What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Set Chances
★★★★★ “Will pull at your heartstrings... Bonus Phish fandom for all music lovers! I couldn't put it down!” Melisa Peterson Lewis, author of the Lazarus City series
For four tumultuous years, Rachael and her husband, Jason, have seesawed between her small-town life in Pennsylvania and his roots in South Korea. Exhausted by the upheaval and yearning for stability, she pins her hopes on a fresh start in Las Vegas. But weeks before the big move, a Phish concert weekend—her happiest escape—brings her face-to-face with a long-lost college crush. The chance encounter feels like a cosmic nudge, but she’s determined to focus on the new life she’s painstakingly planned.
Las Vegas, however, proves anything but the clean slate she imagined. Struggling in her marriage and suffocated by the desert heat, Rachael finds herself seeking solace in Phish concerts, where the vibrant chaos of music and her resurfaced connection with her crush offer fleeting glimpses of joy. Torn between loyalty to the life she’s built and the magnetic pull of what might have been, Rachael straddles two worlds, making a tangled mess of both.
Heartfelt, honest, and threaded with humor, Second Set Chances challenges us to consider what happens when the life we’re living clashes with the one we secretly dream of. Will she settle for the comfort of her desert mirage, or will she risk it all for a shot at true happiness?
For four tumultuous years, Rachael and her husband, Jason, have seesawed between her small-town life in Pennsylvania and his roots in South Korea. Exhausted by the upheaval and yearning for stability, she pins her hopes on a fresh start in Las Vegas. But weeks before the big move, a Phish concert weekend—her happiest escape—brings her face-to-face with a long-lost college crush. The chance encounter feels like a cosmic nudge, but she’s determined to focus on the new life she’s painstakingly planned.
Las Vegas, however, proves anything but the clean slate she imagined. Struggling in her marriage and suffocated by the desert heat, Rachael finds herself seeking solace in Phish concerts, where the vibrant chaos of music and her resurfaced connection with her crush offer fleeting glimpses of joy. Torn between loyalty to the life she’s built and the magnetic pull of what might have been, Rachael straddles two worlds, making a tangled mess of both.
Heartfelt, honest, and threaded with humor, Second Set Chances challenges us to consider what happens when the life we’re living clashes with the one we secretly dream of. Will she settle for the comfort of her desert mirage, or will she risk it all for a shot at true happiness?
- GenresMusic
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Wesley
1 book8 followersRachael lives in Denver and takes advantage of its thriving music scene and outdoor splendor. Her creative nonfiction stories have been published by Insider, Denverse Magazine, and in various literary magazines, and she was nominated for the 2022 Pushcart Prize. SECOND SET CHANCES is her debut. You can find her at Rachaelwesley.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 24, 2025
A beautiful, multi-layered memoir. Relatable on so many levels… though if you are a Phish fan, you will probably feel the author’s passion radiating from the pages more than most. With so many emotions and topics covered (love, loss, home, mental health, friendship, etc.), it’s hard to imagine that this is a true story. Rachael does a remarkable job of jumping from the past to the present, while in search of what she needs most— true bliss.
May 27, 2025
Full disclosure: the author, Rachael, and I have known each other since 1996. We met freshman year of high school, where Rae had just transferred after completing her grade school education at another local private (Catholic?) school. We have been friends to varying degrees of closeness ever since, as life tends to have a way of doing that to most relationships as we get older and navigate this crazy, mixed-up world.
I know Rachael. I love her. I was there for both the moving to Korea and moving to Las Vegas celebratory gatherings. Over the last several years, social media and groups texts with other old friends have helped us maintain contact despite many years often passing without any of us being in the same physical spaces.
But, that’s not what this review is about. Despite my love of reading and regular use of Goodreads, I rarely write reviews. In the past year or so, I’ve barely even provided a star rating for most of the many books I read, even if I thoroughly enjoyed the work. I also wouldn’t be making this exception right now if I didn’t wholeheartedly believe the thoughts I am expressing about this book. There are plenty of other ways to show my love for and pride of my friend!
