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Restart
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.
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.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2017
About the author
Gordon Korman
235 books3,721 followersKorman wrote his first book, "This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall", when he was 12 years old, for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English. He later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in "The Sixth Grade Nickname Game", wherein Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.
Korman moved to New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he met his future wife; they now live in Long Island with their three children.
He has published more than 50 books.
Korman moved to New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he met his future wife; they now live in Long Island with their three children.
He has published more than 50 books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,399 reviews
December 14, 2018
First this is a youth book...YA. But (and looking at my raring I think this may not surprise you) my simple recommendation is:
Read this book, it's good.
While young Adults can read this book and get a lot, so can adults. What you get here is a good story/plot some great story-telling and a nice lesson oriented tale that doesn't get preachy and holds the interest from start to finish.
Chase is a football star, as a matter of fact Chase is an all round sports star. MVP of his team which he led to victory in the state championship "last year" (the first time the school has won state since Chase's dad led them there years ago). Chase is big man on campus (in his Middle School the book opens the summer before Chase starts his 8th grade year). Yes Chase is the boy in his school that everyone wants to be...
Of course he's also the worst, most cruel bully you've ever met. He actually persecuted one young man (from the video and music "area") out of town. If you looked up Bully or jerk in the dictionary you'd see Chase's picture...
Or you would have...but then this summer Chase fell off his roof, concussed himself, went into a coma, and woke up with no memory of his life before the fall.
And as he begins to discover who he is...or was he really isn't all that, well chuffed with himself or his choice in friends.
This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. Enjoy.
Read this book, it's good.
While young Adults can read this book and get a lot, so can adults. What you get here is a good story/plot some great story-telling and a nice lesson oriented tale that doesn't get preachy and holds the interest from start to finish.
Chase is a football star, as a matter of fact Chase is an all round sports star. MVP of his team which he led to victory in the state championship "last year" (the first time the school has won state since Chase's dad led them there years ago). Chase is big man on campus (in his Middle School the book opens the summer before Chase starts his 8th grade year). Yes Chase is the boy in his school that everyone wants to be...
Of course he's also the worst, most cruel bully you've ever met. He actually persecuted one young man (from the video and music "area") out of town. If you looked up Bully or jerk in the dictionary you'd see Chase's picture...
Or you would have...but then this summer Chase fell off his roof, concussed himself, went into a coma, and woke up with no memory of his life before the fall.
And as he begins to discover who he is...or was he really isn't all that, well chuffed with himself or his choice in friends.
This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. Enjoy.
January 10, 2019
I made my 8 yr old son read this first. I enjoyed hearing him talk about the book and describing to me the scenes and the jerks involved in the story. So of course I had to read it. Chase's fall from the roof gives him amnesia. He can't remember his mom, dad, friends or social life. Everyone around him walks on egg shells. He doesn't get it until the puzzle pcs come together. Chase was also a football player that was allowed to behave as a bully without repercussions because he was the star. His parents also didn't seem to stop his behavior. This part seems true to life as of now.
It is a book about a bully and ex-new-friends and a kind of luck that can hopefully give him a new beginning minus the old friends. It shows you don't have to be a horrible person to others to feel good about yourself. Treat others with respect and give them the dignity they deserve. I liked that it wasn't a dark story where the victim ends up shooting others or killing themselves. It was a nice light read.
If my son took away empathy and doing the right thing over being popular then this is an amazing book. Glad that topics like this are addressed to the young adults....
It is a book about a bully and ex-new-friends and a kind of luck that can hopefully give him a new beginning minus the old friends. It shows you don't have to be a horrible person to others to feel good about yourself. Treat others with respect and give them the dignity they deserve. I liked that it wasn't a dark story where the victim ends up shooting others or killing themselves. It was a nice light read.
If my son took away empathy and doing the right thing over being popular then this is an amazing book. Glad that topics like this are addressed to the young adults....
July 29, 2019
تصور کنید چشماتون رو در بیمارستان بازکنید و هیچ چیزی رو به یاد نیارید.هیچ کس،هیچ کجا، و هیچ خاطره ای
این داستان این کتابه ،داستان نوجوان سیزده ساله ای به نام چیس آمبر که بر اثر سقوط از پنجره اتاقش حافظه اش رو از دست داده و حالا هم باید با اطرافیانی که هیچ کدوم رو به یاد نمیاره کنار بیاد ، دوباره ارتباط برقرار کنه و بفهمه چرا بعضی از بچه های مدرسه ازش میترسند و باید سعی کنه حافظه اش رو به دست بیاره تا بتونه خودش رو بشناسه
ایده داستان ، ایده ی قشنگیه ولی خوب پرداخته نشده تعجبی هم نداره البته ، نویسنده این کتاب رو برای بچه های همسن آمبر نوشته شاید اگه برای هفده هجده ساله ها نوشته می شد می تونست به مراتب کتاب بهتری باشه
این داستان این کتابه ،داستان نوجوان سیزده ساله ای به نام چیس آمبر که بر اثر سقوط از پنجره اتاقش حافظه اش رو از دست داده و حالا هم باید با اطرافیانی که هیچ کدوم رو به یاد نمیاره کنار بیاد ، دوباره ارتباط برقرار کنه و بفهمه چرا بعضی از بچه های مدرسه ازش میترسند و باید سعی کنه حافظه اش رو به دست بیاره تا بتونه خودش رو بشناسه
When i got amnesia, i lost thirteen years of myself. i have to replace those memories using what i can pick up from other people but everyone has a slightly different version of me. mom, dad, my friends, the kids at school, even frozen yogurt girl. For all i know, the lunch ladies know me better than anyone else.
who should i believe?
ایده داستان ، ایده ی قشنگیه ولی خوب پرداخته نشده تعجبی هم نداره البته ، نویسنده این کتاب رو برای بچه های همسن آمبر نوشته شاید اگه برای هفده هجده ساله ها نوشته می شد می تونست به مراتب کتاب بهتری باشه
August 11, 2022
দারুণ, দারুণ একটা বই!!
বয়স বহু আগেই ত্রিশ পার হয়ে গেলেও আমি গোগ্রাসে শিশুকিশোর সাহিত্য পড়ি। বড়দের ভালো কোনো বইয়ের খোঁজ পেলে পড়তে সময় লাগে কিন্তু ছোটদের বইয়ের বেলায় ঘটনা উল্টো। ভালো শুনলেই হামলে পড়ি। রিজওয়ান খলিল ভাইয়ের রিভিউতে "রিস্টার্ট " এর উচ্ছ্বসিত প্রশংসা শুনে বইটা সাততাড়াতাড়ি পড়ে ফেললাম।
নায়ক চেজ এমব্রোস ছাদ থেকে পড়ে যেয়ে স্মৃতি হারিয়ে ফেলেছে - তার নতুন জীবন আর পুরনো জীবনের দ্বন্দ্ব, সে যা ছিলো আর সে যা হতে চায় তার মধ্যকার টানাপোড়েন নিয়েই মূলত বইয়ের আখ্যানভাগ রচিত। আমেরিকান ইয়ং এডাল্ট বা মিডল গ্রেডের জন্য লেখা বইগুলোতে কিছু কমন ট্রোপ থাকে।এগুলোকে ব্যবহার করেই লেখক এমনভাবে ঘটনা সাজিয়েছেন যাতে আমরা পাতার পর পাতা উলটে যেতে বাধ্য থাকি। এ বইতে সম্ভবত একটাও অপ্রয়োজনীয় বাক্য নেই। ঘটনাবহুল, চরিত্রগুলো জীবন্ত আর অল্পবিস্তর সহজ টুইস্ট লেখক মোক্ষম সব সময়ে প্রয়োগ করে দারুণ উত্তেজনার সঞ্চার করেছেন। আর শেষটা এতো সুন্দর!! মন ভালো হয়ে যেতে বাধ্য।
(আর ইদানিং আমার কিঞ্চিৎ সমস্যা হয়েছে।
অল্পবিস্তর আবেগী ঘটনাতেই চোখে পানি এসে পড়ছে! কি মুশকিল!)
