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Begin Again
The Good Place meets Sliding Doors , Begin Again is an uplifting novel about life's what if's, missed chances and new beginnings.
Despite living firmly in her comfort zone, Frankie McKenzie feels unsettled. She can't help feeling something's missing. Is it a home to call her own? Travel? A more rewarding job? A relationship? Before she can work it out, she dies in a freak kebab-related accident after yet another dud of a first date.
But life isn't over for Frankie. Instead, she is offered a second chance: Frankie can revisit key moments from her past to see if different choices will lead her away from that fateful takeaway and on to the fulfilling life she's always dreamt of.
Soon, Frankie will see what her life would have been if only she'd caught that one-way flight, accepted the marriage proposal or attended the intimidating job interview. Will she finally find her Mr Right? Or discover she already had?
What would you change if you could begin again ?
Praise for Helly Acton:
'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning
'Genius, funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars' Carrie Hope Fletcher
'Warm, witty and thought-provoking' Abbie Greaves
'A fresh, funny, razor-sharp take on society's views of relationships. It's feminist, it's provocative and a total joy to read' Hannah Tovey
'Helly's writing is filled with such humour and warmth, it makes me laugh and think whilst seamlessly tackling complex ideas about modern society. What a triumph!' Abigail Mann
'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy Vine
Despite living firmly in her comfort zone, Frankie McKenzie feels unsettled. She can't help feeling something's missing. Is it a home to call her own? Travel? A more rewarding job? A relationship? Before she can work it out, she dies in a freak kebab-related accident after yet another dud of a first date.
But life isn't over for Frankie. Instead, she is offered a second chance: Frankie can revisit key moments from her past to see if different choices will lead her away from that fateful takeaway and on to the fulfilling life she's always dreamt of.
Soon, Frankie will see what her life would have been if only she'd caught that one-way flight, accepted the marriage proposal or attended the intimidating job interview. Will she finally find her Mr Right? Or discover she already had?
What would you change if you could begin again ?
Praise for Helly Acton:
'A romcom with a difference' Sarra Manning
'Genius, funny and thought-provoking. 5 stars' Carrie Hope Fletcher
'Warm, witty and thought-provoking' Abbie Greaves
'A fresh, funny, razor-sharp take on society's views of relationships. It's feminist, it's provocative and a total joy to read' Hannah Tovey
'Helly's writing is filled with such humour and warmth, it makes me laugh and think whilst seamlessly tackling complex ideas about modern society. What a triumph!' Abigail Mann
'Funny and clever. I loved every single line' Lucy Vine
Audiobook
First published July 6, 2023
151 people are currently reading
17439 people want to read
About the author
Helly Acton
5 books217 followersHelly Acton is a copywriter from London with past lives in the Middle East, Africa and Australia. Born in Zimbabwe, Helly and her family emigrated to the East Sussex coast when she was 15 years old. Here, she finished school and spent her holidays in Saudi Arabia, where her father had been placed with work. She studied Law at King's College London before following a more creative path into advertising. In her mid-twenties, Helly escaped the rat race and took a three-month career break to travel in Africa, India and Asia before landing in Australia. What was supposed to last one year ended up lasting six, and after a life-affirming break-up in Sydney she returned home to find herself the last of her single friends. Helly threw herself into the deep end of online dating in the city and uses her experience as a single woman in her early thirties, torn between settling down and savouring her independence, as a source of inspiration for her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 678 reviews
June 7, 2023
We’re on a countdown… to what? That would be telling! Celebrity gossip columnist Frankie McKenzie is on a first date with Oli Sarpong and she’s VERY hungry. He seems perfectly normal, perfectly nice, clearly from a regular family while hers are, well, quirky. Initially, the date seems to have potential but then Frankie makes a wise crack too far and then it all takes a very different turn.
It’s hard to write a review for this one without giving too much away but I enjoy the different journey with Frankie as we look at snapshots of her life. It’s witty, at times very funny, the concept is clever and has a fresh feel to it for this genre. There are parts that definitely have a nightmarish quality to the storytelling as Frankie has much to address. However, you can always rely on her to come up with a whip smart remark that takes the sting out of any situations she finds herself in. She is certainly never boring, an over thinker that’s for sure but despite the ups and downs of certain choices she makes, she is a lot of fun to be around.
