend.

Reading a time-travel narrative where the main character leaps through her own timeline, unable to live her life in order, stressed me out. It was a little headache-inducing to keep track of her chronological age and what age she had arrived at in each year she shifted. And as for trying to piece together the logistics of how Oona wrote notes for her future/past selves and memorized stock tips to maintain her fortune, no matter when she shifted next, forget it. I was able to blur my eyes and go for the ride, largely, to see how she related to her family and friends and lovers in each jump. It was frustrating to leave the story while chronological Oona was getting the hang of her time shifts-- it would have been great to get to experience more confident years in her life-- but Oona Out of Order was certainly an interesting and engaging read.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book, but I did not enjoy the amount of time jumps in it. The book its self is full of heart break and frustration and it makes the story feel more real. I can really see how people relate to it.
The author really builds a character you can care for and about. It makes for a good book that will stick with your for days.

A spectacularly enticing premise sparks the fun in OONA OUT OF ORDER: a woman who is unexpectedly (and unwillingly?) given the opportunity to (repeatedly) visit her birthdays--Fiercely original and fun, this novel will send readers scurrying to remember their own birthday celebrations. A treat!

On New Year's Eve 1983, also the eve of her 19th birthday, Oona is at a party with her friends and boyfriend. The next day, she is in an apartment with a stranger, and finds that it is 2015 and she is in the body of 52 year old Oona. This begins the time leaping story of Oona, where the only constant is the letter she leaves for herself to help explain or prepare her for the upcoming year.

As with most stories that involve time jumps, this sometimes had me scratching my head and wondering how the letter writing Oona could know about things, but then maybe it's my mind that can't get around it all. Thankfully, Oona has a mother who loves and accepts her, and has friends and lovers in the different times she finds herself.

There is heartache and frustration in this book, which makes it feel more relatable. I was really hoping for all good things for Oona - she was a character I cared about. It was also a fun read which I finished in just a couple days. I look forward to recommending it to friends and library patrons alike.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

OONA OUT OF ORDER is an extremely charming and surprisingly moving novel, reminiscent of 13 Going on 30, with lots of fun musical and pop culture references.

Oona Out of Order has such a unique premise, that upon hearing it, I immediate sought out requesting an advanced copy on Netgalley.
On the strike of midnight on NYE in 1982, which happens to be Oona’s 19th birthday, she experiences an unexpected out-of-body experience, where she wakes up in 2015 in her 51 year old body. Thus begins this strange phenomenon where she lives her life out of order – jumping to a different year at midnight on NYE every year.

As a huge fan of both contemporary “women’s fiction” and sci-fi/”speculative fiction” – this book was the perfect marriage of those two genres. However, I would advise readers that this book is much heavier on the contemporary/light fiction aspect. There is never an explanation or exploration of why this is happening to her – the novel instead focuses on how complicated this makes her life and how she is able to cope. It also sets up some really fun- and at times heart-breaking- situations that I immensely enjoyed reading.

I found this book to be compelling, it really held my attention. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next, and relished in finding out where each jump would take her. It also packed an emotional punch that I enjoy in my novels, and had a hopeful ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the notion of this book: a woman travels through various years of her life every birthday, i.e. experiencing her 40th year when internally only 19. At first, it was fun and different, but quickly became a bit tedious. The notion seemed overwhelming, for the reader and especially the author. How would we manage through her life this way?

The author chose to only explore seven years of her life, managing to arrive at a 'happy ending' despite the reader knowing Oona's unfortunate circumstances would continue as before.

Thank you to Margarita Montimore, Flatiron Books, and Netgalley for the early access.

When the clock strikes midnight every New Year’s Eve, Oona wakes up in a new year of her life...not the next new year, but a random year - from 1983 to 2015 and everywhere in between, Oona lives her life never knowing who will be there next year, who will not, who she’ll be at that stage of her age. Along the way, she copes with loss, emotional changes, and relationship dramas.

Oona Out of Order’s premise had me eager to read it, but the plot would’ve benefited greatly by wit - it tries too hard to be quirky, but it feels awkward and disengaged.

