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mdabernig's review against another edition
2.0
I think I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn't recently read the superior and much more emotionally affecting [b:Still Alice|2153405|Still Alice|Lisa Genova|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1236089972s/2153405.jpg|2158906] so recently which dealt with a similar storyline, but somehow managed to do it in a much better way. It's not that this book is terrible, but it just doesn't measure up to the first book.
I think there were moments when it almost became a great book, but just as it was about to get there, it felt like the author chickened out and decided to play it safe. The twist at the end was one such moment - what had been one of the stronger parts of the book, one of the most heartbreaking and sadly realistic parts, just got ~fixed to make it all tidy. That was what was most disappointing - I feel like perhaps the author wanted to go places with this and then forced herself to pull back. The most convenient moments of lucidity, the ridiculous confrontation in front of an old boyfriend's new family, the tying of all lose strings got rid of the most tragic aspect of this very sad story, meaning that little things that weren't sanitised, like almost losing her child, like forgetting her husband, like being cruel to her family were forgotten about.
It's disappointing - I think it could have been great, but instead it felt like a sanitised version of a tragic story, with all the edges smoothed off in order to make it a bit more palatable.
I think there were moments when it almost became a great book, but just as it was about to get there, it felt like the author chickened out and decided to play it safe. The twist at the end was one such moment - what had been one of the stronger parts of the book, one of the most heartbreaking and sadly realistic parts, just got ~fixed to make it all tidy. That was what was most disappointing - I feel like perhaps the author wanted to go places with this and then forced herself to pull back. The most convenient moments of lucidity, the ridiculous confrontation in front of an old boyfriend's new family, the tying of all lose strings got rid of the most tragic aspect of this very sad story, meaning that little things that weren't sanitised, like almost losing her child, like forgetting her husband, like being cruel to her family were forgotten about.
It's disappointing - I think it could have been great, but instead it felt like a sanitised version of a tragic story, with all the edges smoothed off in order to make it a bit more palatable.
fuzzywuzzy's review against another edition
4.0
I was looking all over for this book and once I got it the more I read it sounded a lot like another book written by Rowan Coleman. Imagine my surprise when I found out the day we met is the same book as the memory book just with a different title. I had already had the book in my possession and I was pissed because even though I'd had the book I hadn't wanted to read it yet because it hadn't caught my interest that much. It was a great book though and I'm glad I read it. The little twist was just what I needed. It made me smile.
mokis_world's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jesstele's review against another edition
2.0
DNF - just couldn't get into it enough and found the format so disjointed
prosewhore's review against another edition
4.0
I was afraid that this one would be too soppy but it turned out really nice. As the title suggest, it is neither a sad nor a happy story but just a recollection of memories. I did come close to tears a couple of times I guess, but this is after all, about a family trying to keep going despite Alzheimer disease so it is not all flowers and sunshine.
Would really recommend to those who loved books like the lovely bones, it reminded me of it in many ways.
Would really recommend to those who loved books like the lovely bones, it reminded me of it in many ways.
lorrainewardy's review against another edition
5.0
wow, just wow. This is not my usual read but as I work in care, I wanted to give it a go. It was a fantastic read, one of those books you just can't put down. It was the first book to ever make me cry, I will be recommending it to everyone.
meg728's review against another edition
5.0
Heartbreaking!
A story of a woman with early onset Alzheimer’s as she and her family attempt to navigate the sudden changes this disease requires you to deal with.
Coleman does a beautiful job telling this story from everyone’s viewpoint in the family and does so in an easy manner which is so relatable you feel like you experiencing their journey with them.
Heart breaking, heart warming, truthful and realistic. I highly recommend reading this beautiful story!
A story of a woman with early onset Alzheimer’s as she and her family attempt to navigate the sudden changes this disease requires you to deal with.
Coleman does a beautiful job telling this story from everyone’s viewpoint in the family and does so in an easy manner which is so relatable you feel like you experiencing their journey with them.
Heart breaking, heart warming, truthful and realistic. I highly recommend reading this beautiful story!
debi527's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know if I could say that I liked this book as I read it; but I can say I am glad I did read it. Somewhat flippant, but I guess a person with dementia can be that way so it just may be perfect. Hated some of the characters, then you love them, sympathize, agree with them.. . Glad it was a world I visited.
sarah_faichney's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book you can't put down. It shows us the relationships between 3 generations of women. Each character's voice is strong and authentic. The novel highlights the effects of early onset Alzheimer's disease in a way that is stark, sensitive and heartbreaking. A lovely read and one that makes you think about what legacy you will leave behind.