Hopefully, reading a review from someone who doesn’t take the responsibility of critiquing someone’s art (or anything, really) lightly but will also only give praise that is sincere, you will be moved to find out for yourself what a tremendous achievement of fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a published author, but also by creating a book that is as engaging as it is honest, as fascinating as it is vulnerable, and as compelling as a work of fiction. (There’s a reason memoirs are my go-to genre!)
Second Set Chances brilliantly captures a monumental and defining period in Rachael’s life, and it is one that I challenge you not to relate to at some (or many points) and promise you will not be disappointed -and you don’t have to be world-traveling, Phish loving, extroverted, up for just about anything adventurer either! Trust me, because I’m not. ♥️
I know Rachael. I love her. I was there for both the moving to Korea and moving to Las Vegas celebratory gatherings. Over the last several years, social media and groups texts with other old friends have helped us maintain contact despite many years often passing without any of us being in the same physical spaces.
But, that’s not what this review is about. Despite my love of reading and regular use of Goodreads, I rarely write reviews. In the past year or so, I’ve barely even provided a star rating for most of the many books I read, even if I thoroughly enjoyed the work. I also wouldn’t be making this exception right now if I didn’t wholeheartedly believe the thoughts I am expressing about this book. There are plenty of other ways to show my love for and pride of my friend!
Hopefully, reading a review from someone who doesn’t take the responsibility of critiquing someone’s art (or anything, really) lightly but will also only give praise that is sincere, you will be moved to find out for yourself what a tremendous achievement of fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a published author, but also by creating a book that is as engaging as it is honest, as fascinating as it is vulnerable, and as compelling as a work of fiction. (There’s a reason memoirs are my go-to genre!)
Second Set Chances brilliantly captures a monumental and defining period in Rachael’s life, and it is one that I challenge you not to relate to at some (or many points) and promise you will not be disappointed -and you don’t have to be world-traveling, Phish loving, extroverted, up for just about anything adventurer either! Trust me, because I’m not. ♥️
September 12, 2025
Music, love, family (and phamily), friendship and signs from the universe are woven beautifully through this memoir. I felt her pain during the times of uncertainty and hopeful at her hopeful-turned-sad attempts at starting over, her glee when she gets to see her four loves onstage, and embrace her phamily after long months apart. Wesley is honest on every single page, and her story will grab you by the heart and-with some well-earned, East coast bravado- she will tell you that there are second chances to be had, but don’t wait much longer. Read this book, and be looking for her next one.
January 16, 2025
4.5
It is always difficult to review a memoir, which makes me wonder how difficult it must be to write one!
This book is a very bold & brutally honest account of the transformative years of the author's life.
The writing style is very personal & direct. In places, it was very relateable, & in places, not at all, but then, no two persons can completely relate to each other.
The book started with a reference that it's mainly about the author's experience attending her favourite band's concerts. Now, I know nothing about music, & have never experienced any outside of the subcontinent, & I was a little daunted, as this was different from what the blurbs said!
In the initial chapters, this effect was quite heavy, but the band is not all that is there to this book, … though it is a central theme, something the author identifies herself with, something which feels "home" to her. To that effect, her enthusiasm is heartfelt, & there is no need to know that music, or really any music for understanding the flow of the book.
The theme & premise of the book is quite uncomfortable, & kudos to the author for grabbing the bull by the horns. It's also admirable of all her near & dear to agree to feature in a published book in personal detail!
The book is very potent, at one time, I started feeling very low, & I think this is because I was feeling the emotions of the time when my own marriage was not going very well. It's a powerful book in this context.
It's a roller-coaster ride with the author as she negotiates her way through life decisions which were theoretically promising but not delivering anything in practice. The suffocation of making efforts to make friends as & adult … & coming up empty-handed … the pain of drudging in one's chosen profession… are truly touching.
