Reviews

Begin Again by Emma Lord

bekrry's review against another edition

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2.0

i’d give it 2.5 stars probably, just did not like this very much, the passage of time was weird and the way that the college experience was described felt like it was from a fanfic written by a high schooler…

after reading other reviews, i learned that this was indeed a YA novel which makes sense and would’ve changed how i read it, but was still cringey

lexis_nook's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sherwoodreads's review against another edition

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I read romances in the middle of the night when the insomnia won't let me sleep. I want banter and fluff and wit and a happy ending. Sometimes a romance will sneak in more serious subjects, which I appreciate when blended well.

That's the case here. I really admired Lord's skill in presenting a character that ordinarily would have irked the foo out of me--a twinkly go-getter who is hyper-super organized, and who pushes people into activities for their own good. But Andie, our heroine, is so appealing, so good-hearted in her fervent rush to overplan every aspect of her life as she tries to follow in her beloved (deceased) mother's footsteps as closely as she can. Even, though, as we slowly learn, they were two very, very different people.

Andie has been dating Connor since they were kids, and their lives are all planned out, right? Except Andie's one surprise--getting into the college that Connor is going to, mid-semester transfer--backfires when they contact each other on the first day to discover that his surprise was to transfer to the junior college she had been at.

At first Andie is overwhelmed, for in addition to a serious study load she has to do work-study to cover the high cost of tuition, but one by one she takes on these tasks, and makes friends while at it. Beginning with tall, lanky Milo, her dorm floor's RA, who is addicted to coffee.

Watching Andie get to know people, grow, and change, as her relationships evolve, was a quiet pleasure. This romantic novel maintained its delicate balance between romantic sweetness and some fairly serious subjects, including grief, with such skill. By the end I was totally in love with Andie--even if I would probably run the other way if I met her in real life!

readinabyss's review against another edition

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2.0

it was fine but nothing really stood out to me to make it memorable..
2.5

cbrown_3's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

keyarafroze's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

luvsierra's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

thestorysofus's review against another edition

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4.0

very cute! loved all the friendships in this and milo and andie are adorable <3

saloniporwal's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a lovely book with all the elements I was looking for. Lovable characters, back story, fun moments, family drama, new friends, scenic descriptions, and so much more.

Emma Lord is a talented writer with mind blowing ideas, seemingly executed with perfect ease. I loved how Begin Again was mainly a romance with drama and humor, but the hints of suspense and anticipation really keep me hooked.

I think she did a great job of tying up every fragment of backstory into the present with no lose ends.

The audiobook takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and joy, for which Georgina Sadler is the best guide, giving voice to these characters.

4 starts! Highly recommend

Big thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the complimentary e-ALC in exchange for my honest review.

haley49's review against another edition

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4.25

Cute character driven coming of age story. Not a romance though