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J. Mercer grew up in Wisconsin where she walked home from school with her head in a book, filled notebooks with stories in junior high, then went to college for accounting and psychology only to open a dog daycare. She wishes she were an expert linguist and enjoys exploring with her husband and two daughters.
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
In One Life and Out Another by J Mercer is a coming-of-age story that follows Marin through the last high school summer. In one iteration, Marin is best friends with Hannah and has broken up with ex-friend Whitney. However, in a parallel instance, Marin remains friends with Whitney and breaks up with Hannah. The love interest for both manifestations is Sam, but the story and her relationship with her parents are different. This continues until the point where both Marins appear to be headed in the same direction. The plot provides a fascinating exploration of destiny and alternatives. There is a good serving of youthful drama and a few surprise twists.
In One Life and Out Another by J Mercer combines the delights of speculative fiction with the idea of development. I enjoy thoughtful high school stories, and this one delivered two extrapolations in one volume. Both versions of Marin were likable and credible. Neither was perfect, but both found solutions for their dilemma. I identified the most with the “doormat” Marin but also wanted her to grasp her power and establish her independence. It is unusual for one character to have two voices, but Mercer made it work. Moreover, the teenage relationships and school environment were portrayed convincingly. The speculative mechanism remained unexplained, adding to the mystery, as truly hypothetical fiction leaves the reader asking whether something might be possible. In One Life and Out Another by J Mercer would make an excellent addition to the young adult section of a public or school library.
