Synopsis: They tell me that my memory will never be the same, that I’ll start forgetting things. At first just a little, and then a lot. So I’m writing to remember.
Sammie was always a girl with a plan: graduate at the top of her class and get out of her small town as soon as humanly possible. Nothing will stand in her way–not even a rare genetic disorder the doctors say will slowly start to steal her memories and then her health. What she needs is a new plan.
So the Memory Book is born: Sammie’s notes to her future self, a document of moments great and small. It’s where she’ll record every perfect detail of her first date with longtime crush, Stuart–a brilliant young writer who is home for the summer. And where she’ll admit how much she’s missed her childhood best friend, Cooper, and even take some of the blame for the fight that ended their friendship.
Through a mix of heartfelt journal entries, mementos, and guest posts from friends and family, readers will fall in love with Sammie, a brave and remarkable girl who learns to live and love life fully, even though it’s not the life she planned.
Review: The author discusses here about some sensitive topics, a disease I did not know I admit but which causes brain damages. Besides, by reading the symptoms, we can not help but compare it to Alzheimer although the disease appears to a younger audience. I do not read a lot of books featuring sick characters because we all know that we won’t have a happy ending but the synopsis there called me.
From the beginning I liked the idea of the author as she presents a different format from what we usually have. Indeed, we can find here a diary, a book that Sam is writing to tell her future self who she is, what has happened since she learned about her condition, hoping that if she forgets anything these few lines will help her. It is very touching to embark on such a story, to discover the girl, her will, her desires, hopes and ultimately the reality of the events. Yes, because like all girls, Sam has plenty of ideas for her future, desires for which she worked hard all her life and she does not intend to be dictated by her illness. Unfortunately, the plans are not always constant despite what we would like them to be, we hope with her that she will be the one to come out of all this, that a miracle will happen and that she will become the lawyer she always desired. Yet with time, Sam will understand that her life has definitely changed and that she will never be the same. We discover her early failures, achievements and first love. Despite what happens Sam tries to live her life, to enjoy what remains… yet this condition put her in quite upsetting situations when a crises arises. Her family tries to be there for her but what happens is difficult to accept for her. Despite all this, we also discover her first love who brings her more than she could have hoped for, a childhood sweetheart who returns to town and an old friend who comes into her life to help her. It was very touching to see what her friends were willing to do for her.
We sense throughout history as the disease progresses, Sam can not achieve everything she wants to do and yet we continue to hope with her. It was a touching story and it also took me a few tears too, but the format allows us to be happy for Sam, to see that she is trying to move forward as best as she can.
It was a nice touching discovery. I did not know the author, but I had a good time with this novel.
blodeuedd
It would be so scary to have it, but then you would not know at all time so…
Melliane
it’s when you realize that you don’t remember that must be aweful
Lekeisha
Stories like this always get to me, but I love reading them. I’ll have to check this one out.
Melliane
it was quite well done
kindlemom1
I love emotional reads like this. So happy you liked it so much!
Melliane
thx
Karen
That must be heartbreaking and emotional to read.
My father had dementia and it’s so scary for them. I can’t imagine it happen when you’re younger.
VKaren @For What It’s Worth
Melliane
yes I can’t imagine it
LilyElement
It sounds like the diary style was a wise decision by the author. It seems like it would work really well with the story. Great review!
Melliane
yes it was different
Lily
This plot kind of reminds me of Cat Patricks “Unforgotten” from a few years ago, but while that book was more of a thriller I think this one seems to be more serious. I have to admit that i hadn’t heard of this one before but I love the synopsis and everything you’ve said. I’m going to have to give this one a shot. Although i wonder if the disease the character has in this book is a real one or simply make believe.
Melliane
it’s going to be released in july, it’s just here in French before
Carole Rae
I avoid books about sickness myself. Too sad and too close to home in the majority of them.
Melliane
yeah
Lorna
Not sure I could handle this one. I am sure it would be a tearjerker! I like the idea of a diary. Glad this was a good read for you!
Braine
Oh this will tug my heartstrings hard
ShootingStarsMag
This is one I really do hope to read! I’m glad it was a good one for you. I also really like books in diary format. 🙂
-Lauren
Melliane
I hope you’ll enjoy it too
Emma
Lately I have to say I am more inclinded to the stories that have very emotional and raw storylines so I think will be something I would like to read. Thanks for the discovery.
Tracy Terry
Having a relative with a form of dementia I’ve found myself fascinated by any books featuring characters with the condition. Definitely one for my wish list, thank you for sharing.
Tracy Terry
Not sure what happened but I appear to be having a problem with leaving a comment. I only hope several don’t all show up.
Fascinated with books featuring characters with various forms of dementia and memory loss ever since a relative was diagnosed. I’ll be sure to keep a look out for this.
Melissa (Books and Things)
So the disease is imaginary? That would be a bit disappointing since there are so many rare disorders and diseases that could use the help of seeing the light of day. Still, I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I might have to check out this author.
Melliane
why would it be imaginary?
Joy // Joyousreads
I always have a tough time reading books that deals with mental illness. I feel too much for the characters suffering the disease. This sounds like a heartbreaker as well. :/
Daniela Ark
I have very bad memory and family history of Alzheimer so I’m constantly worry about my bad memory I think I would love to read this book. Great review Melliane
anna@herding cats & burning soup
Oh that sounds like it could be a very emotional one. It’s interesting what you can learn about in books isn’t it?
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Wow, what an emotional one. Sounds like it touched you.