"The Future of Us" is a young adult novel co-written by Carolyn Mackler and Jay Asher. It was published in 2011. The story takes place in 1996 and follows two high school friends, Emma and Josh, who come across a mysterious CD-ROM that gives them access to their future Facebook profiles, even though Facebook doesn't exist yet. As they explore their future lives and relationships through the profiles, they must confront the consequences of their actions and choices in the present.
The book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of technology on our lives. Emma and Josh navigate the challenges of adolescence and grapple with the revelations and insights provided by the future profiles. Their experiences in the future profiles prompt them to reflect on their present lives, their relationships, and the choices they make.
"The Future of Us" offers an intriguing premise by combining elements of contemporary fiction with a touch of science fiction and time travel. It addresses the influence of social media and technology on our perceptions of ourselves and others, as well as the potential consequences of knowing too much about our future.
Carolyn Mackler is known for her young adult novels that explore coming-of-age themes, while Jay Asher is best known for his novel "Thirteen Reasons Why." Their collaboration in "The Future of Us" brings together their individual storytelling styles and perspectives to create a unique and thought-provoking narrative for young readers.