The book is quite a serious one, with some comic relief here & there. Certainly, it will be an amazing treat for the fans of her favourite (possibly the only ) band Phish … but for me it got a bit over the top in some places, & I felt like "I really did not need that detail".
I do not agree with all of the choices that the author made … which is quite an obvious common happening, but a memoir cannot be judged on the basis of agreeing or disagreeing with the author. It's heartwarming the beautiful support she receives from her parents, but often it feels that her friends are irresponsible, & are more enablers than friends; edging her on on obviously messed-up & potentially hurtful courses of action.
All in all, it's a hell of a ride!
It's quite unputdownable, very, very real & you find yourself cheering the author on, to explore more, deeper, to get closer to understanding herself.
& when the author is able to get where she is happy & herself, you feel happy for her, & it's a great read!
I received an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of the book free of cost.
It is always difficult to review a memoir, which makes me wonder how difficult it must be to write one!
This book is a very bold & brutally honest account of the transformative years of the author's life.
The writing style is very personal & direct. In places, it was very relateable, & in places, not at all, but then, no two persons can completely relate to each other.
The book started with a reference that it's mainly about the author's experience attending her favourite band's concerts. Now, I know nothing about music, & have never experienced any outside of the subcontinent, & I was a little daunted, as this was different from what the blurbs said!
In the initial chapters, this effect was quite heavy, but the band is not all that is there to this book, … though it is a central theme, something the author identifies herself with, something which feels "home" to her. To that effect, her enthusiasm is heartfelt, & there is no need to know that music, or really any music for understanding the flow of the book.
The theme & premise of the book is quite uncomfortable, & kudos to the author for grabbing the bull by the horns. It's also admirable of all her near & dear to agree to feature in a published book in personal detail!
The book is very potent, at one time, I started feeling very low, & I think this is because I was feeling the emotions of the time when my own marriage was not going very well. It's a powerful book in this context.
It's a roller-coaster ride with the author as she negotiates her way through life decisions which were theoretically promising but not delivering anything in practice. The suffocation of making efforts to make friends as & adult … & coming up empty-handed … the pain of drudging in one's chosen profession… are truly touching.
The book is quite a serious one, with some comic relief here & there. Certainly, it will be an amazing treat for the fans of her favourite (possibly the only ) band Phish … but for me it got a bit over the top in some places, & I felt like "I really did not need that detail".
I do not agree with all of the choices that the author made … which is quite an obvious common happening, but a memoir cannot be judged on the basis of agreeing or disagreeing with the author. It's heartwarming the beautiful support she receives from her parents, but often it feels that her friends are irresponsible, & are more enablers than friends; edging her on on obviously messed-up & potentially hurtful courses of action.
All in all, it's a hell of a ride!
It's quite unputdownable, very, very real & you find yourself cheering the author on, to explore more, deeper, to get closer to understanding herself.
& when the author is able to get where she is happy & herself, you feel happy for her, & it's a great read!
I received an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of the book free of cost.
February 19, 2025
Memoirs are an interesting and dynamic kind of literature which leads to complex experiences by the reader.
In reading a memoir you tend to find yourself needing to remind yourself that you are not reading about a fictional character, but a real human being (warts and all). What makes this more difficult, is when the author miraculously finds a way to make their memoir entertaining.
Second Set Chances reads like a well developed piece of literacy fiction. The writing style, flow, and overall composition feel seamless in a way that lets you get lost in the story of the author's life.
As Rachael maneuvers through the emotionally combative journey of her failing marriage, the misalignment of goals and ambitions, including the consistently polarizing story of choosing to be childfree with a partner who insists 'there will be a right time' and 'you will change your mind', you find a sense of kinship. Rachael stays true to her desire to never have children and eventually finds a partner aligned with this choice and the freedom it brings them (which is always so validating to see in any kind of literature for the childfree community!).
