Review: Begin Again by Emma Lord (Spoiler-Free)

~ Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review. RELEASE DATE: January 24 ~

'You need to decide what's important to you, or then nothing is important. You understand?'

Emma Lord writes such lovely contemporaries. This is my third of her books and I think it's my second favorite! (Tweet Cute being my all-time fave).

Besides the fact that Emma Lord wrote this book, I requested an early copy for one main reason: IT TAKES PLACE IN COLLEGE!! I'm so glad this is becoming more common, especially in YA, so I had to get my hands this one. And, unsurprisingly, the fact that it took place in college ended up being my favorite element.

This book has a lot to offer—insight on parental issues, grief, long-distance relationships, co-dependency, and more. I think going in, readers should know this is NOT a romance. Yes, there is romance involved and a happy ending, but there are probably only like two romantic scenes. This is a contemporary novel about a girl's first year at college, and I really appreciate that.

I think this book would be incredibly healing for anyone going through similar issues as the main character, Andie. And even if you don't relate to all of them, anyone who is starting college or about to would find this extremely comforting and relatable.

I'm obsessed with the friend group at the heart of this novel, and while I didn't get to experience that in college (mainly because of COVID, ew), it made me even more excited for my upcoming study abroad experience! I'm hoping it'll be a built-in way to... you guessed it... begin again. ;)