Book: The Always Train by J.D. Penndagger
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4/5
This was my first time reading J.D. Penndagger, and it definitely won't be my last.
The Always Train is a YA time-travel story set in the 1990s, and for anyone who lived through that era, prepare for a massive wave of nostalgia. Think of it as a time-traveling Polar Express —with cats! Yes, it’s just as wonderfully packed with unique concepts as it sounds.
In this world, passengers can board the train nightly, but only if they secure a ticket by solving a riddle. Once aboard, they have the power to alter the past. But as with any great time-travel story, those changes come with dire consequences. There were moments where I practically wanted to shake the main character and scream, "Stop trying to change things!" It was anxiety-inducing in the absolute best way.
Beneath the nostalgic charm, this book tackles some incredibly heavy themes. Watching the characters navigate tragedy is utterly heart-wrenching. Penndagger really knows how to hit you in the feels. I found myself staring blankly at my wall for a good while after turning the final page.