Margarita Montimore has created a riveting, emotional life journey reminiscent of 13 going on 30, for adults! This story is told with such a refreshing new perspective and is the perfect read when you are feeling the need for a change of pace in reading, or even in your own life. ⁣
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At midnight, on New Years Eve, when Oona is 19 she faints and wakes up as herself at 51 years old.. and thus begins her life out of order. Every year at the same time she jumps to a different time in her life, never knowing where she will end up. ⁣
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Written with finesse, it is easy to follow Oona through each of her “jumps” through life; however, it is definitely hard to pull yourself from the story. The main characters quickly begin to feel like family as you uncover the surprises that an unconventional life as Oona’s may leave along the way. ⁣
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A story I didn’t want to end - and one you SHOULDN’T miss! I can’t wait to read more from this author! ⁣
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Thank you to Netgalley &Flatiron for the opportunity to read & review this book early.

Move over, Eleanor Oliphant and Bernadette. Make way for Oona. Montimore's novel is women's fiction on the level of "Bridget Jones's Diary" or "Confessions of a Shopaholic."

Keep the tissues handy, and pick a stretch of time when you can enjoy this book from cover to cover. Nothing about the novel feels rushed or forced, and with every reason in the world to be as stilted, choppy, and discombobulating as Oona's bizarre time-hopping existence, the novel has impeccable rhythm and flow. The novel is set in New York City, which also undergoes amazing transformations every decade (as any native or frequent visitor knows) and is never the same city twice.

"Oona" provides nonstop enjoyment, with delicious dialogue and well-drawn characters, and is also deep and insightful, affirming the gift of time and the preciousness of family. Oona often leaves herself good advice for when she arrives in a certain year, but Oona often rebels against her own wisdom, or finds the advice when it's too late to follow it, which makes the book an occasional thrill ride. One of the time leaps in the middle of the book, concerning Oona's marriage, is sheer genius on Montimore's part and sets this novel apart from other time travel stories.

Oona learns that while you can't take human progress for granted, neither should you blindly accept whatever it brings. Every period of Oona's life and each decade of history has its own delights. . .and pitfalls. Five stars.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from Flatiron Books and was encouraged to submit a review.

Ooooh, Oona! This may be one of the most popular books of 2020. It has been quite a ride and I am so happy I had the privilege of finishing on the very day when Oona anticipates her next leap. This time-jumping debut novel turned my brain into a pretzel. I can't wait for my bookish friends to catch up so we can discuss the book. An overarching theme of time travel gives Oona the bittersweet knowledge of a past she has skipped and a future she is not yet ready for. As we leap with Oona we have a front row seat to an emotional rollercoaster that begins with denial when her 19-year-old self discovers out she is already 51. Talk about whiplash! Montimore does an excellent job keeping the reader anchored in Oona's timeline by giving us the "inside age"/"outside age" with each new leap. Will definitely appeal to fans of Audrey Niffenegger, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Liane Moriarty. Highly recommended!

A big thank you to James Melia at Flat Iron Books for sending me a VERY early copy for my review. Also to NetGalley for approving my digital ARC request.

It's New Years Eve, 1982: Oona is at a house party with her band and her boyfriend, Dale. She's about to turn 19 with her whole life ahead of her on the up and up.
Suddenly there's a rumbling - just at the stroke of midnight. Oona faints and wakes up in 2015 as a 51-year-old. Oona soon learns that at the start of every year, she travels in time through different parts of her life.

It's fun to follow Oona through the years. Very Benjamin Button-esque. What a cool, unique narrative! It helps make life a little more interesting. I like how music is such a big part of her life, and that is at least one constant for her throughout the years.

If you believe in fate, then you know you don't always have control over it. Living life as it comes to you is the best way to do it! Oona was constantly tested with the burden of time, the importance of loved ones by your side for comfort and support, and fighting for the love you want.

4.5 stars.

I loved this book.

I loved the idea of the plot, I loved the way the writer executed it, I loved the characters, I loved how it came together and fell apart and came together again. I loved how you thought you knew what was coming and then you were wrong but not shocked in a way that made you angry at the author. I loved how Oona was so far from perfect and yet I felt protective of her and rooted for her.

I read this book in one sitting. It made me happy and it was the perfect book for my 400th book of the year. Now I'm going to have to go read her other book, too.

