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All Over Again
Growing up is hard. You know this. And when your mother has X-ray eyes and dances like a wobbling bag of water? When your father’s idea of fun is to put all your money in a savings account and make you get up at 5 am every Sunday morning? When Kenny, Percival Thorton High’s big show-off, is after Christina Parker - your Christina Parker? And when you have a shrimp of a little sister who is the bawlingest little six year old girl in the whole of Riverland? Then growing up is something you not sure you can manage at all. Who in their right mind could? Who? You?
All Over Again is an enchanting coming of age story covering a year in the life of a young boy, as he makes the critical move from childhood and has to learn what it means to be a man, and that there is more to it than growing a beard and driving a car. He worries about disappointing his mother, loves but is often frustrated by his father, has to deal with constant harassment from his little sister, and is often thwarted by the high school know-it-all.
This endearing slice of boyhood is a remarkable, funny and often touching story that can resonate with young and old. Written as an episodic novel, All Over Again deals with several issues relevant to today’s youth. It touches on migration, the first blush of love, the tribulations of puberty and the ensuing joys and insecurities of youth all will exuberant humour and sensitivity. All Over Again is a great lens through which young adults, especially but not only young males, can explore some of the issues they grapple with.
Equally, adults can reflect on their own youth, or understand what the young people in their lives are going through. Rooted in over 30 years of theatre, prose and poetry performance writing, All over Again creates a novel that is linguistically exciting with a bold narrative style that pulls you into it.
The novel is the winner of the inaugural Burt Award for Caribbean Literature (2014).
All Over Again is an enchanting coming of age story covering a year in the life of a young boy, as he makes the critical move from childhood and has to learn what it means to be a man, and that there is more to it than growing a beard and driving a car. He worries about disappointing his mother, loves but is often frustrated by his father, has to deal with constant harassment from his little sister, and is often thwarted by the high school know-it-all.
This endearing slice of boyhood is a remarkable, funny and often touching story that can resonate with young and old. Written as an episodic novel, All Over Again deals with several issues relevant to today’s youth. It touches on migration, the first blush of love, the tribulations of puberty and the ensuing joys and insecurities of youth all will exuberant humour and sensitivity. All Over Again is a great lens through which young adults, especially but not only young males, can explore some of the issues they grapple with.
Equally, adults can reflect on their own youth, or understand what the young people in their lives are going through. Rooted in over 30 years of theatre, prose and poetry performance writing, All over Again creates a novel that is linguistically exciting with a bold narrative style that pulls you into it.
The novel is the winner of the inaugural Burt Award for Caribbean Literature (2014).
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First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 6, 2019
2.75 stars.
While I found the message of the book to be important and while I think that the main character's personal journey was admirable, I unfortunately found that the writing did not work for me. I'm not the target audience, for sure -- the 2nd person narration along with its repetitive nature did not jive with me. Definitely a book I appreciate, a book a see the value in, a book whose reverence is well deserved and one that would recommend, especially to young kinds, but ultimately not one I personally enjoyed a whole lot.
While I found the message of the book to be important and while I think that the main character's personal journey was admirable, I unfortunately found that the writing did not work for me. I'm not the target audience, for sure -- the 2nd person narration along with its repetitive nature did not jive with me. Definitely a book I appreciate, a book a see the value in, a book whose reverence is well deserved and one that would recommend, especially to young kinds, but ultimately not one I personally enjoyed a whole lot.
June 4, 2020
This book was a really fun read. The second person perspective is overwhelming and drew me into the story with the first sentence. I think that the narration was the greatest hook in this novel.
The novel seems to follow snippets in the life of an unnamed boy who lives with his parents and little sister Mary Janga. There relationship was the highlight of all the snippets. They are highly entertaining to read and his descriptions of her and the way she riles him up a wall is amazing. The climax of their relationship invovles them truly coming to terms with their sibling bond and mutual love for each other while also maintaining their mischievousness.
The focalizer is an extremely relatable character, which I think is in part due to the second person narration. The lack of name also allows the reader to project himself/herself into the story.
The novel seems to follow snippets in the life of an unnamed boy who lives with his parents and little sister Mary Janga. There relationship was the highlight of all the snippets. They are highly entertaining to read and his descriptions of her and the way she riles him up a wall is amazing. The climax of their relationship invovles them truly coming to terms with their sibling bond and mutual love for each other while also maintaining their mischievousness.
The focalizer is an extremely relatable character, which I think is in part due to the second person narration. The lack of name also allows the reader to project himself/herself into the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2015
All Over Again is one of those books that reminds you about what it was like to be a child. To have a pesky little sister, to live in a house where you thought the things your parents thought were strange and different and unreasonable...A fantastic novel with a strong, clear voice of a twelve year-old Caribbean youth. Indelible. An experience like no other...