While some may find the references to Phish and the concerts niche, the author explains these experiences with a sense of whimsy and magic that highlights these concerts as a place of safety, community, belonging, and transformation.
Not being a huge Phish fan myself, I was worried these elements may be overbearing but they truly weren't. These scenes were used as a platform of connection for the author between various stages in their life. Although some elements may seem a bit alienating to non-Phish fans, we can all connect to this level of transformation within our own passions.
The hippy culture, the need to travel and self explore, and the deeply vulnerable and flawed self portrait portrayed in this book painted a very real picture of the mistakes we make and our opportunities for change.
The goal isn't to like everything that Rachael does in the book. The goal isn't to agree with everything she does. The goal isn't even to like Rachael! (although I do!) The goal is an expression of the complexity that is life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
I will say there were a few times when the descriptions of the Phis concerts, or even the flash-backs and references to past experiences became a bit verbose, but I will chalk that up to the passion of the author.
I have read many indie books and this is one of the most well constructed in terms of actual writing ability.
Thank you for the story Rachael!
In reading a memoir you tend to find yourself needing to remind yourself that you are not reading about a fictional character, but a real human being (warts and all). What makes this more difficult, is when the author miraculously finds a way to make their memoir entertaining.
Second Set Chances reads like a well developed piece of literacy fiction. The writing style, flow, and overall composition feel seamless in a way that lets you get lost in the story of the author's life.
As Rachael maneuvers through the emotionally combative journey of her failing marriage, the misalignment of goals and ambitions, including the consistently polarizing story of choosing to be childfree with a partner who insists 'there will be a right time' and 'you will change your mind', you find a sense of kinship. Rachael stays true to her desire to never have children and eventually finds a partner aligned with this choice and the freedom it brings them (which is always so validating to see in any kind of literature for the childfree community!).
While some may find the references to Phish and the concerts niche, the author explains these experiences with a sense of whimsy and magic that highlights these concerts as a place of safety, community, belonging, and transformation.
Not being a huge Phish fan myself, I was worried these elements may be overbearing but they truly weren't. These scenes were used as a platform of connection for the author between various stages in their life. Although some elements may seem a bit alienating to non-Phish fans, we can all connect to this level of transformation within our own passions.
The hippy culture, the need to travel and self explore, and the deeply vulnerable and flawed self portrait portrayed in this book painted a very real picture of the mistakes we make and our opportunities for change.
The goal isn't to like everything that Rachael does in the book. The goal isn't to agree with everything she does. The goal isn't even to like Rachael! (although I do!) The goal is an expression of the complexity that is life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
I will say there were a few times when the descriptions of the Phis concerts, or even the flash-backs and references to past experiences became a bit verbose, but I will chalk that up to the passion of the author.
I have read many indie books and this is one of the most well constructed in terms of actual writing ability.
Thank you for the story Rachael!
April 19, 2025
Within the first fifty pages of her memoir, Wesley established herself as the exact opposite of me in a lot of ways. She's an extrovert who is highly reliant on social interactions and external validation for personal fulfillment, she drinks and parties, and she's deeply devoted to a parasocial community. And she frets with a love triangle of her own making.
I also didn't know Phish before reading this memoir. I listened to a few of their YouTube live recordings while reading, and I think they're all right for cozy vibes. I couldn't feel in the same way as Wesley to their music. Which is fair, everyone has their own tastes. Actually would have preferred a bit more about the band and why she likes them, but it felt accusatory at times. As though not liking the band equates to somehow hating music.
I didn't resonate with most of Second Set Chances. Close to everything didn't appeal to me. Especially her actions for the last half of the book.
But I kept reading for the one element that did catch my attention, which was Wesley's self-reflections on what she thought of her life. How she felt, for whatever reason, disenchanted and without power in a marriage that she considered loveless. It's that intricate introspection of how she viewed herself (briefly: not very highly) and how she attempts to grow past that. I can't quite say that it's a huge dramatic turnaround. Yet I'm grateful that she accepts her own agency, and that she finds more ways to honestly love her real self.
Her actions may be flawed, yet I'm grateful that she chose sooner than later. That vulnerability is what carried me to the end. Even if I don't wholly agree or like everything with the almost gossipy tone taken, I appreciated that.
Second Set Chances will probably appeal more to Phish fans and people who have had a background similar to Wesley. I'm sure many women were like her and may have rushed into a romance or marriage as well. I'm empathetic to that element. Overall, this one was a learning experience to open up my way of thinking a bit.
I also didn't know Phish before reading this memoir. I listened to a few of their YouTube live recordings while reading, and I think they're all right for cozy vibes. I couldn't feel in the same way as Wesley to their music. Which is fair, everyone has their own tastes. Actually would have preferred a bit more about the band and why she likes them, but it felt accusatory at times. As though not liking the band equates to somehow hating music.
I didn't resonate with most of Second Set Chances. Close to everything didn't appeal to me. Especially her actions for the last half of the book.
But I kept reading for the one element that did catch my attention, which was Wesley's self-reflections on what she thought of her life. How she felt, for whatever reason, disenchanted and without power in a marriage that she considered loveless. It's that intricate introspection of how she viewed herself (briefly: not very highly) and how she attempts to grow past that. I can't quite say that it's a huge dramatic turnaround. Yet I'm grateful that she accepts her own agency, and that she finds more ways to honestly love her real self.
Her actions may be flawed, yet I'm grateful that she chose sooner than later. That vulnerability is what carried me to the end. Even if I don't wholly agree or like everything with the almost gossipy tone taken, I appreciated that.
Second Set Chances will probably appeal more to Phish fans and people who have had a background similar to Wesley. I'm sure many women were like her and may have rushed into a romance or marriage as well. I'm empathetic to that element. Overall, this one was a learning experience to open up my way of thinking a bit.
March 5, 2025
Second Set Chances is one of those books that completely pulls you in, making you feel like you’re right there alongside Rachael on her journey. You experience the joys of the highs, the despair of the lows, and the excitement of new possibilities. Rachael tells her story with such honesty and authenticity that it feels like catching up with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. She perfectly captures what it means to be at a crossroads in life—where the past tugs at your heart while the future holds endless potential… but no guarantees.
Her love for Phish plays a huge role in this story, and even if you’ve never listened to the band before (like me), her passion and vivid descriptions will have you wanting to check them out (which I did!). Rachael’s writing is sharp yet poetic, filled with humor, heartache, and an undeniable sense of adventure. Whether she’s navigating the complexities of marriage, getting lost in the music, or reconnecting with her past (and maybe her future), you’ll feel every moment with her.
What truly sets this book apart is its raw honesty. Rachael doesn’t shy away from life’s messy moments—she embraces them, laying everything bare. She reminds us that second chances aren’t
just about getting things right—they’re about rediscovering ourselves along the way.
For anyone who has ever been moved by a song, questioned their path, or searched for meaning in the unexpected, Second Set Chances is an absolute must-read. Nostalgic, deeply personal, and ultimately a love letter to the magic of music and self-discovery, this book is a beautiful and unforgettable read. I highly recommend it!
Her love for Phish plays a huge role in this story, and even if you’ve never listened to the band before (like me), her passion and vivid descriptions will have you wanting to check them out (which I did!). Rachael’s writing is sharp yet poetic, filled with humor, heartache, and an undeniable sense of adventure. Whether she’s navigating the complexities of marriage, getting lost in the music, or reconnecting with her past (and maybe her future), you’ll feel every moment with her.
What truly sets this book apart is its raw honesty. Rachael doesn’t shy away from life’s messy moments—she embraces them, laying everything bare. She reminds us that second chances aren’t
just about getting things right—they’re about rediscovering ourselves along the way.
