Book Review: Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
Rating: ★★★
Summary
Genre: Realist Fiction
Publication Date: 10th September 2024
No. Of Pages: 432
Keywords: Discovery, Friendships, Real Life
Content Warnings: Eating Disorder, Body Shaming, Physical Abuse, Death of Parent
Format: Hardback, Paperback, Audiobook, E-Book
Review
As Jacqueline Wilson’s first sequel and the follow up story to the well loves ‘Girls’ series, when ‘Think Again’ was announced, the launch was met with much anticipation. With the recent announcement that Jacqueline Wilson will be revisiting ‘The Illustrated Mum’ for an adult sequel and with ‘Think Again’ being shortlisted for the Fiction Book of the Year 2025 at the British Book Awards, we thought there was no better time to review her first fiction book for adults.
In Think again, we meet Ellie Allard in her late thirties, all grown up and just feeling a bit…lost. Although she has her grown up daughter Lottie, a flat with a dream view and the art career of her dreams, she feels like she’s letting life slip by and not really living. When she hit’s forty and her career comes crashing down, life takes matters into its own hands and Ellie is forced to ‘Think again’.
I was full of anticipation for the release of ‘Think Again’ considering the cult classic that the Girls series became, and honestly…I’m left with mixed feelings. Reading the book really felt like slipping into a pair of old, comfy pair of slippers and I whizzed through it (always a good sign!). Its full to the brim with nostalgia, from Jacquelines writing style to the realistic feel of her books and tackling real life issues, even revisiting characters years on felt satisfying.
Generally, I enjoyed the plot which wasn’t too complicated and had familiar characters woven throughout. With Ellies love life taking centre stage, I feel like I went on a journey with her and despite finding some of her choices somewhat questionable, I was rooting for her throughout. I loved revisiting Ellies life, but it was a bit of a shame that we only got a glimpse into Nadia and Magda’s.
Sadly, I felt like Jacqueline’s writing style didn’t translate well into an adult novel as some of the language and subjects felt antiquated and out of touch. Case in point, the use of the phrase ‘jolly old girl’ or referring to ‘calling for a Deliveroo’ which left me a bit confused! The book has received mixed reviews, mainly around the writing style, language and some outdated topics that Jaqueline has incorporated in the story, and I can understand why.
Despite the downsides to the book, I found Ellie relatable in many ways because, lets be honest, haven’t we all made bad decisions that have left our friends questioning our life choices? This is an easy read and the plot feels well-paced for the most part. There was enough to keep me engaged in the characters journey and I quickly became invested and wanted to see it through. On balance, I would recommend this book for the cosy nostalgia aspect and an easy read but not if you’re looking for something earth shattering! I’m looking forward to seeing what the next sequel from Jacqueline will bring us.
The Round Up
Similar Books: Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Read If: You were a Jacqueline Wilson fan back in the day and love the idea of checking in to see what Ellie, Magda and Nadine are up too.
Last Impressions: A comfy book I would read again.
Written by Megan Lee
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