December 31, 2023
A short episodic journey over two high school years of a pre-adolescent male set in the idyllic countryside of Jamaica. Big surprises sometimes come in small packages. This "novel" - less than 150 pages - was a genuine heart warming read. It would not surprise me if we were to find out that the author was influenced in her development by the 1970's US sitcom "Good Times." Many of the structural props in "Good Times" are present in "All Over Again" though refashioned in significant ways, e.g., the setting is very different (urban vs rural) and the fact that this is a novel about a family of four and not five as was the case with the Evans household in "Good Times", with the oldest child in the novel being the 12 year protagonist versus the late teenaged "JJ". The key similarities between the novel and the aforementioned sitcom are:
1) Strong father figure in the household of a blue collar family of African descent located in the western world (aka "the African diaspora");
2) Loving supporting mother who clearly has a strong romantic bond with her husband; and
3) Inter-family tensions portrayed are restricted primarily to mild barely-under-the-skin antipathy directed by the principal character to his younger sister (whose blissful cheerfulness he finds annoying) and his father (who he thinks has a penchant for "unreasonableness", confoundingly due to his Dad doing the things a responsible parent naturally would do, e.g., forbidding a 12 year old from driving an automobile!).
Each chapter - of which there are 12 - is a partially self-contained episode with most of the drama taking place either at home, in the broad open rural countryside or at the protagonist's high school. The book is entirely written in the voice of our 12 year old hero who is navigating the challenges posed by technological distractions, school work, the prepubescent awakening of interest in girls, plus the pressure of having to display to others your "manhood" by performing in sports and standing up to bullies (Dare I say it, that "All Over Again" would likely resonate with young readers who have an affection and affinity for books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series?)
As in the case of the Evans household in "Good Times", I found it refreshing to be absorbed in a fictional world where the male characters, all of African descent, were positive role models though possessing foibles and insecurities. For that reason "All Over Again" was a very good read for me. The author's writing style engages the reader in a lighthearted way, as such, there is humor to be found in the pages of this novel, but even more, we find uplifting visions of what Jamaica used to be (through the reminiscing of the main character's Grandfather) and what Jamaica could be (through the example of the protagonists' responsible and loving parents).
One can only hope that the creative telling of a uniquely charming story can be done "all over again' by Ms Simba Gegele.
1) Strong father figure in the household of a blue collar family of African descent located in the western world (aka "the African diaspora");
2) Loving supporting mother who clearly has a strong romantic bond with her husband; and
3) Inter-family tensions portrayed are restricted primarily to mild barely-under-the-skin antipathy directed by the principal character to his younger sister (whose blissful cheerfulness he finds annoying) and his father (who he thinks has a penchant for "unreasonableness", confoundingly due to his Dad doing the things a responsible parent naturally would do, e.g., forbidding a 12 year old from driving an automobile!).
Each chapter - of which there are 12 - is a partially self-contained episode with most of the drama taking place either at home, in the broad open rural countryside or at the protagonist's high school. The book is entirely written in the voice of our 12 year old hero who is navigating the challenges posed by technological distractions, school work, the prepubescent awakening of interest in girls, plus the pressure of having to display to others your "manhood" by performing in sports and standing up to bullies (Dare I say it, that "All Over Again" would likely resonate with young readers who have an affection and affinity for books in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series?)
As in the case of the Evans household in "Good Times", I found it refreshing to be absorbed in a fictional world where the male characters, all of African descent, were positive role models though possessing foibles and insecurities. For that reason "All Over Again" was a very good read for me. The author's writing style engages the reader in a lighthearted way, as such, there is humor to be found in the pages of this novel, but even more, we find uplifting visions of what Jamaica used to be (through the reminiscing of the main character's Grandfather) and what Jamaica could be (through the example of the protagonists' responsible and loving parents).
One can only hope that the creative telling of a uniquely charming story can be done "all over again' by Ms Simba Gegele.
January 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this, a slice of Caribbean child life. There are some relatable scenes, like if all of us as Caribbean children will go through these things, interfering with the car,as a little sibling- fighting up and annoying the older one :P, having an arch enemy who you compete with for everything at school, drinking Milo and really thinking it's for champions ><
Things we consider to be minor as adults really would have felt like crises as children. I do, my god, I do recall the trauma of having wet shoes in school, like a nightmare, not knowing what to do, how to get out of the situation.
His mum is amazing, and Delroy is that best friend, that level headed pardnah who always ready to help.
There are so many little pieces in this that hit like yes, boy that is really how it is. I do think the writing could have been a little tighter, but I can understand that it is a stylistic choice. Very good book, though.
Things we consider to be minor as adults really would have felt like crises as children. I do, my god, I do recall the trauma of having wet shoes in school, like a nightmare, not knowing what to do, how to get out of the situation.
