Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Intriguing, Romantic, Reflective, Hopeful
- Read it if
- You enjoy 'what if' scenarios, alternate realities, and a blend of romance and self-discovery with a YA focus.
- Skip it if
- You prefer hard science fiction over soft fantasy elements, or dislike love triangles and high school drama.
In Some Other Life Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Crossroads Decision
Three years before the main events, fifteen-year-old Kennedy Rhodes is at a crossroads. She has been accepted into the prestigious, arts-focused Windsor Academy, a dream opportunity for her artistic ambitions. However, she also has a crush on the popular football player, Jake Shelby, who attends her local public school, Northwood High. Driven by her feelings for Jake and a desire for a 'normal' high school experience with her best friend, Lauren, Kennedy declines Windsor and chooses Northwood. This decision makes her Jake's girlfriend and Lauren's inseparable companion.
The Crushing Betrayal
Three years after her decision, Kennedy's seemingly perfect life shatters. She walks in on her long-term boyfriend, Jake Shelby, kissing her best friend, Lauren, in Jake's bedroom. The betrayal is devastating, as both people she trusted most have conspired against her. Overwhelmed by shock, anger, and sadness, Kennedy flees, her world crumbling. This moment of heartbreak and regret triggers a desperate wish for a different life, specifically the one she might have had if she had chosen Windsor Academy.
A Life Rewritten: Windsor Kennedy
Distraught and disoriented after the confrontation, Kennedy runs into the street and is hit by a car. She wakes up in a hospital, but something is different. Her parents tell her she has been unconscious for a day, and she is confused when they talk about her 'roommate' and 'classes at Windsor.' To her astonishment, she is in an alternate reality where she *did* choose Windsor Academy three years ago. In this life, she is a talented art student, shares a room with a girl named Emily, and has no memory of Jake or Lauren as significant figures in her life.
Navigating the New Reality
Kennedy, now 'Windsor Kennedy' in her internal monologue, struggles to navigate this foreign existence. Her art skills are far more advanced, she has a different group of friends, and her personality seems more confident and outspoken. She learns she is part of a close-knit group that includes Emily, a quirky aspiring filmmaker, and a charming, intelligent boy named Ben, who seems to have a history with her. The absence of Jake and Lauren is jarring, but she tries to piece together the details of this new life, including her academic commitments and social standing, all while feeling like an imposter.
The Northwood Connection
While at a local diner, Kennedy spots a girl who looks exactly like her, but with a different demeanor and style. This is 'Northwood Kennedy,' the version of herself who chose Northwood High. The encounter is brief and confusing, but it confirms to Windsor Kennedy that her original life still exists somewhere. Later, she learns about 'parallel lives' from a mysterious book she finds, hinting that her current situation might be more than a dream or hallucination. She becomes determined to understand how she got here and if she can return.
Ben's Role and the Journal
As Kennedy spends more time with Ben in the Windsor reality, she is drawn to his kindness, intelligence, and genuine interest in her art. He becomes a confidant, and she starts to develop feelings for him, complicating her desire to return to her original life. She also discovers a hidden journal in her Windsor room, detailing the thoughts and feelings of 'Windsor Kennedy' leading up to the choices she made. This journal provides insights into the motivations and personality of her alternate self, revealing a Kennedy who prioritized her artistic dreams.
The Paradox of Perfection
Initially, Kennedy sees her Windsor life as the 'perfect' alternative, free from the heartbreak of Jake and Lauren. However, as she looks deeper, she uncovers its own complexities. She learns that 'Windsor Kennedy' struggled with immense pressure to succeed in art, felt isolated from her family due to her boarding school life, and had her own romantic complications, particularly a past heartbreak involving Ben. She realizes that no life is without its challenges, and her initial idealized view of Windsor life begins to crumble.
Seeking the 'Switcher'
Through cryptic messages and further research, Kennedy discovers 'Switchers' — individuals who can move between parallel lives, often triggered by moments of intense regret or desire. She suspects the car accident might have been her trigger. Driven by a longing for her original life, or at least a clearer understanding of her situation, she seeks information about how to control this ability or, ideally, reverse it. Her quest leads her to believe there is a specific method or person who can help her navigate these alternate realities.
The Choice Revisited
Kennedy eventually meets a figure who explains her predicament and the concept of 'choice points' — moments where a significant decision branches into different realities. She understands that her initial choice to stay at Northwood and her subsequent regret after the betrayal were powerful enough to send her to the Windsor reality. She is given the opportunity to make a conscious choice: embrace her Windsor life, try to return to her original Northwood life, or explore yet another path. This forces her to deeply analyze what truly makes her happy and fulfilled.
The Confession and the Realization
Kennedy confesses her true situation to Ben, who, despite his initial shock, is understanding and supportive. This moment solidifies her feelings for him. She realizes that while she was initially driven by regret, both lives have shaped her. The betrayal in her Northwood life, while painful, taught her resilience, and her Windsor life allowed her to embrace her artistic passion and discover a new kind of love. She understands that true happiness is not about finding the 'perfect' life, but about making choices that align with her authentic self and taking ownership of her path.
Embracing a New Path
After much introspection and guidance, Kennedy makes a conscious decision not to simply return to her old life or stay in the Windsor one out of obligation. Instead, she chooses a path that synthesizes the lessons learned from both realities. She decides to pursue her artistic dreams while also prioritizing genuine connection and self-worth. This decision shows her growth from a reactive individual to an empowered one, taking control of her destiny rather than being swayed by regret or idealized notions of what 'could have been.' She chooses to create her own best life, rather than simply wishing for a different one.
In Some Other Life Characters
Kennedy Rhodes
Protagonist
A high school senior who experiences two parallel lives after a moment of profound regret.
Initially, Kennedy is a somewhat insecure and people-pleasing teenager, torn between her artistic aspirations and her desire for a 'normal' high school experience and romance. She is deeply loyal, which makes the betrayal by Jake and Lauren particularly devastating. In her Windsor life, she is more confident, artistically driven, and outspoken, though still carries a sense of underlying pressure. Her journey is defined by her search for identity and happiness across different realities.
Relationships: Jake Shelby (Long-term boyfriend who betrays her with her best friend.); Lauren (Her best friend who betrays her with Jake.); Ben (Love interest in the Windsor reality; supportive, intelligent, and kind.); Emily (Roommate and friend in the Windsor reality.)
Jake Shelby
Antagonist/Catalyst
Kennedy's charming but ultimately unfaithful boyfriend in her original Northwood life.
Jake is portrayed as the popular, charismatic football player who initially seems like Kennedy's ideal boyfriend. He represents the 'normal' life Kennedy chose over Windsor Academy. His betrayal with Lauren serves as the primary catalyst for Kennedy's journey into alternate realities. While his actions are central to the plot, his character isn't deeply explored beyond his role in Kennedy's heartbreak; he embodies the potential pitfalls of choosing a path based on romantic attraction rather than personal fulfillment.
Relationships: Kennedy Rhodes (His long-term girlfriend whom he cheats on.); Lauren (Kennedy's best friend whom he has an affair with.)
Lauren
Antagonist/Catalyst
Kennedy's best friend who betrays her by having an affair with Jake.
Lauren is Kennedy's best friend in her original Northwood life, seemingly inseparable from her. Her betrayal, alongside Jake's, is the most painful aspect of Kennedy's heartbreak, as it shatters her trust in both her romantic and platonic relationships. She represents the fragility of friendships when tested by desire and deceit. Her actions are crucial in driving Kennedy's desperate wish for an alternate reality.
Relationships: Kennedy Rhodes (Her best friend, whom she betrays.); Jake Shelby (Kennedy's boyfriend, with whom she has an affair.)
Ben
Supporting/Love Interest
A kind, intelligent, and artistic boy who becomes Kennedy's love interest in the Windsor reality.
Ben is a key figure in Kennedy's Windsor life. He is sensitive, artistic, and deeply understanding, offering a stark contrast to Jake. He shares a history with 'Windsor Kennedy,' having been involved in a past romantic entanglement that ended in heartbreak for them both. He becomes a confidant for 'Northwood Kennedy' as she navigates her new reality, eventually developing genuine feelings for her. His support and genuine interest in her art and well-being help Kennedy to open up and consider a different kind of happiness.
Relationships: Kennedy Rhodes (Love interest and confidant in the Windsor reality.); Emily (Friend in the Windsor reality.)
Emily
Supporting
Kennedy's quirky, aspiring filmmaker roommate and friend in the Windsor reality.
Emily is 'Windsor Kennedy's' best friend and roommate at Windsor Academy. She is an energetic and enthusiastic character, passionate about filmmaking and always encouraging Kennedy in her artistic pursuits. She helps 'Northwood Kennedy' blend into her new life, providing context and friendship. Her presence highlights the different social dynamics and friendships Kennedy forged by choosing Windsor, and she acts as a grounding force in the confusing alternate reality.
Relationships: Kennedy Rhodes (Roommate and best friend in the Windsor reality.); Ben (Friend in the Windsor reality.)
The Switcher/Guide
Mentioned/Supporting
A mysterious figure who explains the mechanics of parallel lives to Kennedy.
This character, whose specific identity may be ambiguous or takes on different forms, serves as the exposition provider for the core plot device of parallel lives and 'switching.' They explain the concept of choice points, the triggers for switching, and the potential to control or understand this ability. This figure helps Kennedy move from confusion and reactive regret to a more informed and empowered position, guiding her towards making a conscious choice about her future.
Relationships: Kennedy Rhodes (Mentor/guide figure.)
In Some Other Life Themes
The Power of Choice and Regret
The novel explores how decisions shape our lives and how regret can be a powerful force. Kennedy's initial choice between Windsor and Northwood, driven by a desire for romance and normalcy, sets the stage. Her regret after the betrayal is the catalyst for her shift into an alternate reality. The story argues that while regret can offer a chance for introspection, true empowerment comes from making conscious choices in the present, rather than dwelling on 'what ifs.' Her journey forces her to actively choose her path, rather than passively accepting one.
“Sometimes, the only way to figure out what you truly want is to see what you could have had.”
Identity and Self-Discovery
Kennedy's journey through parallel lives is a quest for self-identity. She encounters two distinct versions of herself — the Northwood Kennedy who prioritized relationships and the Windsor Kennedy who pursued art. By inhabiting both lives, she learns different facets of her personality, talents, and desires. She grapples with who she 'truly' is, whether it is defined by her choices, her relationships, or her passions. The experience allows her to synthesize these different selves, leading her to a more integrated and authentic understanding of who she wants to be, independent of external circumstances.
“Maybe the real me wasn't in either life. Maybe the real me was somewhere in between, still figuring things out.”
The Illusion of the 'Perfect' Life
Initially, Kennedy sees her Windsor life as the 'perfect' alternative, free from the heartbreak of her original reality. However, as she integrates into it, she discovers that even this seemingly ideal life has its own set of pressures, challenges, and past heartbreaks (e.g., 'Windsor Kennedy's' artistic struggles and past with Ben). This theme highlights that no life is without its difficulties, and happiness is not about finding a flawless existence, but rather about how one navigates the inevitable ups and downs. It challenges the common human tendency to idealize paths not taken.
“There was no perfect life. Just different choices, different problems.”
Love, Betrayal, and Forgiveness
The story begins with a deep betrayal from both Kennedy's boyfriend and best friend, which causes immense emotional pain and fuels her desire for a different life. This experience forces her to confront the nature of trust and the devastating impact of its breach. As she navigates her new reality, she finds a different kind of love with Ben, one built on mutual respect and understanding. Ultimately, the theme extends to self-forgiveness and accepting that past hurts, while real, do not have to define one's future choices.
“Betrayal wasn't just losing someone. It was losing a piece of yourself, too.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Parallel Worlds/Alternate Realities
The central conceit of the story, allowing the protagonist to experience the consequences of a different life choice.
This device is the core of the narrative, enabling Kennedy to literally step into a reality divergent from her own due to a past decision. It allows the author to explore the 'what if' scenario, presenting a direct comparison of two potential life paths. It serves as a powerful tool for character development, as Kennedy gains perspective on her choices and values by living through their different outcomes. The existence of these parallel worlds is initially presented as a mysterious event, later explained by the concept of 'Switchers' and 'choice points,' grounding the fantastical element within the story's rules.
The 'Switcher' Mechanism
The explanation for how individuals can move between parallel lives, often triggered by intense regret.
This device provides the pseudo-scientific or fantastical framework for Kennedy's predicament. It explains that moments of profound emotional intensity, particularly regret, can act as a trigger for a person to 'switch' into a parallel life where a different choice was made. This mechanism not only justifies the plot's fantastical premise but also emphasizes the thematic importance of regret and choice. By introducing the idea that one can learn to control or understand this switching, it gives Kennedy agency in her journey, moving her from being a passive recipient of circumstances to an active participant in her destiny.
The Journal
A diary written by 'Windsor Kennedy' that provides insight into her life and motivations.
The discovery of 'Windsor Kennedy's' journal is a crucial expository device. It allows 'Northwood Kennedy' to access the inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences of her alternate self without direct interaction. This provides vital background information about the Windsor reality, its characters, and the pressures 'Windsor Kennedy' faced. More importantly, it helps 'Northwood Kennedy' understand the motivations behind her alternate self's choices, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the complexities of that life, thereby challenging her initial idealized view of it.
In Some Other Life Quotes
“Every choice you make, no matter how small, branches off into an infinite number of possibilities.”
“What if the life you're living right now isn't the only one you're meant to have?”
“Sometimes the biggest what-ifs aren't about the choices you made, but the ones you didn't.”
“Love isn't about finding the perfect person; it's about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.”
“Every version of you is still you. Just a different shade, a different path.”
“There's a fine line between fate and the choices we make to create our own destiny.”
“You can't live a full life if you're always wondering about the lives you didn't choose.”
“Sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones you never planned for.”
“The heart has a way of knowing what it wants, even when the mind is confused.”
“Maybe true happiness isn't about having everything, but appreciating what you have in the life you're in.”
“It's not about finding the 'right' life, but making the life you have right.”
“Every 'what if' is a ghost of a possibility, a whisper of a different future.”
“You can't change the past, but you can always choose how you move forward.”
“The magic isn't in escaping your life, but in finding the magic within it.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What significant event immediately precedes Kennedy's wish to have made a different choice regarding her high school and dating decisions?
- She fails a major exam, jeopardizing her future.
- She is rejected from her dream college.
- She walks in on her boyfriend cheating with her best friend.
- Her parents announce they are moving to a different state.
Show answer
C. She walks in on her boyfriend cheating with her best friend. Kennedy's wish for a different life path is triggered when she discovers her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend.
Question 2
What was the initial choice Kennedy made that she later regrets, leading to the central conflict of the story?
- She decided to study abroad instead of attending college.
- She chose to stay at her current high school to date the boy of her dreams, rather than attending an elite private school.
- She pursued a career in music instead of going to medical school.
- She turned down a scholarship to work full-time.
Show answer
B. She chose to stay at her current high school to date the boy of her dreams, rather than attending an elite private school. Kennedy's initial choice was to forgo the elite private school in favor of staying at her current high school to pursue a relationship with the boy she liked.
Question 3
How does Kennedy transition into the alternate version of her life where she chose the private school?
- She uses a magical locket given to her by a mysterious stranger.
- She falls asleep and dreams she is in a different life.
- She hits her head and wakes up in the alternate reality.
- She is abducted by aliens who place her in a parallel universe.
Show answer
C. She hits her head and wakes up in the alternate reality. The mechanism for Kennedy's transition between lives is hitting her head, which causes her to wake up in the alternate reality.
Question 4
What is Kennedy's initial expectation about the life where she attended the private school?
- She expects it to be a much harder and more stressful life.
- She anticipates it will be a perfect world, free of problems.
- She fears she will be lonely and have no friends.
Show answer
B. She anticipates it will be a perfect world, free of problems. After regretting her initial choice, Kennedy idealizes the private school life, expecting it to be 'perfect' and solve all her problems.
Question 5
What genre elements are prominently featured in 'In Some Other Life'?
- Historical Fiction and Mystery
- Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, and Romance
- Dystopian and Horror
- Literary Fiction and Satire
Show answer
B. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, and Romance According to the book's description, it falls under the Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, and Romance genres.
Question 6
What is the primary thematic question explored by Kennedy's journey between her two lives?
