I picked this book up because it was my Goodread's Middle Grade book club’s choice for February. I have enjoyed every book I've read by Korman. He captures the middle grade voice and angst so well. The premise reminded me of Liane Moriaty's What Alice Forgot, and if you don't take it too seriously, you will enjoy it.
From Amazon:
Chase's memory just went out the window.
Chase doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. He doesn't, in fact, remember anything. He wakes up in a hospital room and suddenly has to learn his whole life all over again . . . starting with his own name.
He knows he's Chase. But who is Chase? When he gets back to school, he sees that different kids have very different reactions to his return.
Some kids treat him like a hero. Some kids are clearly afraid of him.
One girl in particular is so angry with him that she pours her frozen yogurt on his head the first chance she gets.
Pretty soon, it's not only a question of who Chase is--it's a question of who he was . . . and who he's going to be.
From the #1 bestselling author of Swindle and Slacker, Restart is the spectacular story of a kid with a messy past who has to figure out what it means to get a clean start.
What I liked:
1. Chase gets a second chance. While this plot point is a little unbelievable—most amnesia plots are—it was fun to watch Chase realize who he used to be and want to change.
2. Multiple POV. I’m not normally a fan of multiple POV, but it really worked well in this book. Hearing from the bullied characters built sympathy for them and showed us what Chase was like before.
3. Lots of humor. There was a really fun subplot about a boy obsessed with becoming a You Tube sensation. My son and I laughed ourselves silly over some of those chapters.
4. Redemption. What can I say? I love a good story where a character gets redeemed.
5. Pace. This was a fast-paced read that was hard to put down. Korman really knows what appeals to kids and gets inside their heads. He’s certainly popular at my house, and pacing is part of that.
What I didn’t like as much:
The jocks and the artsy students were a bit stereotypical. Not all jocks are jerks, and not all art students are nerds or bullied. And I couldn’t believe that the administration took the side of the jocks. But I did like how the Dad (a former jock) had some glimmers of change.
What do you think? Are jocks always the bullies and art students the bullied? Have you read any Gordon Korman? Let me know in the comments!
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I haven't read anything by Gordon Korman but this one sounds good except for the stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteI have read a lot of books by him and enjoyed them all. I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago at a children's book fair. I also read Restart and really enjoyed it. I like that Chase is given a second chance too. A lot of characters change and grow, which is nice. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I haven't read anything by Korman, but I do find this book very interesting. At first I thought this was a story about a kid with a brain injury, but is amnesia considered an injury? With brain injuries prevalent in young people who play sports, I was hoping that there was something more on the topic which is needed. But, it sounds like it really is about second chances -- and who wouldn't like to have a second chance to become a better version of who we are -- the past is over for Chase and he can make choices. I think this book would appeal to a lot of readers! Don't like the stereotypes -- anyone can be a bully or be bullied. Nice choice today!
ReplyDeleteI see all different types of personalities in kids no mater how they are labeled. I enjoyed this story when I read it last year and though not my favorite Korman book, it was still worth my time.
ReplyDeleteI like Gordon Korman and if my library ever opens I'll need to check this out. I get tired of the tropes too. Coincidentally, I read a romantic novel with a similar premise. It was a fast fun read. And what's not to like about second chances?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this one myself, but we picked it up at the Scholastic Warehouse Sale, and my son has read it more than once. I don't agree things are quite so stereotypical these days, but it's probably still a perception.
ReplyDeleteKorman is a master. We usually fear amnesia, but from a certain perch it is in fact a chance to re-do and move forward unencumbered.
ReplyDeleteAnd you know what? We need the humor.
I have liked everything I've read by Korman. I love that cover! Your review makes this sound like a lot of fun. Thanks for telling me about it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new-to-me author who I obviously need to read! The humor and pacing of this book sound appealing to me. Thanks for sharing this one with us for MMGM!
ReplyDeleteI read this awhile back and remembering liking it. I also like the second chance stuff and seeing the story through the eyes of a bully (who doesn't remember that he's a bully!)
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