বয়স বহু আগেই ত্রিশ পার হয়ে গেলেও আমি গোগ্রাসে শিশুকিশোর সাহিত্য পড়ি। বড়দের ভালো কোনো বইয়ের খোঁজ পেলে পড়তে সময় লাগে কিন্তু ছোটদের বইয়ের বেলায় ঘটনা উল্টো। ভালো শুনলেই হামলে পড়ি। রিজওয়ান খলিল ভাইয়ের রিভিউতে "রিস্টার্ট " এর উচ্ছ্বসিত প্রশংসা শুনে বইটা সাততাড়াতাড়ি পড়ে ফেললাম।
নায়ক চেজ এমব্রোস ছাদ থেকে পড়ে যেয়ে স্মৃতি হারিয়ে ফেলেছে - তার নতুন জীবন আর পুরনো জীবনের দ্বন্দ্ব, সে যা ছিলো আর সে যা হতে চায় তার মধ্যকার টানাপোড়েন নিয়েই মূলত বইয়ের আখ্যানভাগ রচিত। আমেরিকান ইয়ং এডাল্ট বা মিডল গ্রেডের জন্য লেখা বইগুলোতে কিছু কমন ট্রোপ থাকে।এগুলোকে ব্যবহার করেই লেখক এমনভাবে ঘটনা সাজিয়েছেন যাতে আমরা পাতার পর পাতা উলটে যেতে বাধ্য থাকি। এ বইতে সম্ভবত একটাও অপ্রয়োজনীয় বাক্য নেই। ঘটনাবহুল, চরিত্রগুলো জীবন্ত আর অল্পবিস্তর সহজ টুইস্ট লেখক মোক্ষম সব সময়ে প্রয়োগ করে দারুণ উত্তেজনার সঞ্চার করেছেন। আর শেষটা এতো সুন্দর!! মন ভালো হয়ে যেতে বাধ্য।
(আর ইদানিং আমার কিঞ্চিৎ সমস্যা হয়েছে।
অল্পবিস্তর আবেগী ঘটনাতেই চোখে পানি এসে পড়ছে! কি মুশকিল!)
June 16, 2017
As a high schooler, I generally think Gordon Korman, while excellent, is too juvenile of a writer for me to seriously enjoy at this point. So when my ten-year-old sister raved about it and incessantly recommended it to me, I was very skeptical. However, this book pleasantly surprised me. It took on a lot of tough topics like bullying, injury, and self-image, while simultaneously keeping it light hearted. Plus, there were enough twists to keep it interesting for even a mature reader, yet it still wasn't too much for a younger reader. It struck the perfect balance. It was a wonderfully written children's book, and I will definitely be less cynical when it comes to Korman's books in the future.
December 24, 2018
Once upon a time, I wrote super detailed notes about how much I loved this book and why. Then one day… I lost them. The bittersweet ending is that I’ve decided to write a mini review from what I remember… *grins sheepishly*
This book was a surprise. I loved the cover, the concept, and a review I’d read of it. And I ended up very much enjoying the book itself. ;)
Thoughts…
-Sometimes taking a second chance is harder than giving one.
-Getting to step back from your life and have some perspective on it is a huge gift.
-Amnesia is hard, wow.
-Chase was a cool character. I really felt for him and was really rooting for him to choose the right way as more and more of his past life came out. He had me worried and proud and invested all at the same time. ;) I loved what happened with him.
-Um, so… Brendan. Man, I love that kid. Zany and loyal.
-Shannon’s bitterness and reactions were so well done.
-Come to think of it, everyone was really well done, even the villains. That’s what made this book so good.
-And the themes. ;)
-The mystery of the little girl was awesome.
-Also, the Frank Capra-ish ending. *sniffs*
Just a note, this book did include some very negative attitudes and traumatic bullying. Also, there were some fractured family relationships, slang/redacted language, and maybe three (?) blasphemies.
Anyway, it was a great book, and I want to join their videographer club now. ;)
And if you need more convincing or a longer review to read, check out JonathanT’s review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). His is the one that convinced me to try this. ;)
This book was a surprise. I loved the cover, the concept, and a review I’d read of it. And I ended up very much enjoying the book itself. ;)
Thoughts…
-Sometimes taking a second chance is harder than giving one.
-Getting to step back from your life and have some perspective on it is a huge gift.
-Amnesia is hard, wow.
-Chase was a cool character. I really felt for him and was really rooting for him to choose the right way as more and more of his past life came out. He had me worried and proud and invested all at the same time. ;) I loved what happened with him.
-Um, so… Brendan. Man, I love that kid. Zany and loyal.
-Shannon’s bitterness and reactions were so well done.
-Come to think of it, everyone was really well done, even the villains. That’s what made this book so good.
-And the themes. ;)
-The mystery of the little girl was awesome.
-Also, the Frank Capra-ish ending. *sniffs*
Just a note, this book did include some very negative attitudes and traumatic bullying. Also, there were some fractured family relationships, slang/redacted language, and maybe three (?) blasphemies.
Anyway, it was a great book, and I want to join their videographer club now. ;)
And if you need more convincing or a longer review to read, check out JonathanT’s review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). His is the one that convinced me to try this. ;)
July 4, 2021
Restart poses the answer to a question I'm almost certain we've all asked ourselves at one point or another: what would you do if you were given a second chance?
Chase Ambrose used to be the most popular kid at school, with loads of sports achievements and a reputation that frequently sent other kids running in the opposite direction. That is, until he fell off of his roof, and lost all of his memories.
What follows is a compelling tale of how Chase learns to come to terms with who he was prior to the accident, making amends with the people he had hurt, and coming to the realization that he isn't doomed to behave one way or another based off of his past behavior.
The characters were, for the most part, fleshed out pretty well, Chase most of all (obviously lmao). That being said, I did feel that some of the characters were only inserted into the story so that certain events could happen, or didn't really serve any purpose to the story, Kimberly most of all.
There isn't much more for me to say. The book overall deals with a lot of important issues that many kids experience but are never really addressed, which makes it a perfect middle-grade book. Apart from that, I've always enjoyed Korman's books and this wasn't much an exception.
Chase Ambrose used to be the most popular kid at school, with loads of sports achievements and a reputation that frequently sent other kids running in the opposite direction. That is, until he fell off of his roof, and lost all of his memories.
What follows is a compelling tale of how Chase learns to come to terms with who he was prior to the accident, making amends with the people he had hurt, and coming to the realization that he isn't doomed to behave one way or another based off of his past behavior.
The characters were, for the most part, fleshed out pretty well, Chase most of all (obviously lmao). That being said, I did feel that some of the characters were only inserted into the story so that certain events could happen, or didn't really serve any purpose to the story, Kimberly most of all.
There isn't much more for me to say. The book overall deals with a lot of important issues that many kids experience but are never really addressed, which makes it a perfect middle-grade book. Apart from that, I've always enjoyed Korman's books and this wasn't much an exception.
July 17, 2017
all about second chances & how in the end its always our choice who & what we want to be.
April 26, 2020
/4.5 stars/
I love this book so so so so much.
I’ll probably write a review later
I love this book so so so so much.
I’ll probably write a review later
August 8, 2022
আমার বয়সটা কোনভাবেই মিডল-গ্রেড বই পড়ার না, কিন্তু আমি পড়ি। প্রথমত, আমার ��াল লাগে বাচ্চাদের কাজকারবার (যদিও আজকালকার বাচ্চাদের একটু ইঁচড়েপাকা লাগে আমার), আর দ্বিতীয়ত, আমার নিজের দু'টো বাচ্চা আছে, বড়টার বয়স ৮ বছর, কাজেই তাকে সাথে নিয়ে পড়া হয়। তাছাড়া আজকালকার বাচ্চাকাচ্চার চিন্তাভাবনা কাজকারবার কোনদিকে যাচ্ছে প্যারেন্ট হিসেবে সেটার খানিকটা আঁচও পাওয়া যায়। কাজেই আমি গুডরিডসে নিয়মিত চোখ রাখি একদম শিশু থেকে মিডল গ্রেড বা ইয়াং অ্যাডাল্টদের কি বই বের হচ্ছে সেদিকে। ইংরেজি বইগুলোর অনেকগুলো যদিও আমার ধারণার সাথে মেলে না; আমার কাছে মনে হয় বিদেশি বাচ্চারা (কে জানে, আমি হয়তো ব্যাকডেটেড, বাংলাদেশের বাচ্চারাও হতে পারে) কিছু দিক দিয়ে বড় বেশি ম্যাচ্যুরড; পৃথিবীর এত কঠিন বাস্তবতা এখনো না জানলেও চলবে। ব্যক্তিগত ধারণা, অবশ্যই। ভাগ্যক্রমে, গুডরিডসে বাচ্চাদের বই পড়াবুড়ো খোকা বেশ কয়েকজন আছে, রিজওয়ান তাদেরই একজন। কাজেই সে যখন গর্ডন করম্যানের 'রিস্টার্ট'-এ ৫ তারা দাগালো, নামিয়ে পড়তে বসতেই হলো। রিজওয়ান রেটিং দেয়ার বেলায় উদার, কিন্তু এ বইটায় আমিও ৪ তারা দাগাবো।
কেন? স্পয়লার অ্যালার্ট--আমি হ্যাপি এন্ডিং পছন্দ করি। দিনশেষে কেউ মরবে-টরবে না বা অহেতুক স্যাক্রিফাইস করে মন-মেজাজ বিগড়ে দেবে না, মিডল গ্রেড হিসাবে এমন বই-ই আমার পছন্দ। অবশ্যই বাস্তব দুনিয়া মোটেই এমন নয়, কিন্তু সারাক্ষণ বাস্তবের সাথে ডিল করতে ভাল্লাগে না, সেজন্যই কিশোরদের বই নিয়ে বসা, সেখানেও বাস্তব যদি মুলো দেখায় তাহলে কিভাবে হয়? কাজেই, শুভ সমাপ্তি আবশ্যক। আর এই বইটা, অনেক অর্থেই, আমাদের কিশোর বয়সে পড়া কিশোর অ্যাডভেণ্ঞ্চার বইগুলোর (এখানে মোটেই অ্যাডভেঞ্চার নেই কিন্তু) চরিত্রগুলোর সাথে মিলে যায়, এজন্য বইটা আরো পছন্দ হয়েছে। মিডল স্কুলের সবচেয়ে বড় বুলি চেইজ অ্যামব্রোজ বাসার ছাদ থেকে পড়ে গিয়ে স্মৃতি হারিয়ে ফেলে। জেগে ওঠার পর সে আর কিছুই মনে করতে পারে না, তবে স্কুলে পা রাখার সাথে সাথেই বুঝতে পারে যে, সে কেমন ভয়ঙ্কর চিড়িয়া ছিল। ছেলেমেয়েরা তাকে দেখলেই ছিটকে সরে গিয়ে রাস্তা করে দিচ্ছে, এতটাই ভয়ঙ্কর। প্রশ্ন হলো, এবার সে কোন পথে যাবে?
যারা মিডল-গ্রেড ফিল-গুড হ্যাপি-এন্ডিং গল্প পড়তে পছন্দ করেন আমার মত, তাদের জন্য অবশ্যপাঠ্য।
পুনশ্চঃ বইটার বড় সুবিধা, অহেতুক লাইনের পর লাইন লিখে, ইন্ট্রোস্পেক্টিভের নামে পাতার পর পাতা না ভরিয়ে, ২৫০ পৃষ্ঠার মাঝেই শেষ করা হয়েছে, জাস্ট পারফেক্ট লেংথ। এজন্যও লেখকের ধন্যবাদ প্রাপ্য।
কেন? স্পয়লার অ্যালার্ট--আমি হ্যাপি এন্ডিং পছন্দ করি। দিনশেষে কেউ মরবে-টরবে না বা অহেতুক স্যাক্রিফাইস করে মন-মেজাজ বিগড়ে দেবে না, মিডল গ্রেড হিসাবে এমন বই-ই আমার পছন্দ। অবশ্যই বাস্তব দুনিয়া মোটেই এমন নয়, কিন্তু সারাক্ষণ বাস্তবের সাথে ডিল করতে ভাল্লাগে না, সেজন্যই কিশোরদের বই নিয়ে বসা, সেখানেও বাস্তব যদি মুলো দেখায় তাহলে কিভাবে হয়? কাজেই, শুভ সমাপ্তি আবশ্যক। আর এই বইটা, অনেক অর্থেই, আমাদের কিশোর বয়সে পড়া কিশোর অ্যাডভেণ্ঞ্চার বইগুলোর (এখানে মোটেই অ্যাডভেঞ্চার নেই কিন্তু) চরিত্রগুলোর সাথে মিলে যায়, এজন্য বইটা আরো পছন্দ হয়েছে। মিডল স্কুলের সবচেয়ে বড় বুলি চেইজ অ্যামব্রোজ বাসার ছাদ থেকে পড়ে গিয়ে স্মৃতি হারিয়ে ফেলে। জেগে ওঠার পর সে আর কিছুই মনে করতে পারে না, তবে স্কুলে পা রাখার সাথে সাথেই বুঝতে পারে যে, সে কেমন ভয়ঙ্কর চিড়িয়া ছিল। ছেলেমেয়েরা তাকে দেখলেই ছিটকে সরে গিয়ে রাস্তা করে দিচ্ছে, এতটাই ভয়ঙ্কর। প্রশ্ন হলো, এবার সে কোন পথে যাবে?
যারা মিডল-গ্রেড ফিল-গুড হ্যাপি-এন্ডিং গল্প পড়তে পছন্দ করেন আমার মত, তাদের জন্য অবশ্যপাঠ্য।
পুনশ্চঃ বইটার বড় সুবিধা, অহেতুক লাইনের পর লাইন লিখে, ইন্ট্রোস্পেক্টিভের নামে পাতার পর পাতা না ভরিয়ে, ২৫০ পৃষ্ঠার মাঝেই শেষ করা হয়েছে, জাস্ট পারফেক্ট লেংথ। এজন্যও লেখকের ধন্যবাদ প্রাপ্য।
March 29, 2022
I enjoyed this book as much the second time as I did the first! I just adore the concept! It's fun, it's interesting, and it's so heartfelt! Just the fact that Chase can't remember anything...nothing about who used to be and the shock that comes from learning about his past. Man, this makes me want to write a book where a character forgets who he is...like really makes me want to do that! I'm not sure why I love this concept so much but I do!
Overall, this is just a really fun read! I highly recommend! (Especially if your like me and are intrigued by stories where the character can't remember who he is)
Overall, this is just a really fun read! I highly recommend! (Especially if your like me and are intrigued by stories where the character can't remember who he is)
November 3, 2017
What would it be like to start over? What if you were a bully extraordinaire and everyone was scared to face you in the school hall? What if you were a talented football star who suddenly is forced to stand on the sidelines and watch your friends play without you? All this, and
MORE
happens to Chase Ambrose.
During one of his outrageous escapades, he falls off the roof of his house and suffers injuries. In time, his physical injuries will heal, but most distressing is his Acute Retro-Grade Amnesia. He cannot remember anything or anybody that was part of his previous 13 years. He doesn't even remember his family! As he prepares to go back to school for the start of 8th grade, snippets of flash-backing memory slowly creep into his brain. It's distressing, though, because he cannot make sense of them. The kids at school avoid him, except for his friends, Aaron and Bear...and, yet they seem to be bullies. Now, Chase wants nothing to do with their vindictiveness and hatred. He tries to reach out to others in the school, but how can they possibly forget what Chase has done to them in the past?
Eventually the video club embraces him but some members are still wary. Chase tries to apologize and let his new-found kindess shine through, but as with all hurtfulness , it takes time to alleviate the effects.
