Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Goldbeck’s debut is a work of art, just like the film it plays homage to. 

 

“You, Again” follows Josh, a hopeless romantic, and Ari, a commitment-phobe, who first meet after learning that they are both sleeping with the same woman. The wrong kind of sparks fly and the two are not eager to cross paths again. But years later, as they’re both nursing breakups and heartache, a chance encounter leads to friendship. Before they know it the lines of their platonic relationship begin to blur. 

 

It is no secret that this novel is a “When Harry Met Sally” retelling and I am totally here for it! Like the film, Goldbeck’s timeline jumps forward, capturing the pair’s chance encounters and most pivotal moments. I like how these moments are not only comprised of their highest points in life, but also their lowest points. Goldbeck is also intentional in leaving out any mundane details that will overwhelm the reader as she guides them through a large span of time, which I appreciated.  

 

Just as we are able to get glimpses of both Harry and Sally’s thoughts and feelings in the film, each chapter of the book alternates between Josh and Ari’s perspectives. I loved reading from both points-of-view because they exposed me to their raw emotions, making me emotional in turn when they came to the realization that they were right for each other at the wrong time. It hit me so hard because I became fully invested in their development from enemies to friends to lovers and only wanted them to get their happily ever after. 

 

Goldbeck is certainly one to watch in the romance space! I look forward to reading what she puts out next!