MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK: True Stories of Rediscovering Love with a Long-Lost Sweetheart

Shortly after her divorce from former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Hanover reunited with the high school boyfriend who had dumped her during their freshman year at Stanford. He apologized for the breakup, and they rekindled their love affair and married a year later. Upon learning that her experience wasn't unusual, Hanover began interviewing couples with similar stories. Some were separated less than 10 years, others for decades; many were divorced, raising the question of what would have happened if they'd followed their hearts to begin with. There's no consensus on that from the experts, according to Hanover, but many will find it hard to disagree with the thesis that first love is often the most lasting. A television host and journalist, Hanover writes in a chatty, accessible style, adopting the tone of the experienced best friend. She can be corny, but she's a realist: she includes a chapter on what happens when rekindled romances go sour the second time around. The sociology and individual stories don't always mesh well, but the anecdotes are so touching and the overall message so inspiring, you'd have to be heartless not to feel hopeful after reading this book. 16 pages of b&w photos not seen by PW . Agent, Frederica Friedman. (Feb.)