Would you buy a ticket: The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss

I was so delighted to receive an e-galley of this title which sounded magical and enchanting. It did not disappoint.

This is a story that, of course, required suspension of disbelief. I was quite willing. It was intriguing and fascinating to get my first glimpse of this special theater. Imagine seeing a sign advertising The Story of You and realizing that was really meant. Yes, Ellie and Drake are able to purchase ten tickets. Each one will yield a movie about a time in their lives, beginning when they were babies.

While this seems enticing, it also has its challenges. Drake is, initially, less than sold on the idea. What will Drake and Ellie learn? How will this knowledge impact them in their lives and relationships? Those looking for an absorbing read will want to find out.

Kirkus Reviews states: The highlight here is the cinema itself: funny, beautiful, and surreal.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Weiss’s debut novel pulls back red velvet curtains to reveal an auditorium filled with nostalgia and a thought-provoking analysis of how the past shapes the present. This story seamlessly moves from past to present, dwelling upon the importance of love, grief, personal fears, and genuine acceptance. This tantalizing escape is more than a magical theater; it leads readers to consider the weight of past decisions and long-held secrets.” —Library Journal (starred review)

Weiss, in her debut novel, shows the destructive power of secrets and the healing power of vulnerability and acceptance in relationships. Readers will root for Drake and Ellie in this sweet and charming story of second chances. —Lynnanne Pearson, Booklist