Ever wish you could live your life over again? Wish you could go back in time knowing what you know now, and face those choices again? Would you try to alter the course of world events?
Protagonist Jeff Winwood of author Ken Grimwood's "Replay" gets to relive his life multiple times, each time cycling through different sets of events. The book opens with Jeff dying of a heart attack then finding himself back in college, in his early 20s. He goes on to "replay" his life numerous times, but still dying every time he gets to age 43. His early replays are rather hedonistic; later he tries to make the world a better place.
I liked surprises that lay in wait for our protagonist, despite his knowledge of what was coming - including how to make it on the stock market - Jeff still cannot predict, nor control, how other people in his life respond to him.
I was puzzled the protagonist had no interest in spending some quality time with his parents and family. I wonder if the author wrote this before his own parents died. I'd certainly spend time with my family if I could travel back in time. Or, perhaps - though I really hate to stereotype - it is a more of a male perspective.
As a librarian, I liked the fact that our protagonist chose to spend one of his replay lives reading all of the classics since he didn't need to work for a living.
I really liked this book and the questions it raises about one's own life. If you liked the movie "Groundhog Day" or the book "Before I Fall" by Lauren Oliver, you should check this title out.
Qhyrrae Michaelieu, is adult services manager at Missouri River Regional Library and is also in charge of the library's Summer Reading Program for adults.