You, Again

You, Again (2023) is American author Kate Goldbeck’s debut novel. It is a contemporary romance novel that follows Ari, a free-spirited comedian, and Josh, an ambitious chef, who initially have nothing in common except the fact that they are both sleeping with the same woman. Framed as a modern adaptation of the 1989 film When Harry Met Sally, You, Again follows Ari and Josh’s initial animosity toward each other, which develops into friendship and later romantic feelings. The novel explores The Rarity and Value of Friendship Over Romance, The Cost and Benefit of Following Professional Dreams, and The Significance of Timing in Relationships. 

This guide refers to the 2023 Dial Press e-book edition.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of substance use, sexual content, death, mental illness, and cursing.

Plot Summary

In 2014, Josh Kestenberg and Arianna “Ari” Sloane first meet when Josh rudely brushes off Ari while she is canvassing for her job. Ari is an aspiring comedian, and Josh is a chef at a prominent New York restaurant. They encounter one another that same evening when Josh shows up for a date with Ari’s roommate, with whom Ari has also been having sex.