Here We Go Again
by Alison Cochrun
The author of the “sexy, insightful, and utterly charming” (BuzzFeed) Kiss Her Once for Me returns with a new queer rom-com following once childhood best friends forced together to drive their former teacher across the country.
A long time ago, Logan Maletis and Rosemary Hale used to be friends. They spent their childhood summers running through the woods, rebelling against their conservative small town, and dreaming of escaping. But then an incident the summer before high school turned them into bitter rivals. After graduation, they went ten years without speaking.
Now in their thirties, Logan and Rosemary find they aren’t quite living the lives of adventure they imagined for themselves. Still in their small town and working as teachers at their alma mater, they’re both stuck in old patterns. Uptight Rosemary chooses security and stability over all else, working constantly, and her most stable relationship is with her label maker. Chaotic and impulsive Logan has a long list of misguided ex-lovers and an apathetic shrug she uses to protect herself from anything real. And as hard as they try to avoid each other—and their complicated past—they keep crashing into each other. Including with their cars.
But when their beloved former English teacher and lifelong mentor tells them he has only a few months to live, they’re forced together once and for all to fulfill his last wish: a cross-country road trip. Stuffed into the gayest van west of the Mississippi, the three embark on a life-changing summer trip—from Washington state to the Grand Canyon, from the Gulf Coast to coastal Maine—that will chart a new future and perhaps lead them back to one another.
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Martial Peak Reviews
Alison Cochrun's Here We Go Again is a delightful addition to the queer rom-com genre, offering a heartfelt exploration of friendship, forgiveness, and the transformative power of a shared journey. The novel deftly combines humor, emotional depth, and a touch of nostalgia, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever wondered about the paths not taken and the possibility of rekindling lost connections.
At the heart of the story are Logan Maletis and Rosemary Hale, two former childhood best friends whose relationship was fractured by an incident in their youth. Cochrun expertly crafts these characters, imbuing them with a complexity that makes their journey both relatable and engaging. Logan, with her chaotic and impulsive nature, serves as a perfect foil to Rosemary's uptight and security-driven personality. This dynamic creates a rich tapestry of tension and humor, as their contrasting approaches to life inevitably lead to both conflict and growth.
The novel's premise—a cross-country road trip with a beloved former teacher who has only a few months to live—serves as a catalyst for Logan and Rosemary to confront their past and reassess their futures. This journey is not just a physical one; it is a deeply emotional and introspective voyage that forces both characters to examine their choices and the lives they have built. Cochrun's portrayal of this journey is both poignant and insightful, capturing the essence of what it means to truly know oneself and others.
One of the standout aspects of Here We Go Again is its exploration of themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of friendship. Cochrun does not shy away from the complexities of these themes, instead embracing them with a nuanced understanding that adds depth to the narrative. The novel beautifully illustrates how the passage of time can both heal and complicate relationships, and how the willingness to forgive can open the door to new beginnings.
The road trip itself is a vibrant and colorful backdrop to the unfolding drama, with Cochrun's descriptive prose bringing each location to life. From the lush landscapes of Washington state to the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon, the journey is as much about the places visited as it is about the emotional milestones achieved. The van, humorously dubbed "the gayest van west of the Mississippi," becomes a character in its own right, symbolizing the freedom and possibility that comes with embracing one's true self.
In terms of character development, Cochrun excels at creating authentic and multidimensional characters. Logan and Rosemary's evolution throughout the novel is both believable and satisfying, as they gradually peel back the layers of their defenses and allow themselves to be vulnerable. Their interactions are laced with humor and tenderness, capturing the essence of a friendship that has weathered the storms of time and distance.
Comparatively, Cochrun's work can be seen alongside other queer rom-coms such as Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue and Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. Like these novels, Here We Go Again offers a fresh and inclusive perspective on love and relationships, while also tackling important themes with grace and sensitivity. Cochrun's ability to balance humor with emotional depth sets her work apart, making it a standout in the genre.
Overall, Here We Go Again is a beautifully crafted novel that resonates on multiple levels. It is a story about the power of second chances, the importance of living authentically, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Cochrun's writing is both witty and heartfelt, capturing the complexities of human relationships with a deft touch. For readers seeking a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, Here We Go Again is a journey worth taking.
In conclusion, Alison Cochrun has delivered a novel that is as charming as it is insightful, offering a poignant reminder that it is never too late to find one's way back to the people and places that truly matter. Whether you are a fan of the rom-com genre or simply looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect, Here We Go Again is a must-read.
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