In Rediscovering Ramona by Gwen Banta, readers encounter Ro, a multifaceted character who undergoes a profound journey of personal growth and resilience amidst a backdrop of various challenges and the pursuit of self-discovery. Initially, Ro feels isolated and tries to figure out her relationships with friends like Fred and Curtis. As she navigates hurdles, her bond with Fred strengthens, leading to moments of growth. Through writing and friendships, Ro finds comfort and faces her deepest fears. Her resilience and newfound perspective become increasingly evident, reaching a symbolic climax as she embraces life's uncertainties during her travels to Morocco. Throughout the narrative, readers feel hopeful and excited about the characters' future adventures.

The story unfolds in four distinct parts; each part contributes to the overall progression, providing insight into Ro's emotional landscape, relationships, and inner struggles. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the setting adds complexity and urgency to Ro's experiences. The tone is introspective and reflective, guiding readers through her challenges as she embarks on her transformative path. The characters are carefully crafted and integrated into her journey, adding emotional depth and complexity that connect with readers. Themes like self-discovery, resilience, and embracing life's uncertainties are depicted fairly, offering insights into human experiences. The structure and coherence are commendable, and offer readers a clear and engaging overview of Ro's story. The dialogue is authentic, and sometimes depicted humorously, reflecting the complexities of human interaction. The twists are introduced organically, arising from Ro's interactions with other characters or from external events. They serve to challenge her perceptions, forcing her to confront unexpected obstacles and grapple with difficult decisions. Overall, Rediscovering Ramona by Gwen Banta offers readers a compelling glimpse into Ro's world and encourages them to find solace in personal connections, navigate challenges with courage, and embrace the transformative power of new experiences. It is highly recommended and a must-read for contemporary fiction fans.

Rediscovering Ramona by Gwen Banta is set during the COVID lockdown. People are facing many social and economic challenges. Ramona is okay with the lockdowns, viewing them as a necessary price to pay for the fight against the pandemic. Ramona is a writer and lives in Laurel Canyon. The architecture there is such that the houses are very close to each other. This causes problems with Fred, who is her neighbor. Fred is obsessed with cleaning and uses a noisy leaf blower, which irritates Ramona, who loves peace and quiet. How will their relationship evolve after Fred discovers Ramona has a problem with her back and decides to help her? In another twist of events, Ramona meets a nurse who inspires her to change her writing style. Will the new book turn out better?

Rediscovering Ramona by Gwen Banta is wonderfully written with easy-to-understand language that makes it accessible to all readers. I loved the systematic flow of events, which left no room for confusion for the reader. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about the impact of COVID lockdowns and other issues, such as holistic healing. For instance, Ramona gets better by being treated by Dee when conventional medicine doesn't produce any results. The characters were well-developed and relatable. Gwen also used sarcasm to great effect, like Ramona naming her plants. All the events and places were also vividly described, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. I am looking forward to reading something else by this author.