This warm-hearted book is filled with laughs, friendship and is completely relatable.
Jacqueline Wilson’s ‘Girls’ series was a staple reading of mine as a teenager, so it was with a real sense of joy when it was announced that she was releasing ‘Think Again’ to uncover exactly what has happened to Ellie, Nadine and Magda since they were teenagers.
Written with Wilson’s trademark warmth and humour, the story predominantly focuses on Ellie whose life has come to a slight stand still with her daughter Lottie at university and the cancellation of her cartoon being published – so what is next in store for her? Along the way she makes a new friend Alice, starts dating her former teacher and goes on a journey to discover what truly makes her happy and who she really is. Meanwhile, we discover Nadine is still is her usual gothic self and still as glamorous as ever, while Magda is on her third marriage and adjusting to being a step mother.
It is once again so easy to slip into the world in which Wilson has created for her characters, making you feel as though you have never left them behind which is charming. However, it does have to be said that occasionally the thoughts and conversations between the characters does make you question as to have they have really matured – the tone in places feel a little bit off (particularly in the intimate moments that Ellie has with Mr Windsor aka Gary). It also would have been lovely to have Magda and Nadine a bit more involved – but perhaps that is the point teenage relationships no matter how close they are can grow and change as we get older.
Perhaps the book doesn’t capture the complexities of adulthood as strongly as it could, it is still an entertaining and relatable read as Ellie attempts to deal with her insecurities and find a new path in life – which we are all constantly doing to some extent. To read her grow in confidence in the way in which she deals with Gary’s overbearingness in their relationship, while valuing her friendship with new character Alice is is certainly charming.
Think Again is certainly filled with nostalgia (and Easter Egg references that will delight fans of Wilson’s other books) and from this perspective it works really well to ensure that it caters for fans of the original series.
Overall, there is still plenty for readers to take away from Think Again in terms of the fact it is never too late to change the path that your life takes. It is an uplifting, warm and funny read.
By Emma Clarendon
Think Again is available to buy now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️