erinlikesreading's review
5.0
Ahhhhhh! I love this story so much.
First of all, I adore pretty much everything Emma Lord writes I think. She write characters that are so comfortable to get to know. Characters I want to befriend.
So here’s what I loved:
First of all, I adore pretty much everything Emma Lord writes I think. She write characters that are so comfortable to get to know. Characters I want to befriend.
So here’s what I loved:
kiiora's review
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
gigi99's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nobookmark_noproblem's review against another edition
4.0
Begin Again by Emma Lord perfectly captures the transition to college and all the self growth and development that comes with it.
Based on the experience of the main character, Andie, as a transfer student to Blue Ridge during the second semester of freshman year to surprise her boyfriend, Connor. Only Connor does the same exact thing, and transfers to the local community college to be with Andie. While Andie could have immediately left Blue Ridge to be with Connor, there is so much more to Andie's reason to attend Blue Ridge, and it goes back to her mother, who was a Blue Ridge alumni and a legend for her creation of an underground radio station, which still exists today.
Andie's life story is complex, and I love how this allow the reader to see the main character as someone who faces a lot in life. It makes her easy to relate to, in my opinion. I was really drawn to Andie's character, and I found myself rooting for her as she navigated her first semester at Blue Ridge.
I strongly encourage this book for a young adult who is facing a big transition, such as going from high school to college. It was nice to read about a character with a non-traditional home life, as she was mostly raised by her two grandmothers.
I also really enjoyed the narrator, Georgina Sadler, and feel like her voice was perfect for Andie's character.
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Lord, MacMillan Audio for a copy of this audiobook!
Based on the experience of the main character, Andie, as a transfer student to Blue Ridge during the second semester of freshman year to surprise her boyfriend, Connor. Only Connor does the same exact thing, and transfers to the local community college to be with Andie. While Andie could have immediately left Blue Ridge to be with Connor, there is so much more to Andie's reason to attend Blue Ridge, and it goes back to her mother, who was a Blue Ridge alumni and a legend for her creation of an underground radio station, which still exists today.
Andie's life story is complex, and I love how this allow the reader to see the main character as someone who faces a lot in life. It makes her easy to relate to, in my opinion. I was really drawn to Andie's character, and I found myself rooting for her as she navigated her first semester at Blue Ridge.
I strongly encourage this book for a young adult who is facing a big transition, such as going from high school to college. It was nice to read about a character with a non-traditional home life, as she was mostly raised by her two grandmothers.
I also really enjoyed the narrator, Georgina Sadler, and feel like her voice was perfect for Andie's character.
Thank you to NetGalley, Emma Lord, MacMillan Audio for a copy of this audiobook!
a_ab's review
4.0
I was surprised to like this book as much as I did. It's full of cliches, which I fully expected, but most of them come with unexpectedly thoughtful nuances or twists.
Most importantly, the characters felt complex and believably wrapped up in their own issues, even while studiously trying to avoid said issues. I felt like the book captured the uncertainty and challenges of the characters' respective stages of life.
Most importantly, the characters felt complex and believably wrapped up in their own issues, even while studiously trying to avoid said issues. I felt like the book captured the uncertainty and challenges of the characters' respective stages of life.
carolineinthecardigan's review
4.0
At the beginning, I really wasn’t sure about this book. It started out very Disney Channel-esque. Over the top and a bit unrealistic. You still can’t convince me that two people in a relationship could have managed to transfer schools without the other knowing - that’s not an easy or short-lived task.
That being said, as the book progressed, it kept getting better and better! It was a little predictable at times, but I really didn’t mind. I’m not always a fan of characters that are chronic “fixers”, but I liked Andie quite a bit. She was more realistic and relatable, especially putting myself in the mind frame of an 18 year old girl.
I think if I listened to this book when I was in high school, I would’ve been obsessed. At 25, it didn’t resonate with me quite as much as it might have ten years ago. While it wasn’t necessarily life changing at this point, I quite enjoyed this audiobook and hope it’s met with success!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/ for the ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
That being said, as the book progressed, it kept getting better and better! It was a little predictable at times, but I really didn’t mind. I’m not always a fan of characters that are chronic “fixers”, but I liked Andie quite a bit. She was more realistic and relatable, especially putting myself in the mind frame of an 18 year old girl.
I think if I listened to this book when I was in high school, I would’ve been obsessed. At 25, it didn’t resonate with me quite as much as it might have ten years ago. While it wasn’t necessarily life changing at this point, I quite enjoyed this audiobook and hope it’s met with success!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio/ for the ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
zluvsreading's review
5.0
— 4.8 stars ✮
I loved all the little themes and lessons thrown in here oh my god. Connor being in 80% of this book annoyed the hell out of me but Milo being in 100% of it made up for that. Also, Shay and Valeria?? So cute!!
I loved all the little themes and lessons thrown in here oh my god. Connor being in 80% of this book annoyed the hell out of me but Milo being in 100% of it made up for that. Also, Shay and Valeria?? So cute!!
sophiaeve's review
this was pretty cute, fun college story. somethings were a little annoying but overall it was just a standard but fun story.
catbooklover's review
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5