Again and Again

By Leah Yvonne Mullen

Book Overview

Growing up, Sarah just wanted to be loved, but she went about it in the worst possible way. If Sarah could turn back the hands of time she would not have made so many mistakes. She wants her daughter Bridget's last years in high school to be smooth and trouble free, unlike the poverty and homelessness Sarah grew up with. Most of all she does not want Bridget to become a mother before she is a woman.

However, Bridget--bright and determined, yet doubting her own worth--has her own vision for her life, one that is full of the young man she adores.

Sarah's fierce determination to overcome her wild, party girl past and create a conventional future jeopardizes what is most precious to her. Can she keep her hopes for her daughter's success from crushing Bridget's dreams, while at the same time making peace with her own unfulfilled desires?

Praise for Again and Again

"Leah Mullen's debut novel Again and Again is a true coming of age story perfect for any age...This heart-felt novel is one destined to be read again and again..." --Donna Hill, author of An Ordinary Woman

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595339808
• ISBN13: 9780595339808
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A sweet, SWEET, read

If you are in the mood for a good sweet read don't hesitate and get this book. It's the story of a mother trying to make life better for herself and her family while dealing with and trying to overcome her own issues. Again and again makes you relate to the issues and emotions that go along with them. It especially takes you back to those teenage years when life seemed so easy; Studying was all there was and love was ever so confusing. I was just swooning while reading the scenes, lol. It definitely makes you want to read more of the author.

Great, Quick Read!

This was a great read. It made me laugh, it made me cry. This book is great for all audiences - young and old. Everyone can relate!

Family Turmoil

Seventeen-year-old Bridget Franklin should be on top of the world. She's doing well in school, lives in a great neighborhood with her parents, has a job, gets along well with her best friend, and most importantly, the guy she's been dreaming about has shown interest in her. She's never been in love, lust or whatever before, but she knows Chip is the one she desires. Chip is honestly a fine young man, thus Bridget is having difficulties understanding why her mother is sweating her so much about him. To make matters worse, her parents are having marital difficulty. Though Bridget had often wished they'd just divorce, the reality that this may actually happen is more painful than she'd imagined. Sarah, Bridget's mother, doesn't want her daughter to make the same mistake as her-getting pregnant as a teen. Sarah knows she is being hard on her daughter, but she's doing it for her own good. Then there is Robert, Bridget's father. He believes telling Bridget the truth about their past will help the child, but Sarah refuses to cooperate. She doesn't trust Robert. Ever since they moved out to the suburbs, he's been more and more distant, and she's sure he's having an affair. Robert cannot figure out where it all went wrong. All Sarah seems to care about is appearances. He moved out to the suburbs for her, bought the house she wanted, furnished it the way she wanted... she never has enough. The only time she shows him affection is when she wants something, and he isn't sure how much more he can take. Yet he loves his wife and child and wants to heal their relationships. As I read AGAIN AND AGAIN, I found myself saying, "Wow, this sounds like something my seventeen year old would say." Ms. Mullen did an excellent job capturing the insecurity, excitement, and fight of a teen transitioning into young adulthood. Watching as Sarah allowed her own fears to hinder her relationship with her child and her husband was saddening; how many of us allow this to happen in real life? Though I did enjoy AGAIN AND AGAIN, the ending was rushed. Ms. Mullen did such a fabulous job developing the conflicts and acquainting me with the characters, I'd expected more depth to go into the resolutions. All in all, I recommend AGAIN AND AGAIN and look forward to Ms. Mullen's future work. (RAW Rating: 3.5) Reviewed by Deatri King-Bey of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers