Though not a heavyweight in awards, 'Opposite of Always' punched above its weight. The Rhode Island Teen Book Award win was a standout, backed by reader votes. Its NAACP Image Award finalist status and Rainbow Book List inclusion spotlight its inclusive storytelling. Smaller honors, sure, but they reflect how the book’s heart and humor resonated far beyond bestseller lists.
'Opposite of Always' has snagged some impressive accolades that highlight its emotional depth and originality. It won the 2020 Rhode Island Teen Book Award, a testament to its resonance with young readers grappling with love, loss, and second chances. The novel was also a finalist for the 2029 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work—Youth/Teens, cementing its cultural impact. Justin A. Reynolds’ debut even earned a spot on the 2020 ALA Rainbow Book List, celebrating LGBTQ+ narratives.
The book’s blend of sci-fi romance and heartfelt themes struck a chord, landing it on must-read lists like the Junior Library Guild Selection. Critics praised its witty dialogue and time-loop twist, comparing it to 'The Groundhog Day' but with more soul. While it didn’t win major genre awards, its grassroots popularity and niche honors prove it’s a hidden gem in contemporary YA.
Justin A. Reynolds’ 'Opposite of Always' earned love from awards focused on authenticity and diversity. The Rhode Island Teen Book Award win shows teens connected with its time-bending love story. Its NAACP Image Award nomination highlights the cultural relevance of its Black protagonist and friendships. While it missed out on bigger names like the Printz, its inclusion in the Rainbow Book List and Junior Library Guild picks proves it left a mark where it counts—with readers craving fresh voices.
This book’s trophy shelf isn’t overflowing, but the awards it has won are meaningful. The Rhode Island Teen Book Award is a big deal because it’s voted on by actual teens—no stuffy committees. Being an NAACP Image Award finalist matters too; it’s rare for a YA novel to break into that space. The Rainbow Book List nod is cool for representation, showing how the story handles queer themes with nuance. It also popped up on year-end ‘Best Of’ lists from outlets like Kirkus, which isn’t an award but still counts as bragging rights.
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I spent my childhood dreaming of Daniel Wellington — my best friend’s father, the man who never looked at me twice.
Until one night shattered everything.
I ran to escape the heartbreak.
Now, two years later, he’s standing at the front of my classroom, smirking like he never forgot.
I swore I’d moved on.
But how do you forget the only man you ever wanted... when he’s finally looking at you like you’re the only one he ever needed?
"Stop right there, Evan! You can't fool me." Grace stretched out her hands to the right and left, preventing her best friend from leaving. "I know you're hiding something."
Evan crossed his arms over his chest. "Don't be so confident. And please, know your place. I have the power to replace you with anyone else." He leaned toward her and whispered to her ear. "Or, are you trying to seduce me? How much is your rate for one night?"
Upon hearing it, Grace gave him a smack across the face. She was silent for a moment in disbelief. Tears started to roll down her cheeks. "You're so mean, Evan. I-hate-you," she said, heartbroken. She turned away from him without further ado.
Evan teared up too, looking at his best friend leaving. "I'm sorry, Grace. I had to do it. We can't be together," he said weakly.
Grace and Evan became best friends after he saved her and her mother following a traffic collision. Their friendship grew stronger for years until they became inseparably fond of each other. However, fate played jokes on them. They had to separate for years, lose contact and bury their dreams. When they finally reunited in the same workplace, everything was not the same as it used to be.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
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****
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I snapped.
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I have loved her from the start, I will love her forever.
I will love her, ...
Always.
The protagonist in 'Opposite of Always' is played by the talented actor Marcus Scribner. You might recognize him from his standout role as Andre Jr. in 'black-ish,' where his charisma and emotional depth stole scenes effortlessly. Here, he brings the same relatability to Jack Ellison, a teen caught in a time loop trying to save his girlfriend. Scribner’s performance balances humor and heartbreak, making Jack’s journey feel authentic. The film hinges on his ability to convey frustration, love, and growth—often in the same scene. His chemistry with the cast, especially the female lead, adds layers to the romance. It’s a role that proves he’s more than just a comedic sidekick; he can carry a film with nuance.
What’s fascinating is how Scribner captures Jack’s evolution. Early scenes show him as a lovestruck goof, but as the loops repeat, his desperation and wisdom grow. You see the weight of countless lifetimes in his eyes. The script’s witty dialogue lands perfectly thanks to his timing, and the emotional beats hit harder because he underplays them. It’s a performance that elevates the movie beyond its YA trappings, making it a must-watch for fans of smart, heartfelt storytelling.
In 'Opposite of Always', the ending leans bittersweet but ultimately hopeful. Jack’s time-loop journey forces him to confront loss, love, and the fragility of life, yet the final moments crystallize his growth. He doesn’t ‘fix’ everything perfectly—some scars remain—but he learns to cherish the present instead of obsessing over control. Kate’s fate isn’t erased, but their love transcends the loops, leaving them wiser and more connected. The book rejects fairytale resolutions for something quieter and more human: happiness isn’t about avoiding pain but finding meaning within it.
The supporting characters—like Franny and Jillian—also get satisfying arcs, their relationships with Jack deepened by his struggles. The ending doesn’t tie every thread with a bow; instead, it lingers on small, earned joys, like shared laughter or unspoken understanding. It’s a happy ending by realistic standards, where love endures even when time doesn’t.