Repeat by Neal Pollack
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I find it interesting when I can tell with absolute certainty how an author spends their free time. When an author gets into incredible detail on a certain area – much greater detail than on anything else in the book – it’s a sure sign that we’ve found their hobby. I’ve really only noticed this trend in the past year or so, which probably says more about the type of books I’ve been reading than anything else. I suspect it’s a sign of inexperience on the part of the author, but I don’t consider it a problem to the narrative. It’s just an observation.
In the case of Repeat, it’s two-fold; the book is obviously written by a Hollywood denizen, but yoga is clearly the passion of author Neal Pollack. I really knew nothing about the author prior to reading Repeat, but afterwards I was completely unsurprised to find that he is a serious yoga devotee. Looks like he’s actually written a series of yoga mysteries. I don’t know what to make of that…
He also writes extensively in the book about the show Jeopardy; he was a champion on that show.
Repeat is not an original concept for a novel. The fact that the author knows this and acknowledges it (through the character) helps tremendously. The book started incredibly slowly; I had a hard time getting into the pace of the story. Glad I stuck it out.
Repeat opens on the protagonist, a not hugely likable man-child named Brad Cohen, pondering what he considers an unsuccessful life on the eve of his fortieth birthday. He has a family and home, but is unhappy with his spotty screenwriting career and is largely disengaged from his life and family through his dissatisfaction and near constant state of being high. Before you can say Zuzu’s petals, he has been sent back to the moment of his birth, complete with his memories and consciousness. Cohen will have the experience of reliving his life, but with complete knowledge of everything that is happening to him and everything to come. And just when he’s got it all figured out, he’s born again…
Of course the parallels to Groundhog Day are overwhelming, as are the call-outs to It’s A Wonderful Life. As I stated at the beginning, the author completely owns this, so I don’t consider it a flaw. Think of it more as variations on a theme. There’s enough freshness here to make for an enjoyable read.
For the most part, though, that’s sort of all Repeat is; an enjoyable read. Not something of huge consequence, and that’s completely fine. The premise is familiar but the detail is unique. Pollack is a funny writer and creates some interesting scenarios. Go in with the right expectations and you’re likely to enjoy it as I did.
