Part 1, Chapter 1

The novel uses Dan’s letters to Emma as a device to introduce his <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/voice/">voice</a> into the <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/narrative/">narrative</a>. <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Symbols & Motifs" href="https://www.supersummary.com/maybe-next-time/symbols-and-motifs/#656732">The letters</a> provide insight into their relationship and his <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/perspective/">perspective</a> on Emma. They help develop the characters’ backstory and their complexities. The novel establishes its thread of humor early, and the story immediately introduces Hattie as an important part of Dan and Emma’s life, a third character who later plays an essential role.

Part 1, Chapter 2

Throughout the novel, <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Symbols & Motifs" href="https://www.supersummary.com/maybe-next-time/symbols-and-motifs/#656732">the letters</a> share information and backstory about Emma and Dan’s relationship but also elaborate on Dan’s character. Early in the book, Emma’s nervousness about the contents of his letter suggests that she already knows she hasn’t lived up to last year’s promise to reform, creating tension and suspense.

Part 1, Chapter 4

In this first iteration of the fateful Monday, Emma is caught up in the world of her phone and the tasks on her to-do lists. She feels disconnected from the people around her. This shows her state of mind at the beginning of her character arc. The <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/irony/">irony</a> her of considering the day just another Monday becomes apparent later.

Part 1, Chapter 8

Part 1, Chapter 10

Part 1, Chapter 16

Part 2, Chapter 17

Part 2, Chapter 21

Part 2, Chapter 23

Part 2, Chapter 27

Part 2, Chapter 28

Part 2, Chapter 29

Part 2, Chapter 31

Part 2, Chapter 32

Part 2, Chapter 34

Part 2, Chapter 38 

Part 2, Chapter 40

Part 2, Chapter 43

Part 2, Chapter 44

Part 3, Chapter 48

Part 3, Chapter 49

Part 3, Chapter 51

Part 3, Chapter 53

Part 3, Chapter 56

Part 3, Chapter 57

Society

Community

Relationships

Daughters & Sons

Family

Emotions & Behavior

Forgiveness

Friendship

Values & Ideas

Loyalty & Betrayal

Fiction

Magical Realism

Marriage

Memory

Order & Chaos

Celebrity Book Clubs

Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine Book Club Picks

Genres

Romance

Truth & Lies

Book Events

Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love

Cesca Major

Adult

Novel

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Maybe Next Time and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Maybe Next Time Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Maybe Next Time Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 17-30

Maybe Next Time Part 2, Chapters 17-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 31-47

Maybe Next Time Part 2, Chapters 31-47 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Maybe Next Time Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Maybe Next Time Character Analysis

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Maybe Next Time Book Club Questions

Maybe Next Time

Important Quotes

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