SECOND CHANCE

Author: Jane Green ISBN: 9780452289444 6/2008 FICTION Publisher: PLUME

With this life-affirming tale of friendship and fate, Jane Green once again shows why she is a nationally bestselling author with legions of loyal fans. The story of a group of people who haven't seen each other since they were best friends in school, they reunite when one of them dies in a terrible tragedy. Recapturing the intimacy of their younger days, they are each surprised at the impact their encounter brings. Warm, witty, and as wise as ever, Second Chance will strike a chord with anyone who is still trying to figure life out.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

SECOND CHANCE by Jane Green is one of those see-yourself kind of books. Really, I think most readers could see themselves in at least one of this author's characters. It is a tale of friendship, time and the ability of the human heart to heal, forgive and, ultimately, move on.

A terrorist plot brings tragedy that touches the lives of friends who have been separated for a number of years. The "golden boy" who is lost is the thread that connects each of these characters. When they're pulled back together, they realize they've grown, yet essentially stayed the same. Only those with a sense of history like the one they share, can come to grips with what's happened to them as they band together to battle some of the inner demons lurking in their tight little circle.

This is reminiscent of The Big Chill but that does not take away the fact that SECOND CHANCE is well written and entertaining. And it is appropriately named because the story is mostly about second chances and recognizing new opportunities.

Kay James