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Cover of BEGIN AGAIN
4.64

Based on 14 Goodreads ratings

BEGIN AGAIN

by “Em”—a woman whom he struggles to recall but can’t. He and Tora survive in the wilderness by hunting, although they ultimately befriend a bear cub, whom Bjorn names Sild and who’s seemingly lost his mother. The woods are teeming with peculiarities, including a floating orb and an invisible presence that Bjorn consistently feels. Puzzling images inhabit his dreams, as well, including a recurring image of a house that he’s certain was once his. He vows to track it down, and Tora and Sild join him on his pilgrimage. What awaits Bjorn, though, are more questions: Is he who he appears to be, and what led him to that cabin in the woods in the first place? As the novel progresses, Maddox adds backstory, twists, and overt genre elements to the mix. Although the elucidation of Bjorn’s murky history treads familiar territory, this character\u002Ddriven tale, which includes flashbacks of Em, offers fresh takes on themes of devotion and retaining one’s identity. The best scenes unfold in the forest, where the author’s lyrical prose shines brightest: “The river was black with winter, the current cloying, haggard, pulling against the banks like an animal caught in a snare. Bjorn stood at its edge, his breath rising in pale plumes, his body still as frost\u002Dladen stone.” Throughout, a persistent moodiness prevails, escalating the suspense\u003B it often feels as if something is watching Bjorn, poised to strike. Overall, this is a tightly packed epic tale that smartly focuses on a personal journey of regaining a past and forging a future."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9798998676

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This powerful novel explores the complex journey of self-discovery and reinvention that defines the teenage years, following a protagonist who must rebuild their identity after a life-altering event ...

Our Review

This powerful novel explores the complex journey of self-discovery and reinvention that defines the teenage years, following a protagonist who must rebuild their identity after a life-altering event shatters their carefully constructed world. The narrative deftly handles themes of resilience and personal transformation as the main character navigates new relationships, confronts past mistakes, and questions everything they thought they knew about themselves. Through lyrical prose and authentic emotional depth, the story captures that pivotal moment when young people realize they have the power to rewrite their own stories rather than being defined by their circumstances. The book's exploration of starting over resonates with universal adolescent experiences of change and growth.

What makes this coming-of-age story particularly compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers or neat resolutions, instead honoring the messy, nonlinear process of personal evolution that characterizes authentic self-discovery. Teen readers will find themselves reflected in the protagonist's struggles with identity formation, social pressures, and the daunting task of building a new future from the ashes of old expectations. The novel's psychological insight and emotional honesty make it especially valuable for young adults navigating their own transitions, whether changing schools, confronting family dynamics, or simply figuring out who they want to become. This is the kind of book that stays with readers long after the final page, offering both comfort and inspiration for anyone facing the challenge of beginning again.

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