Restart

Chapters 1-2: Chase's New Beginning

Chase Ambrose wakes up in the hospital with amnesia after falling off his roof. He remembers nothing about his life, his family, or his reputation. He returns to Hiawassee Middle School, feeling like a stranger in his own life. He meets his parents, his brother Johnny, and his old friends Aaron Hakimian and Bear Bratsky, but they all feel unfamiliar. He's confused by the reactions of other students, some fearful, some angry, some avoiding him. He finds himself drawn to the video club, a place he never would have considered before his accident, feeling a strange pull towards something new and different from his past self, which he can't recall.

Chapters 3-4: First Impressions and New Paths

Shoshanna Weber, whose twin brother Joel was driven away to boarding school by Chase and his friends, is horrified to see Chase back at school. She believes his amnesia is a trick. Brendan Espinoza, a quirky member of the video club, is surprised when Chase shows interest in joining. Brendan is initially wary, remembering Chase's past bullying, but is also intrigued by Chase's seemingly changed demeanor. Chase attends his first video club meeting, feeling a sense of belonging he didn't expect. He helps Brendan film a humorous video involving a tricycle and a slip-and-slide, showing a natural talent for filming and a willingness to participate in activities far removed from his old persona.

Chapters 5-6: Old Friends, New Memories

Aaron and Bear, Chase's former football teammates and partners in crime, are frustrated by Chase's amnesia. They try to remind him of their past exploits, including their bullying of Joel Weber and their general reign of terror. Chase has his first 'flashback' – a fragmented, disturbing memory of a girl falling from a tree, which leaves him shaken and confused. He doesn't understand why he's remembering such a violent image. He continues to spend time with the video club, finding solace and a sense of purpose in helping Brendan and Shoshanna, despite their initial distrust. He begins to question the kind of person he was before the accident.

Chapters 7-8: Kimberly's Crush and Video Club Progress

Kimberly Tooley, a new student, develops a crush on Chase, seeing him as a reformed hero rather than his old self. She joins the video club to be closer to him, offering to help with their projects. The video club decides to enter the National Video Journalism Contest, with Brendan proposing a documentary about a local war hero. They identify Mr. Solway, a resident of the assisted living facility where Chase is doing community service, as their subject. Chase, through his community service, starts to build a rapport with Mr. Solway, who is initially grumpy and uncooperative, but slowly begins to open up to Chase's genuine interest.

Chapters 9-10: Mr. Solway's Story

The video club, including Chase, Shoshanna, and Brendan, begins interviewing Mr. Solway for their documentary. Mr. Solway, a Korean War veteran, is reluctant to share his story, often giving short, dismissive answers. He claims he doesn't remember much about the war or receiving his Medal of Honor. Chase, however, shows persistence and empathy, slowly chipping away at Mr. Solway's gruff exterior. The club learns about Mr. Solway's past, including his time in the war and the heroic act that earned him the medal, though he downplays his own bravery. The project starts to bring the video club members closer, despite their lingering reservations about Chase.

Chapters 11-12: Joel's Return and Shoshanna's Doubts

Joel Weber, still at boarding school, receives news that Chase has amnesia and is seemingly a changed person. He remains skeptical, remembering the relentless bullying that forced him to leave Hiawassee. Shoshanna, despite seeing some positive changes in Chase, struggles to reconcile his current kindness with his past cruelty. She worries about Joel's potential return and the impact Chase might have. The video club continues to work on Mr. Solway's documentary, with Chase proving to be an invaluable asset, not just with filming but also in connecting with Mr. Solway. Shoshanna starts to grudgingly admit that the 'new' Chase is different.

Chapters 13-14: Chase's Good Deeds and Growing Suspicion

Chase continues to perform good deeds, helping people and showing genuine kindness, which further confuses those who knew his old self. He helps a young girl retrieve her lost teddy bear from a tree, an act that triggers another fragmented memory for him, this time of a different girl and a different tree. Aaron and Bear become increasingly frustrated with Chase's transformation, seeing him as 'soft' and trying to pull him back into their old ways. They remind him of the 'incident' that got them all community service, but Chase still can't fully recall it, only feeling a sense of dread.

Chapters 15-16: The Medal and the Truth

The video club successfully films Mr. Solway's story, culminating in a powerful interview where he finally shares more details about his Medal of Honor. The medal itself becomes a central focus of the documentary. Meanwhile, Aaron and Bear, still trying to get Chase to remember his past, reveal more details about the 'incident' – the vandalism of the band room and the theft of Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor. Chase starts to piece together the fragments of his memory, realizing with horror that he was involved in the theft, though the full picture remains blurry. He feels immense guilt and confusion about his past actions.

Chapters 17-18: The Fire Extinguisher and Joel's Return

Joel Weber returns home from boarding school, much to Shoshanna's relief and anxiety. He is immediately confronted with the 'new' Chase, who is now a respected member of the video club. Joel struggles to trust Chase, remembering the trauma he endured. During a school assembly, a fire extinguisher is accidentally discharged, causing chaos. Chase, using his quick thinking and strength, helps to contain the situation and protect students, further solidifying his new heroic image in the eyes of many, including Kimberly. This incident highlights the stark contrast between his past and present self.

Chapters 19-20: The Video's Impact and Growing Tensions

The video club puts the finishing touches on Mr. Solway's documentary, which is now a powerful and moving tribute. Joel, despite his reservations, is impressed by the quality of the film and the genuine respect Chase shows Mr. Solway. However, the tension between Chase's past and present selves escalates. Aaron and Bear continue to pressure Chase, reminding him of their shared history and the 'incident.' Chase's memories become clearer, and he starts to remember more details about the day the medal was stolen, including his own complicity and the role Aaron and Bear played.

Chapters 21-22: The Premiere and the Missing Medal

The video club's documentary, 'The Warrior,' premieres at the school, receiving widespread acclaim and praise. Mr. Solway, present at the screening, is deeply moved by the tribute. The film is a huge success, showcasing the talent and hard work of the club members, especially Chase's contributions. However, the triumph is short-lived. During the celebration, it is discovered that Mr. Solway's Medal of Honor, which was prominently featured in the documentary and brought to the school for display, is missing. Panic ensues, and suspicion immediately falls on Chase, given his past reputation and his prior involvement in the medal's original theft.

Chapters 23-24: Accusation and Investigation

Chase is immediately accused of stealing the Medal of Honor again. Principal Schultz and the police begin an investigation. Aaron and Bear, fearing they will be implicated, try to distance themselves from Chase and deny any knowledge of the medal's whereabouts, even though they were involved in the original theft. Chase, despite his amnesia, feels a deep sense of injustice and is determined to prove his innocence. He begins to actively search for the medal, hoping to clear his name and protect the reputation of the video club and Mr. Solway. The pressure mounts as his new friends start to question him.

Chapters 25-26: The Full Truth Revealed

As the investigation intensifies, Chase's memories fully return. He remembers the entire 'incident' from before his accident: how he, Aaron, and Bear broke into Mr. Solway's house, how Aaron and Bear stole the medal, and how he himself was present and complicit, though he didn't physically take it. He also remembers where the medal was hidden after the original theft. He confronts Aaron and Bear, who confess their involvement in the original theft and their subsequent hiding of the medal in Chase's locker to frame him. Chase retrieves the medal from its hiding place, determined to return it and tell the truth.

Chapters 27-28: The Hearing

A formal hearing is held to determine responsibility for the medal's theft and the vandalism. Chase, Aaron, and Bear are all present, along with their parents, school officials, and Mr. Solway. Chase bravely tells the full truth about the original theft, his amnesia, and his subsequent discovery of the medal's hiding place. He admits his past complicity but emphasizes his changed character. Aaron and Bear, initially defensive, are eventually forced to admit their roles. Mr. Solway, touched by Chase's honesty and the documentary, speaks on Chase's behalf, acknowledging his transformation and his genuine efforts to make amends.

Chapters 29-30: Verdict and New Beginnings

The hearing concludes with a verdict. Aaron and Bear receive significant penalties for their actions. Chase is cleared of the recent theft, but still faces consequences for his past involvement, including being removed from the football team for the season. However, his honesty and the support of Mr. Solway and the video club members lead to a more lenient outcome than he might have faced. Chase embraces his new identity, continuing his friendships with Brendan, Shoshanna, and Joel. He realizes that while he can't change his past, he can choose who he is in the present and future, committing to being a better person.

"Restart" is a young adult novel written by Gordon Korman, published by Scholastic in 2017. The story centers around the character Chase Ambrose, a teenager who suffers from amnesia following an accident. As he attempts to reconstruct his life and identity, he faces personal and social challenges that test his character and lead him to reconsider his past choices.

The plot of "Restart" unfolds in a school setting, where Chase returns to school after his accident. Without any memory of his former life, he finds himself in a situation where he must discover who he truly is, as his classmates have very differing opinions about him. Previously, Chase was known as a bully, but now, without recollection of his past behavior, he begins to interact with different groups of students, including those he had previously intimidated.

Throughout the story, Chase establishes new friendships and learns about the importance of empathy and redemption. The novel alternates between the perspectives of several characters, allowing the reader to gain a broader understanding of how Chase's actions affected others and how his personal change influences his relationships. The climax centers around a sporting event that tests not only Chase's skills but also his personal growth and ability to accept his past.

"Restart" addresses several significant themes, including:

1. Identity and Self-Discovery: Chase's quest to understand who he is without the influence of his past is central to the narrative.

2. Redemption and Change: The novel explores how people can change and improve, even after making significant mistakes.

3. Cyberbullying and Bullying: Korman addresses the consequences of bullying and the importance of empathy and forgiveness.

4. Friendship and Loyalty: The new relationships Chase forms highlight the power of true friendship and mutual support.

"Restart" is a thought-provoking work that invites reflection on identity and the capacity for change. Through Chase's experience, the reader learns that the past does not define the future.