A review by caseythecanadianlesbrarian
Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick

emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense 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? No

4.0

Well this had me sobbing (in a good way!) at the end. This contemporary YA novel takes what could be a goofy soap opera-esque plot device -- the protagonist wakes up after a serious head injury having forgotten the last two years of her high school life, which includes her figuring out she's queer and having a secret two year long relationship with another girl -- and thoughtfully explores issues of grief, familial homophobia, coming out, romantic soulmates, memory, and fate. 

It's an immensely readable story, with wonderful characters easy to root for. I especially loved how Stevie formed a friendship with Ryan, the only other Asian kid in town, even though they have a bit of a rough start. Nora and Stevie's easy banter was so cute and their immediate connection was very convincingly rendered -- it's not hard to believe they really are meant to be together. 

I really liked Derrick's rom com debut, She Gets the Girl, which was co-authored with her wife Rachael Lippincott; while this one is also very romantic, the tone is a lot more serious. I will definitely check out what she writes next!

The audiobook is beautifully performed by Natalie Naudus.
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