Another First Chance
Published on 17. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-1-6659-3531-9 (ISBN)
Description
They Both Die at the End meets You've Reached Sam, in this "superb...thought-provoking" (Booklist, starred review) speculative young adult novel from New York Times bestselling author Robbie Couch that explores all the different ways love can live on after tragedy.
It's been one year since eighteen-year-old River Lang's best friend died in a car accident. And every day since, he's had to pass by the depressing billboard that appeared as a result: a texting and driving PSA that reduces Dylan to a cautionary tale. Dylan was so much more than a statistic, though, and River hates that everyone in town seems to have forgotten.
When he's caught improving (a.k.a. vandalizing) Dylan's billboard, River is blackmailed into joining the Affinity Trials-a research study that's observing teens who are "struggling socially." As soon as he arrives though, River is thrown together with the last person he wants to spend an entire week with: his ex-best friend and Dylan's former girlfriend, Mavis, who's the only one who knows the truth about the night Dylan died.
During the Trials, River befriends a charming quarterback named Nash, and it doesn't take long for romantic feelings to start bubbling to the surface. But bizarre developments within the Trials make him wonder what the researchers are actually studying as they monitor his every move. And when suspicions lead him to a bombshell discovery, River will have to decide just how far he's willing to go for another chance at first love.
It's been one year since eighteen-year-old River Lang's best friend died in a car accident. And every day since, he's had to pass by the depressing billboard that appeared as a result: a texting and driving PSA that reduces Dylan to a cautionary tale. Dylan was so much more than a statistic, though, and River hates that everyone in town seems to have forgotten.
When he's caught improving (a.k.a. vandalizing) Dylan's billboard, River is blackmailed into joining the Affinity Trials-a research study that's observing teens who are "struggling socially." As soon as he arrives though, River is thrown together with the last person he wants to spend an entire week with: his ex-best friend and Dylan's former girlfriend, Mavis, who's the only one who knows the truth about the night Dylan died.
During the Trials, River befriends a charming quarterback named Nash, and it doesn't take long for romantic feelings to start bubbling to the surface. But bizarre developments within the Trials make him wonder what the researchers are actually studying as they monitor his every move. And when suspicions lead him to a bombshell discovery, River will have to decide just how far he's willing to go for another chance at first love.
Reviews / Votes
"Combines an intriguing mystery with a nuanced portrayal of friendship and sorrow." -- Shelf Awareness * June 7, 2024 * "Well paced and intriguing....highly readable and poignant" -- School Library Journal * June 2024 * * "Couch expertly ratchets up suspense. A superb, thought-provoking effort that is sure to delight readers who enjoy original, beautifully imagined efforts." -- Booklist, starred review "Readers who think they know what's coming will be surprised....An emotionally intense exploration of grief combined with creative speculation about the nature of friendship." -- Kirkus Reviews * 04/01/24 * "Distinct characters with strong presences, steady pacing, and a meaty mystery combine to deliver a rewarding experience." -- Publishers Weekly * 2/12/2024 * "Gripping, unique, and heartfelt, Another First Chance is a gorgeous exploration of friendship and grief. Both the love story and mystery made my heart race; Robbie Couch is a master of emotion." -- Jen St. Jude, author of <i >If Tomorrow Doesn't Come </i> "Equal parts suspenseful and sincere, Robbie Couch had me on the edge of my seat one minute and clutching my heart the next! A completely captivating exploration of grief and the lengths we'll go to so we can move on." -- Jason June, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author "Another First Chance is a compelling and heartfelt tale of friendship, grief, and love in all its forms. The cleverly crafted plot is full of twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the final, revelatory page. A truly unique story about the ineffable mark people leave on us when they're gone." -- Tobias Madden, author of <I>Wrong Answers Only </I>More details
Edition
Reprint
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Target group
Young adult
US School Grade: Seventh Grade and over, Interest Age: From 12 to 99 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
f-c cvr (spfx: spot gloss)
Dimensions
Height: 206 mm
Width: 138 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
310 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6659-3531-9 (9781665935319)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Robbie Couch
Another First Chance
E-Book
05/2024
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
€10.87
Available for download
Person
Robbie Couch is the New York Times bestselling author of If I See You Again Tomorrow, in addition to Just the Good Parts, Blaine for the Win, and Another First Chance. Originally from small-town Michigan, Robbie now calls Los Angeles home.