The novel is reflective, thought-provoking, and I like the premise of the grass being always greener on the other side of the fence. I like the way Helly Acton has written this, the tone she strikes matches the turning points in Frankie’s life. She’s created an interesting crew of friends to surround Frankie and while some of dialogue might be a bit cheesy, it also makes you smile. What more can you ask for??
Ultimately, this is a feel good novel, it’s fun and easy to read with good dialogue and an ending I like. Go Frankie.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Bonnier Books, Zaffre for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
It’s hard to write a review for this one without giving too much away but I enjoy the different journey with Frankie as we look at snapshots of her life. It’s witty, at times very funny, the concept is clever and has a fresh feel to it for this genre. There are parts that definitely have a nightmarish quality to the storytelling as Frankie has much to address. However, you can always rely on her to come up with a whip smart remark that takes the sting out of any situations she finds herself in. She is certainly never boring, an over thinker that’s for sure but despite the ups and downs of certain choices she makes, she is a lot of fun to be around.
The novel is reflective, thought-provoking, and I like the premise of the grass being always greener on the other side of the fence. I like the way Helly Acton has written this, the tone she strikes matches the turning points in Frankie’s life. She’s created an interesting crew of friends to surround Frankie and while some of dialogue might be a bit cheesy, it also makes you smile. What more can you ask for??
Ultimately, this is a feel good novel, it’s fun and easy to read with good dialogue and an ending I like. Go Frankie.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Bonnier Books, Zaffre for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
February 13, 2024
Smart, hilarious and just delightful.
December 9, 2023
I really liked the premise of this book. I've always been interested in stories with magical realism and in this case with multiple realities.
I enjoyed seeing Frankie looked back at her life from different points and perspectives. The story teach us a few lessons and the importance of how life will always get better, no matter the adversities. Frankie got the change of begin her story again and again every single time and try to fix things which I feel like is something that most of us would like to do.
This whole idea of her of visiting five possible lives seemed incredible to me and it kept my attention most of the time.
My only critique is that I wished that the pacing wasn't as slow as it was but overall, I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier books for the reader advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
I enjoyed seeing Frankie looked back at her life from different points and perspectives. The story teach us a few lessons and the importance of how life will always get better, no matter the adversities. Frankie got the change of begin her story again and again every single time and try to fix things which I feel like is something that most of us would like to do.
This whole idea of her of visiting five possible lives seemed incredible to me and it kept my attention most of the time.
My only critique is that I wished that the pacing wasn't as slow as it was but overall, I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier books for the reader advance copy in exchange of an honest review.
July 9, 2023
The premise of this book is usually only ever seen on screen, its a little like sliding doors, or even quantum leap (omg used to LOVE that)
So to pull it off between the pages is a clever and complicated thing to do.
However, the author has managed to execute it very well, and even added humour to a topic that's actually quite deep.
The only other book that Iv read with a simular plot, is The Midnight library, and although I don't want to be negative here, I need to say, Begin Again is sooo much better.
The MC is just the right amount of quirky, she's at a crossroads literally! And she's dead.
But she had a chance to begin again.
With the help of her death guide , she explores 5 possible lives had she made different decision along the way.
At 'The Station' at the end of the book, Intruly didn't know which train she was getting on!
A nice little read to make you reflect and ponder about your own life, and ultimately, own it, and live it.
So to pull it off between the pages is a clever and complicated thing to do.
However, the author has managed to execute it very well, and even added humour to a topic that's actually quite deep.
The only other book that Iv read with a simular plot, is The Midnight library, and although I don't want to be negative here, I need to say, Begin Again is sooo much better.
The MC is just the right amount of quirky, she's at a crossroads literally! And she's dead.
But she had a chance to begin again.
With the help of her death guide , she explores 5 possible lives had she made different decision along the way.
At 'The Station' at the end of the book, Intruly didn't know which train she was getting on!
A nice little read to make you reflect and ponder about your own life, and ultimately, own it, and live it.
March 1, 2024
This story was almost exactly the same as The Midnight Library. The pacing was slow, and the ending was extremely predictable. I liked it because I enjoy the concept, but I feel like Matt Haig wrote it better.
May 4, 2024
It's fun to imagine how drastically different our lives could be depending on our past choices. After a freak accident leads to her death, Frankie is granted the opportunity to relive five different versions of her life for 24 hours—her what if moments. I loved this concept, but the story itself was missing something for me.
The alternate lives Frankie visits were entertaining but very dramatic contrasts of each other. I definitely preferred some storylines over others. I sometimes struggled to imagine how Frankie would land herself in certain situations. It felt a little farfetched at times just for the sake of proving the message of the story.
But I think my main issue is that time spent in each timeline was really brief. It was hard to feel any sort of attachment towards the characters. I did think the romance was absolutely precious, though! I wish it had somehow made more of an appearance throughout.
(heat level: closed door)
The alternate lives Frankie visits were entertaining but very dramatic contrasts of each other. I definitely preferred some storylines over others. I sometimes struggled to imagine how Frankie would land herself in certain situations. It felt a little farfetched at times just for the sake of proving the message of the story.
But I think my main issue is that time spent in each timeline was really brief. It was hard to feel any sort of attachment towards the characters. I did think the romance was absolutely precious, though! I wish it had somehow made more of an appearance throughout.
(heat level: closed door)
January 23, 2025
Instagram: @kristinereads_
3.5.
If you’ve read Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, you’ll be familiar with the “life do-over” concept of this book. I personally much preferred Acton’s take. It was funny and a little silly, but I still felt connected to the main character Frankie as she looks back at life paths she didn’t take and learns that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Frankie finally puts old loves and old dreams to bed by the end, freeing herself up to discover a new love in the present.
This book had a sweet author’s note where Acton discusses her journey in pursuit of her own dreams and shedding the life she wasn’t meant to have.
I do recommend this one via audio; I found the narrator to have a lot of personality. It’s a little longer than it needed to be, but it passed the time and was a nice reminder not to stress over the Sylvia Plath fig-tree problem too much.
3.5.
If you’ve read Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, you’ll be familiar with the “life do-over” concept of this book. I personally much preferred Acton’s take. It was funny and a little silly, but I still felt connected to the main character Frankie as she looks back at life paths she didn’t take and learns that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Frankie finally puts old loves and old dreams to bed by the end, freeing herself up to discover a new love in the present.
This book had a sweet author’s note where Acton discusses her journey in pursuit of her own dreams and shedding the life she wasn’t meant to have.
I do recommend this one via audio; I found the narrator to have a lot of personality. It’s a little longer than it needed to be, but it passed the time and was a nice reminder not to stress over the Sylvia Plath fig-tree problem too much.
April 1, 2025
im really starting to enjoy these types of stories where there are alternate lives/multiple realities for the character! this book really reminded me of the midnight library by matt haig because of this.
i love books like these where i find myself self-reflecting as im flipping through the pages and notice even the smallest things in life that can be overlooked most days. this book really makes you appreciate the now and not taking a single day or people for granted as well as remindful of building a life you’re happy with.
really happy about this one!
i love books like these where i find myself self-reflecting as im flipping through the pages and notice even the smallest things in life that can be overlooked most days. this book really makes you appreciate the now and not taking a single day or people for granted as well as remindful of building a life you’re happy with.
really happy about this one!
April 19, 2024
Begin Again-a standalone
by Helly Acton-never read author
Rating: 5/5
Publication 4-2-24 Read 4-6-24
Format: eBook 405pgs.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC💛 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
✔️ Contemporary Romance
✔️ Magical Realism
✔️ Time Travel
✔️ Found Family
✔️Fantasy
Summary- Frankie McKenzie feels like there should be more in her life. She's 36, lives in London, works as a gossip columnist, and is unlucky in love. When her friend Alice sets her up her with Olie Sarong, she abandons him at the restaurant on their first date which happens to be her birthday. She dies in a crazy accident with a kebab and is taken to" The Station." Her guide Mabel tells her she has a 2nd chance at life going back to five important crossroads in her life, and make alternate choices.