For anyone who has ever been moved by a song, questioned their path, or searched for meaning in the unexpected, Second Set Chances is an absolute must-read. Nostalgic, deeply personal, and ultimately a love letter to the magic of music and self-discovery, this book is a beautiful and unforgettable read. I highly recommend it!
April 1, 2025
A book about a woman who is obsessed with a band (phish), hates her husband, and is doing what she can to start her life over.
I didn't really enjoy this book. The love of the band seems a bit unhealthy. There's one part of the book where she described people who don't like this one band as "not really into music," as if that's the only type of music there is. It seems like an unhealthy obsession.
She also really blames her husband for a lot, and doesn't seem to take much responsibility for the failures in her relationship. It seems a bit unbiased and one sided. Maybe just an excuse to start an affair without feeling as guilty?
The writing style left me a bit confused, and I felt a lot of the details were inappropriate. If I was an elementary school teacher, I wouldn't be talking that much about drugs, sex, and using swear words so liberally for no reason. Just doesn't seem like a good move.
I liked the part about her teaching in Korea and feeling homesick - that felt relatable. You may enjoy the book more if you're really into phish I guess. Maybe you'd like the cover too (which I find a a bit too psychedelic).
FYI - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read as an ebook.
I didn't really enjoy this book. The love of the band seems a bit unhealthy. There's one part of the book where she described people who don't like this one band as "not really into music," as if that's the only type of music there is. It seems like an unhealthy obsession.
She also really blames her husband for a lot, and doesn't seem to take much responsibility for the failures in her relationship. It seems a bit unbiased and one sided. Maybe just an excuse to start an affair without feeling as guilty?
The writing style left me a bit confused, and I felt a lot of the details were inappropriate. If I was an elementary school teacher, I wouldn't be talking that much about drugs, sex, and using swear words so liberally for no reason. Just doesn't seem like a good move.
I liked the part about her teaching in Korea and feeling homesick - that felt relatable. You may enjoy the book more if you're really into phish I guess. Maybe you'd like the cover too (which I find a a bit too psychedelic).
FYI - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read as an ebook.
April 9, 2025
Life is a trip and Rachael Wesley's debut, Second Set Chances, takes us on a very powerful and very personal journey. We experience the ups and downs, delivered with striking honesty and inextricably tied to our favorite jam band, Phish. The vibe of the scene, the shows, and the decades of music. It's all there, chronicled in beautiful prose that will hit a nostalgic chord and have you dialing up songs on Spotify during reading breaks.
Though we experience the collective joy drawn from Phish and Phamily, this is still a personal story. One that takes us down a road of heartbreak. To suggest relationships are hard is of course an understatement, and Rachael's account of her disintegrating marriage puts you firmly in those shoes. I'd describe the delivery as brutally honest. Few authors are willing to probe, let alone spill the details of such a difficult stretch of life.
For all the pain born of the journey, this remains an upbeat story, laced with moments of guerrilla wit sure to draw smiles. It’s a story of resolve. To hit bottom, to climb out, and to find love again.
Though we experience the collective joy drawn from Phish and Phamily, this is still a personal story. One that takes us down a road of heartbreak. To suggest relationships are hard is of course an understatement, and Rachael's account of her disintegrating marriage puts you firmly in those shoes. I'd describe the delivery as brutally honest. Few authors are willing to probe, let alone spill the details of such a difficult stretch of life.
For all the pain born of the journey, this remains an upbeat story, laced with moments of guerrilla wit sure to draw smiles. It’s a story of resolve. To hit bottom, to climb out, and to find love again.
May 9, 2025
Second Set Chances felt like having a conversation with a friend. The book reads as warm, real, and a little nostalgic in the best way. Rachael Wesley writes with a voice that’s easy to connect with.
