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tonimarie_p's review
4.0
It took a while to build up, but the story was really engaging and there were tons of interesting plot points. Some parts were a lot to process, but I really enjoyed it!
rmwh's review
3.0
I enjoyed the (expected) similarity to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but found the book hard to read. Be mindful of triggers for self-harm, suicide, and what I can only describe as extremely violent intrusive thoughts.
yammmw's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Mental illness, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
marykillian_'s review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A very slow start because the present day chapters are intentionally disorienting. A very intriguing concept of a plot which ultimately left me with more questions about how Memoroxin works rather than what was going to happen next to the characters. I think I needed either more of Dr Sloane's backstory or none at all.
_travelingpages's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
iamthecampion's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a phenomenal debut novel. Westgate is so good at characterization and making internal character studies riveting. The idea of Mem is so haunting and odd and validates all my misgivings about drugs. I really had to digest each chapter as I went along because it was so rich. Amazing!
carpoolbookclub's review
2.0
Unfortunately, this book was a DNF (did not finish) for me. I thought the premise was brilliant and I was excited to read it. Also, such a stunning cover! The writing is beautiful…exquisite. However, the pace is painfully slow and the plot is unbearably subtle. Thus, I simply could not stay interested in the story.
I hate DNF’ing a book and rarely do it. BUT life is too short to force yourself to read a book that doesn’t engage you!!
I gave this one ⭐️⭐️ because the writing was stunning.
DESCRIPTION:
Lucien moves to Los Angeles to be with his grandmother as she undergoes an experimental memory treatment for Alzheimer’s using the new drug, Memoroxin. An emerging photographer, he’s also running from the sudden death of his mother, a well-known artist whose legacy haunts Lucien.
Sophie has just landed the lead in the upcoming performance of La Sylphide with the Los Angeles Ballet Company. She still waitresses at the Chateau Marmont during her off hours, witnessing the recreational use of Memoroxin—or Mem—among the Hollywood elite.
When Lucien and Sophie meet at The Center, founded by the ambitious yet conflicted Dr. Angelica Sloane to treat patients who’ve abused Mem, they have no memory of how they got there—or why they feel so inexplicably drawn to each other. Is it attraction, or something they cannot remember from “before”?
Set in a city that seems to have no identity of its own, The Shimmering State is a graceful meditation on the power of story and its creation. It masterfully explores memory and how it can elude us, trap us, or set us free.
Thanks to @netgalley for the advance copy.
I hate DNF’ing a book and rarely do it. BUT life is too short to force yourself to read a book that doesn’t engage you!!
I gave this one ⭐️⭐️ because the writing was stunning.
DESCRIPTION:
Lucien moves to Los Angeles to be with his grandmother as she undergoes an experimental memory treatment for Alzheimer’s using the new drug, Memoroxin. An emerging photographer, he’s also running from the sudden death of his mother, a well-known artist whose legacy haunts Lucien.
Sophie has just landed the lead in the upcoming performance of La Sylphide with the Los Angeles Ballet Company. She still waitresses at the Chateau Marmont during her off hours, witnessing the recreational use of Memoroxin—or Mem—among the Hollywood elite.
When Lucien and Sophie meet at The Center, founded by the ambitious yet conflicted Dr. Angelica Sloane to treat patients who’ve abused Mem, they have no memory of how they got there—or why they feel so inexplicably drawn to each other. Is it attraction, or something they cannot remember from “before”?
Set in a city that seems to have no identity of its own, The Shimmering State is a graceful meditation on the power of story and its creation. It masterfully explores memory and how it can elude us, trap us, or set us free.
Thanks to @netgalley for the advance copy.
wiffbiff's review
3.0
This is a strong debut - inventive plot, some propulsive action, and genuine romance - but still feels like a debut in the sense that some characters were much more fleshed out than others, some plot points felt tacked on, and the pacing felt off at times. I’m eager to read any follow ups and think this would make an excellent miniseries!
jordanmueller's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0