Best Books3

Cassandra in Reverse

by Holly Smale
Cover of Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale featuring stylized mirrored portraits symbolizing time loops and self-discovery

Book Summary

A Reese's Book Club Pick, "Cassandra in Reverse" follows Cassandra Penelope Dankworth, a creature of habit whose carefully arranged life suddenly falls apart. She's fired, dumped, and even her favorite cafe is out of banana muffins. Then something impossible happens: Cassandra discovers she can rewind time. One small loop at a time, she starts revisiting the moments that broke her life apart. But fixing the past isn't as simple as she hopes. As she tries to repair her relationship, salvage her career, and rewrite emotional mistakes, Cassandra learns she may be changing all the wrong things.

Filled with humor, insight, and heart, this novel explores identity, neurodiversity, emotional synesthesia, and the courage it takes to start over-even when you can go back.

"A witty, touching, totally absorbing time-twisting delight." -Reese Witherspoon

Discussion Questions

1. What would your first impressions of Cassandra be if you met her early in the novel? Would you feel understanding or frustration?

2. A client describes Cassandra as "relentlessly grating" and "unlikeable." Would the reaction be different if she were a man?

3. Greek mythology anchors much of Cassandra's worldview. What draws her to these stories beyond her mother's influence?

4. Cassandra experiences emotional synesthesia. If you could see emotions as colors, how would it change the way you interact with others?

5. After a successful "first night" with Will, Cassandra questions whether she is manipulating him with her rewinds. Is she behaving unethically?

6. Cassandra learns she is autistic, like her mother. How did reading from her perspective affect your understanding of autism?

7. Cassandra initially wants to use her powers to fix her relationships and career. What does she gain instead?

8. At the end of the book, Cassandra makes a major decision to begin again. Do you think she makes the right choice?

9. If you could go back and relive moments of your life, what would you change?

Discussion Questions by ReadingGroupGuides



PBRHome- for bookish gifts
Our book Club Picks


You May Also Like

Book Summary -  The Book of Doors
by Gareth Brown

The Book of Doors

By Gareth Brown
Book Review:This book is a must-read for anyone who's interested in the fashion world or enjoys reading stories about female friendships. It follows the journey of Gloria and Estee Lauder, two women who share their dreams of working in ...More

 Book Review - The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

The Boyfriend

By Freida McFadden
Book ReviewAnother Freida McFadden book that is guaranteed to keep you guessing. Sydney Shaw is a young 30-something woman living and dating in NYC. Sydney is very relatable. Partly because what female hasn't had ... More
Book Review -  The Violin Conspiracy by Brian Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy

By Brendan Slocumb
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning, with the opening playing beautiful classical music. A few times throughout the book, there are additional snippets of music. It's one of the bonuses of listening to a book on audio ...More

 Book Review - Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Local Woman Missing

By Mary Kubica
Local Woman Missing is a gripping psychological thriller by Mary Kubica, filled with suspense, mystery, and secrets. I loved how this book grabbed from the first chapter and had me on the edge of my seat... More

Visit Our Blog

You May Also Like

Best Seller BooksThrow Back Books


Best Books3
PBR book reviews and Reading guides for book clubs
Visit out Etsy Shop
10 Books I Can't Stop Recommending
Celebrity BookClub Picks (Reese, Jenna, GMA & Oprah)