"You and Me on Repeat" by Mary Shyne is a YA graphic novel about two teens in a time loop on their graduation day. Chris initially begins his day with a goal of finally kissing his crush, but through a series of events, his day plunges into something much more poignant and bigger than himself when he finds out that his childhood friend is experiencing the same day on a loop and invites him to join her in the experience. This is a bit of a twist on the classic time loop trope, as two characters are involved in the time loop, and their actions affect one another and have staying power as the looping continues. I was so impressed with the amount of character development and depth the author managed to pack into just over 200 pages.

As someone who grew up in an Illinois suburban setting, I found Chris and Alicia to be very relatable, despite having graduated from high school over twenty years ago in a time before smartphones and social media. Many of the adolescent fears and emotions explored in the story are universal, including the excitement of leaving home and starting a big, exciting life, or the decision to stay closer to home and make responsible choices about your future, sacrificing your ambitious dreams for the sake of duty or sensibility.

The story also poses questions about the nature of love- whether it happens out of a sense of proximity, convenience, or shared circumstances, or comes from selflessly wanting to know and see another person and appreciate them for who they are as a whole person.

Of course, Chris and Alicia explore many of the classic time loop plot devices- recklessly testing the limits of the "no consequences" benefit to their shared situation, living out different choices to determine which ones yield the best outcomes, visiting people in their respective lives to see different sides of people they thought they knew, etc. And no time looping story would be complete without the characters eventually seeking a way out of their situation.

This story stayed with me long after I finished reading. It was thought-provoking and layered, exploring themes of grief, privilege, love, and leaving home. It also explores the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the discovery that the people we once placed on a pedestal are, in fact, fallible human beings, just like us. Chris discovers that parents and teachers are learning as they go in life just like he is, and he sees that some of his life has been experienced through the lenses of rose-colored glasses or privilege.

This would make a great graduation gift for a high school senior, and fans of coming-of-age graphic novels or time loop stories will really enjoy this one.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced read.

Really good! This is a teen story but I think it will resonate with anyone who’s feeling a little lost. I think my high school and college selves would’ve liked a few repeats of some key days tbh. A chance to breathe before everything got hectic.
I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and some of the character choices, I was expecting something cliche but it was wonderfully refreshing 💛

I thought it was really cute. It'd be a really good read for teens who are about to graduate high school, because it tackles a lot of the uncertain feelings associated with that. I enjoyed seeing the character growth that Chris had from the beginning to the end, and him realizing the mistakes he made in middle school, but also that those mistakes do not have to define you. Also, that as someone who is white and has more privilege, he didn't realize the struggles that Alicia was going through, or that she was getting different treatment for being Mexican. His worldview was opened up and he became a better person by truly getting to know Alicia. I found the romance cute as well. And I enjoyed the diversity in regards to race and LGBTQ. I also thought the art had a nice charm to it. I'd give it 4.5 if half stars were an option.

Chris and Alicia used to be friends, until he ditched her in middle school for more popular friends. Now, they are both stuck in a time loop where they relive their graduation day over and over again. Personally, I love a time loop story when it is done well, so I really loved this graphic novel, that explores themes of friendship, grief, and growing up. I found the monochromatic coloring for each loop very well done and a clever way to denote the different loops. The humor of Alicia's various hijinks give the book needed levity, while the tragedy of Chris's swim coaches death right before graduation also give the story added depth and emotion.
All in all, I really enjoyed everything about this book and will be happy to add it to my teen graphic novel collection.

to repeat a day that didn't work is always what teens are hoping for, and even some adults. i enjoyed reading about how the characters tried different things to see if they could return to their "regular" life. all the while learning about themselves and what they really want.

Chris and Alicia are stuck in a time loop. Between crash-outs, texting, and family, these two have a lot on their plate as they replay their graduation. The art really solidifies the sci-fi and artsy side of this graphic novel. The shifting of colors with the time loops was gorgeous and signaled seamlessly to the reader about the passage of time.

As a time loop hater, I find this one pretty good. A definite order for our library!

Graphic novels are the perfect medium for expansive stories with improbable scenarios, epic adventures, and relationship/life do-overs, This book is no exception, and the transformation of Alicia's personality as well as the main character's growth were best told through illustrations. I wish it had been longer or a two-parter, because I really wanted to follow Coach Icy's family's story and hear more from them. As it was, the story was mostly wrapped up by the end.

This would make a great movie, reminiscent of Can't Hardly Wait from the 90s. I highly recommend this for schools and libraries, and especially for graduating seniors who are feeling nostalgic about the changing of time and the wish to hold on to the way things are, or ready to embrace the next step in their lives.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a stunning story! The tight illustrations and story really help make it shine. The characters go on emotional and long journeys that pay off in the end. Shyne did a brilliant job in capturing the feeling of hopelessness in the face of the future. It sounds depressing but it's not, it's a very bittersweet story.

This is a cute little story about missed chances (as are all groundhog day type of stories) while at college. It's a bit text heavy and the artwork at times can feel a bit unattractive. But it has its own blend of heart without being sappy. Honestly, it was a fine read at the time but I didn't even remember I had read it after a week and had to look at he story again to write this review. It didn't leave much of an impression. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

This was so great! I found myself thinking about it whenever I wasn't reading. It had lots of elements I enjoy in a story and made me think a lot, in a good way.