Will his memory ever come back? And, how will he handle the realization of his wrong-doings? Will others accept his new persona? Restart is begging to be read as a group, especially as a read-aloud, since discussion about bullies and their hate will surely need to be addressed. This book speaks to the power of forgiveness, kindness, criminal acts, and retribution. A lesson can be learned from this....can restarting one's life erase the past? Maybe, maybe not, but how does one move forward and how do others get past the hurt inflicted? A powerful book for those who appreciated the message in books such as Touching Spirit Bear and Leverage.
During one of his outrageous escapades, he falls off the roof of his house and suffers injuries. In time, his physical injuries will heal, but most distressing is his Acute Retro-Grade Amnesia. He cannot remember anything or anybody that was part of his previous 13 years. He doesn't even remember his family! As he prepares to go back to school for the start of 8th grade, snippets of flash-backing memory slowly creep into his brain. It's distressing, though, because he cannot make sense of them. The kids at school avoid him, except for his friends, Aaron and Bear...and, yet they seem to be bullies. Now, Chase wants nothing to do with their vindictiveness and hatred. He tries to reach out to others in the school, but how can they possibly forget what Chase has done to them in the past?
Eventually the video club embraces him but some members are still wary. Chase tries to apologize and let his new-found kindess shine through, but as with all hurtfulness , it takes time to alleviate the effects.
Will his memory ever come back? And, how will he handle the realization of his wrong-doings? Will others accept his new persona? Restart is begging to be read as a group, especially as a read-aloud, since discussion about bullies and their hate will surely need to be addressed. This book speaks to the power of forgiveness, kindness, criminal acts, and retribution. A lesson can be learned from this....can restarting one's life erase the past? Maybe, maybe not, but how does one move forward and how do others get past the hurt inflicted? A powerful book for those who appreciated the message in books such as Touching Spirit Bear and Leverage.
January 6, 2019
It's written in the flip-flopping narrator "eyes" style that's so popular in the last 5 years. And the writing style is easy read and clear, above average-also without profanity- just a lot of the "usual" name calls and some made up ones like "Dumbledoras" etc.
It's about amnesia and bullying at its core. But more specifically a change of character and judgment due to the amnesia.
Most of the book was clearly at least 4 star. And then it got so Hallmark ending that I was taken aback.
I'm not the audience for these YA books for "modern" 8th graders or first two years of high school aged "kinds" of crews. They just seem so much less "smart" than the people of that age that I know and have known for the last 50 plus years since I was one myself. And I also find their moral bases, judgments, reactive snark etc. as portrayed in the current YA books- to be extreme stereotype and outside of norm in the schools in which I worked or had my kids or grandkids, in any era.
Especially in the court case- I'm surprised at how many people only see result or onus to the book? I wonder how many of them have ever been to a juvenile court. You could steal George Washington's false teeth at 13 in Chicagoland (Cook County) and not get any such "court" time operative process.
Fiction that's for a lesson, and entertainment! What really made Chase change?
It's about amnesia and bullying at its core. But more specifically a change of character and judgment due to the amnesia.
Most of the book was clearly at least 4 star. And then it got so Hallmark ending that I was taken aback.
I'm not the audience for these YA books for "modern" 8th graders or first two years of high school aged "kinds" of crews. They just seem so much less "smart" than the people of that age that I know and have known for the last 50 plus years since I was one myself. And I also find their moral bases, judgments, reactive snark etc. as portrayed in the current YA books- to be extreme stereotype and outside of norm in the schools in which I worked or had my kids or grandkids, in any era.
Especially in the court case- I'm surprised at how many people only see result or onus to the book? I wonder how many of them have ever been to a juvenile court. You could steal George Washington's false teeth at 13 in Chicagoland (Cook County) and not get any such "court" time operative process.
Fiction that's for a lesson, and entertainment! What really made Chase change?
August 12, 2022
OH WOW. Wow, wow, wow! This has to be one of the very BEST reads of the year for me... Probably in recent many years! An absolutely brilliant, well-written masterpiece of a teenage middle-grade school fiction, with superbly developed characters and intricately thoughtful character-study, multiple vastly different point of views and voices from vastly different yet equally strong characters in alternate chapters, an unique refreshingly original story and addictive storytelling, and a great timeless message towards the younger generation growing up.
LOVED every words, every second of reading those words. Only gripe would be that the book had to end so quickly at 250+ pages, I could've enjoyed continuing to read for another 500 pages! This was my first Gordon Korman novel, and I'm already reading the second one now Slacker, with several more on the immediate next horizon. Happy reading to me!
6 out of 5.
LOVED every words, every second of reading those words. Only gripe would be that the book had to end so quickly at 250+ pages, I could've enjoyed continuing to read for another 500 pages! This was my first Gordon Korman novel, and I'm already reading the second one now Slacker, with several more on the immediate next horizon. Happy reading to me!
6 out of 5.
March 29, 2019
5 STARS. WOW I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK. I've been reading a lot more middle grade fiction lately and honestly I feel like middle grade fiction is super underrated. It's like YA fiction but with better themes and actually good character arcs!!! At least, that's what I look for in a book. And Restart did not disappoint.
Seriously I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book!! The characters were so human and flawed and conflicted. I wasn't sure at first about how much the point of view switched between characters (most of them sub-characters) but it actually was written very well and never felt out-of-place. I really enjoyed looking into the minds and hearts of other characters and seeing how they felt and perceived everything that was happening. (Especially Shoshanna. She was such an angry little waffle and I loved how she always stood up for what she knew was right!!) Korman did a brilliant job weaving in every character's personal arc and theme without distracting from the main storyline.
And speaking of themes, MMMM HONEY THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF THEM. I really appreciated the way the author tackled a big issue (bullying) with respect and a touch of humor. I saw a lot of the reviews for this book pointing out the comedy side of things and although it is funny, this book goes way beyond just a comical middle-grade read. It dives into some pretty deep water and I loved the moral arc of Chase's character as he struggled between right and wrong. Just a lovely well-rounded story!!
It surprised me, made me laugh, made me want to yell at the characters sometimes, and I seriously didn't want to put it down. I actually got kind of frustrated when I was too busy to pick it up for a few days. Restart is a heartfelt and clever story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. (PUN INTENDED LOL GET IT? Forgetting??? Amnesia?? Ahem.)
Go read this book.
Seriously I can't think of anything I didn't like about this book!! The characters were so human and flawed and conflicted. I wasn't sure at first about how much the point of view switched between characters (most of them sub-characters) but it actually was written very well and never felt out-of-place. I really enjoyed looking into the minds and hearts of other characters and seeing how they felt and perceived everything that was happening. (Especially Shoshanna. She was such an angry little waffle and I loved how she always stood up for what she knew was right!!) Korman did a brilliant job weaving in every character's personal arc and theme without distracting from the main storyline.
And speaking of themes, MMMM HONEY THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF THEM. I really appreciated the way the author tackled a big issue (bullying) with respect and a touch of humor. I saw a lot of the reviews for this book pointing out the comedy side of things and although it is funny, this book goes way beyond just a comical middle-grade read. It dives into some pretty deep water and I loved the moral arc of Chase's character as he struggled between right and wrong. Just a lovely well-rounded story!!
It surprised me, made me laugh, made me want to yell at the characters sometimes, and I seriously didn't want to put it down. I actually got kind of frustrated when I was too busy to pick it up for a few days. Restart is a heartfelt and clever story that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. (PUN INTENDED LOL GET IT? Forgetting??? Amnesia?? Ahem.)
Go read this book.
September 6, 2023
This was a fantastic read. I started it late one afternoon and kept reading until I finished it that same night. The premise (a bully falls off a roof, gets amnesia, and becomes a better person) is fantastic. It begs the reader to consider the big questions of if people can really change, what makes a person who they are, and how many second chances one gets in life.