- The importance of wealth and social status in achieving happiness.
- Whether past choices dictate an unchangeable future, or if personal growth can occur regardless of circumstances.
- The inevitable nature of destiny versus free will.
- The conflict between parental expectations and teenage rebellion.
Show answer
B. Whether past choices dictate an unchangeable future, or if personal growth can occur regardless of circumstances. Kennedy's experience in both lives forces her to grapple with how much her choices define her and if different paths truly lead to fundamentally different outcomes, or if personal growth is more important.
Question 7
What is a key realization Kennedy makes about the 'perfect' private school life?
- She discovers she is much smarter and more popular in this life.
- She realizes that even this seemingly ideal life has its own set of challenges and imperfections.
- She finds out her parents are wealthier in this alternate reality.
- She learns she has a secret sibling in this other life.
Show answer
B. She realizes that even this seemingly ideal life has its own set of challenges and imperfections. The book description explicitly states that Kennedy 'finds that maybe it’s not as perfect of a world as she once thought,' indicating her realization of its imperfections.
Question 8
Beyond the romantic relationship, what other significant personal connection is affected by Kennedy's initial choice and subsequently explored in the alternate life?
- Her relationship with her teachers and academic mentors.
- Her bond with her pet.
- Her friendship with her best friend, who was involved in the cheating incident.
- Her relationship with distant relatives.
Show answer
C. Her friendship with her best friend, who was involved in the cheating incident. The cheating incident involves her best friend, highlighting that her choices impact not just romantic relationships but also crucial friendships, which would naturally be explored in the alternate life.
Question 9
What does the 'In Some Other Life' title suggest about the core concept of the novel?
- It implies a focus on reincarnation and past lives.
- It alludes to the exploration of parallel universes or alternative realities stemming from different choices.
- It hints at a story about out-of-body experiences.
- It refers to a character's desire to escape their current circumstances through fantasy.
Show answer
B. It alludes to the exploration of parallel universes or alternative realities stemming from different choices. The title directly points to the central science fiction element of the story: experiencing a life that could have been, had a different choice been made, which is a common trope for parallel universes or alternate realities.
Question 10
Considering the themes of choice and alternate realities, what is a likely overarching message the author aims to convey to a young adult audience?
- That young love is inherently unreliable and always leads to heartbreak.
- That happiness is dependent on making the 'right' decision, and regrets are permanent.
- That personal growth and finding contentment often come from within, regardless of specific external circumstances or past choices.
- That it's always better to prioritize academic success over personal relationships.
Show answer
C. That personal growth and finding contentment often come from within, regardless of specific external circumstances or past choices. The narrative of discovering imperfections in an 'ideal' alternate life strongly suggests a message that true happiness and growth are internal, not solely dependent on external circumstances or specific past choices. It's about how one navigates their reality.
In Some Other Life FAQ
What is the central premise of 'In Some Other Life'?
The book follows Kennedy Rhodes, who, after discovering her long-term boyfriend is cheating, wishes she had made a different choice three years prior. She then experiences an alternate reality where she accepted an elite private school admission instead of staying for her high school boyfriend, exploring the 'what if' of her past decision.
What pivotal decision does Kennedy make at the beginning of the story that sets up the alternate realities?
Kennedy makes the pivotal decision to turn down her acceptance to the prestigious Northwood Academy, opting instead to stay at her current high school to pursue a relationship with the boy she believes is the love of her life, Jake.
Who are the key characters in Kennedy's 'original' life?
In Kennedy's original life, the key characters include her long-term boyfriend Jake, her best friend Lauren, and her close friend and eventual love interest, Liam. Her parents also play a supportive role in her decision-making.
How does Kennedy transition between her original life and the alternate reality?
Kennedy transitions between her original life and the alternate reality after hitting her head. This head injury acts as the trigger, allowing her consciousness to shift into the version of herself who made the opposite choice about Northwood Academy.
What is the primary conflict Kennedy faces in the alternate Northwood reality?
In the Northwood reality, Kennedy faces the conflict of navigating a life she didn't choose, dealing with new friendships, academic pressures, and a different romantic landscape. She also grapples with the realization that this 'perfect' life has its own set of problems and heartbreaks, challenging her initial assumptions.
