Mell
Ok, so here it is. I loved this book. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I loved the writing style and loved the characters (some I loved to hate), but mostly I loved the two linear timelines and how they unraveled. It wasn't as riveting or depressing as I thought it would be. But! It was exactly the book I needed to start this new year.
Thank you, Thomas and Mercer and @Netgalley for my advanced readers copy of I Remember You!
I need to start out by stating that the copy I read was an uncorrected proof and I haven't a clue how close to the final product it will be.
That out of the way, this was an average read for me. Not my favorite by far by Brian Freeman but it was a solid ride from beginning to end. I Remember You, is a story about two women Hallie, and Skye, whose paths never crossed, and who grew up on opposite sides of the US. Both women have experienced trauma, and their minds have blocked out portions of the past to protect them from the truth. When their paths cross and Hallie wakes up in a hospital bed with Skye's memories mixed with her own she goes on a torrid quest to unlock Skye's memories.
There was a predictability to the story, but also many surprises along the way. By the time you reach the end, you are ready and cheering for the climax, you are praying that Hallie makes it through and just waiting for that HEA. Does she get one?? You gotta read to find out.
I will read N. E. THANG. this woman writes lol! She is funny and capable of making a subject like women's obsession with true crime, our ability to mistrust our instincts, bias in the media, and a woman's near-endless capacity for empathy, and turn it into a funny and dare I say ‘light' read. HFC is funny, down-to-earth, open, and honest. She breaks down these short stories of True Crime in a way that is compelling and interesting, and in turn funny. I will pledge to read not only anything she writes/illustrates but also anything she recommends and there are tons of recommendations in this book, books, podcasts, tv shows, movies, and so much stuff. I'm over here dancing in my seat in anticipation because she rec'd things I have yet to read!!
Torn doesn't begin to describe my feelings for this book. I wish I had known what I do now before I picked it. Frankly, if I did, I wouldn't have read it. It's a relatable, emotional coaster of a book. The MC Penn is so self-absorbed and fickle, she drove me absolutely crazy. The thing about that though is I am not absolutely sure I just didn't see too much of myself in her. Penn faces many struggles, being a mom of two and married to a man following his dreams, she puts herself on the back burner. Probably has done so one too many times. She's at a point in her life where everything is unstable, and she's beginning to resent her relationship with the world her complacency has created. It's not until her world is turned upside down that she has this awakening and every little thing she has nitpicked in her recent life has become a problem that must be solved, and now. I was left asking myself who Penn was having a love affair with, Jenny or Jenny's Blog, because it certainly wasn't her husband. Penn gets so trapped in what she thinks her life should be that it leaves this gaping hole of nothingness. It pained me to read this sometimes, pained me to see her work her way backward out of this struggle. Where the book does end optimistically, I would still like to state that Penn is not fine, and she should really see someone. Till next time Pagan...
So heartfelt! This one was hard to get through, but Nick and Charlie persevered. Some heavy topics covered inside but just knowing the support system that Charlie has is enough to know everything will turn out okay. Also I loved the mini comic series at the end of the book. So looking forward to book 5 and the next re-read and binge watch of heartstopper!!
IT'S PUBLICATION DAY!!!!
I love Blake Crouch's writing and am so grateful to have received an advanced reader's copy of Upgrade from @Netgalley and Random House Publishing!
Upgrade is right on par with what you'd expect from Crouch. It's fast-paced, propelling, and intense. His lead character is thoroughly developed and endearing. Like several of Crouch's main characters, Logan is a family man, deeply involved in his family life, he loves his wife and adores his daughter. His past until the accidental death of his mother is rife with self-doubt and expectations he can't reach, all he has ever wanted is to be a light to her instead of a shadow. Several events unfold which propel the story quickly. Government conspiracies, DNA editing, military involvement, not to mention the impending end of the world threat. What's not to love. Crouch's writing style is abrupt and fast-paced, but still, he has the ability to flesh out characters and events in a way that makes you hold your breath to the very last page.
I would highly recommend Crouch to anyone who loves science fiction, especially sci-fi based on legitimate sciences... in some cases, he reminds me more of a theoretical physicist than a fiction author with the way he sees the future. Man, I'm rambling, anyway, pick this up and read it. Or any of his other books. I promise you won't regret it.
