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jshettel's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderfully crafted story of friendship, love, and - well - the art of forgetting. Thanks to author Jen Lancaster for putting this on her summer reading list which put it on my radar.
missuec's review against another edition
2.0
This book is a light read. If you're looking for something "fluffy" that doesn't take much effort or concentration, this book is a good choice.
It seems to me that the main character (I can't even remember her name right now) is a push-over when it comes to her needy and self-centered friend. At times the friend is unlikable, and at times the main character was unlikable as well. There was a whole lot of drama for a bunch of nothing and it didn't leave me with any real "life lesson" to derive from it.
Again, okay if you're looking for a light read.
It seems to me that the main character (I can't even remember her name right now) is a push-over when it comes to her needy and self-centered friend. At times the friend is unlikable, and at times the main character was unlikable as well. There was a whole lot of drama for a bunch of nothing and it didn't leave me with any real "life lesson" to derive from it.
Again, okay if you're looking for a light read.
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
2.0
This breezy novel is easy to enjoy in one sitting (I completed it in three hours at the pool), and for good and for bad, it's a light, straightforward story reminiscent of a Hallmark film. Following Marissa Rogers, a health magazine editor in New York City who suffers from poor self-esteem, an awful mother, and a lifelong friendship with the selfish and popular Julia Ferrar, the novel explores themes of self value and identity, forgiveness, the impacts of painful decisions on friendships, and taking responsibility for one's choices.
The writing was a bit thin for my tastes but as a result, this potentially overwrought topic is presented in a very grounded manner, rather than mired in melodrama or exaggerated emotion. Unfortunately, I never completely connected with Julia, the brain damage victim, or Marissa, the passive doormat friend, and that impacted my ability to totally enjoy this novel. I could certainly relate at moments to each character (and the dangerous allure of strong personalities) but both characters were written so broadly and were thinly fleshed out, I failed to see the appeal of either woman.
Pagan's previous writing experience includes articles for magazines like Fitness, Glamour, Self, and Women's Health, and chunks of the novel read more like a piece of how-to journalism than a novel. Marissa becomes a coach for an organization that uses running as a way to help at risk girls find self-esteem, and I found myself skimming those passages, which felt like PSAs on a variety of issues (self-esteem, bullying). While certainly admirable, they were also boring.
The romantic 'triangle' between Marissa, her first boyfriend Nathan, and her current boyfriend Dave, was another note that rang false (although Dave is one of my favorite of the secondary characters, for being the voice of reason time and time again). I certainly have my own 'what if' moments and mistakes made in college that I still regret, but I'm not sure I'd derail my whole life a decade later because my brain damaged friend decided to pull strings and manipulate an unwanted reunion.
The novel had some lovely secondary characters I really enjoyed, like Marissa's sister Sarah, her boss Naomi, and her aforementioned boyfriend Dave. The themes of self-discovery and forgiveness run through all Marissa's interactions and for me, it invited some reflection on my own painful memories and the behaviors of my own I regretted. The novel closed with a very hopeful note without being too cheesy, and I think many folks who want a summer read with a little more emotion might enjoy this one.
The writing was a bit thin for my tastes but as a result, this potentially overwrought topic is presented in a very grounded manner, rather than mired in melodrama or exaggerated emotion. Unfortunately, I never completely connected with Julia, the brain damage victim, or Marissa, the passive doormat friend, and that impacted my ability to totally enjoy this novel. I could certainly relate at moments to each character (and the dangerous allure of strong personalities) but both characters were written so broadly and were thinly fleshed out, I failed to see the appeal of either woman.
Pagan's previous writing experience includes articles for magazines like Fitness, Glamour, Self, and Women's Health, and chunks of the novel read more like a piece of how-to journalism than a novel. Marissa becomes a coach for an organization that uses running as a way to help at risk girls find self-esteem, and I found myself skimming those passages, which felt like PSAs on a variety of issues (self-esteem, bullying). While certainly admirable, they were also boring.
The romantic 'triangle' between Marissa, her first boyfriend Nathan, and her current boyfriend Dave, was another note that rang false (although Dave is one of my favorite of the secondary characters, for being the voice of reason time and time again). I certainly have my own 'what if' moments and mistakes made in college that I still regret, but I'm not sure I'd derail my whole life a decade later because my brain damaged friend decided to pull strings and manipulate an unwanted reunion.
