Again, but Better: A Fresh Look at Second Chances

Introduction

Christine Riccio’s debut novel, Again, but Better, burst onto the young-adult scene with a promise all of us secretly crave: the chance to rewrite our own story. Blending contemporary romance with a pinch of magical realism, the book follows a shy college student who stumbles into a literal do-over of her semester abroad. Beyond its irresistible hook, the novel explores the anxieties of early adulthood, the courage it takes to step outside a comfort zone, and the power of self-reinvention.

Plot Summary

Shane Porter is a pre-med student at a New York university who feels as though her life is running on autopilot. Obsessed with writing and travel, she enrolls in a journalism-focused study-abroad program in London—without telling her demanding parents that she has switched majors. Determined to remedy the college experience she wishes she had, Shane makes a checklist: make friends, kiss a boy, and do something daring every day.

London quickly delivers on those goals. Shane bonds with her charismatic roommates, discovers hidden bookshops, and meets Pilot, a dreamy classmate whose own uncertainties mirror her own. Yet just when her newfound confidence begins to soar, secrets, missed signals, and family expectations derail her progress. An inexplicable twist of fate thrusts Shane and Pilot back in time to the start of the semester, giving them a second shot at making things right—only this time, they know exactly what went wrong.

The time-loop premise reinvigorates familiar coming-of-age beats. Readers watch Shane wrestle with ethical dilemmas: if you could fix your past, should you? What if your improvements sabotage someone else’s path? The story balances romantic tension with bigger questions about authenticity, agency, and the ripple effects of our choices.

Major Themes and Messages

1. Self-Discovery

At its heart, Again, but Better is a journey of personal awakening. Shane’s transformation from timid observer to proactive participant underscores the idea that growth requires risk. By pushing herself to socialize, pitch articles, and experience London without filters, she discovers talents and passions that had long been suppressed.

2. Second Chances and Redemption

The novel literalizes the metaphor of the fresh start. The magical reset is thrilling, but Riccio illustrates that do-overs come with strings attached; knowledge of the future can feel paralyzing, and perfection is impossible. Redemption, therefore, hinges not on erasing mistakes but on facing them honestly.

3. Family Expectations vs. Personal Passion

Shane’s hidden major switch speaks to countless students torn between parental approval and self-fulfillment. The conflict propels the narrative, forcing Shane to choose whether to live for others or for herself. Riccio’s treatment is empathetic, acknowledging the weight of familial love while championing individual dreams.

4. The Complexity of First Love

Pilot and Shane’s relationship is messy, imperfect, and emblematic of real-life crushes that bloom at inconvenient times. Their second attempt emphasizes communication and emotional honesty, framing love as an evolving partnership rather than a fairy-tale ending.

Main Characters

Shane Porter

Narrating with quirky humor and pop-culture references, Shane is instantly relatable. Her social anxiety, imposter syndrome, and desire to belong mirror the struggles of many readers navigating early adulthood.

Pilot Penn

Pilot is more than a romantic interest; he is a mirror reflecting Shane’s fears and hopes back at her. His own aspirations—music, travel, authenticity—are compromised by obligations, making him a nuanced counterpart.

Supporting Cast

Shane’s roommates—Sahala, Babe, and Atticus—inject vibrancy into the narrative, each embodying different flavors of ambition and self-expression. Their friendships anchor the story, illustrating that found family can be as formative as biological ties.

Writing Style and Tone

Christine Riccio, known in the YouTube book community as PolandBananasBooks, writes with infectious enthusiasm. Her prose is conversational, peppered with witty asides and vivid travel imagery. While some critics note occasional pacing bumps, especially in the first arc, the momentum surges once the time-travel element appears. London and Rome spring off the page: cramped cafés filled with clattering teacups, cobblestoned alleyways glowing under string lights, and ancient ruins that remind characters—and readers—of the impermanence of moments.

Target Audience and Reception

The novel primarily targets older teens and twenty-somethings grappling with transitional milestones—switching majors, taking gap years, or deciding between passion and practicality. Reviewers have praised its heartfelt depiction of social anxiety and its unfiltered portrayal of study-abroad exhilaration. Some readers have critiqued certain dialogue as overly colloquial, yet many celebrate the authenticity that comes from Riccio’s own experiences living abroad.

Commercially, Again, but Better debuted on bestseller lists and became a book club staple across social media platforms like Bookstagram and BookTok. The book’s popularity attests to the enduring allure of self-reinvention stories paired with wholesome romance.

Why You Should Read "Again, but Better"

If you have ever replayed a conversation in your head, wishing for a smarter comeback, or dreamed of choosing an entirely different career path, this novel speaks directly to you. Riccio’s upbeat storytelling offers comfort without glossing over the complexities of making brave choices. It is also a celebration of travel as a catalyst for growth—the bustling Tube stations, spontaneous weekend trips to Paris, and sunrise gondola rides remind readers that the world is large, inviting, and ready to be explored.

Moreover, the book fosters critical self-reflection. Shane’s second chance forces her to decide what actually makes her happy. Readers, by extension, are prompted to evaluate whether their own routines are intentional or accidental.

Tips for Getting Even More from the Story

Keep a Journal

Document your thoughts while reading. Note moments you would redo in your own life and how you might tackle them differently. This interactive approach deepens empathy for Shane and may inspire personal growth.

Create a Study-Abroad Bucket List

Use the novel as a springboard to research real locations cited in the book. Compile cafés, bookshops, and landmarks you’d like to visit, turning fiction into tangible travel goals.

Discuss with Friends

The moral quandaries in Again, but Better make it ideal for book clubs. Debate whether a perfect redo is possible, or whether imperfection is essential for maturity.

Conclusion

Again, but Better merges the universal wish for second chances with the relatable uncertainties of early adulthood. Through Shane’s charming, chaotic quest to live life on her own terms, Christine Riccio reminds readers that while we cannot literally rewind time, we can always choose to act differently today. For anyone standing at a crossroads—academic, romantic, or otherwise—this novel offers both a warm hug and a gentle push forward.