The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Reid, Taylor Jenkins. Maybe in Another Life. Simon & Schuster, Inc., 2015.

Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel Maybe in Another Life is written from the main character Hannah Martin's first person point of view and in the present tense. The novel employs an unconventional narrative structure in order to enact the author's explorations regarding fate, destiny, and choice. The following summary relies upon a more streamlined, linear mode of explanation.

After years of living away from her Los Angeles hometown, Hannah decides to move back. Ever since she was in high school, Hannah has lacked a definite sense of family and belonging. She has spent the majority of her adult life traveling from city to city. It is not, however, until she boards her flight from New York to Los Angeles, that Hannah realizes the true reason for her restlessness: no place has granted her a sense of home, security, or stability.

Hannah's best friend Gabby meets her at the airport. Hannah and Gabby have been close since they were in high school. After Hannah's parents and sister moved to London when Hannah was 16, Hannah moved in with Gabby's family. Though they have not lived in the same city for years, they have remained in touch.

Gabby hosts a welcome home party for Hannah at a bar that night. Hannah is thrilled to reunite with her high school ex, Ethan, while there. Although their relationship did not last, Hannah and Ethan were in love. They have also remained friendly ever since. At the end of the night, Gabby invites Hannah to return home with her and her husband, Mark. Ethan also invites Hannah to stay out with him. Hannah realizes that the decision she makes has the power to dictate the entirety of her future.

In the version of Hannah's reality where she chooses to go home with Gabby, she, Gabby, and Mark stop to see a local light show. While taking photos of her friends, Hannah is hit by a car and hospitalized. When she wakes up three days later, the doctor informs her that she has temporarily lost the use of her legs. She has also lost the baby she did not know she was carrying.

Overwhelmed by confusion and despair, Hannah is glad that her parents and sister have flown into town. However, soon after their arrival, Hannah realizes that she cannot reconcile their presence in her life. She begs them to leave so she can heal alone. After their departure, she begins relying more heavily on her relationship with Gabby.

Meanwhile, Hannah develops a friendship with her night nurse, Henry. When Henry's supervisor realizes he is becoming too close with a patient, she reassigns him to another floor. Hannah is devastated. When she is discharged, she hopes that fate will bring her and Henry back together again. Ultimately, the two reunite when they bump into each other at a local bakery. Afterwards, they start dating, fall in love, and begin a family together.

In the alternate version of Hannah's life, she stays out with Ethan. They spend the following three days together, rekindling their old love affair. Meanwhile, Hannah begins to take control of her life. She buys a car and agrees to take the job Gabby's father has offered her at his office. Then one day, Hannah realizes that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend Michael's baby. Although Ethan initially says that he cannot commit to raising a family with Hannah, Gabby does not abandon her. Hannah realizes that Gabby is her true home and her true family. Shortly thereafter, Ethan resurfaces in Hannah's life. He now understands that he cannot live without her, and wants to make a future with her and her baby.