A review by aedavison
The Do-Over by Sharon M. Peterson

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A laugh-out-loud funny novel about starting over, taking chances, and personal growth.

Perci Mayfield is having a hell of a time. Her boyfriend breaks up with her over voicemail, she's stuck in a job she hates, and her mother is trying to run her life. Sick of feeling stuck, Perci vows to make some changes, to stop trying to please everyone else, and live for herself. Unfortunately, one little lie to get her mother off her back lands her with a fake boyfriend who just so happens to be her next-door neighbor and... Oh no, she might have caught feelings. 

Perci is a delightfully relatable character. I think we have all been stuck in life at some point and, at times, felt like we didn't measure up. The Do-Over has us sit with Perci and those feelings and takes the reader on a journey towards self-acceptance and joy in every aspect of life. 

I loved that Perci felt real and tangible—all of the characters did. Everyone was beautifully flawed. They were allowed to make mistakes, endure the consequences, and learn from them. 

Peterson's novel was brought to life by the wonderful and talented narrator, Elise Roth. Her voice truly embodied Perci and made a wonderful story even more perfect.

This novel has wonderful representation of a plus-sized character and deals with topics of body image and weight loss in a very realistic and gentle way.
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