It began at Finn's Bar. Ellie, a writer famously known for taking up lost causes, came into the bar to check out the intimate atmosphere and cool vibes. Her mission was to write about older places that had lost their clientele in such a way that customers would be enticed back, giving them a second chance. She lived her life on the edge, always looking for new thrills but she was just as quick to leave situations if things got too heavy. She met a guy there who was cute and funny. Drake was her opposite, he was staid and methodical to the point where he only patronized his three favorite restaurants. He built new housing developments but his dream was to restore old houses. They found that they had the same sense of humor and soon, after their meeting, became a couple, and got engaged.
But as they drifted closer to the wedding, Ellie found that she was getting restless. After they finished dinner at one of Drake's restaurants, Ellie insisted that they go for a walk in an area neither had been before. They strolled down a dark cobblestone street and saw bright lights emerging from the building at the end of the block. As Ellie ran ahead to look, she saw something amazing-it was a beautiful movie palace straight out of the fifties. Even though it was late, she saw a midnight movie listed on the marquee-The Story of You. She convinced Drake to buy a ticket. The attendant said that this was the first movie in a series of ten weeks, and insisted that they attend every showing. After buying their tickets, they were seated in a small empty theater...as the "movie" began they recognized what looked like video from a home projector, which played scenes from when Drake then Ellie were babies. Drake wanted out but Ellie insisted that they return for the next showing. As the weeks went by, the couple were shown the memories of their lives, some touching, some upsetting, but all brutally honest. And the question at the heart of this novel is, would a couple benefit from knowing everything about each other before they are married, to head off the secrets that may be revealed after the wedding?
It makes the reader think-would it help a relationship if they were completely honest with each other and were given the opportunity to understand and forgive, or are there secrets we'd prefer to tell no one. This is why Second Chance Cinema will lead to a fantastic book discussion, and will stay with the reader for a long time. See you at the movies.
Reviewed by Donna Ballard
October 7, 2025
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