Thank you netgalley and Flatiron Books for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Its New Years Eve and Oona is about to turn 20. The clock strikes midnight and Oona is suddenly….51? This is when Oona finds out that she lives her life out of order. Every New Years at the stroke of midnight much like the rest of the world, Oona moves into a new year. Except for Oona, it’s not the next year. She could go from 20 to 51, to 30, and so on and so forth. Though she is older on the outside, Oona is still young at heart and learning to navigate her new normal.

OMG this book. I’ve recently been finding that a lot of books are becoming a bit predictable. You know what I mean….Wife (she’s crazy)+husband (because gaslighting)=murder or some other crazy storyline. This book was such a unique idea and story and I AM ALL FOR IT! The day I began this one started with me dnf’ing two books. I was hoping this one would make up for them and it did not disappoint! I stayed up WAY too late reading this book because I could not put it down. I absolutely loved Oona and her story. The characters were fabulous, the story was unique and amazing, and it kept me wanting more. What more could one ask for from a book? This is definitely one of my favorite recent reads! If this one is not on your radar, you need to fix that ASAP!

This is one time travel book you don’t want to miss!

“Now let’s take a break from finding order and do something a little wild.”

Oona Lockhart lives her life out of order. Every year on her birthday - which falls on New Years - she time travels to different years in her life. Her time leaps are inexplicable and Oona must learn how to live in whichever year she ends up in, sometimes with no memory of the people in her life. Oona always leaves herself a letter updating herself on what’s going on that year, but the "leap" version of herself doesn’t always heed the information provided in these letters.

“You’re mastering the art of living in the moment.” I loved the message about living in the moment, something we all need to be reminded of from time to time. While trying to figure out how to live her life out of chronological order, Oona learns many valuable lessons. “Make your life more about letting in the good things than preventing the bad things.” Not all years are full of sunshine and rainbows and Oona must decide how to handle the tough years. “Stop micromanaging your life and just live it; joy and meaning will follow.”

I don’t want to give away any more of the details of this thought-provoking story - my recommendation is absolutely add this book to your 2020 reading list!
*There is a fair amount of foul language, descriptive sex scenes and drug use, so the book may not be suitable for everyone.*

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest reviews. My review will also be posted on Goodreads and Instagram @rosetree_bookreviewer

'Each year her body was hers, but her mind was out of sync with her reflection. Always playing catch-up, trying to rearrange the scrambled pieces of her life.'

Oona Lockhart is out of order, at least according to the timeline of her entire life. It begins at a party in Brooklyn on New Year’s Eve, on the precipice of turning nineteen and making a big decision that is guaranteed to alter her future. She is struggling with her heart and mind. Oona has the opportunity to go to London to study economics or stay behind with the love of her young life Dale who wants to go on tour, this could be the big break they need in the music industry! Dale doesn’t know about London, neither does her liberal mother who could use a lesson in setting boundaries, providing structure in her daughter’s life. She would like to keep it that way, thank you, until she is sure of her decision. With her best friend pushing her to make the wise choice that will certainly ‘open doors’, all Oona wants is a night to enjoy the moment, not have to think about the looming choice she is wrestling with. Whose dream is it, what will she choose? She wishes she didn’t have to, maybe she doesn’t! A strange feeling overwhelms her as the countdown towards midnight, and her nineteenth birthday begins. Before she can figure out if she is dying or ill, she is out…

When Oona ‘comes to’ it is no longer 1982, it is now 2015 and there is a stranger helping her remember what happened, where she is, who she is now. Apparently she is a 52 year old woman who, though definitely still herself, is a complete stranger! An older man, but somehow younger than her seems to know her better than she knows herself, helps to ease her into this terrifying world, just what is going on? Who is he? Where is she? This is just the beginning of her time jumps, and her life is a puzzle she has to put back together every single time she experiences a hop. Can she learn to avoid mistakes, to change her future by fixing the past, make a fortune with stock tips? What about love, how much better can it be when you have seen the future… will she avoid love traps or learn to take whatever is offered and go with it, whether it ends in disaster or not.

Oona is out of order, much as we all are. Maybe it’s my age but it had me thinking about memory, how in some ways life is always a puzzle even when it seems to run in a straight line… that’s really just an illusion. This novel is about the game of hindsight for me, we all read different stories as we base it on our own emotional state, age… there will come a time, if you are lucky to live long enough, that you will feel like you’re looking at a stranger in the mirror. We are many people, many ages in one body, always. The older I get, the more I know everything is a gamble, the ‘safe’ option never existed. Other people are always the independent variable, because in a blink anything can and often will change. There is no set formula for any life, ever.

