First published in 1986, it explores how you’d do life differently if given a second (or in this case third, fourth, fifth and sixth) chance. Which brings me to Ken Grimwood’s “Replay,” one of the most influential science fiction novels of the past 40 years that you’ve probably never heard of. I think it’s more important to celebrate originality - even if it can feel antiquated by today’s standards - and acknowledge and celebrate your inspiration. In the 15 years since, I’ve read hundreds of books that have expanded and challenged my first versus better mentality when it comes to ideas. I found it all very “ho-hum” (a direct quote). My chief complaint was, even though he may have been the first author to tackle the subject matter, in the years since publication many other writers have taken those ideas and made them better. In my early days on Goodreads - circa 2007 - I wrote what is still my most popular and divisive review, a tepid response to Richard Matheson’s “ I Am Legend and Other Stories.” Why I Read It: It had been on my TBR list for more than three years. Recommended For: Anyone that loved Stephen King’s “11/22/63,” Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library,” Blake Crouch’s “Dark Matter” and “Recursion” and, of course, the films “Groundhog Day” and “Back to the Future.” Reality: A completely underrated, highly influential novel that introduces a wealth of ideas about regret and happiness. When he comes to, it’s not in a hospital room, but his dorm at Emory University where the now 18-year-old can replay the last 25 years of his life.Įxpectation: An exploration of second chances and following your passion.

During his last moments of consciousness after a massive heart attack, he thinks about all the ways he’d do life differently. 100-Word (or Less) Synopsis: Jeff Winston is 43-years-old with a dead-end job and unhappy marriage.

Replay book review