New Again by Don Tassone is a compelling collection
of interconnected stories that explore themes of renewal, forgiveness, human connection,
and purpose. The stories present an array of characters and settings, each
exploring a unique human experience. “New Eyes” is about Betsy Mitchell’s journey
through her fears and mental health struggles to seeing life differently,
thanks to her connection with family and conversations with her new Muslim
neighbor, Shakila. Other stories present the lives of individuals facing loss,
guilt, and redemption—such as Jesse Adler’s nostalgic longing to relive his
childhood through a homemade grotto in “The Grotto” or Joe’s remorse over past
sins that threaten his peace in “The Garden.” In “Trust,” Sarah grieves the
loss of her husband. Can Daniel, a young man seeking purpose after a failed
career, find his path in life? Each story offers a glimpse into the characters’
internal worlds, their struggles to reconcile with their pasts, and find
meaning in the present.
Don Tassone is one of those authors with the unique gift for
exploring human emotion and nature, capturing the experience of fear, pain, and
hope in a relatable way. Each of his characters shares something with our
humanity; each is deeply flawed, meticulously explored, and unforgettable. The themes
of rebirth and second chances run through the stories in New Again. The language
is lyrical, and I was fascinated by the author’s use of symbolism. For instance,
Olivia is named after the olive tree, and the name symbolizes growth and
strength. While you’ll enjoy the beauty of the prose and the drama created by
the sparkling dialogues, you will also love the subtle humor and the realism
infused into the writing. The stories in this book cleverly examine spiritual
awakening, acceptance, and the power of forgiveness. Tassone sprinkles
insightful thoughts into the book and wisdom that left me thinking about my own
awakening. My favorite takeaway thought is from the last story, “Listen,” which
reads: “It is said that God hears every leaf that falls in the forest. If
that’s true, it must be because every leaf is dear to him and he listens with
his heart.” This collection is a gift of faith and love, endearing, and hugely
entertaining.
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