Oona must learn to set anchor on whatever shore of time she makes land and live her life to the fullest going on scant information. Any time it seems she is figuring things out, comfortable in the now (though still longing for her first love Dale) time change is coming with the new year. In a way they are like small deaths. There is a line “You know how messed up it is to be told what you’re like by someone who’s a stranger to you?” that I find incredibly insightful, because don’t we at some point live with people telling us who we are? Isn’t that happening already at the start when she has her best friend telling her she wants to go to London, and her boyfriend selling her his dream so she stays because of her love for him? For Oona, even her older self is a stranger telling her who she is and what to do, or not do, same thing! She will try and love who she is with, both friends and partners alike, while relying on clues from her future and past self. I really loved the surprise, it has so much heart. One moment she’s 19, the next 52, and on and on it goes. Does the order matter? Can a life be lived lost in time, so to speak?

Sure, we all do it now, winging it despite our best laid plans and what an adventure!

Publication Date: February 25, 2020 (unless you’re Oona then it could be 1982, 2015…)

Flatiron Books

Oh boy, WTH I just finished! My head should stop spinning! What’s that smell? Did I burn the dinner again? Oh, no I haven’t cooked anything for 2 years. There is an alarm sensing my footsteps as I take only one step in the kitchen. So it can’t be!

What a minute! This is coming from my brain cells! They’re burning! I overused them. What a mind bending, innovative, unconventional, complex reading I had! Wow! After reading this, I got a NewYearsEvephobia!
Imagine yourself as nineteen years old (I probably punched that version of myself because she was too know-it-all, pretentious prick!) celebrating your birthday and New Year’s Eve, feeling dizzy and passing out and when you open your eyes, finding yourself trapped in 51 years old version of yourself! Yes, the story starts like different version of Jen Garner’s “13 going on 30” but this is absolutely another kind of brain cells destroying story to catch what’s gonna happen next!

This is about Oona who is waking up different phase of her life at every New Year’s Eve. Yes, complicated right! Imagine finding yourself in an old body, living in a mansion (yes so loaded, uber rich, that is only best part of your condition) and as you look for the love of your life, he is nowhere to be seen.

So we catch different phases of Oona’s life and her self-discovery story! At some levels she was so mature for the body she’s trapped or vice versa.

How the system works: 1) Her mother knows her secret and she meets different versions of her daughter at every year. Madeleine is a hippy, down to earth, entertaining, nuts, sarcastic, vivid , so much lovable character (at some parts I loved her more than Oona) so she doesn’t question too much this paranormally awkward situation. She just adapts and prepares her daughter for her new year.

2) Oona’s future self always leaves her a letter to warn her what she’s getting through that year( giving a chance to a nice guy, making things up for her mother, being kind to her new husband etc.)

3) She never thinks about money because time travelling helps her to invest for the perfect stock portfolio and bet for the right teams.

What I liked about this book: The author’s intelligence to play with our minds and usage of the details effectively. You gotta give your full concentration because any small detail serves you as an important revelation about the next year of Oona’s life.

What I didn’t like about it: We don’t know the exact reason why this is happening to Oona. And without working or discovering her own passion to achieve something in the world, she does drugs, travels around the world, has heartbreaks and suffers from loneliness but sometimes her lack of holding something passionately (instead of taking guitar lesson but she resumes it to flirt with the teacher so it doesn’t count) made me think she is just acting like an aimless, dull vessel.

But I thought that she was only 19 when she started her own journey so it is understandable that she got lost after bombardment of too much new information about her future life. The author just decided to give us some part of her journey but don’t worry, at those parts she learned so much life lessons and got so many experiences for her own age.

OVERALL: It’s fresh, complex, definitely grey cell killer, Unique, original, provocative, mind blowing kind of great story earned my 4 time travel, experiencing you new age, forming wonderful relationship with your mother stars!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Flatiron Books to share this mind spinning ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.

This was the first book I've read from this author and I really enjoyed it. The story was different from anything I've read recently and really captured my attention.