Book Review: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
When I first stumbled upon In Five Years, it was the title that made me pause—a question we all grapple with at some point, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” The premise immediately struck a chord with me, prompting a sense of curiosity that turned into a heartfelt journey. Rebecca Serle, the author behind this buzzworthy novel (a recognized GMA Book Club pick), weaves a narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned.
At its core, In Five Years tells the story of Dannie Kohan, a meticulous lawyer who has mapped out her life down to every detail. She dreams of a perfect future—successful career, a proposal from her boyfriend, and a life that aligns precisely with her carefully crafted plan. But fate has other ideas. After an unexpected and surreal hour spent in a future that profoundly deviates from her plans, Dannie wakes up back in her reality. The catch? She can’t shake the images, feelings, and the haunting truth of a future filled with love that feels nothing like what she’d envisioned.
What struck me most about Serle’s writing style is how seamlessly she juxtaposes the real and the surreal. The pacing is spot-on—just fast enough to maintain suspense, yet rich enough in detail that each character and setting comes alive. Dannie and her best friend Bella represent two sides of a coin: one grounded in logic and plans, the other soaring with spontaneity and belief in fate. Their dynamic sparked laughter and genuine reflection within me about my relationships.
One of the most poignant quotes that resonated deeply was when Dannie muses, “How can I change the future if I don’t know what it is?” It encapsulates the essence of what many of us feel as we navigate our lives—caught between choice and destiny. In this aspect and many others, the novel serves as a powerful reminder that while we may strive for control, life tends to unfold in unexpected ways.
Serle masterfully encapsulates themes of love, friendship, the unpredictability of life, and the beautiful messiness of human connections. While I initially expected a straightforward romance, what unfolded was a complex tale that challenged the conventions of love and fate. The emotional layers within the narrative left me pondering the directions my own life could take.
I wholeheartedly recommend In Five Years to anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking read that blends whimsy with poignant life lessons, particularly fans of Me Before You or One Day. This book is not just a tale of love; it’s an exploration of how our dreams may look different than we expect, and the courage to embrace them nonetheless.
My reading experience was transformative—every twist left me more invested in Dannie’s journey and reminded me of the beauty in uncertainty. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your trajectory or wondering about the possibilities life has in store, this book will resonate with you profoundly. Grab a cup of tea, settle into a cozy nook, and prepare for a delightful ride into the depths of love and fate.
You can find In Five Years: A GMA Book Club Pick (a Novel) here >>