The plot was based on what ifs and missed opportunities in Frankie's life. She got to choose differently at these important intersections -The One Way Flight; The Marriage Proposal; The Fortune; The Fame; and The What If. She was given 24 hours and then she's swept back to Mabel. The most special times were reconciling with her mother in Mexico and realizing her college sweetheart Toby wasn't her HEA. I liked the constant of her friends Tom, Priya, and Alice. With or without a husband +family, a dream job, or security, they were her cheerleaders.
I really liked this time travel and 2nd chance at life novel. I've read books with similar subject matter, but Frankie's moment with each divergence was well developed and showed her the way to a new existence.
by Helly Acton-never read author
Rating: 5/5
Publication 4-2-24 Read 4-6-24
Format: eBook 405pgs.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC💛 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
✔️ Contemporary Romance
✔️ Magical Realism
✔️ Time Travel
✔️ Found Family
✔️Fantasy
Summary- Frankie McKenzie feels like there should be more in her life. She's 36, lives in London, works as a gossip columnist, and is unlucky in love. When her friend Alice sets her up her with Olie Sarong, she abandons him at the restaurant on their first date which happens to be her birthday. She dies in a crazy accident with a kebab and is taken to" The Station." Her guide Mabel tells her she has a 2nd chance at life going back to five important crossroads in her life, and make alternate choices.
The plot was based on what ifs and missed opportunities in Frankie's life. She got to choose differently at these important intersections -The One Way Flight; The Marriage Proposal; The Fortune; The Fame; and The What If. She was given 24 hours and then she's swept back to Mabel. The most special times were reconciling with her mother in Mexico and realizing her college sweetheart Toby wasn't her HEA. I liked the constant of her friends Tom, Priya, and Alice. With or without a husband +family, a dream job, or security, they were her cheerleaders.
I really liked this time travel and 2nd chance at life novel. I've read books with similar subject matter, but Frankie's moment with each divergence was well developed and showed her the way to a new existence.
January 18, 2024
I love Helly Acton’s books because the concepts are always completely original and have premises like nothing I’ve ever read before.
In Begin Again, we meet celebrity gossip columnist Frankie who is celebrating her birthday with a first date!! Feeling that the date isn’t going well, Frankie makes a swift exit in search of a kebab. A freak kebab related accident proves fatal and Frankie is catapulted into the afterlife, where she is given a second chance at life. Frankie relives all of the crossroad moments in her life and gets to see what would have happened if she has made a different choice. Frankie is then faced with the big decision of choosing which life she wants to return to, or whether to continue to ‘The Final Destination’.
Lots of funny moments, Frankie was a great protagonist and a great narrator! It was really interesting seeing her reaction to the kind of person she had become in each of the potential lives. It was also quite thought provoking and makes you think how your own life could be so different if you’d made different choices.
I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what Helly Acton comes up with next!
In Begin Again, we meet celebrity gossip columnist Frankie who is celebrating her birthday with a first date!! Feeling that the date isn’t going well, Frankie makes a swift exit in search of a kebab. A freak kebab related accident proves fatal and Frankie is catapulted into the afterlife, where she is given a second chance at life. Frankie relives all of the crossroad moments in her life and gets to see what would have happened if she has made a different choice. Frankie is then faced with the big decision of choosing which life she wants to return to, or whether to continue to ‘The Final Destination’.
Lots of funny moments, Frankie was a great protagonist and a great narrator! It was really interesting seeing her reaction to the kind of person she had become in each of the potential lives. It was also quite thought provoking and makes you think how your own life could be so different if you’d made different choices.
I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what Helly Acton comes up with next!
March 18, 2024
Definitely worth a read!
I really enjoyed this book! The protagonist is so relatable: suffering from a quarter-life crisis in all aspects of her life and afraid to make big changes. the basic plot is straightforward: she dies young and is given a chance to explore whether she wants to go back to living or move forward with the afterlife. In limbo, she gets to live 24 hours in 4 different lives to see if the crossroads she came to in life (a marriage proposal, a job offer, a one-way plane ticket, etc) led to a life and version of herself she liked better.
