Restart

Chase Ambrose used to be the biggest bully in school.  Along with his henchmen, Aaron and Bear, he terrorized everyone who wasn't on the football team.

But that was before, before he fell off the roof of his house, before he got amnesia...before.

Now, Chase doesn't remember anything about his old life, not his mom or his friends or the person he used to be.  The more he realizes the truth about the old Chase, the more horrified he is.  How could he have done all those terrible things?

Shoshanna hates Chase more than pretty much anyone.  He and his thugs bullied her twin brother relentless.  The last straw was the cherry bomb they planted inside the piano at one of Joel's performances.  Chase and his friends got community service, and Joel is miserable at a private school away from his family and friends.

Brendan has as much reason to hate Chase as anyone.  He was target number two right after Joel Weber.  At first, he isn't sure he believes Chase even has amnesia, but it doesn't take long to see a real change.  Plus, Chase is a great cameraman for Brendan's Youtube videos.

Even Chase isn't sure he's really changed, especially when he remembers the worst thing he did as old Chase.  Is it really possible to get a fresh start?

The newest offering from Gordon Korman does have it's fair share of humor, but it takes on a more serious tone dealing with bullying and identity.  I love the idea of seeing yourself from the outside.  Often people just keep doing the same things in the same way.  The new Chase not only doesn't remember being a bully, he is horrified at the things he's done.  This could start a good nature vs. nurture discussion.  It might be nice to get a fresh perspective on your own life.  Recommended!