Chase Ambrose has no idea who he is. When he wakes up in the hospital after falling off of his roof, he doesn't know his name, his mother, or even his own face. So he definitely doesn't know what kind of person he used to be. But he begins to get a pretty good sense when the other kids at school take a wide berth around him in the halls, his 4 year old half-sister screams when he says hello to her, and he finds out he was supposed to be doing court-mandated community service. The problem is, he doesn't remember being that way or doing those things. And the person he is now wants to do other things, like join video club and help out at the nursing home. His old friends don't trust the new Chase and his new friends are having a hard time forgetting the old one.
Told in alternating view points, this was an excellent read. Highly recommend. A must-purchase for school and classroom libraries.
Chase Ambrose has no idea who he is. When he wakes up in the hospital after falling off of his roof, he doesn't know his name, his mother, or even his own face. So he definitely doesn't know what kind of person he used to be. But he begins to get a pretty good sense when the other kids at school take a wide berth around him in the halls, his 4 year old half-sister screams when he says hello to her, and he finds out he was supposed to be doing court-mandated community service. The problem is, he doesn't remember being that way or doing those things. And the person he is now wants to do other things, like join video club and help out at the nursing home. His old friends don't trust the new Chase and his new friends are having a hard time forgetting the old one.
Told in alternating view points, this was an excellent read. Highly recommend. A must-purchase for school and classroom libraries.
September 10, 2020
Restart is an enjoyable story of a young boy Chase, the main character, who gets a chance to change his life as a result of falling off a roof and getting amnesia. Having his memory wiped clean, offers a chance to change from the old Chase, a bully who terrorized the school with two other buddies.
As a result of an arrest, the three had to do community service in a senior center. At the center they continued their bad behavior. From disrespecting residents to stealing Mr. Solway's Congressional Medal of Honor.
The new Chase is completely different, friendly, kind and helpful. He enjoys his visits to the senior center becomes close friends with those he formally bullied.
The characters are well developed especially when the author uses multiple narrators besides Chase.
Some lessons include dealing with bullies, dominate father who only focus on sports, forgiveness, trust, shame and disgust, and the meaning of friendship.
In summary, Restart is a superb novel and highly recommended.
As a result of an arrest, the three had to do community service in a senior center. At the center they continued their bad behavior. From disrespecting residents to stealing Mr. Solway's Congressional Medal of Honor.
The new Chase is completely different, friendly, kind and helpful. He enjoys his visits to the senior center becomes close friends with those he formally bullied.
The characters are well developed especially when the author uses multiple narrators besides Chase.
Some lessons include dealing with bullies, dominate father who only focus on sports, forgiveness, trust, shame and disgust, and the meaning of friendship.
In summary, Restart is a superb novel and highly recommended.
Shelved as 'tbr-soon'
January 10, 2019Karina's Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 13, 2024
Actual rating: 4.5
Tons of fun and tons of heart! This is exactly what I love about Gordon Korman's books. The characters are memorable and the humor is top-notch, but it also delivers some great lessons for middle-graders. Recommended for fans of Freaky Friday.
Tons of fun and tons of heart! This is exactly what I love about Gordon Korman's books. The characters are memorable and the humor is top-notch, but it also delivers some great lessons for middle-graders. Recommended for fans of Freaky Friday.
May 8, 2023
✰ 4.25 stars ✰
“How many people ever get a do-over at life?”
Reading books by Gordon Korman was a big part of my teenage years, so to be able to still enjoy his books like Restart in my thirties feels humbling. He never fails to amaze me with his exceptional way of capturing so incredibly the mind of a teenager. Thirteen-year-old Chase Ambrose was a hard-core bully - he had his cronies, Bear and Adam terrorized the middle school students, especially one kid in particular, Joel, a piano prodigy. When a misguided prank aimed at him goes terribly wrong, the three of them are sentenced to many months of community service. During that time, Chase has an accident, where he falls off the roof of his house - only to wake up and realize his memory has been completely erased - with absolutely no recollection whatsoever of the kind of horrible person he was before...
Told through the eyes of many different students' POV, Gordon Korman shined once again as a brilliant author. Never once was I unnerved by the shift in kids' perspective - the shift in tone and personality eased seamlessly from once character to another. How he blended all the characters together - how he built up the tension and conflict revolving around Chase and the atrocities he had committed - both past and present. I very much enjoyed Chase as a narrator - how he felt such shame and guilt when brief bouts of his memory would resurface in his mind - how he wanted to be a better person than he was before.
“As I run, hot tears of shame are streaming down my face. Since my accident, I’ve heard a lot about the person I used to be. Never did I imagine this.
Gordon Korman always has such a way of capturing the teen mind and heart so authentically - I loved seeing all the different characters' reactions to Chase's sudden shift from - forgive the euphemism - 'asshole to angel' after his accident. How his so-called 'friends' couldn't believe his sudden shift in behavior - friendships turning sour, as Chase's eyes were suddenly opened to what horrible bullies they were - and who he had been. I loved how Chase tried so hard to be a better person, even when at times he still felt that feeling of his past self creeping up on him.
“It’s no problem escaping Aaron and Bear. But I’ll never be able to get away from myself.”
How he would remember the thrill of how capable a football player he was, when he joined the team again - when he would pass a student down the hall and a flash of fear would cross their eyes, and he'd lower his head in shame. There were so many major improvements in his life - both personally and emotionally - that I couldn't help but feel proud at how hard he was trying to be better. That, somehow, the good side of him always existed, he just never let it come out, because he never gave himself the chance to do so. 😔😔
“And believe it or not, right now, I’m more scared of Joel than he ever was of me. Because if I see that fear in his face again, I don’t know if I can handle it.”
There was such a great cast of supporting characters, all with their own individual personalities that brought so much to the story - seeing each situation from their eyes, their reactions and mixed feelings about Chase's transformation was very well captured. While I did enjoy reading Shoshanna and Brendan's thoughts, it was Joel, the boy he victimized the most, that really was the favorite for me. How he grew as a character - how he slowly let down his fear around Chase - allowed a bout of acceptance and forgiveness to steadily enter his life - seeing how much Chase was trying so hard to be better - to change from the person he once was - really warmed my heart. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹 And even though he unwittingly got himself caught in the crossfires of Chase and his bullies again, it was his strength and resilience and belief in himself that he wouldn't hide in shame or allow his bullies to best him was such an impactful scene.
“And here I am, alive, undamaged—well, except my eye. I’ve been victimized, but I don’t have to let that define me as a victim. I’m back—back at home and back to myself.”
I do feel that the ending was resolved a little too easily and conveniently, but it did work out well for everyone - especially Chase, so I'm not complaining too much. I did admire how Gordon Korman allowed Chase to admit that there hadn't been a complete 180 in his personality - that he won't deny that there's a chance that his past self might still come out. But, to see him come to terms with himself - to man up for his actions and hold himself accountable for it - to win the hearts of others and earn their forgiveness - to see them soften their views about him and see that the possibility of change was so very worth it.
For, it was the trust he had earned with his new group of friends, the people who had seen the change in him, how he was able to win the hearts of so many - that they believed in the possibility that he could be a better person - that was enough to convince me and everyone involved that Chase did deserve to restart his life in a healthy and happier way. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
“How many people ever get a do-over at life?”
Reading books by Gordon Korman was a big part of my teenage years, so to be able to still enjoy his books like Restart in my thirties feels humbling. He never fails to amaze me with his exceptional way of capturing so incredibly the mind of a teenager. Thirteen-year-old Chase Ambrose was a hard-core bully - he had his cronies, Bear and Adam terrorized the middle school students, especially one kid in particular, Joel, a piano prodigy. When a misguided prank aimed at him goes terribly wrong, the three of them are sentenced to many months of community service. During that time, Chase has an accident, where he falls off the roof of his house - only to wake up and realize his memory has been completely erased - with absolutely no recollection whatsoever of the kind of horrible person he was before...
Told through the eyes of many different students' POV, Gordon Korman shined once again as a brilliant author. Never once was I unnerved by the shift in kids' perspective - the shift in tone and personality eased seamlessly from once character to another. How he blended all the characters together - how he built up the tension and conflict revolving around Chase and the atrocities he had committed - both past and present. I very much enjoyed Chase as a narrator - how he felt such shame and guilt when brief bouts of his memory would resurface in his mind - how he wanted to be a better person than he was before.
“As I run, hot tears of shame are streaming down my face. Since my accident, I’ve heard a lot about the person I used to be. Never did I imagine this.
Gordon Korman always has such a way of capturing the teen mind and heart so authentically - I loved seeing all the different characters' reactions to Chase's sudden shift from - forgive the euphemism - 'asshole to angel' after his accident. How his so-called 'friends' couldn't believe his sudden shift in behavior - friendships turning sour, as Chase's eyes were suddenly opened to what horrible bullies they were - and who he had been. I loved how Chase tried so hard to be a better person, even when at times he still felt that feeling of his past self creeping up on him.
“It’s no problem escaping Aaron and Bear. But I’ll never be able to get away from myself.”
How he would remember the thrill of how capable a football player he was, when he joined the team again - when he would pass a student down the hall and a flash of fear would cross their eyes, and he'd lower his head in shame. There were so many major improvements in his life - both personally and emotionally - that I couldn't help but feel proud at how hard he was trying to be better. That, somehow, the good side of him always existed, he just never let it come out, because he never gave himself the chance to do so. 😔😔
“And believe it or not, right now, I’m more scared of Joel than he ever was of me. Because if I see that fear in his face again, I don’t know if I can handle it.”
There was such a great cast of supporting characters, all with their own individual personalities that brought so much to the story - seeing each situation from their eyes, their reactions and mixed feelings about Chase's transformation was very well captured. While I did enjoy reading Shoshanna and Brendan's thoughts, it was Joel, the boy he victimized the most, that really was the favorite for me. How he grew as a character - how he slowly let down his fear around Chase - allowed a bout of acceptance and forgiveness to steadily enter his life - seeing how much Chase was trying so hard to be better - to change from the person he once was - really warmed my heart. ❤️🩹 ❤️🩹 And even though he unwittingly got himself caught in the crossfires of Chase and his bullies again, it was his strength and resilience and belief in himself that he wouldn't hide in shame or allow his bullies to best him was such an impactful scene.
“And here I am, alive, undamaged—well, except my eye. I’ve been victimized, but I don’t have to let that define me as a victim. I’m back—back at home and back to myself.”
I do feel that the ending was resolved a little too easily and conveniently, but it did work out well for everyone - especially Chase, so I'm not complaining too much. I did admire how Gordon Korman allowed Chase to admit that there hadn't been a complete 180 in his personality - that he won't deny that there's a chance that his past self might still come out. But, to see him come to terms with himself - to man up for his actions and hold himself accountable for it - to win the hearts of others and earn their forgiveness - to see them soften their views about him and see that the possibility of change was so very worth it.
For, it was the trust he had earned with his new group of friends, the people who had seen the change in him, how he was able to win the hearts of so many - that they believed in the possibility that he could be a better person - that was enough to convince me and everyone involved that Chase did deserve to restart his life in a healthy and happier way. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
June 5, 2019
The book starts with the main character waking up in the hospital with amnesia. He does not remember his mom, that he was the star football player, or that he used to be a bully. When he goes back to school, he takes this as a chance to restart his life, and be a better person.
It was a good book, I was reading it because we are going to have a book club for it over the summer at the library. Middle schoolers will probably like it better! It was a good story with a good message. It just is not very special or memorable to me, but it is not designed for me, so that is understandable. It is hard to go from amazing middle grade books like the Keeper of the Lost Cities to just average books like this. I hope the book club this summer will have fun with it! Any ideas for games or projects that we could do with middle schoolers that go along with this book?
-memory games
-create a "viral video"
-car wash suds experiment
-sport games
-fire extinguisher foam craft/experiment
-interview war veteran/senior citizen
-create an oral history video
Notable themes: bullying, amnesia, football, video club, youtube videos, senior citizens, war veterans, oral history
It was a good book, I was reading it because we are going to have a book club for it over the summer at the library. Middle schoolers will probably like it better! It was a good story with a good message. It just is not very special or memorable to me, but it is not designed for me, so that is understandable. It is hard to go from amazing middle grade books like the Keeper of the Lost Cities to just average books like this. I hope the book club this summer will have fun with it! Any ideas for games or projects that we could do with middle schoolers that go along with this book?
-memory games
-create a "viral video"
-car wash suds experiment
-sport games
-fire extinguisher foam craft/experiment
-interview war veteran/senior citizen
-create an oral history video
Notable themes: bullying, amnesia, football, video club, youtube videos, senior citizens, war veterans, oral history
July 18, 2018
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This has got to be one of the best books I've read in a while. I had so many emotions going through me as I read it. I wanted to laugh. Cry. Scream. Fall on the floor and hide. It was sooooooooooooo amazing!!!
Gordon Korman has the amazing talent to create a story that is not only funny, but thought provoking and real.
I love all the characters. Chase is my favorite, but I also love Brendan, Joel, and Kimberly. And Shoshanna.
*faints*
In short, read this book. NOW. It is awesome.
THIS WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This has got to be one of the best books I've read in a while. I had so many emotions going through me as I read it. I wanted to laugh. Cry. Scream. Fall on the floor and hide. It was sooooooooooooo amazing!!!
Gordon Korman has the amazing talent to create a story that is not only funny, but thought provoking and real.
I love all the characters. Chase is my favorite, but I also love Brendan, Joel, and Kimberly. And Shoshanna.
*faints*
In short, read this book. NOW. It is awesome.
February 18, 2024
Rating: 5+ / 5
Wow and wow and just...WOW.
Going into this, I had zero expectations of liking it. Like...zilch. Nada. N-O-N-E.
It's not a book that I would ever have chosen for myself, and the only reason I did read it was because it has a mostly orange cover and I needed a mostly orange-covered book as a group competition read to fulfil a requirement.
I thought I'd be reading it just to get it over with.
Good golly GOSH, was I WRONG!
This book is...well, quite honestly, it's the first book that I've read in quite a while that's "can't put down GREAT". Literally, I finished it in just a couple of short hours because I could not put it down and it's...GAH, it's just that good!
The story revolves around an eighth grader named Chase Ambrose, who starts off the story with amnesia. Pretty much, it's as though someone pressed a "Restart" button on his life, as he's forgotten literally everything before the accident—his parents, his friends, even who he was.
It's like starting with a blank canvas...but that only works one way. Cause see, while Chase doesn't remember anyone or anything, everyone remembers him as he used to be. As Chase himself describes,
And...yeah, that's pretty much the way it goes: who should and who could one believe in that circumstance?
In any case, Chase's amnesia situation is interesting not just for him, but for everyone around him who knows him—and, as the story is also told from the varying perspectives of several other kids, both friends and victims who he has interacted with (because Chase was a bully before his amnesia), we get a lot of this:
So...yeah, that all puts quite a new taken on the story. In fact, this story had me thinking a lot of the film noir classic, Somewhere In The Night (1946), which is one of my favourite movies. In it, the main protagonist, George Taylor, wakes up in an army hospital after almost dying in a landmine/bomb attack in the Pacific. He lies about his amnesia because the first thing he finds is a letter in his wallet, written by someone who hates him. Like Chase, George concludes that he must have been a very horrible person before his amnesia, and he doesn't want others digging into those memories and throwing them in his face. Unlike Chase, who is confronted with his past day-by-day, George has a bit of levity when it comes to protection. Still, he backtracks and tries to find out about himself, because, as he confesses to a woman, Kristy, that he quickly begins to trust, "Do you know what it's like, Kristy, to be alone in the world? Really alone in the whole world? A billion people, every one of them a stranger?—Or what's worse, not a stranger...somebody maybe who knows you, hates you, wants you to die."
Anyway, it's very much the same situation for Chase: he's told who his friends are, but his new personality after the "Restart" is like a blank slate, and so it doesn't match up with who he was, or the people he knew before. The people he once bullied now seem like they could be his friends, and his friends from before seem like good-for-nothing bullies. No one can understand the change, least of all Chase himself, especially when trying to reconcile who he once was with whom he's become.
The story overall tells a lot about identity as well as development, about middle school life and getting past bullying when it happens. Each of the characters is unique, some likeable and some loathsome. And at the centre of it all it Chase, whom the reader can't help but feel sympathy for, even considering that we find out he was capable of doing before.
Additionally, the story tells great lessons about forgiveness and friendship, about second chances and what it truly takes for someone to change—and how that change may not always be easy. I think Chase's dad, not particularly a likeable character himself, put it best, and so it's on this thought that I'll end off:
Wow and wow and just...WOW.
Going into this, I had zero expectations of liking it. Like...zilch. Nada. N-O-N-E.
It's not a book that I would ever have chosen for myself, and the only reason I did read it was because it has a mostly orange cover and I needed a mostly orange-covered book as a group competition read to fulfil a requirement.
I thought I'd be reading it just to get it over with.
Good golly GOSH, was I WRONG!
This book is...well, quite honestly, it's the first book that I've read in quite a while that's "can't put down GREAT". Literally, I finished it in just a couple of short hours because I could not put it down and it's...GAH, it's just that good!
The story revolves around an eighth grader named Chase Ambrose, who starts off the story with amnesia. Pretty much, it's as though someone pressed a "Restart" button on his life, as he's forgotten literally everything before the accident—his parents, his friends, even who he was.
It's like starting with a blank canvas...but that only works one way. Cause see, while Chase doesn't remember anyone or anything, everyone remembers him as he used to be. As Chase himself describes,
"When I got amnesia, I lost thirteen years of myself. I have to replace those memories using what I can pick up from other people. But everyone has a slightly different version of me—Mom, Dad, my friends, the kids at school, even frozen yogurt girl. For all I know, the lunch ladies know me better than anyone else. Who should I believe?"
And...yeah, that's pretty much the way it goes: who should and who could one believe in that circumstance?
In any case, Chase's amnesia situation is interesting not just for him, but for everyone around him who knows him—and, as the story is also told from the varying perspectives of several other kids, both friends and victims who he has interacted with (because Chase was a bully before his amnesia), we get a lot of this:
But even if every single memory is erased from your head—wiped clean like my phone when I dropped it in the toilet—you should still be the same person, right? Chase just isn't." --this quote taken from one of Chase's friends, Aaron
So...yeah, that all puts quite a new taken on the story. In fact, this story had me thinking a lot of the film noir classic, Somewhere In The Night (1946), which is one of my favourite movies. In it, the main protagonist, George Taylor, wakes up in an army hospital after almost dying in a landmine/bomb attack in the Pacific. He lies about his amnesia because the first thing he finds is a letter in his wallet, written by someone who hates him. Like Chase, George concludes that he must have been a very horrible person before his amnesia, and he doesn't want others digging into those memories and throwing them in his face. Unlike Chase, who is confronted with his past day-by-day, George has a bit of levity when it comes to protection. Still, he backtracks and tries to find out about himself, because, as he confesses to a woman, Kristy, that he quickly begins to trust, "Do you know what it's like, Kristy, to be alone in the world? Really alone in the whole world? A billion people, every one of them a stranger?—Or what's worse, not a stranger...somebody maybe who knows you, hates you, wants you to die."
Anyway, it's very much the same situation for Chase: he's told who his friends are, but his new personality after the "Restart" is like a blank slate, and so it doesn't match up with who he was, or the people he knew before. The people he once bullied now seem like they could be his friends, and his friends from before seem like good-for-nothing bullies. No one can understand the change, least of all Chase himself, especially when trying to reconcile who he once was with whom he's become.
The story overall tells a lot about identity as well as development, about middle school life and getting past bullying when it happens. Each of the characters is unique, some likeable and some loathsome. And at the centre of it all it Chase, whom the reader can't help but feel sympathy for, even considering that we find out he was capable of doing before.
Additionally, the story tells great lessons about forgiveness and friendship, about second chances and what it truly takes for someone to change—and how that change may not always be easy. I think Chase's dad, not particularly a likeable character himself, put it best, and so it's on this thought that I'll end off:
"'You're strong, all right. And stupid. But everybody has stupid moments. The trick is not to let a few bad moments cost you the game.'"
July 19, 2017
Good stuff:
• Character voice
It seems to be a favorite thing of Gordon Korman’s to work the split POV thing as much as possible. And one of the key things on that is making sure all of your characters have distinct voices, which he does an amazing job at.
The musical genius is remarking on how the door squeaks an F#. Someone uses a lot of parenthesis and the filmmaker kid is always keeping up the narration stream on his own life events . . .
Off the top of my head, I think he had about 3 main narrators with about 4 pop-in guest narrators. It got a little confusing, but it was fun and I really liked the characters.
• Concept
Okay. My reviews aren’t totally unbiased, I admit it.
But really, having the person who’s usually the bad guy get memory loss and have to deal with the villain of himself?
-brilliant gif-
I’m telling you, it’s pure genius. Fantastic concept.
• Humor
This is why I love Gordon Korman. I don’t think I’ve read one book of his that hasn’t made me laugh out loud at one point or another.
The concept in itself is inherently somewhat funny, so the comedy is really natural, but not over the top.
I really liked it. <3
• Themes
There were some really nice uses of all the “why you should be nice to people”, just being a good person in general . . . anti-bullying . . . not being an arrogant jerk . . . old people are people too and everyone deserves respect . . . it was really well done. Amnesia Chase really carried it well.
• Ending
Okay. Basically nothing I can say here.
Except that I was grinning my little face off at the climax. It. Was. Awesome.
(-cough- on a sidenote, Chase’s last line was almost a rewording of Wolfgang’s last line, so that was interesting as well. XD)
Bad stuff:
• Slightly confusing
As much as the multi-POV thing was fun, it also did get a little confusing and I had to remind myself who was talking a couple of times. That’s really not all that much of a problem though. –shrug- gotta have something to put here.
• Nitpicky writer things
Yep, imma nitpick a little because I’m a writer and I can do that.
One, the fact that Chase got amnesia and a personality change was a little . . . convenient. It probably would have been a deeper, more meaningful character arc if he was still totally the same person, but amnesia just gave him the outside view that showed him he needed to change. (I’m NOT SELF PROMOTING GUYS I’M SERIOUS HERE.)
As it was, it was just sort of like dropping a nice character into a bully character’s life. Which was great and funny and made for a good story, I’m just saying the theme could have gone deeper with repentance and all that.
Two, the whole subplot of the football-player side of Chase and how everyone wants him to win the championship or something seemed sort of dropped to me. Not that I’m super football-invested. It was just a dropped loose end that I noticed. –shrugshrug-
Overall:
A really fun, humorous read with a good concept and great characters. Definitely would recommend.
• Character voice
It seems to be a favorite thing of Gordon Korman’s to work the split POV thing as much as possible. And one of the key things on that is making sure all of your characters have distinct voices, which he does an amazing job at.
The musical genius is remarking on how the door squeaks an F#. Someone uses a lot of parenthesis and the filmmaker kid is always keeping up the narration stream on his own life events . . .
Off the top of my head, I think he had about 3 main narrators with about 4 pop-in guest narrators. It got a little confusing, but it was fun and I really liked the characters.
• Concept
Okay. My reviews aren’t totally unbiased, I admit it.
But really, having the person who’s usually the bad guy get memory loss and have to deal with the villain of himself?
-brilliant gif-
I’m telling you, it’s pure genius. Fantastic concept.
• Humor
This is why I love Gordon Korman. I don’t think I’ve read one book of his that hasn’t made me laugh out loud at one point or another.
The concept in itself is inherently somewhat funny, so the comedy is really natural, but not over the top.
I really liked it. <3
• Themes
There were some really nice uses of all the “why you should be nice to people”, just being a good person in general . . . anti-bullying . . . not being an arrogant jerk . . . old people are people too and everyone deserves respect . . . it was really well done. Amnesia Chase really carried it well.
• Ending
Okay. Basically nothing I can say here.
Except that I was grinning my little face off at the climax. It. Was. Awesome.
(-cough- on a sidenote, Chase’s last line was almost a rewording of Wolfgang’s last line, so that was interesting as well. XD)
Bad stuff:
• Slightly confusing
As much as the multi-POV thing was fun, it also did get a little confusing and I had to remind myself who was talking a couple of times. That’s really not all that much of a problem though. –shrug- gotta have something to put here.
• Nitpicky writer things
Yep, imma nitpick a little because I’m a writer and I can do that.
One, the fact that Chase got amnesia and a personality change was a little . . . convenient. It probably would have been a deeper, more meaningful character arc if he was still totally the same person, but amnesia just gave him the outside view that showed him he needed to change. (I’m NOT SELF PROMOTING GUYS I’M SERIOUS HERE.)
As it was, it was just sort of like dropping a nice character into a bully character’s life. Which was great and funny and made for a good story, I’m just saying the theme could have gone deeper with repentance and all that.
Two, the whole subplot of the football-player side of Chase and how everyone wants him to win the championship or something seemed sort of dropped to me. Not that I’m super football-invested. It was just a dropped loose end that I noticed. –shrugshrug-
Overall:
A really fun, humorous read with a good concept and great characters. Definitely would recommend.
October 8, 2017
8th grade football star Chase Ambrose (13) wakes up in a hospital bed after falling of the roof of his house and to complete strangers. Chase received a severe concussion and has no memory of his life before the accident and cannot even recognize his own family. When Chase returns to Hiawassee Middle School, everything and everyone is brand-new to him...even his best friends on the football team. Chase is receiving different reactions from people so he is having a hard time deciding what the old Chase was like. Unable to play football while he is recovering from his injury, Chase decides to join the Video Club except not all the members are happy about him joining. Will a bully always be a bully? Chase is learning about his old self and not really liking what he hears. Can Chase change and mend the fences of his past? One of my favorite books this summer and one that all middle school students should read. It reminds me of Because of Mr. Terupt meets Wonder.
August 24, 2020
All right, Restart was pretty awesome. It had me hooked from the first page!! I actually really really like contemporary middle grade.
I really liked how the chapters were from the viewpoints of lots of different characters. Sometimes someone had a viewpoint for only one chapter but it told the story from everyone's perspective, even the bullies. Man I hate those bullies. Most of the book drove me nuts cuz of the things they did. Just think of the poor instruments they were chucking around!! And the exploding piano!! All right, I'll admit that maybe that isn't as bad as the pain and suffering they caused to those poor kids. But as a musician, that hurt. A lot! Anyways I really enjoyed Restart and will definitely read it again in the future :)
I really liked how the chapters were from the viewpoints of lots of different characters. Sometimes someone had a viewpoint for only one chapter but it told the story from everyone's perspective, even the bullies. Man I hate those bullies. Most of the book drove me nuts cuz of the things they did. Just think of the poor instruments they were chucking around!! And the exploding piano!! All right, I'll admit that maybe that isn't as bad as the pain and suffering they caused to those poor kids. But as a musician, that hurt. A lot! Anyways I really enjoyed Restart and will definitely read it again in the future :)
April 30, 2024
Chase was a bully. Mean to everyone to the point one student had to switch schools to get a way from him. Then Chase falls off the roof and can't remember anything from his past. Chase now is a good guy and wants to makes amends from him past, but will his old friends let him? When Chase starts to remember can he still remain the good guy or will be go back to the bully he once was??
A young adult book which I thought was excellent. I was bullied in school and this book faces this topic wonderfully. A must read and glad I had a chance to read it!!
A young adult book which I thought was excellent. I was bullied in school and this book faces this topic wonderfully. A must read and glad I had a chance to read it!!
October 30, 2018
This is an amazing book about a kid who falls off his roof and gets amnesia. He has to completely re-learn his identity. But as he goes around school he realizes that he may have not been the nicest person. Confused in a world where he does not know where he belongs. He realizes that he has the amazing opportunity to start over with a clean slate.
August 22, 2023
Man, this was so fun!! I loved every second!💖😃
Language: One or two uses of h*ck and d*ng. But that's it.
Violence: N/A, besides a few black eyes.
Magic: N/A
This was sooooo good! I enjoyed way too much! The characters were all so great and funny and I loved them all! Chase was a great character and such a sweetie, I felt so bad for him in so many parts! Such a torn character, I loved him!
Brendan was by far my favorite! He was just so funny and real, I related to his clumsiness and rambling wayyy to much!💖😂 I just loved him, he was hilarious, and what he does to to try and go viral just had me rolling!😂😂
Shoshana was such a great 'big' sister, loved that and really appreciated the good sibling dynamic between her and Joel! She was so feisty but she had her reasons so it made it not annoying as usual when girls are fiery but actually very realistic well done!
And Joel! *hugs him* Poor baby! I loved him so much, he was so sweet and timid!🥺💖 and the part, "I have been a victim, but I would not be victimized." I mean how can you not love this guy? He's so precious!🥺💖
I just absolutely adored this whole book, it was so fun and easy to read! Mr. Solway was hilarious, he had me in tears😂..lol... all these characters were so awesome and even better and hilarious together! I just loved every minute of this fast-paced, hilarious read! And that hallway scene at the end!😂😂 Man! Brendan, Chase, Shosh and Kimmy...that was insane and hilarious...lol...😂
As you can tell, I'm not sure what to say about this book except you should go read it now! If you like the memory loss trope, realistic characters, underdog characters, comedy, and fun mysterious you should definitely give this one a try!🧡🧡
8+
Language: One or two uses of h*ck and d*ng. But that's it.
Violence: N/A, besides a few black eyes.
Magic: N/A
This was sooooo good! I enjoyed way too much! The characters were all so great and funny and I loved them all! Chase was a great character and such a sweetie, I felt so bad for him in so many parts! Such a torn character, I loved him!
Brendan was by far my favorite! He was just so funny and real, I related to his clumsiness and rambling wayyy to much!💖😂 I just loved him, he was hilarious, and what he does to to try and go viral just had me rolling!😂😂
Shoshana was such a great 'big' sister, loved that and really appreciated the good sibling dynamic between her and Joel! She was so feisty but she had her reasons so it made it not annoying as usual when girls are fiery but actually very realistic well done!
And Joel! *hugs him* Poor baby! I loved him so much, he was so sweet and timid!🥺💖 and the part, "I have been a victim, but I would not be victimized." I mean how can you not love this guy? He's so precious!🥺💖
I just absolutely adored this whole book, it was so fun and easy to read! Mr. Solway was hilarious, he had me in tears😂..lol... all these characters were so awesome and even better and hilarious together! I just loved every minute of this fast-paced, hilarious read! And that hallway scene at the end!😂😂 Man! Brendan, Chase, Shosh and Kimmy...that was insane and hilarious...lol...😂
As you can tell, I'm not sure what to say about this book except you should go read it now! If you like the memory loss trope, realistic characters, underdog characters, comedy, and fun mysterious you should definitely give this one a try!🧡🧡
8+
August 30, 2017
First of all let me confess I have a bit of a celebrity crush on the author Gordon Korman because I have never not liked one of his books. This story is no exception. The author Korman takes a very serious topic, bullying, and shows how people can change from being a bully to not. Granted, in this situation Chase Ambrose doesn't ever remember being a bully because he has amnesia. I loved how the author showed Chase's struggle. After the fall, Chase is this new kid, a kind person, yet most others are steering very much away from him due to his past, until one student just accepts him for who he is.
Now, a kinder, gentler Chase who wouldn't dream of hurting anyone. The plus side of this is that he is also an athlete. This story would make for a great read aloud in the MS classroom. #secondchancesareagift
Now, a kinder, gentler Chase who wouldn't dream of hurting anyone. The plus side of this is that he is also an athlete. This story would make for a great read aloud in the MS classroom. #secondchancesareagift
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