You and Me on Repeat was an adorable rom-com that centered around a fun time loop. This is the first graphic novel that I have seen capture a time loop so well! I loved the alternating color schemes to portray the times, and of course Chris and Alicia. I have placed an order for this title and plan to add it to my library's shelves soon. Thank you for the ARC!

Interesting time travel graphic novel about two high school seniors who have become stuck in a time loop focused on their graduation day. Part sci fi adventure, part coming of age novel, and part rom-com, this graphic novel should enjoy broad readership and popularity. I wouldn't be surprised to see it show up on some short lists for awards during the coming year.

There was so much good tea in this book which I think the teens will especially relate to and appreciate especially with the LGBTQ representation.

One of my favorite debuts ever. Shyne has such a unique voice and a gifted ear for dialogue, and the illustrations just make the whole story visually interesting and compelling. Love the story, the time travel elements are brilliantly executed, and the romance is grounded beautifully.

Summary:

Chris O’Brien had this whole grand plan for graduation day. Of course, nothing went to plan - not even the hundredth time around. That’s not an exaggeration, as Chris willingly stepped into a time loop to get that perfect day.

Now, Chris can’t get out of the loop, and Alicia is the only person who knows what is going on. She’s a nerd and better understands how to get out of the loop - and she knows this grand kiss Chris is planning on won’t cut it.

Review:

If you’re looking for a good novel with time loop shenanigans (think Groundhog Day), I have good news! You and Me on Repeat is a fantastic read that fits the bill. In addition to having all the chaos of a time loop, it has a romantic focus and a coming-of-age element.

You can tell that You and Me on Repeat was made for young adults and maybe even a touch younger. This is because it addresses many familiar coming-of-age concerns, from what to do with one’s life to how to find your person. The best part is that it’s all bundled in one nice package!

Don’t let the cute art style fool you; You and Me on Repeat has a deep center. Each character is fully fleshed out, from Chris and Alicia to the secondary characters they interact with. Some of the secondary plots get shockingly heavy and human, but that makes the story so much more powerful.

I am so happy that I took the time to read You and Me on Repeat. I hope other readers enjoyed it as much as I did!

Highlights:
Young Adult Graphic Novel
Time Loop
Coming of Age
Young Romance
Groundhog Day Vibes

Trigger Warnings:
Death of a Friend/Classmate

Very cute young adult graphic novel about growing up, learning from mistakes, and becoming an adult.

Chris has decided to repeat his graduation day so he can have his perfect kiss with Andy. What he doesn’t expect is to continually repeat the same day again and again with his former friend Alicia. As Chris continues through the time loop he must come to terms with events from the past, things he’s overlooked, first love, and ties to his home. This was a surprisingly heartwarming read. Young adults making the transition to adulthood will definitely enjoy and relate to this story.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for this advanced copy.

I liked this, but it hasn't stuck with me after finishing it, so I wouldn't identify it as a must read. I like the Groundhog Day plot so that was fun to read.

I was not planning on reading this five months before its release date, but I was just really in the mood for a graphic novel today, and it totally hit the spot.

Chris and Alicia are stuck in a time loop on the day of their high school graduation. Turns out, Alicia has been in the loop longer than Chris so she shows him the ropes, which provides the perfect opportunity for them to repair their long-dormant friendship. Chris' mission for the day to have the perfect first kiss with his girlfriend quickly morphs once he's looping, and naturally he gravitates towards the only other person he knows who is stuck in the same day. A connection to a tragically deceased teacher leads to the answer they need, but will they be ready to get back to reality?

This was really cute. I think it's perfect for young adults (the intended audience) but also was a great read for me (a person in her mid-30s dealing with what feels like secondary teenager syndrome). Shyne gives so many of the characters here surprising complexity considering they're repeating the same 24 hours over and over again. And there are big questions here that, again, feel incredibly relevant as you enter adulthood but are still relevant as you journey through it: is it better to dwell in the familiar past, or try to move forward into the unknown future? How do you grieve? How do you repair a friendship? How do you learn to understand others in all of their facets? Should you stay near home or venture away? Is it okay to change what you want? How do you move through the world?

The art style is absolutely stunning. With alternating-color duochrome panels (a ROYGBIV color and then grey/black), occasionally Shyne throws in all the colors at once, to indicate something magical/scientific/loop related. Beautiful and effective.

Also, I would die for Mr. Chunkums.

A time loop romance that's fun and somehow heavy and lighthearted at the same time. It took me a little bit to like Chris, but I adored Alicia's journey. She's nerdy and a little fearful but mischievous and fun. This story dives into how well do we really know the people around us, whether it's a childhood friend or a coach. Sweet romance and great character development.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

I really liked the concept of this book, a version of Groundhog's day involving a teenage boy and his high school graduation/quest for the perfect kiss. It has some fun characters and really cool plot - but it's a bit convoluted. Some of the pages are so crowded that following the text was a task. Overall it's a cool book but I didn't enjoy the act of reading it .