It’s 1996 and Josh and Emma have not only been neighbors all their lives, but also close friends. When Emma gets a new computer and Josh brings over a free AOL CD they received in the mail to install on it. Yet there is an error in the CD and when they log on it automatically loads up to something called Facebook. Something that won’t be around for eight years. And they see their future selves.
At first they are weirded out by the fact that people share so much about their lives. After all, who really cares what someone is making for dinner, or how long it took them to get to work in the heavy traffic? But more interesting is where they find themselves in the future. While Josh is extremely thrilled that way it seems his life will turn out, Emma has concerns for her future self. She learns that her decisions she makes today – can change her tomorrow…. and she tests that theory. Yet when Emma changes her future, it also affects Josh’s and those around them.
My biggest draw to this book was author Jay Asher. I really enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why and felt it held some strong messages within its pages, so I was excited to see what The Future Of Us had in store.
The book is just smart. For me, it was odd to think of the years before Facebook. When Emma and Josh are surprised how open people are on Facebook, I was startled to remember that people were not always so open with their personal lives. There was a time, not all that long ago when I did not know where my friends were going for dinner, or who was in town for the night, or who had a crappy day at work.
When I thought about how Josh and Emma could see their future and yet change it in present day it reminded me of Back To The Future…. except trade the Delorean for an old school computer. 
Emma's computer kind of works like the Delorean!
Jay Asher did not let me down, The Future Of Us was not only entertaining it was smart and was a good reminder that no matter how old or young we are, the decisions we make today can effect our futures.
I have not read Carolyn Mackler yet, but I think I need to make a point too.
A great YA read with a good message. I think all ages would enjoy this read.
Amazon Rating
Goodreads review
A gift from College son for Christmas
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Enjoyed the review! I’ve the opposite situation…I’ve not read Jay Asher, but I HAVE read Carolyn Mackler (TANGLED – enjoyed it as well!). LOL. Sounds like an interesting step back in time…to the future. Will have to check this one out. *adds to wish list* Thanks for the share!
I have heard about Tangled Gina… I may need to look into that one
I really enjoyed this one as well, though I enjoyed Asher’s sections just a little more than Mackler’s. Emma was a difficult character to like, though I think it all worked out in the end. I really want to see what my teens think of this one, since it’s basically historical fiction at this point.
OOH talk to me Marian…. how do you know who came up with what in the book? Oh now I have to look that up on line…
I have a feeling I’ll enjoy this book too! I don’t think I’d want to know the future, but the thought of it is rather exciting.
I think I would be a little nervous to look at my future Facebook self in say even five years…. wow – think of all that could change!
This one book I am anticipating, I have it on hold. I’ve read and enjoyed both authors.
Its more great stuff Nise!
I like the sound of this one! A pre-Facebook world does seem odd, and I’ve only been on it for a little almost four years.
I’m currently working on a manuscript in which one of the characters discovers blogging in order to market her books, and at some point, joins Facebook. I had to research this aspect to find out when Facebook actually showed up….
Today I posted something on Facebook, after changing my profile picture to one covered in a haze of pink, saying: Today I’ll be looking at the world through a rosy haze.
I got several “likes” from friends. Who knew anyone would notice that? lol
Anyway…long story short…I do want to read this one! Thanks!
It is crazy to think Facebook just hit the world in 2004. And with that, our world changed drastically as social media became HUGE. I think Facebook can be used for good… but I also think it presents dangers of people saying too much, getting too personal… I have heard that lives have been destroyed due to Facebook….relationships ruined, jobs lost…. I think people need to remember what they are putting out there and keep a bit of a filter…
I just love the IDEA of this book. I definitely want to check it out. Glad to hear it lives up to the great premise.
I love the idea too Jenners…. I am so glad I was able to read it this early in the year!
Really enjoyed this one, so glad to hear that you liked it too! Was funny to be reminded how strange Facebook would sound to our teenage selves. Poor Emma, who kept trying for the happily-ever-after but not getting what she wanted. And how cool if life could be altered so easily!
Shoot – teenage Sheila didnt even have a cell phone as there were no cell phones!!! Our home phone had a super long cord that I would drag to my room down the hall when talking to my friends … drove my mom nuts!
It does make me curious… what did Emma wind up with?
I’m enjoying FB because I’m able to keep up with the people I worked with. I’ve been retired for five years now and for a while I didn’t have a clue what anyone was up to. I went in to visit and discovered one was pregnant, another had broken up with her long-time boyfriend, etc. Now I know these things when they happen. I’ll also keep up with some friends from the 1950s.
Thats the cool side of Facebook Barbara and thats what I like too… I can see pics of my cousins kids, see what friends from high school are up too….
Great review!! This sounds super interesting it’s sometimes hard to believe there existed a world before facebook which is strange considering its a fairly new phenomenon?! However I still don’t care what people are having for dinner so to all facebook users out there stop sharing that!!
Remember Laura when we didnt know what each other was cooking for dinner? Or who got a new puppy?
Terrific review, Sheila!
Happy Tuesday.
Thanks Beth
I can’t wait for my library to buy this book already – it sounds fantastic. Nice review.
Thanks Natalie
Sheila-
I’m glad you enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved it! So did my 17 year old daughter (anything to do with social media!!).
Shannon
http://www.extremereadingandwriting.wordpress.com
I love it when I can take part in a story with things I am familiar with like Facebook.. or in the case of ready Player One (the 80′s!!!)
I don’t read a lot of YA but this sounds great. It’s now on my wishlist!
Oh good Judith – I hope you like it
Wow, this sound so interesting
I think I would love this book, though I’m also a little nervous that it would make me anxious about internet
I don’t think I would like to know about the future really but I like the concept for a book! TBR!
LOL – they don’t play up on it too much Cessie – there is a story centered around the future Facebook… but there is a descent story line too
I love this concept! I am so excited to read it!
Its a fun and fast read
I haven’t read anything by either of these authors, but I love the whole idea behind this book! Glad to hear it lived up to your expectations.
I enjoyed it Alita
Enjoyed your review Sheila but I might borrow this one from the library, it sounds good but probably not one I’d hang on to.
I would agree with that Sheree, I did enjoy it and will keep it but can not see myself reading it again in the future – unlike Jay Ashers’ Thirteen Reasons Why which I do hope to listen to on audio.
Really .. how DID we get by before Facebook?
… I may be dating myself, but I remember when cell phones and pagers were only used by doctors and “important” people who needed to be on call as well.
Exactly Juli e- it is fascinating scary all at once to think how far we have come so fast.