Mimi's Unconventional Wisdom

Perci Mayfield, a 27-year-old woman, finds herself constantly inspired by her grandmother Mimi's vibrant and unapologetic approach to life. Mimi's legendary stories, like the one about hitting her husband with a frying pan, are a source of strength for Perci, who feels like a misfit in her own life. Despite her mother's disapproval, Perci idolizes Mimi's carefree attitude and confidence, longing to embody her fearless spirit. As Perci navigates her own challenges, she clings to Mimi's sayings, hoping to find her own path to self-acceptance and happiness.

Dentist's Office Revelation

During a routine dentist visit, Perci is blindsided when her boyfriend, Brent, breaks up with her live on a radio show. The shock and embarrassment are overwhelming, especially as the dental staff listens in. This public humiliation is a wake-up call for Perci, highlighting her tendency to avoid confrontation and her fear of being alone. It forces her to confront the reality of her relationship and her life choices, realizing she needs to make significant changes, starting with how she values herself and her relationships.

Heartbreak and Resolutions

After the breakup, Perci spends New Year's Eve with her best friend Mathias, who helps her craft a list of "anti-resolutions." These resolutions focus on not trying to lose weight, not seeking more confidence, and not dating for a year. Mathias encourages Perci to stop trying to please everyone and to embrace who she is. This moment marks a turning point for Perci, as she begins to consider what it means to live authentically. The resolutions are a symbolic rejection of societal pressures and a step towards self-acceptance.

Family Dinner Drama

At a family dinner, Perci faces her mother's relentless pressure to conform to traditional expectations. Her mother, obsessed with appearances and success, constantly compares Perci to her sister Phee, who seems to have it all. The dinner becomes a battleground of passive-aggressive comments and thinly veiled criticisms. Perci, feeling suffocated by her mother's expectations, finally stands up for herself. She declares her independence and rejects the idea of returning to her father's company, choosing instead to pursue a job at a daycare. This decision is a significant step in Perci's journey towards self-discovery.

New Beginnings at Daycare

Perci starts working at a daycare, a job that is chaotic but fulfilling. She quickly bonds with the children, finding joy in their innocence and energy. The job is a stark contrast to her previous corporate life, offering her a sense of purpose and happiness. Perci's interactions with the children and her new boss, Miss Marge, help her build confidence and embrace her nurturing side. This new beginning is a testament to Perci's courage to step out of her comfort zone and redefine her identity.

Bowling Night Confessions

During a Hope House fundraiser at a bowling alley, Perci's lie about dating her neighbor Nate comes to light. Nate, unaware of the lie, plays along to help Perci save face in front of her family. The night is filled with awkward moments and unexpected confessions, including Mathias's unresolved feelings for Phee. Perci's family, particularly her mother, is intrigued by Nate, adding pressure to the charade. Despite the chaos, the event strengthens Perci's resolve to live truthfully and embrace her imperfections. The night ends with Perci realizing the importance of honesty and the value of genuine connections.

Unexpected Kiss at Bowling Alley

After a night of pretending to be in a relationship with Nate to appease her family, Perci is caught off guard when Nate kisses her in front of everyone at the bowling alley. This unexpected moment leaves Perci questioning her feelings and the nature of their relationship. The kiss, meant to convince her family, stirs something deeper within her, making her wonder if there could be more between them than just a charade.

Wedding Dress Shopping Drama

Perci reluctantly joins her mother and sister Phee for wedding dress shopping. The outing quickly turns into a battleground of expectations and hidden resentments. Perci's mother criticizes her attire, while Phee struggles with her own doubts about her engagement to Joel. The day highlights the pressure both sisters feel to conform to their mother's ideals, and Perci begins to see the cracks in Phee's seemingly perfect life.

Nate's Surprising Invitation

Despite the awkwardness following their kiss, Nate surprises Perci by inviting her and Lilah to Easter lunch with his family. This gesture signifies a shift in their relationship, suggesting that Nate might be interested in more than just a fake romance. Perci is both excited and nervous about the prospect of spending more time with Nate and his daughter, as it could lead to something real and meaningful.

Family Secrets and Revelations

While helping her grandmother Mimi with old photos, Perci discovers that her parents' marriage was prompted by her mother's pregnancy with her. This revelation sheds light on her mother's controlling behavior and the pressure Perci has always felt to be perfect. The discovery forces Perci to reevaluate her relationship with her mother and understand the root of their issues.

Heartfelt Apologies and New Beginnings

After a dramatic confrontation at her parents' anniversary party, Perci and her mother finally have an honest conversation. They both apologize for past mistakes and misunderstandings, paving the way for a healthier relationship. This moment of reconciliation allows Perci to let go of her resentment and embrace a future where she can be true to herself without fear of judgment.

A New Year's Eve to Remember

On New Year's Eve, Perci attends a party with her family, feeling more confident and self-assured than ever. To her surprise, Nate shows up, and they share a heartfelt conversation about their feelings. The night culminates in a romantic dance and a kiss, symbolizing a fresh start for both of them. Perci realizes that she can have the love and happiness she's always wanted, as long as she's willing to take the leap.

Characters

Perci Mayfield

Perci is a 27-year-old woman grappling with societal and familial expectations. Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to value herself beyond others' opinions. Perci's relationship with her grandmother Mimi is pivotal, providing her with the courage to challenge norms and embrace her true self.

Mimi Perkins

Mimi is Perci's grandmother, known for her bold personality and unconventional wisdom. Her influence on Perci is profound, encouraging her to live authentically and reject societal pressures. Mimi's stories and sayings are a source of strength and inspiration for Perci.

Brent Tompkins

Brent is Perci's ex-boyfriend who publicly breaks up with her on the radio. His actions serve as a catalyst for Perci's transformation, forcing her to confront her fears and insecurities. Brent represents the societal pressures Perci seeks to overcome.

Mathias Jorgensen

Mathias is Perci's best friend, offering unwavering support and encouragement. He helps Perci craft her anti-resolutions and provides a safe space for her to explore her identity. Mathias's own unresolved feelings for Phee add complexity to his character.

Phee Mayfield

Phee is Perci's younger sister, seemingly perfect in every way. Her success and beauty are constant reminders of Perci's perceived shortcomings. Despite this, Phee's relationship with Perci is complex, marked by both rivalry and genuine care.

Nate Russo

Nate is Perci's neighbor who becomes an unwitting participant in her fake relationship lie. His kindness and willingness to help Perci navigate her family dynamics reveal his character's depth and potential as a genuine friend or more.

Bobbie Jo Mayfield

Perci's mother is a complex character who struggles with her own insecurities and the pressure to maintain a perfect family image. Her reconciliation with Perci marks a turning point in their relationship, allowing both to heal and grow.

Plot Devices

Anti-Resolutions

The anti-resolutions are a symbolic rejection of societal and familial expectations. They represent Perci's commitment to self-acceptance and authenticity, serving as a guiding framework for her transformation throughout the story.

Public Breakup

The public breakup with Brent is a pivotal moment that forces Perci to confront her fears and insecurities. It serves as a wake-up call, prompting her to reevaluate her life choices and relationships, ultimately leading to her journey of self-discovery.

Fake Relationship

The fake relationship with Nate is a plot device that explores themes of identity, truth, and societal expectations. It challenges Perci to confront her fears of inadequacy and the pressure to conform, ultimately leading to personal growth and self-acceptance.

Family Secrets

The revelation of Perci's parents' rushed marriage due to her mother's pregnancy serves as a catalyst for Perci's understanding of her family's dynamics. This plot device highlights the impact of secrets on relationships and personal growth.

Romantic Gestures

Nate's invitation to Easter and his appearance at the New Year's Eve party are significant romantic gestures that symbolize the potential for a real relationship with Perci. These moments underscore the theme of taking risks for love and happiness.

Reconciliation

The heartfelt apologies and honest conversations between Perci and her mother demonstrate the power of reconciliation. This plot device emphasizes the importance of communication and understanding in repairing broken relationships.

Analysis

"The Do-Over" by Sharon M. Peterson is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and the courage to live authentically. Through Perci's journey, the book delves into themes of societal and familial expectations, the power of unconventional wisdom, and the importance of self-acceptance. The narrative challenges readers to question the pressures they face and encourages them to embrace their true selves. By rejecting societal norms and embracing her imperfections, Perci finds happiness and love on her own terms. The story is a reminder that true fulfillment comes from within and that taking risks for love and happiness is always worth it.

Last updated: April 11, 2025