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A Fresh Start: Complete
The complete Buckman saga - Carl Buckman is at the end of a boring life, unhappily contemplating what had been and what might have been. Suddenly, Aladdin's Lamp transports him back to 1968, to the teenager he had been then. How will he live his life differently, or will he be doomed to repeat his past mistakes all over again? This version contains Books 1-7, the Epilogue, and a bonus fan fiction story.
3093 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2014
42 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 23, 2020
Incredibly well written and incredibly long
This is a life rebirth type of book where the main character gets a redo on his life from the age of 13. This is a pretty common plot hook among Chinese and Korean writers less so among Western writers. Unlike some of those stories this has no fantasy or cultivation powers with him going back other than the mechanism of going back in time. This is all about preventing national disaster and some personal mistakes. All the characters feel like real people, and the main character never has to be made an idiot temporarily for the plot to move forward. It's a little right leaning in that in the second half of the book it goes into politics and the main character is sides more libertarian/republican to prevent some disasters from his timeline of runaway national debt. But most people are written like real people instead of caricatures of evil, so it doesn't feel heavy-handed.
This is a life rebirth type of book where the main character gets a redo on his life from the age of 13. This is a pretty common plot hook among Chinese and Korean writers less so among Western writers. Unlike some of those stories this has no fantasy or cultivation powers with him going back other than the mechanism of going back in time. This is all about preventing national disaster and some personal mistakes. All the characters feel like real people, and the main character never has to be made an idiot temporarily for the plot to move forward. It's a little right leaning in that in the second half of the book it goes into politics and the main character is sides more libertarian/republican to prevent some disasters from his timeline of runaway national debt. But most people are written like real people instead of caricatures of evil, so it doesn't feel heavy-handed.
February 10, 2017
Started as a serial on a free site, this has become one of the best plotted stories for the format that I've read in a long time. It's not going to be as good as a well edited, professionally published work - but for where it started it is quite good.
It's basically a do-over story where the hero is taken back to his teenage life and given a second shot at doing everything right - except he doesn't. He definitely does everything better though. What makes it great though is that it really has a plot that works throughout the serial. It has call-backs to previous chapters, repeating themes and repeating moments. It has great relationships and asks interesting questions.
Definitely not for everyone, it's fairly long and it's a bit "wish fulfilment" but it's a good, fun tale, for people looking for an escape from hum drum.
It's basically a do-over story where the hero is taken back to his teenage life and given a second shot at doing everything right - except he doesn't. He definitely does everything better though. What makes it great though is that it really has a plot that works throughout the serial. It has call-backs to previous chapters, repeating themes and repeating moments. It has great relationships and asks interesting questions.
Definitely not for everyone, it's fairly long and it's a bit "wish fulfilment" but it's a good, fun tale, for people looking for an escape from hum drum.
March 4, 2023
So good, it’s brilliant
This is actually 7 books and is about Carl Buckman, being recycled at 67 back to age 13.
A do over story, which is unbelievably good
Spoiler alert
As Carl faces starting again he decides to be brave, and works hard to meet his goals. The main character is clever, hardworking and has a good understanding of what he is facing. On his goal list is
* not to let his family push him around
* Reconnect with his past wife
* become wealthy
* do things differently
* try and make the world a better place
As he faces these challenges, what impressed me is the understanding and thought process of why he was doing this versus that. As he moves through life/history and illustrates what was going on in the background, the story was smooth and entertaining
Very impressive storyline and it kept me riveted to the very end
Great series
This is actually 7 books and is about Carl Buckman, being recycled at 67 back to age 13.
