Review by knkoch - Say You'll Remember Me

knkoch 's review for:

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

4.25

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

My first Abby Jimenez book! I've been meaning to get into her work seeing as she's both so beloved and local to my area. This book highlighted so much of what I'm drawn to in this genre, including a contemporary story, realistic plot, and dual perspectives. In particular, I was impressed with the detailed characterization of Samantha's family. Their brand of funny, loving chaos sometimes crossed over into dysfunction and communication problems, but that felt really realistic given their personal circumstances and the dementia caretaking work they were sharing. The focus on money was also important. There was nothing vague or rose-colored about the calculations pitting incomes and savings against airline tickets, home renovation, debt, small businesses, and in-home memory care.

The only challenging thing for me was that

while the the long-distance separation issue between Xavier and Sam was truly well-drawn and refreshing in that they didn't get in their own way, the bleakness of their no-fault situation went on for quite a long time. It got a bit stressful and painful to read. I don't think that's necessarily bad, and I'm still thinking about how it all made me feel. I tend to wish that endings and epilogues were longer so that I could read about the characters living peacefully and happily together for more than a few pages. I've only read brief jacket synopses for some of Jimenez's other books, but I think I've avoided them because the dramatic conflicts seem really emotionally heartbreaking and painful.

I'll definitely seek out more of her books over time, though!

Content Warnings