Are there any characters who appear in both realities but have significantly different roles or relationships with Kennedy?
Yes, Liam is a significant character in both realities. In her original life, he's a close friend who eventually becomes a romantic interest after Jake's betrayal. In the Northwood reality, his relationship with Kennedy is much different, initially more distant or even antagonistic, reflecting their divergent pasts.
Does Kennedy retain memories of her 'original' life when she's in the Northwood reality, or vice-versa?
Yes, Kennedy retains her memories of her 'original' life while she is experiencing the Northwood reality. This allows her to compare and contrast the two paths, using her past experiences to inform her understanding of this new, unchosen present.
Are there subtle hints or recurring motifs that connect the two realities, beyond just the characters?
Beyond characters, there are subtle hints such as shared interests, recurring dreams, or even specific conversations that echo between the two realities, suggesting a deeper connection or a common thread of Kennedy's core personality and desires, regardless of her choices.
What is the significance of the recurring head injuries for Kennedy's ability to shift between realities?
The recurring head injuries serve as a narrative device for Kennedy's reality shifts, suggesting a fragile boundary between the potential lives. It symbolizes the jarring impact of her choices and the trauma associated with her initial heartbreak, physically manifesting her desire for a different path.
How does Kennedy's initial heartbreak over Jake and Lauren influence her perception of the Northwood reality?
Her initial heartbreak over Jake and Lauren deeply taints her perception of the Northwood reality, making her initially idealize it as a 'perfect' escape. This bitterness fuels her desire to find happiness in the alternate life, even as she discovers its own imperfections.
What psychological journey does Kennedy undergo as she realizes neither reality is truly 'perfect'?
Kennedy undergoes a journey of disillusionment and self-discovery. She learns that happiness isn't dictated by one choice or one set of circumstances, but by her own agency, resilience, and willingness to accept the good and bad in any life path. This fosters significant personal growth.
How does the author explore the psychological impact of 'what if' scenarios on a young adult's identity?
The author explores the 'what if' by showing how Kennedy's identity is shaped and challenged by confronting a version of herself who made a different choice. It highlights the internal conflict of regretting past decisions versus embracing the present, and how those hypotheticals can distort one's self-perception.
What role does self-forgiveness play in Kennedy's character arc by the end of the novel?
Self-forgiveness plays a crucial role as Kennedy learns to forgive herself for her past choices, both the initial decision to stay for Jake and any mistakes she makes in the Northwood reality. It's essential for her to move past regret and find peace with the life she ultimately chooses.
Does the book ultimately advocate for a specific choice Kennedy makes, or does it emphasize the journey of self-discovery?
The book primarily emphasizes the journey of self-discovery rather than advocating for one specific choice. It suggests that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, through growth and acceptance, rather than from making a singular 'right' decision.
What is the thematic message about fate versus free will presented in the story?
The story explores the tension between fate and free will, suggesting that while certain circumstances might be fated, our reactions and subsequent choices define our path. It highlights that even with different starting points, Kennedy's core personality and capacity for love and growth remain consistent, allowing her agency.
How does the romance subplot with Liam evolve across the two realities, and what does it suggest about true connection?
The romance with Liam evolves differently in both realities, yet ultimately points towards a deep, authentic connection that transcends specific circumstances. It suggests that true compatibility and love can find a way to flourish, even if the path to it varies significantly.
Is there a definitive 'ending' where Kennedy chooses one reality, or is it more ambiguous?
The ending provides a sense of resolution for Kennedy's internal conflict, as she makes a conscious choice about her future based on her newfound understanding, rather than passively falling into one reality. While not necessarily ambiguous, it prioritizes her psychological growth over a simple 'this or that' outcome.
What is the author's message about the nature of regret and moving forward?
The author's message is that regret is a natural human emotion, but dwelling on 'what ifs' can prevent personal growth. The book encourages readers to learn from past decisions, accept imperfections, and actively create a fulfilling future, rather than constantly looking back.
About the author
Jessica Brody is an author known for her works of fiction, including "The Chaos of Standing Still" and "In Some Other Life." Her stories often explore themes of self-discovery and the complexities of life choices. Brody's writing has garnered attention for its relatable characters and engaging narratives.
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