There’s something so relatable in the way she captures the vibe of the scene and the quiet inner work of growing up, healing, and figuring out who you really are. And if you’ve ever came to a blatant understanding that you have to make a big change in your life, and then just so happened to reconnect with a college love—or even just wondered what it would be like if you did—this story will hit you right in the feels. It’s about timing, second chances, and trusting that some people are meant to circle back into your life when the moment’s right.
The characters felt like real people I could know. The emotional beats were honest, not overdone. And just like a second set ballad that sneaks up on you and leaves you a little misty-eyed, this book has that kind of emotional pull. It’s not just a story about love—it’s about coming home to yourself.
There’s something so relatable in the way she captures the vibe of the scene and the quiet inner work of growing up, healing, and figuring out who you really are. And if you’ve ever came to a blatant understanding that you have to make a big change in your life, and then just so happened to reconnect with a college love—or even just wondered what it would be like if you did—this story will hit you right in the feels. It’s about timing, second chances, and trusting that some people are meant to circle back into your life when the moment’s right.
The characters felt like real people I could know. The emotional beats were honest, not overdone. And just like a second set ballad that sneaks up on you and leaves you a little misty-eyed, this book has that kind of emotional pull. It’s not just a story about love—it’s about coming home to yourself.
May 12, 2025
I devoured this book in just a few days! Full disclosure, I'm a big Phish fan, so it was so gratifying to see my community reflected in Rachael's story. Her love of the band and music, what it feels like to dance together at a show, the magical syncronicities* in the Phish community, all of this drew me in. But I also loved how honest she was about the struggles in her marriage, her search for meaningful friendships, and her process of realizing she wanted to be child-free (I felt so seen!).
If you are a Phan, you'll love this book. If you don't know Phish, consider this compelling story of a woman working on building a fulfilling and happy life, and take all the Phishy stuff as an anthropological look into a wonderful subculture.
*One such magical synchronicity: I read this book in mid April, then traveled to L.A. to see Phish at Hollywood Bowl. There's thousands of people there, but who was sitting directly in front of me on Sunday night? The author of this book-Phish magic!
If you are a Phan, you'll love this book. If you don't know Phish, consider this compelling story of a woman working on building a fulfilling and happy life, and take all the Phishy stuff as an anthropological look into a wonderful subculture.
*One such magical synchronicity: I read this book in mid April, then traveled to L.A. to see Phish at Hollywood Bowl. There's thousands of people there, but who was sitting directly in front of me on Sunday night? The author of this book-Phish magic!
May 17, 2025
I was hooked from chapter one.
This is one of those books I just couldn’t put down. Part of that, of course, is that I’m a phan—and Rachel Wesley does an incredible job capturing the unique, deeply familiar world of what we swear is not a cult (but… maybe kind of is?). If you’re also in this not-a-cult, this is your book too.
But beyond the scene and the winks to those of us in it, Second Set Chances is a heartfelt, relatable story about those times in life when you know you need change—and how hard it is to face that truth and find your way forward. Rachel balances insight, humor, and emotional honesty so beautifully. Highly recommend.
This is one of those books I just couldn’t put down. Part of that, of course, is that I’m a phan—and Rachel Wesley does an incredible job capturing the unique, deeply familiar world of what we swear is not a cult (but… maybe kind of is?). If you’re also in this not-a-cult, this is your book too.
But beyond the scene and the winks to those of us in it, Second Set Chances is a heartfelt, relatable story about those times in life when you know you need change—and how hard it is to face that truth and find your way forward. Rachel balances insight, humor, and emotional honesty so beautifully. Highly recommend.
January 14, 2025
A relatable, instantly charming book! I finished reading it within a day, and found myself distracted trying to get anything else done. Rachael finds a way to describe her love for music (& the Phish scene in particular) that felt so familiar. While I have never seen the band perform live, I found myself listening to the live set from MSG in 2016 while I read this, smiling as I pictured dancing alongside my friends. The way that really spectacular music brings us together- so does Second Set Chances, and Rachael’s honest journey towards living her truth as a strong woman in the world.
