Parallel
on Goodreads (4,723)
What’s inside...
A collision of parallel universes leaves 18-year-old Abby Barnes living in a new version of her life every day, and she must race to control her destiny without losing the future she planned and the boy she loves. A romantic, mind-bending novel about parallel worlds, soul mates, destiny, and the big-time consequences of even our smallest choices, perfect for fans of 'Your plan changes. Your destiny doesn't.' Abby Barnes had a plan. The Plan. She'd go to Northwestern, major in journalism, and land a job at a national newspaper, all before she turned twenty-two. But one tiny choice—taking a drama class her senior year of high school—changed all that. Now, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Abby is stuck on a Hollywood movie set, miles from where she wants to be, wishing she could rewind her life. The next morning, she's in a dorm room at Yale, with no memory of how she got there. Overnight, it's as if her past has been rewritten. With the help of Caitlin, her science-savvy BFF, Abby discovers that this new reality is the result of a cosmic collision of parallel universes that has Abby living an alternate version of her life. And not only that: Abby's life changes every time her parallel self makes a new choice. Meanwhile, her parallel is living out Abby's senior year of high school and falling for someone Abby's never even met. As she struggles to navigate her ever-shifting existence, Abby must let go of the Plan and learn to focus on the present, without losing sight of who she is, the boy who might just be her soul mate, and the destiny that's finally within reach.
Age
12-13
Length
423 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Abby Barnes
Caitlin
Discussion points
How do you think Abby's life in 'Parallel' is similar or different from yours? What decisions would you make if you were in her situation?
What does the concept of parallel universes in the book make you think about your own choices?
How does the relationship between Abby and her friends change throughout the book? How important are your friends in making decisions?
What did you learn about the consequences of our actions from Abby's experiences?
If you had a chance to meet another 'you' from a parallel universe, what would you ask them and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, comparing their reality to Abby’s parallel worlds. Validate their feelings and provide your perspectives to foster deeper understanding. Use examples from daily life to relate the events in the book to real-world scenarios your child might encounter. Emphasize the value of friendship and decision-making depicted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of choices
Explanation: In 'Parallel', the protagonist navigates two parallel universes where her choices lead to different paths. This exploration highlights the significance of decisions and their consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering the consequences of their actions in daily situations, helping them to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the character experiences life in two worlds, she learns to understand and empathize with different aspects of the people around her.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and better interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces various challenges in both universes, teaching her to adapt and remain resilient.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing challenges is a part of life and that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming them.
Example Lesson: The value of self-reflection
Explanation: The protagonist's journey across universes allows her to reflect on her own life choices and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in self-reflection to understand themselves better and to foster personal growth.