A do over story, which is unbelievably good
Spoiler alert
As Carl faces starting again he decides to be brave, and works hard to meet his goals. The main character is clever, hardworking and has a good understanding of what he is facing. On his goal list is
* not to let his family push him around
* Reconnect with his past wife
* become wealthy
* do things differently
* try and make the world a better place
As he faces these challenges, what impressed me is the understanding and thought process of why he was doing this versus that. As he moves through life/history and illustrates what was going on in the background, the story was smooth and entertaining
Very impressive storyline and it kept me riveted to the very end
Great series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2020
Another Great Find 7 books in 1
I been been blessed this year I've found three great authors this year. First is Ed Nelson, then G Younger, and now this author. Amazon keep recommend them to me but finely grid them. We En Nelson Jackson Saga was kindle unlimited so that was a no brainer. But G Younger Stupid boy series was not after reading the sample was hooked. FYI G Younger books have lots of sex so be warned plus save money and get box sets not individual. I keep skipping this book because of $8.99 price I'm a kindle unlimited guy. However The author PC Allen has a series like this set in 1850. His book 5 been delayed so finally read the details more closely and found this was a 7 book set. That made it a know brainer
I been been blessed this year I've found three great authors this year. First is Ed Nelson, then G Younger, and now this author. Amazon keep recommend them to me but finely grid them. We En Nelson Jackson Saga was kindle unlimited so that was a no brainer. But G Younger Stupid boy series was not after reading the sample was hooked. FYI G Younger books have lots of sex so be warned plus save money and get box sets not individual. I keep skipping this book because of $8.99 price I'm a kindle unlimited guy. However The author PC Allen has a series like this set in 1850. His book 5 been delayed so finally read the details more closely and found this was a 7 book set. That made it a know brainer
January 3, 2023
Just too good to not read again.
I read this story by rlfj a few years ago For Free, in one of the on-line story sites. And then read again. Guess what. It was just as good. Then a few months ago decided to read it again, but could not find it. Imagine my delight, after searching the do-over story lists off and on for months to find it in Amazon. And I can offer the author Money to show my appreciation for his craft. Easily worth more, by a factor of 10 by word count. Thanks Rollie Lawson.
I read this story by rlfj a few years ago For Free, in one of the on-line story sites. And then read again. Guess what. It was just as good. Then a few months ago decided to read it again, but could not find it. Imagine my delight, after searching the do-over story lists off and on for months to find it in Amazon. And I can offer the author Money to show my appreciation for his craft. Easily worth more, by a factor of 10 by word count. Thanks Rollie Lawson.
August 8, 2020
Fun book
It is a wish fulfilment book. A man in his 60`s gets to go back 13 and lives the life he fantasized he could have lived. He vilified the politicians he hates (ciintons) and builds up and romanticize the party (republican) and politicians he likes. He becomes a military hero, billionaire, and President of the United States. Dispite all this it is well written and a interesting story. It is not done in the clumsy way many others do.
It is a wish fulfilment book. A man in his 60`s gets to go back 13 and lives the life he fantasized he could have lived. He vilified the politicians he hates (ciintons) and builds up and romanticize the party (republican) and politicians he likes. He becomes a military hero, billionaire, and President of the United States. Dispite all this it is well written and a interesting story. It is not done in the clumsy way many others do.
September 29, 2020
Great
Loved it Took me 3days to read an enjoyed every bit of it I can see someone taking a week or two to finish I normally read 2 to3 books a day so it was a bargain at twice the price
Loved it Took me 3days to read an enjoyed every bit of it I can see someone taking a week or two to finish I normally read 2 to3 books a day so it was a bargain at twice the price
June 10, 2024
This may be the longest book you’ll ever read and it’s worth the time to read it. Such a well thought out plot line and characters worth investing your time in. I just spent days on end reading it now I’m trying to convince myself not to immediately turn around and read it again!
January 28, 2025
long but worth every second
A do over story with history and character development. Very enjoyable and good entertainment. Would like to see more of the same.
A do over story with history and character development. Very enjoyable and good entertainment. Would like to see more of the same.
October 4, 2025
wonderful
I’ve read it before in a free forum but in kindle it is is so much better. Editing is tighter and story flows wonderful.
I’ve read it before in a free forum but in kindle it is is so much better. Editing is tighter and story flows wonderful.
April 17, 2020
Wow! What a story!
It took a week to read through the whole thing, yet it was so engrossing I didn't want to move to anything else! Thanks for such a great main character! Well done!
It took a week to read through the whole thing, yet it was so engrossing I didn't want to move to anything else! Thanks for such a great main character! Well done!
July 16, 2020
Great walk down memory lane with a little action and romance. If you are a Boomer take a look.
August 30, 2021
“If you could would you go back and relive your life?” This is the story of going back and living it better. I found this series to be a compelling, satisfying, and entertaining read. In a few years, I will reread it and enjoy the investment of that time spent once again. I highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews