If I Could Go Back

De: Briana Johnson

Narrado por: Ashley J. Hobbs

An achingly compassionate and beautifully empathetic novel exploring the intersections of race, mental health, and the meaning of family—perfect for fans of Robin Benway’s Far from the Tree and Jas Hammonds’ We Deserve Monuments.

For Aaliyah Campbell, family is everything. Her cousin Ivy is her best friend and track co-star, and Grandpa Joe is her rock. He may be crotchety and dramatic, but he’s raised Aaliyah since she was a toddler. Still, Aaliyah can’t stop thinking about what’s missing—her parents.

When Aaliyah secretly contacts her mom, she risks upsetting the family who’s always been there. But Grandpa Joe refuses to explain why her parents gave her up, and without answers, Aaliyah cannot silence the anxious voice telling her she's never been good enough.

Surprisingly, it isn't Aaliyah's mom, but her dad, Quincy, who steps up. Quincy turns out to be immature but surprisingly fun to hang out with. And when the rest of the family finds out they're in contact, old secrets will finally be forced into the light.

Aaliyah Campbell is a champion for young Black girls coping with anxiety and depression, and a voice for all teens navigating the messy process of learning how to advocate for ones’ self. Through honest storytelling and a voice that oozes humor and heart, Briana Johnson’s memorable debut explores sensitive topics with authenticity and compassion.

©2025 Briana Johnson (P)2025 Listening Library

A natural storyteller

The writing was fresh and funny, lots of times I laughed as the main character reacted to the world and people around her. Grandpa Joe is very memorable as the main person she depends on in the beginning, and as she finds her real parents and why G-Joe does not want her to.

As the story unfolds effortlessly you find out why Grandpa Joe seems so stubborn about her not talking to the blood parents she hasn’t known for 18 years. The panic attacks she has and the trauma is addressed in the story, and like life there is so many other aspects in motion.

I like the location, South Chicago and around the University, the characters moving freely through the City. And yes, you cannot write a Chicago novel without mentioning the cold. This book is for young adults but I enjoyed it as an older reader. This is the authors first novel, and I hope many more to come, maybe a sequel. The characters are strong enough to carry over, as writers like Erdrich use family characters in many different novels.

Fantastic story telling

Loved how the characters come to life and their emotional expression and experiences is so relatable. Nothing in life is easy or can prepare you for the complexity of relationships

Heartbreaking and real

I loved this book. The characters are so real--messy and flawed and hurt and loving. It's heartbreaking and also heartening and just so good. If you like stories about complicated families, this might be for you. The narrator is EXCELLENT.