I'm at an age where I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life (aren't we all?) and this book was a funny, well-written way to see a new perspective. This book was a quick read and gave me some things to think about. My favorite side character was Winnie.
Also wanted to say thank you to Goodreads, AvonBooks, and Helly Acton for my Advanced Reader Copy of Begin Again.
I really enjoyed this book! The protagonist is so relatable: suffering from a quarter-life crisis in all aspects of her life and afraid to make big changes. the basic plot is straightforward: she dies young and is given a chance to explore whether she wants to go back to living or move forward with the afterlife. In limbo, she gets to live 24 hours in 4 different lives to see if the crossroads she came to in life (a marriage proposal, a job offer, a one-way plane ticket, etc) led to a life and version of herself she liked better.
I'm at an age where I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life (aren't we all?) and this book was a funny, well-written way to see a new perspective. This book was a quick read and gave me some things to think about. My favorite side character was Winnie.
Also wanted to say thank you to Goodreads, AvonBooks, and Helly Acton for my Advanced Reader Copy of Begin Again.
July 4, 2024
Giveaway book!
Let me tell you, I was a tad alarmed when the mc’s birthday was the same as mine and the entire book revolves around that day. As someone who notoriously has bday blues, I felt like this book was looking me dead in the eyes and talking to me. I needed to hear a lot of what this book was saying and I’m so glad I read it when I did. Highly recommend if you enjoy existential reads that play with time and the concept of “what if?”.
Let me tell you, I was a tad alarmed when the mc’s birthday was the same as mine and the entire book revolves around that day. As someone who notoriously has bday blues, I felt like this book was looking me dead in the eyes and talking to me. I needed to hear a lot of what this book was saying and I’m so glad I read it when I did. Highly recommend if you enjoy existential reads that play with time and the concept of “what if?”.
July 13, 2024
This had major potential for a good story. However...Frankie is a twat. What a weak character. The author tried to redeem her at the end but there was too much weakness, fear and whiny millennial for that to happen.
September 27, 2024
I loved this book. So cute. (Didn’t love the audiobook, too boring of a read). 36 year old Frankie has the vague sense that she could have had a better life….if only. If only she had married the guy, traveled more, become famous…. It’s a feeling most of us have had. But then….Frankie ditches her date and grabs a kabob, slips and knocks her head, chokes on the chicken- and now she’s dead. She enters a portal of purgatory; she can live the next five days as if she had made different decisions earlier in her life. The next few segments are thus- she wakes up at age 36, but as if she had made a different big life decision. So in one life, she’s married to her college boyfriend, in another, she is living abroad in Mexico, etc. Everyone around her is generally in the same spot, but she gets to see what her life would have been like.
And that’s it, she only gets ONE day for each of the five lives. Then she gets to choose—- (because she does before her time)— which life would she like to pick up in? Or, she can “go on” to the final destination. Which will she choose?
This is basically a magic based time travel romcom. Good interesting story, beach read. Fun and lighthearted, a few pretty funny parts.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #beginagain
And that’s it, she only gets ONE day for each of the five lives. Then she gets to choose—- (because she does before her time)— which life would she like to pick up in? Or, she can “go on” to the final destination. Which will she choose?
This is basically a magic based time travel romcom. Good interesting story, beach read. Fun and lighthearted, a few pretty funny parts.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #beginagain
April 5, 2024
It's Frankie McKenzie's 36th birthday, and she's feeling unsettled. Before she can work out what's missing in life, she dies in a freak kebab-related accident. But life isn't over for Frankie, and she is given a second chance. Frankie is able to visit key moments in her past to see if different choices would lead to a more fulfilling life. Should she move to Mexico to teach English as a second language? Or say yes to the proposal of her college sweetheart, Toby? Perhaps she should have gotten back together with her rich ex-boyfriend, Callum. Or is having a high-powered media career the life she wants? Soon, Frankie will find out what her life would have been like if she had caught the one-way flight, accepted the marriage proposal, or went to the job interview. As she navigates the crossroads she previously faced, she will have to ask herself what she would change if she could begin again.
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish! Funny, charming, and thought-provoking, "Begin Again" will have you laughing out loud and feeling inspired. Frankie was the perfect main character. She was so fun and endearing, and her quirks and flaws made her relatable. Her friends were loveable and downright hilarious, and I was glad to see them in each of Frankie's different "lives." I thought that the pacing of the book was extremely well-done, with the perfect amount of time in each life so that it didn't feel like the story was dragging. I truly loved everything about this book, and my only complaint is that it ended too soon! One of my favorite books of the year for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish! Funny, charming, and thought-provoking, "Begin Again" will have you laughing out loud and feeling inspired. Frankie was the perfect main character. She was so fun and endearing, and her quirks and flaws made her relatable. Her friends were loveable and downright hilarious, and I was glad to see them in each of Frankie's different "lives." I thought that the pacing of the book was extremely well-done, with the perfect amount of time in each life so that it didn't feel like the story was dragging. I truly loved everything about this book, and my only complaint is that it ended too soon! One of my favorite books of the year for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 10, 2024
Ok this was so cute
September 3, 2023
What an amazing read!
Helly Acton is a master at setting a scene. Every life that Frankie woke up in, every new situation - the hammock under the palm tree in Mexico, the too neat house with Toby or the luxurious place in LA with the golden chandelier - I was just immediately there and ready to experience it.
I love the energy the book hit me with and especially the dynamic of Frankies friend group and her family. Through every one of her lives, you catch a different glimpse at the characters and get a better feel for them and it keeps the story interesting and refreshing.
Most of all, I love how much the book resonated with me. Frankies doubts, her insecurities and the pressures she feels - those are challenges I think a lot of people in their thirties or late twenties struggle with. And the way they were woven into the story and dealt with was perfect.
It definitely made me think about the "Begin Again" moments in my own life.
4.5 ⭐️
Helly Acton is a master at setting a scene. Every life that Frankie woke up in, every new situation - the hammock under the palm tree in Mexico, the too neat house with Toby or the luxurious place in LA with the golden chandelier - I was just immediately there and ready to experience it.
I love the energy the book hit me with and especially the dynamic of Frankies friend group and her family. Through every one of her lives, you catch a different glimpse at the characters and get a better feel for them and it keeps the story interesting and refreshing.
Most of all, I love how much the book resonated with me. Frankies doubts, her insecurities and the pressures she feels - those are challenges I think a lot of people in their thirties or late twenties struggle with. And the way they were woven into the story and dealt with was perfect.
It definitely made me think about the "Begin Again" moments in my own life.
4.5 ⭐️
January 22, 2024
I adore this concept. Although it’s extremely similar to Midnight Library, Begin Again has superior character development and is significantly less depressing.
April 25, 2024
I loved the premise of this book. I had an idea of where the book would end up but I didn’t expect the way it was written which I really liked. I found this book to be funny throughout.
April 28, 2024
Lots of skimming 👎
July 24, 2024
MC really hard to like. Story was repetitive and slowww. Skimmed to the end.
August 11, 2024
Surprisingly brilliant???
November 15, 2024
Begin Again by Helly Acton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Magical Realism/Contemporary Fiction
About 395 pages
Frankie McKenzie died in perhaps the least elegant way possible… choking and slipping on a kebab. While an unfortunate incident, it gives her the chance to begin again. Her death lands her in the “in-between” where she is offered two options: (1) continue to the final destination aka heaven or hell, or (2) experience the impact five key choices she made in her life would have had if she chose differently and then choose which life she wants to pick back up and resume. She will get 24 hours in each “life.” But as readers can imagine, no life is perfect, and Frankie’s choice will be what she wants to prioritize if she begins again.
I recently went to Boston for work and, of course, had to visit my favorite indie bookstore where I picked up this fabulous book😊 After hitting a bit of a reading rut earlier this fall, I’ve ended up reading a bunch of really solid books in a row and am so thankful for that. I’ve become a big fan of magical realism for how it lightens up the world we live in today. Begin Again touched on some important themes and challenged me to reflect on the choices I make and their long-term impact while still making me smile throughout. I would definitely recommend this book if you need an upbeat refresh as your next read!💛
Favorite Quote: "We don't write your life story up here. You write the chapters with the choices you make and you're in charge of your happy ending. Life will throw you curveballs, but you just have to catch them and carry on. You have the power to control how you react to the problems, the trouble, the drama. You've got to stop fixating on what others are doing, and start fixating on what you're doing.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Genre: Magical Realism/Contemporary Fiction
About 395 pages
Frankie McKenzie died in perhaps the least elegant way possible… choking and slipping on a kebab. While an unfortunate incident, it gives her the chance to begin again. Her death lands her in the “in-between” where she is offered two options: (1) continue to the final destination aka heaven or hell, or (2) experience the impact five key choices she made in her life would have had if she chose differently and then choose which life she wants to pick back up and resume. She will get 24 hours in each “life.” But as readers can imagine, no life is perfect, and Frankie’s choice will be what she wants to prioritize if she begins again.
I recently went to Boston for work and, of course, had to visit my favorite indie bookstore where I picked up this fabulous book😊 After hitting a bit of a reading rut earlier this fall, I’ve ended up reading a bunch of really solid books in a row and am so thankful for that. I’ve become a big fan of magical realism for how it lightens up the world we live in today. Begin Again touched on some important themes and challenged me to reflect on the choices I make and their long-term impact while still making me smile throughout. I would definitely recommend this book if you need an upbeat refresh as your next read!💛
Favorite Quote: "We don't write your life story up here. You write the chapters with the choices you make and you're in charge of your happy ending. Life will throw you curveballs, but you just have to catch them and carry on. You have the power to control how you react to the problems, the trouble, the drama. You've got to stop fixating on what others are doing, and start fixating on what you're doing.”
January 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ I loved this, it was such a good time! I love books that feature some aspect of purgatory/the afterlife, as well as discovering different paths and lives a single person could experience - which is the definition of this book!
Basically, Frankie dies and is told she can go back to living one of five different lives present based on different choices she could’ve made throughout her life. Amazing premise and execution, my only gripes aren’t even very fair lol.
1) I would’ve chosen a different life in the end. (#4 to be exact). I feel like she chose a life and then just set out to make it like like #4 anyway so what’s the point?
2) If the main character was sapphic instead of straight I would’ve adored this even more 🥲 but I can’t fault the author for being a straight woman.
6/100
Basically, Frankie dies and is told she can go back to living one of five different lives present based on different choices she could’ve made throughout her life. Amazing premise and execution, my only gripes aren’t even very fair lol.
1) I would’ve chosen a different life in the end. (#4 to be exact). I feel like she chose a life and then just set out to make it like like #4 anyway so what’s the point?
2) If the main character was sapphic instead of straight I would’ve adored this even more 🥲 but I can’t fault the author for being a straight woman.
6/100
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
4 ⭐️ weer zo'n leuk en mooi boek. Ik vind de insteek van dit soort magisch realisme boeken altijd heel erg interessant: echt een wat als boek. Ik ging snel door het boek heen, ik twijfelde nog om een 4,5/5 ster maar richting het einde zag ik wel aankomen hoe het verder ging. Daardoor gewoon een heel leuk en mooi boek! En ook veel mooie quotes!
July 12, 2024
Love love love books like this that make you think about life choices and how each little choice we make impacts our lives. Also love how it makes you realize to enjoy the journey you’re currently on!
June 7, 2024
what WILL you do with your one wild and precious life?
May 18, 2025
witty, but also inspiring. and for me, topical. a delightful read for a rom com enjoyer and/or anxious wonder-er.
November 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this more clever version of The Midnight Library or the movie Sliding Doors.
March 16, 2025
aw I loved this🥹🥹 this was such a cute read. The story line was nothing like I’ve read before. I’ve never related to a character more in my life … being Indecisive is the worst. But this was giving 16 wishes.
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