The novel had some lovely secondary characters I really enjoyed, like Marissa's sister Sarah, her boss Naomi, and her aforementioned boyfriend Dave. The themes of self-discovery and forgiveness run through all Marissa's interactions and for me, it invited some reflection on my own painful memories and the behaviors of my own I regretted. The novel closed with a very hopeful note without being too cheesy, and I think many folks who want a summer read with a little more emotion might enjoy this one.
galaxies's review against another edition
4.0
The Art of Forgetting is a beautiful and moving story about friendship, family, love and forgiving.
Marissa Rogers has achieved her dream, something she dreamed about with her best friend Julia. She’s living in New York, working as a journalist at a magazine. It was not her first choice but to become an editor in chief she goes with it. She has a wonderful boyfriend and along with Julia several good friends. But then tragedy strikes on a day she was supposed to meet Julia. A cab hits Julia, resulting in her having her brain badly injured. Suddenly Marissa and Julia’s friendship is completely turned upside down.
The first thing that drew me to the The Art of Forgetting was its gorgeous cover. I love ballet so when I saw the cover I immediately knew I had to have the book, the summary confirming it all over again.
As we follow Marissa over the course of the book we really get to know her, her life, how her mind works. I really enjoyed reading her POV, even though I had my problems with her. Marissa lacks self-esteem and it shows in almost everything she thinks or does. She has always been easily manipulated by the people in her life but as we follow her she comes into her own and stands up to the people who have been trying to direct her life for her.
Marissa’s friendship with Julia is not a well-balanced one. To me it seemed like Marissa gave more than she received from Julia, something that hasn’t changed over many years of friendship.
But after Julia’s accident things changed and Marissa brings it in a new direction.
I especially loved reading about Marissa’s relationship with Dave and her relationship with her sister Sarah, both which were developed beautifully. I really have to give props to Noe Pagan for that.
My favourite part of the book was the inclusion of Take the Lead. The scenes made me teary-eyed more than once and the final scene was especially heart-warming and uplifting.
The Art of Forgetting is a wonderful debut, one I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading character and relationship studies.
I’m eagerly looking forward to Camille Noe Pagan’s next novel and I cannot wait to get my own copy of The Art of Forgetting once it comes out.
** An ARC of this book was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for reviewing purposes.
Marissa Rogers has achieved her dream, something she dreamed about with her best friend Julia. She’s living in New York, working as a journalist at a magazine. It was not her first choice but to become an editor in chief she goes with it. She has a wonderful boyfriend and along with Julia several good friends. But then tragedy strikes on a day she was supposed to meet Julia. A cab hits Julia, resulting in her having her brain badly injured. Suddenly Marissa and Julia’s friendship is completely turned upside down.
The first thing that drew me to the The Art of Forgetting was its gorgeous cover. I love ballet so when I saw the cover I immediately knew I had to have the book, the summary confirming it all over again.
As we follow Marissa over the course of the book we really get to know her, her life, how her mind works. I really enjoyed reading her POV, even though I had my problems with her. Marissa lacks self-esteem and it shows in almost everything she thinks or does. She has always been easily manipulated by the people in her life but as we follow her she comes into her own and stands up to the people who have been trying to direct her life for her.
Marissa’s friendship with Julia is not a well-balanced one. To me it seemed like Marissa gave more than she received from Julia, something that hasn’t changed over many years of friendship.
But after Julia’s accident things changed and Marissa brings it in a new direction.
I especially loved reading about Marissa’s relationship with Dave and her relationship with her sister Sarah, both which were developed beautifully. I really have to give props to Noe Pagan for that.
My favourite part of the book was the inclusion of Take the Lead. The scenes made me teary-eyed more than once and the final scene was especially heart-warming and uplifting.
The Art of Forgetting is a wonderful debut, one I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading character and relationship studies.
I’m eagerly looking forward to Camille Noe Pagan’s next novel and I cannot wait to get my own copy of The Art of Forgetting once it comes out.
** An ARC of this book was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for reviewing purposes.
alittlebookish's review against another edition
3.0
I got this book via NetGalley and it was the cover that drew me in. The cover for this book is AMAZING! At first I thought the book would have more to do with ballet though so when I started reading and I was surprised to find that there was a very small link to ballet in the book. When I did read this I had just finished a book about a woman who loses her memory and wakes up everyday thinking she is 20 years younger. This book also has a component of memory loss. Julia is hit by a cab and is left with an acquired brain injury and her friendship with Marissa is changed forever. I have to admit that I was once in a friendship like the one in this book between Julia and Marissa. Julia was quite a dominant person in the relationship and Marissa oftentimes just agreed to things to avoid causing conflict. I was the one avoiding conflict and so I could relate to Marissa in one sense. I have to admit though that she frustrated me sometimes. She allowed this type of friendship to continue for years and years. In the friendship that I was in I eventually had to say enough is enough. I wanted to yell at Marissa when they cut to scenes of the past. After the accident, I could see that Marissa would be in a difficult predicament. How do you stand up to bad behaviour when the person acting that way has a brain injury? I like that in the end Marissa is able to learn new things about herself. Overall it was a good read and I give it 3.5 stars.
yeahdeadslow's review against another edition
3.0
This book gets major, major kudos from me for not taking the turn I was convinced was inevitable. Namely, the main character not dumping her current, stable boyfriend for the boyfriend who resurfaces from her past; the boyfriend she still may have feelings for.....
That storyline happens a lot in books/movies, so you can't blame me for thinking it was going to happen. Did I mention I'm glad it didn't? I hate when authors make their characters dump their nice, steady guys for the perfect boyfriend of the past because he is "the one". It irks me to no end. Probably because I never like the charming, handsome past boyfriends. I like a nice, steady guy. (As long as he's not yawn-inducing.)
Anyhow, this book didn't have anything terribly exceptional to set it apart from others of its kind, but it was an enjoyable read! Though I thought the parts when she was working with the tweens were gaggingly inspirational. But hey, that could just be me.
And oh, I have to mention the gorgeous cover! I would hang it on my wall if I could!
That storyline happens a lot in books/movies, so you can't blame me for thinking it was going to happen. Did I mention I'm glad it didn't? I hate when authors make their characters dump their nice, steady guys for the perfect boyfriend of the past because he is "the one". It irks me to no end. Probably because I never like the charming, handsome past boyfriends. I like a nice, steady guy. (As long as he's not yawn-inducing.)
Anyhow, this book didn't have anything terribly exceptional to set it apart from others of its kind, but it was an enjoyable read! Though I thought the parts when she was working with the tweens were gaggingly inspirational. But hey, that could just be me.
And oh, I have to mention the gorgeous cover! I would hang it on my wall if I could!
debaloo2002's review against another edition
3.0
Disappointed. Not nearly as good as I hoped it would be. I pretty bored through-out the whole book.
colleenlovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
Marissa Rogers and Julia Ferrar became the best of friends from the first day they met their freshman year in high school. Julia, the queen bee with a good heart, helped Marissa to acclimate to her new surroundings and made her school experience, which had to this point been riddled with teasing and embarrassment, a little more enjoyable. They quickly became inseparable and gave to each other what they couldn’t seem to get anywhere else. For Marissa, she now had someone to boost her self esteem instead of constantly putting her down like her own mother did. For Julia, she had someone who really listened to her and kept her sometimes selfish and pouty nature in check. This sweet but egocentric personality naturally placed Julia as the leader of the relationship, and Marissa was just fine with that. Their friendship was the most important thing in her life, and if sacrifice is what she needed to keep it running smoothly, then so be it. Even when Julia asked Marissa to sacrifice her first love, Nathan, during college, a request that almost had Marissa standing up to her best friend, she acquiesced. While she was heartbroken, she moved on with her and Julia’s plans to graduate, move to New York, and start their new lives as ballerina (Julia) and someday editor in chief of a big magazine (Marissa).
Julia and Marissa are living their dream when Julia is accidentally hit by a cab. While her body seems to sustain little harm the accident has caused a severe head trauma. Julia’s memory is now sporadic and as unpredictable as her temper, and even her voice is nothing like the old Julia. She has different tastes, from colors to clothes to even a new love for cats, and is prone to migraines and speaking with no social filter. Marissa is now thrust unwittingly into the driver’s seat of their relationship and soon learns she is going to have to expand and grow beyond Julia if she is going to get through this terrible ordeal and help either of them move on.
While Julia moves in with her parents in Ann Arbor, Michigan and works on her recovery, Marissa begins to develop some new friendships and improve some old ones she had often left neglected while concentrating on Julia and her needs. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Dave, continues to grow stronger and she even takes the big step of moving in with him. She agrees to coach a running program for girl and soon learns that these young girls are teaching her as much about self esteem and growth as she is supposed to be teaching them. While she begins to sort out the issues in her own life as well as keep her friendship open with Julia, Julia throws a curveball at her by bringing Nathan back into the picture and trying to convince Marissa that he was the one she was meant to be with. Marissa cannot help but wonder if Julia might be right about Nathan, even if her ways of going about it are wrong. Could he be the proverbial one that got away? If so, what does that mean for Dave, a man who gives her such stability and love that she cannot seem to imagine where this great man has come from?
With her best friend no longer able to help her through the tough times and who is actually making her life even more complicated, Marissa is on her own to figure out what is right for her. She must make her own decisions and decide what life she is meant to live. Finally forced to be the leader of her own destiny, she learns that she is much stronger than she ever imagined she could be.
The first thing you will notice when picking this book up is the absolutely gorgeous cover. It might be the most beautiful one I have ever seen. What might shock you is that the story inside is just as beautiful as its wrappings and one that will fight for precedence in your heart. This is an exquisitevly written book about what makes a relationship, what memory means and who and what controls our destiny. Marissa discovers that she herself cannot always trust her memories of her relationship with Nathan and, at times, with Julia, and that sometimes the rosy colored glasses she has placed over these memories don’t allow her to see clearly into what came before. The growth of Marissa from a slight pushover who would rather let her mother make her feel fat or her best friend tell her what to do to a brave, strong woman who takes the steps to make her own life on her own terms is heartening. She is a smart, witty, beautiful person and it is such a joy to see her discover this about herself along with the reader.
My only disappointment with this book is that it had to end and I know it will be some time before I will have another gem from Camille Noe Pagan in my hands to devour. In the meantime I will have to satisfy myself with rereading Julia and Marissa’s story and waiting patiently for what comes next. Go get this book. You won’t be disappointed.
Julia and Marissa are living their dream when Julia is accidentally hit by a cab. While her body seems to sustain little harm the accident has caused a severe head trauma. Julia’s memory is now sporadic and as unpredictable as her temper, and even her voice is nothing like the old Julia. She has different tastes, from colors to clothes to even a new love for cats, and is prone to migraines and speaking with no social filter. Marissa is now thrust unwittingly into the driver’s seat of their relationship and soon learns she is going to have to expand and grow beyond Julia if she is going to get through this terrible ordeal and help either of them move on.
While Julia moves in with her parents in Ann Arbor, Michigan and works on her recovery, Marissa begins to develop some new friendships and improve some old ones she had often left neglected while concentrating on Julia and her needs. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Dave, continues to grow stronger and she even takes the big step of moving in with him. She agrees to coach a running program for girl and soon learns that these young girls are teaching her as much about self esteem and growth as she is supposed to be teaching them. While she begins to sort out the issues in her own life as well as keep her friendship open with Julia, Julia throws a curveball at her by bringing Nathan back into the picture and trying to convince Marissa that he was the one she was meant to be with. Marissa cannot help but wonder if Julia might be right about Nathan, even if her ways of going about it are wrong. Could he be the proverbial one that got away? If so, what does that mean for Dave, a man who gives her such stability and love that she cannot seem to imagine where this great man has come from?
With her best friend no longer able to help her through the tough times and who is actually making her life even more complicated, Marissa is on her own to figure out what is right for her. She must make her own decisions and decide what life she is meant to live. Finally forced to be the leader of her own destiny, she learns that she is much stronger than she ever imagined she could be.
The first thing you will notice when picking this book up is the absolutely gorgeous cover. It might be the most beautiful one I have ever seen. What might shock you is that the story inside is just as beautiful as its wrappings and one that will fight for precedence in your heart. This is an exquisitevly written book about what makes a relationship, what memory means and who and what controls our destiny. Marissa discovers that she herself cannot always trust her memories of her relationship with Nathan and, at times, with Julia, and that sometimes the rosy colored glasses she has placed over these memories don’t allow her to see clearly into what came before. The growth of Marissa from a slight pushover who would rather let her mother make her feel fat or her best friend tell her what to do to a brave, strong woman who takes the steps to make her own life on her own terms is heartening. She is a smart, witty, beautiful person and it is such a joy to see her discover this about herself along with the reader.
My only disappointment with this book is that it had to end and I know it will be some time before I will have another gem from Camille Noe Pagan in my hands to devour. In the meantime I will have to satisfy myself with rereading Julia and Marissa’s story and waiting patiently for what comes next. Go get this book. You won’t be disappointed.
whatsheread's review
The back cover of The Art of Forgetting states that this is a story about the power of friendship and the importance of love. This description is slightly misleading, for it is not so much a story about the power of friendship but rather a journey of self-discovery. Marissa not only discovers what true friendship truly means, but more importantly, she discovers her own strength and destiny. The love of one's self is ultimately at the heart of this thoughtful novel.
One's enjoyment of The Art of Forgetting hinges on the reader's engagement with and sympathy towards Marissa and Julia. This, however, is contingent on one's experiences growing up and the friendships made during the formative years. In my opinion, Marissa is easy to like. She is the ugly duckling to Julia's swan, the supportive friend always there when needed, always putting others' needs before her own. She is the character to which a majority of readers can relate, having been in similar situations themselves. Julia, in my opinion, is not likable at all. She is needy, demanding, and the epitome of a bad friend. This inability to sympathize with Julia's plight makes it a difficult to enjoy the story.
Friendship, what makes it last and what makes it a strong relationship, drives much of Marissa's struggle to adapt to Julia's accident, and the reader is swept along Marissa's search. What makes one a best friend? How are friends supposed to act towards each other? I may be projecting my own opinions of friendship, but for my own part, I never understand the fascination with Julia. Why would anyone allow their best friend to make certain demands of them and give into those demands, no matter how asinine? To me, best friends do not do these things, and my inability to understand why Marissa would accept such behaviors from Julia for so long truly did taint my reaction to the story. I simply could not buy into their friendship.
Only when Marissa is on her own, searching her own feelings, forming other relationships, and out from under Julia's thumb does The Art of Forgetting begins to shine, and shine it does. There is a down-to-earth element to Marissa that is refreshing and absolutely enjoyable. She is not wealthy, and she struggles with her weight. She has a job that requires her to work long hours, and she comes home and unwinds by watching TV. Her career has stagnated, and she faces a crossroads in her relationship with her boyfriend. Her problems are everyone's problems, which makes her the type of character any reader can wholeheartedly support.
Ms. Pagan does a great job of making a reader think. Love her or hate her, Julia's actions force the reader to assess his or her own definition of friendship and the idea of forgiveness. However, The Art of Forgetting leaves its mark on the reader through Marissa. Her introspection and willingness to take a chance ultimately changes her life, thereby setting an example for all readers who see themselves in her. There are lessons to be learned through Julia and through Marissa, and all have value. This is the true beauty of The Art of Forgetting.
One's enjoyment of The Art of Forgetting hinges on the reader's engagement with and sympathy towards Marissa and Julia. This, however, is contingent on one's experiences growing up and the friendships made during the formative years. In my opinion, Marissa is easy to like. She is the ugly duckling to Julia's swan, the supportive friend always there when needed, always putting others' needs before her own. She is the character to which a majority of readers can relate, having been in similar situations themselves. Julia, in my opinion, is not likable at all. She is needy, demanding, and the epitome of a bad friend. This inability to sympathize with Julia's plight makes it a difficult to enjoy the story.
Friendship, what makes it last and what makes it a strong relationship, drives much of Marissa's struggle to adapt to Julia's accident, and the reader is swept along Marissa's search. What makes one a best friend? How are friends supposed to act towards each other? I may be projecting my own opinions of friendship, but for my own part, I never understand the fascination with Julia. Why would anyone allow their best friend to make certain demands of them and give into those demands, no matter how asinine? To me, best friends do not do these things, and my inability to understand why Marissa would accept such behaviors from Julia for so long truly did taint my reaction to the story. I simply could not buy into their friendship.
Only when Marissa is on her own, searching her own feelings, forming other relationships, and out from under Julia's thumb does The Art of Forgetting begins to shine, and shine it does. There is a down-to-earth element to Marissa that is refreshing and absolutely enjoyable. She is not wealthy, and she struggles with her weight. She has a job that requires her to work long hours, and she comes home and unwinds by watching TV. Her career has stagnated, and she faces a crossroads in her relationship with her boyfriend. Her problems are everyone's problems, which makes her the type of character any reader can wholeheartedly support.
Ms. Pagan does a great job of making a reader think. Love her or hate her, Julia's actions force the reader to assess his or her own definition of friendship and the idea of forgiveness. However, The Art of Forgetting leaves its mark on the reader through Marissa. Her introspection and willingness to take a chance ultimately changes her life, thereby setting an example for all readers who see themselves in her. There are lessons to be learned through Julia and through Marissa, and all have value. This is the true beauty of The Art of Forgetting.