Weekly Hornet

Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Entertainment

As children, we are allowed do-overs. The rules are quite simple. Someone makes a mistake, decides a second chance is in order and calls for a do-over. Just like that, said child is forgiven for previous errors and has a clean slate from which to start.

Unfortunately, adults aren't afforded the same luxury. Instead of new beginnings, we build lists of favorite mistakes and hold reservations for "bitter," party of one.

What if we were allowed a second chance? How would it work? Caprice Crane's second novel, "Forget About It," is all about do-overs, and second chances for one woman.

The story revolves around a case of feigned amnesia and her desperate attempt at reclaiming her life.

Jordan Landau is 25 and hating it. She is the quintessential doormat. She's in a less-than-committed relationship with a man who takes her for granted. Her mother criticizes her and takes any given opportunity to call her fat. Her boss steals her ideas and passes her up for a promotion. She's also drowning in debt, both credit card and loans. But Jordan just takes it, avoiding confrontation at all costs.

After an unfair fight of car vs. bike, Jordan lands in the hospital and makes a rash decision that would make Lucille Ball proud. She decides to fake amnesia and give herself a do-over.

When the unthinkable happens, Jordan has to decide whether to go back to her old life or if she wants to continue on the path of new and improved Jordan.

Instead of starting the story in the present, Crane goes back to a second grade wedding. At 7 years old, Jordan took her best friend, Todd, to be her "awfully wedded husband" with their other best friend, Cat, presiding.

"Forget About It" is very much a modern day "I Love Lucy" episode. There's the main character with the harebrained scheme, the affable best friend and sidekick who gets pulled into that scheme and a cast of equally memorable characters.

Crane's quick wit and twisted sense of humor are also appealing. She writes sharp dialogue and keeps the story going at an even pace. The only set back is when the story starts to draw out toward the end. It can make anyone who suffers from anxiety reach for a bottle of Xanax. But she concludes before anyone would suffer from a panic attack.

The story is something most people can relate to: the simplicity of childhood. The bond among friends Jordan, Cat and Todd gives "Forget About It" heart.

"Forget About It" is an effortless read that will entertain readers as well as give them the opportunity to evaluate their own lives.

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