I think this is important for those of Jewish faith to see someone with their faith in a book. They talk about the stereotypes of Jewish people and how hurtful it can be. Because Neil is also Jewish, which Rowan didn’t know. Rowan and her parents have Shabbat dinner every Friday night, and this time Neil joins her family. One thing I really loved was that Rowan is proudly Jewish! I don’t see a lot of YA books with a Jewish protagonist who is open and practicing about their faith. They team up to attempt to win the game of HOWL together, and vow to take each other out at the end. This story takes place in the span of 24 hours, but their relationship has grown over the past 4 years of school, so I enjoyed seeing their “last day” together as high school seniors. I liked Neil from the get go, what we learned of him through Rowan’s eyes and their rivalry. She is overbearing and seems to be self absorbed, but she grew on me as the book progressed. I will admit I found Rowan a bit overwhelming in the beginning. There are clues that lead them to different landmarks and they have to collect the most clues without their target ripping their armband off and thus, killing them and knocking them out of the game. One day I will visit Seattle, mark my words. I loved that HOWL, and the city of Seattle, was the setting for the majority of this book! Its a scavenger hunt around the city and it sounds like so much fun! I learned a lot about the city of Seattle and it desperately makes this New York City girl want to visit a city on the opposite coast. Naturally they both want to win this as well. The school they attend hosts an annual scavenger hunt game called “HOWL” on the final day of school for seniors, put together by the junior class. On the last day, Neil is named valedictorian and Rowan is salutatorian – second place, which she is not happy about. Rowan and Neil compete throughout high school to see who can be the best at literally everything.

Today Tonight Tomorrow put me right into the heart of Seattle and I’m sad we’re living in COVID times and I can’t just plan a trip to this city as soon as possible. Books often transport me to other worlds, but its not often they are contemporary books.

Today tonight tomorrow book cover