His mum is amazing, and Delroy is that best friend, that level headed pardnah who always ready to help.
There are so many little pieces in this that hit like yes, boy that is really how it is. I do think the writing could have been a little tighter, but I can understand that it is a stylistic choice. Very good book, though.
November 12, 2025
I really think this book is such an enjoyment for those who live a good literary device. This book is populated with them and they are so well used for example when he described his mother's dancing as a wobbling bag of water. I liked the experience of a being a reader to this book because I felt like I was able to walk around and have the experiences of the narrator; it brought back childhood days for instance the feelings towards a town bully or returning home after not doing your best on an exam or the long winded lectures by parents or even grandfather where there is a deeper message who are twisting your brain to grasp and understand. It captures the essence in the transition to teenagers from child where you have these big feelings and feel small in your school or community even. It tells the tale of growth and repetition - where you finally get the hang of something only to face a new challenge. Definitely a must read.
January 11, 2019
Review after I've re-read.
October 19, 2022
Ottimo per ragazzi 12-13 anni
May 19, 2015
This book features the life of a 12 year old boy as he goes about his days, doing regular things. The catch is that so much of what adults may deem simple is totally disruptive to this poor child's life. It reminds me of the movie American Psycho ... without the killing.
At first I could not connect with the rhythm the book was written in, until I recognized that it was adding to the way the main character’s thoughts were playing out and it was appropriate for his age.
Nothing is insignificant to the boy. He breaks down everything, the simplest of things that happens to him throughout the book. I felt enlightened as to how complicated a child's presumably simply life can be.
The story is very well written and edit, one of the best Caribbean books I've read in a while. All Over Again is a good read and deserving winner of the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature in 2014.
At first I could not connect with the rhythm the book was written in, until I recognized that it was adding to the way the main character’s thoughts were playing out and it was appropriate for his age.
Nothing is insignificant to the boy. He breaks down everything, the simplest of things that happens to him throughout the book. I felt enlightened as to how complicated a child's presumably simply life can be.
The story is very well written and edit, one of the best Caribbean books I've read in a while. All Over Again is a good read and deserving winner of the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature in 2014.
June 22, 2018
This was a refreshing story of a young teen in high school (middle school for the 'mericans) and his journey in realising the more important things in life told in a Caribbean context. another second-person narrative, (a pleasant surprise,) this story was a perfect filler for the hole left from 'YOU'. At least from the first few chapters. It was nice to see familiar terms and to see familiar places I grew to know. The writing was very simple and made for easy reading without taking away from the weight of the story.
The main character is the focus of this story and his turn from irresponsible child to a young man with some business sense is slow and annoyed, but the supplemental lessons he (we) learn are well worth it. Overall a great Caribbean story, a great story in general. I would recommend anyone to read.
The main character is the focus of this story and his turn from irresponsible child to a young man with some business sense is slow and annoyed, but the supplemental lessons he (we) learn are well worth it. Overall a great Caribbean story, a great story in general. I would recommend anyone to read.
May 3, 2015
Review excerpt
"I particularly love that she touched on so many troubles/adventures/experiences that a growing young man could go through during that time in his life and the relationships he shared with those around him. The book has the potential to be relatable on many levels and across many age groups.
It waves the flag of ‘boy days’ high and I am sure either gender will find it nostalgic despite the fact that the book seems to be set in our current time. They had cell phones and ‘silver-grey Lincoln MKZ’s and NO marbles!"
Read the rest of this review on my blog at https://criticsmaylie.wordpress.com/2...
"I particularly love that she touched on so many troubles/adventures/experiences that a growing young man could go through during that time in his life and the relationships he shared with those around him. The book has the potential to be relatable on many levels and across many age groups.
It waves the flag of ‘boy days’ high and I am sure either gender will find it nostalgic despite the fact that the book seems to be set in our current time. They had cell phones and ‘silver-grey Lincoln MKZ’s and NO marbles!"
Read the rest of this review on my blog at https://criticsmaylie.wordpress.com/2...
November 6, 2014
Beautifully crafted story. This twelve-year-old boy has such an active imagination. What a mischief maker, simply colorful in character the reader will never forget long after reading. Ad-Ziko is a talented and creative writer we can all learn from. A must read for all ages.
June 18, 2015
" ...a fun coming of age story about a young boy growing up in Jamaica with his mother, father, grandfather and troublesome younger sister Mary Janga."
Read my review of this lovely book on my blog.
http://crossroadsofimagination.blogsp...
Read my review of this lovely book on my blog.
http://crossroadsofimagination.blogsp...
November 27, 2014
A beautiful narrative which took me straight to Jamaica.
June 27, 2016
Real feelings while growing up in a loving family.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews