A story that cries, "Remember me!"
592287
Confessions of X lingers long after you finish reading it.  Like a piece of music, the motifs return:  the blessing of oil, the beauty of brokenness, the vessel both empty and full. It's a story that cries, "Remember me!"
1303088
Along the path of life, we all endure several hardships, but the worst by far is having to live on after the person we loved most dearly is gone.  It happened to me at the age of seven.  I could not believe that my mother would go away and leave me to fend for myself at such a young age.  She, too, died of cancer -- a long, lingering ordeal.  We'd visit every evening at the hospital and go outside to cry.  When the funeral was conducted, I kept asking "Why does she look like a man?"  They had simply pulled her long hair back and, that long ago, the funeral attendants did not use hair stylists or care how one looked to the survivors.  When my dad died, I inquired, "Why does he have a crooked nose?  He always had a straight nose."  Little things like this affect the daughter at any age.

Mrs. Rossi's death experience was heartbreaking.  When we have our first child, we are always so in love with life and so proud to be able to produce someone who looks like the one we love the most in this world.  Nowadays, with thousands of U.S. military men so far away fighting to this country, many young women will be left to raise the children alone.  A child is a blessing and sometimes, in later life, make all the difference for their mother from destitution and isolation to loving care.  A daughter, I think, is the most devoted.  It just wasn't my fate to have a daughter.  There couldn't possibly be another female like me.  It is harder on the girl when a mother dies, as there is no one around to lead her through the changes of youth into womanhood.  She has to literally face the world alone and learn to cope, be it as a meek little old woman, or a person with fierce determination to make things better in her hometown for posterity.

This book, a tear jerker like 'A Walk To Remember' and the movie, will stick around in the reader's psyche long after it is read.  I remember when Charles and Mary Alice had their first child, a little girl, and he played "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" on the radio when she was exactly nine days old; no greater love from a clever father.  I have often wondered what did happen to him and the dancing daughter.  Zach had to face the unexpected death of his son five-hundred days ago.  He still suffers great angony as nothing was left behind, as the little son of Nancy and John Ross.  The saying goes, "It is better to have loved and lost, than not to love at all."  The major thing is to look forward to the future and do the best you can for the wonderful child, a part of the one you lost.
3263131
Casey Mitchell lives in Manchester, she is in such a place in her life that she just wants to exist. She uses alcohol and sex as a way of blotting out the constant images that plague her every day.

Casey has Hyperthymesia, perfect recall or a memory which plays back her past life like a movie in her head. Ask her what happened on any day in her life since she was twelve and she can tell you what she wore, what she ate and what was said. You might think this is a brilliant gift, just imagine how it would help you get through exams. But for Casey it's horrific, she hates the constant movies, reliving the pain and hurt of relationships and her family life.

She's attending the hospital where she undergoes tests into her condition when she meets Joe. He's a larger than life character, fun and intriguing, but a man also in need of help. He's got amnesia and is desperate to find out who he is. Quite the opposite to Casey, one can remember all their past, but wants to forget and the other would love to remember all his past. What can they teach each other?

This story drags you in from the first and appealed to my own instincts to help others. Joe can help Casey which pleased me, but Joe is a strange character, one that is supposed to leave you unsure. There's lots of emotion in this book and it left me with many more questions about life.

This review is on conjunction with Brook Cottage Books and based on a free copy given to me for the review.
345988
The synopsis of this story is that a grown-up Annie Mitchell returns to the town of Goshen, Texas because she's trying to find her childhood memories.  Something happened that was so horrific that she can't remember a thing about the first 11 years of her life.  She's come to stay with Bobo, her maternal grandmother, who seems to exist in a middle stage of senile dementia.  Annie's mother has died of cancer and she feels it is her turn to help care for her elderly grandmother.  It begins to work.  Through friends and by other means as well, fragments of memories are coming back, and even with only a few, she can already tell that it's going to be a real-life horror story!
1341551
This is a book that will fascinate you, and make your heart ache, all at the same time.  It is detailed and factual, yet also very personal. It tells a story that needs to be shouted from every rooftop, a story that underscores the cruel, uncaring, side of Hitler juxtaposed against the desperation of the German people.  The story alternately leaves you slack-jawed and pained. At the end, you can't believe it happened, although you know it did.

Because this is a "Vook," there are videos ate the beginning of every chapter.  It was somewhat annoying that I could not see the videos using the Kindle Cloud Reader, but that was a small distraction from a powerful story.
312500
Sometimes tragedies happen that change and reshape a life, or several lives.  The big lesson in those types of catastrophic events is to learn how to grow from them and not let them destroy you.  This story is about one such event:  Isabelle, who has just learned her husband, the man she's been with for 20 years, is cheating on her, and she flees.  But fate is not so easy to escape that day. On the foggy road, she is in a automobile collision that kills the other driver, April, a woman also apparently fleeing her own marriage.  As Isabelle tries to piece back her life, she finds herself obsessed with the dead woman's husband and son, whose lives were also shattered by the accident.

To be honest, I wasn't sure at first how I'd like this book, but it ended up being one of those books that I kept thinking about when I wasn't listening to it.  I listen to audio books in the car, usually "lighter" reading, because I don't want to have to go back and savor a phrase, and never thrillers because I got a warning one time for speeding during the exciting parts.  This book flunked my audio book criteria, because there were several times I found myself scrambling in the car for something to write a phrase down.  Not good driving habits.  Unfortunately, the only one of those phrases I remember, I don't even remember exactly.  It was an "a-ha" moment Isabelle had when friends were telling her to "get over it" because it had been months since the accident.  The author likened that to Peter Pan being separated from his shadow, and coming back for it -- and how even when it had been resewn on, it was there, but different.  Essential, but changed.  (Or that's how I remember the passage, and that's how it resonated, truthfully, with me.  You live with the aftermath of tragedy and loss every day of your life.  That, too, becomes a part of you.  But it is the healing that allows you to move forward, and incorporate that loss into a healthy life, rather than remain fixed on what was or what you no longer have.  )  This idea, which I believe and I have experienced, was beautifully played out in the characters of Isabelle, Charlie and Sam.  All three lives were forever changed by the accident; each dealt with it in a different way.

Two other things I liked in the book -- as someone with adult onset asthma, I appreciated the author's descriptions of life as and with an asthmatic child.  I also adored Isabelle's pet tortoise, Nelson.  He might not be cuddly, but he had panache. And I loved the setting of the novel on Cape Cod, though from a different point of view than the usual summer or seasonal crowd.

I received this  through the Early Reviewer program at Library Thing.  Many thanks to LibraryThng, the publishers and all who made it possible.
4967822
Apparently inspired by the author's own life, this story of a toddler, raised in the `40s by two violent, alcoholic parents with only the saving grace of a loving, African American maid to protect him, had me in tears one moment and laughing out loud the next.  The young boy, who does not speak but imitates the only thing he has ever loved (a puppy abruptly taken away from him; hence "Dog" boy), is nurtured by the one maid who will stay longer than a month to protect and defend the child in this dysfunctional household.

Phosie Mae Eaton, narrator of THE DOG BOY, arrives in Los Angeles from Galveston to be near her wounded son in the segregated military hospital where he lies dying for lack of penicillin and "colored" needles to administer it.  In order to find shelter and earn money to help her son, Phosie gets placed in the Goldberg's run-down shack of a home by a questionable employment agency madam who laments the fact that she doesn't look more like Aunt Jemima. Phosie Mae then takes over the role of mother, hand maiden, cook, butler/waitress, cleaning lady, seamstress, washer woman, healer and protector as she juggles the personalities in this household --- Dog boy's mother, Lucille and her stream of questionable boyfriends, Leo, the alcoholic ex-husband who comes over to alternately woo and lash out at Lucille plus Jake, Lucille's deadbeat brother who lives next door but expects dinner at Dog Boy's.  Interspersed with visits to the military hospital and desperate attempts to get the needles and medication her son needs to survive, Phosie Mae spends time with her brother, Babe and his whale-sized wife, "Sis" Pearl, who give their animated take on all things surrounding the situation.

In his lead character, Anenberg has captured the language of black women of that era and has represented this time of racism in our culture, prior to the Civil Rights movement, with total accuracy.  I was reminded so much of THE HELP and am hoping some studio will be smart enough to snap this up for a film which will reach the hearts of many.  I can't recommend the book more highly.
250521
Magnificent and heart-wrentchibg story. Please, cherish your friends. Let them know you love them. None of us can promise we'll still be alive tomorrow.
174188
Loved the story, but was vaguely irritated by the soft weeping and sniffling the hardcover copy of the book would emit between the hours of 2 and 5 AM for the first week I owned it. My dreams since receiving the book included the color blue, and a ticking clock. Once night there was a loud, dreadful wail, and I have not heard the weeping since, nor have I dreamed. However, now there is a scratching and a chuckling every once in awhile from the back cover, echoed in my walls, and sometimes I wake up at 5 AM realizing I have been weeping. This has happened for the past six nights. I am filled with terror, though unsure why.

Overall, a great read!
2775767
Hard to believe that something published by Disney Hyperion for children would make me all weepy. Still, Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky did just that.

The story of Grayson, a sixth grader who has already had a rough life. His parents died in a car accident when he was quite young. His aunt and uncle took him and while they clearly love him, they don't always know how to deal with raising a child who is not their own while raising their own two sons.

Grayson has his own issues to deal with, namely his own identity. Everyone who sees Grayson sees a boy, but when he looks into the mirror, theres a beautiful girl in a pretty dress there - or there was, pretending gets tougher as you grow older. Knowing that no one else will accept his desire to be a girl, he hides away from the world as much as he can. Something as simple as school lunchtime makes Grayson cringe.

This school year though Grayson has already stepped way out of his usual shell. He finally made a friend (only his second real friend in life). He put his name on the tryout list for the school play. Realizing that a play gives him the opportunity to be a girl, after being encouraged by a teacher and given all of the warnings youd expect, he decides to try out for the lead girl role.

Not everyone is on board with this casting possibility. In fact, the very people who should support Grayson are not so thrilled with his desire to play a girl. Despite the warnings and objections, Grayson is not backing down, the play will go on. Wont it? No one can stop it, can they? Sure, theyll try, but Grayson has come so far, there just has to be a play!

Sadly a story like Graysons must have some bullying. Sometimes stories like these can feel a little forced in that department. This story shows a fairly realistic progression - when Grayson is just the shy kid who actually tries in school then the bullying is fairly minor: being called the teachers pet, etc. As it becomes more and more obvious that he is serious about playing a girl, it becomes meaner and potentially dangerous for Grayson.

While Im not super thrilled with where the book ended, I do respect the choice to end it on the note it ended on. One of my favorite books in awhile that was targeted to middle school aged kids.

* Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost in order to review it. I offered no guarantee of a positive review, though I only request books I think I'll like because why read a book you think youll hate?
4396841
While not the most memorable book I've ever read, Sophie Kinsella nevertheless manages to engage and captivate me through most of Remember Me?. Lexi Smart is suffering from amnesia. She thinks it is 2004 when in reality, it is 2007, and what a 2007 it is!

Lexi is married, she is a power-hungry, ambitious boss at the company she works for, and she seems to have lost all the things that used to make her Lexi Smart. As Lexi tries to understand her new life, tries to find joy with her husband, she is starting to realize that what she wants to remember most, is who she really is.

Kinsella always manages to tug at my heart strings, and Remember Me? does it once again. While the amnesiac storyline has been played out in hundreds of fiction titles, and while the author does not really bring anything truly new and creative to this story, this does not matter all that much because Lexi is a character you will come to care about. There is heart and vibrancy in her characterization and that makes her struggle come alive on the pages.

While some of the events in the story seem a tad silly, Remember Me? moves past them and lets readers truly get to know Lexi. She is an interesting character and she, more than anything, makes this story memorable and worth reading.

I can always count on Sophie Kinsella for a hearty laugh and a slightly implausible but nevertheless satisfying story. Remember Me? fits that formula successfully. I think you'll go away with a smile on your face after reading this story. I did at least, and that is the mark of enjoyable storytelling more than anything else.
3882889
This story opens in June of 1987 with the then 85-year-old Katy relating her girlhood at the turn of the 20th century.

The flashbacks start in 1908 with the then-nearly 6-year-old Katy, her friend Jessie and Kate's future fiance, Austin.  The trio remain lifetime friends.

The bulk of the story takes place in 1911.  Katy, then nearly 9 learned what the word "maternity" means when she reads it in a dress catalog; her sister Mary is born that year and Nell, a farm girl comes to stay with Katy's family as a helper.  Nell comes from a large family and her brother Jacob, 14 has been called "touched" as in "touched in the head."  In today's world, Jacob would most likely be considered to have a form of autism.

Largely nonverbal, Jacob wears the same hat; enjoys the company of animals and retreats from people and noises.  At best, he stands quietly when Katy shares the news of her day with him.

Katy's father is a delightful character.  A country doctor, he often takes his daughter on his rounds.  A feel and flavor of small town America is beautifully portayed in their horse-and-buggy trips.  Jessie's family is proud to be the first on their street to own a $900 Ford, then a rarity.

Katy's father lets her come with him to the Asylum, a gray stone monstrosity on the edge of town.  I like the intelligent discussions and honest answers he gives her; he tells her where babies really come from; I like the compassion he displays towards people in the Asylum.  He is a remarkably astute man who understands Jacob's behavior such as the boy's rigid adherence to routine and how that, and his ubiquitous hat make him feel safe.

The story of Jacob closes on a sad note.  He gives Katy a kitten and applies this act to an unrelated situation.  Sadly, Jacob fades out of the town and, at the story's close nobody knew of his fate.

Katy takes readers on a history tour; she marries Austin in 1928; Jessie's brother Paul is killed in WWI on June 5, 1918 after dropping out of law school.  The Asylum is closed by 1960 and Katy, mulling over her life, decides never to share the story of Jacob with her children and grandchildren.

While more progressive minds have prevailed in recent times in re autism, sadly these myths and misperceptions crop up from time to time.  The 1988 movie "Rain Man," which I have come to hate is about an autistic savant who was institutionalized because of an unfounded fear he would injure his infant brother.  The term "Rain Man" is considered offensive in most autism circles.  In 1911, the word autism had yet to be coined and sadly, tolerance was a rarity.  Katy's father was ahead of his time.

I liked the use of historical photographs and the author interview which was included in this book.  That made a good thing even better and the photographs brought the times covered to light.
1763986
Very touching!  I ended up crying quite often because it brought back memories of when my sister died from pancreatic cancer.
It is a true testament to friendships and the importance of knowing we are there for each other.
523489
I'm wayyyyyy tooooo emotional to write a review while crying because I'm sure it's gonna be a babbling mess, but here goes!

Notice is definitely a dark read. Not everyone will like the story or agree with Grayson's obsessive compulsive behavior in regards to Violet. And that's totally ok. In this story there are several sub-plots that deserve as much attention and accolades as Grayson and Violet. Several scenes will bring you to tears and several will make you want to jump in the story and Bruce Lee a few people!! From the intense scenes to the sad scenes, the story is beautifully written. The characters are flaws, the darkness is impeccable, and the result is a beautifully cohesive dark read.

I absolutely ADORE this story! Adhere to the warning at the beginning of the book. After reading the warning if you choose to pursue the story only to complain and rate negatively because you're offended, it's totally done out of pettiness.

This review is my personal opinion and reflect my views of this amazing read!

Five stars!!!
1986442
Amidst one of the greatest tragedies in history, a beautiful story of love, family, culture and community captures you.  Praise to this author whose story constantly made me completely forget that her family was Indian.  Albeit, at the same time, I was constantly reminded, as when a character (and text) spoke in Swahili tongue, it was followed by English translation for the reader.  The normalcy of a quite diverse community was so apparent, I kept forgetting there were great differences in religion, family practices, parenting, meals, dress, etc., etc., because of the good will each neighbor had for the next.  All the kids played together.  When in need, one family helped another.  They were all Ugandans!  Children will be children, and whilst the country began it's deterioration, "Mila," her sisters and friends engaged in an array of shenanigans, once again "normalizing" their daily experiences.  How well I remember the tyranny of Idi Amin and how grateful I am for this survivor so she could tell her story.
2164005
Least we forget. This is for those who want and need hope. As a published author, journalist and editor I know of no perfect works; no exceptions. This is a heart, emotional story, one I liked and would recommend for a movie or a younger person of transition especially of this condition. There are several changes and sequel that could be suggested but, that would be another project.  Most of all it is a condition that I admit I am not aware, a good attempt of "You can educate people to the degree you entertain them" Walt Disney.
How many forget that? Encouraging the discouraged while informing is a master's challenge.

This is not for the literary critic but, for good read without noticing the boom shadow or the stage hand crossing not edited out..."Band Wagon"[Fred Astaire] or the shimmering that remains in Sleeping beauty...{Walt what happened?}
There is much to be appreciate and little to cite.
2449109
I think the best word to describe this novel is simply "poignant."  Ralph Truitt, a widowed and lonely man living in rural Wisconsin, places an ad in a Chicago newspaper for a "reliable wife." Catherine Land asnwers taht ad, and while she comes to Ralph anything but what she claims to be, their life together changes her, and him, in unexpected ways.  The characters in the novel are so beautifully scarred that my heart broke for them, even as they were doing deplorable things themselves.  I was shocked when I felt sympathy, and eqaully shocked with the empathy, in situations in the story that I would have thought would warrant completely opposite reactions.  This is a novel that will stay with you, and while it has somewhat of a slow start stick with it and I promise you will be pleased.