February 19, 2025
This memoir is written with the reader in mind. Wesley does an amazing job allowing you to be included as a "fly on the wall" during this pivotal part of her life. You get to find out what happens in this brief, but life-changing, part of her life. Second Set Chances is an exciting glimpse into the author's heart, feelings, and intuitions. It is kind, honest and funny!
If you are a lover of music, you will admire Wesley's use of pop culture musical references. Definitely a great choice to bring on vacay or traveling to a Phish show!
Thanks for sharing your story!
If you are a lover of music, you will admire Wesley's use of pop culture musical references. Definitely a great choice to bring on vacay or traveling to a Phish show!
Thanks for sharing your story!
March 17, 2025
What a fantastic book! It's been a really long time since I have read a book that I really could feel the author's emotions just jump off the page. I love her incorporation of her love of Phish into the book. For Phish fans, it will make you feel at home with Rachael's descriptions of the music and her life within the community. For non-fans, it is an amazing way to weave the author's love of Phish into her life story. Being stuck...in location, a relationship, or job is something that everyone can identify with and you will root Rachel on from the get go!
May 17, 2025
This is a lovely and true story about how it's never too late to change course. We are never stuck. We just need to be open to life's serendipity and synchronicities. The universe is always speaking to us. We just have to listen and trust. This is a story about that.
And if you're a music fan and looking for a community, give this a read and consider coming to a Phish show. This book encapsulates a lot of what I love about the joy, fellowship, and friendship I have because of these four dudes from Vermont.
And if you're a music fan and looking for a community, give this a read and consider coming to a Phish show. This book encapsulates a lot of what I love about the joy, fellowship, and friendship I have because of these four dudes from Vermont.
February 11, 2025
Delighted to receive an ARC and did not have a difficult time diving into this incredible memoir. This book is a real page-turner and hard to put down. If you love Phish, you'll immediately connect with the story, as the band is prominently featured throughout. Even casual fans will find themselves drawn in. The main character’s journey keeps you hooked, making you constantly wonder how she’ll move forward in her life. You can’t help but root for her happiness, hoping she finds the love she so richly deserves. A great read from start to finish!
February 25, 2025
I received an ARC of Rachael Wesley's memoir and found it to be an enjoyable read. As a phan, as well as someone who lived and worked in South Korea teaching English to children, I found common ground with some of Wesley's life experiences and emotions. Some pages seemed to be ripped right from my own journals. In this way, I found Second Set Chances to be an exciting glimpse into Wesley's parallel life and the roller coaster she experienced as a result of the journey she chose.
June 8, 2025
Bold and honest, and very relatable (to me). As a book lover and Phish fan, I am happy to belong to the niche audience that will (likely) enjoy this book the most. It was so fun to read exactly what I too experience at a Phish show and keeps me coming back for more. The community and shared joy was pervasive throughout and balanced nicely with the heavier elements. Rachael is a great story-teller and I look forward to reading more!
January 31, 2025
Wow! This was such a good time reading this. It is so cool being in the author’s shoes during this time of her life. The Phish experience is so accurate, and I have not seen many authors ever capture that in a way that she dose. Soooooo recommend for men and women alike!
August 9, 2025
No spoiler alerts here
But if you’ve ever found yourself in a position where you question your choices, loyalty, and the right to live a happy life let Racheal’s journey give you hope, guidance and encouragement. Sometime the right choices are the hardest to make.
But if you’ve ever found yourself in a position where you question your choices, loyalty, and the right to live a happy life let Racheal’s journey give you hope, guidance and encouragement. Sometime the right choices are the hardest to make.
May 15, 2025
great read that a lot of people could relate too! Good luck Rachael! Joey B
August 11, 2025
Enjoyed her story and grappling with tough choices. It’s great to find a Phish-centric story that also pulls at the heartstrings. Kudos!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews