I think the extent to which Shane is Christine will be fairly obvious from the start for readers who have any familiarity with the author. Riccio states in an author’s note before the novel proper that this is a fictional story, based on her own experiences. “I was trying really hard to do what I thought was the right thing for so long, and turns out maybe the right thing was the wrong thing… It’s hard to come to terms with that.” When the trip takes a sour turn, Shane’s left wondering what she would do with a second chance. And, best luck of all, she’s rooming next to a cute boy who makes her want to stick to her resolution to try new things! But of course, it’s all too good to be true. So eager, in fact, that she signs up for a creative writing program in London that has nothing to do with her major, and takes an internship at a travel magazine. Though she’s been making good grades and pleasing her parents with her progress toward a medical degree, she’s not happy with her college experience and is eager for a fresh start. In the novel, Shane leaves New York for a study abroad semester in London. Results: It’s not the most accomplished debut I’ve read, but I certainly don’t resent its publication! After waiting on a long hold list, I finally got my chance this month to pick up Riccio’s book. When Again, But Better was finally published this spring, I had to check it out because 1) seeing a physical, finished product after watching a complete stranger talk about it conceptually on my phone screen for several years seemed like a fascinating experience I couldn’t pass up, and 2) there’s been a lot of backlash against Booktuber books, which some believe are published for their easy marketability rather than story quality that’s a judgment I didn’t feel I could chime in on without ever having read a Booktuber book. I’ve been following Riccio’s writing updates on her Booktube channel since early 2016 though my interest in YA content (and thus most of her videos) has severely declined, I stuck with her writing series. In all fairness I did not pick up Christine Riccio’s Again, But Better because of its synopsis.

Earlier this month I mentioned in another post that I don’t read YA contemporary romance anymore, and here I am eating my words.

Christine riccio again but better