Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
Hi, my name is Rya. I am a sophomore and I enjoy reading, swimming and traveling.
Shane has always been caught up in her parent’s high academic expectations, leaving her little time to fully enjoy her high school years. When she finally gets to college, Shane is determined to make up for all of the memories and experiences she missed out on. Pretending to be attending a medical program abroad, she flies to London to pursue her passion for creative writing.
Here, Shane’s life is just as she always imagined it. Weekend trips to Paris, late-night conversations with her newfound friends, and writing filling up her time. Shane even meets Pilot, with whom she begins to develop a romantic relationship. Everything is going perfectly, that is until Shane’s parents show up for a surprise visit, still under the impression that she is a dedicated medical student. When Shane’s cover is blown, she is devastated, as her parents are forcing her to return to America and become a doctor. She grudgingly pursues medical school for nearly a decade, until one day, by chance, she meets an oddly familiar person in a mysterious coffee shop, who gives her the opportunity of a second chance.
In this story, Shane got a second chance, but many of us do not. Again, But Better is a candid reminder of this truth, as well as an encouragement to seize the opportunities that we are gifted with. This simply written, yet captivating book about relationships, courage, and chances is definitely worth a read.
