A review by readswithnatalieb
Memorial by Bryan Washington

slow-paced

3.0

 
I really liked a lot about this book, but there were also parts that were pretty meh for me. 
 
The story itself? I loved it. I took away so much about how difficult relationships are at any given point in life. Some relationships work, others don’t, but navigating through life while balancing other friendships and situations can make relationships so unique. I found the story to be so raw in that regard. 
 
The diverse representation, an LGBTQIA+ romance, with HIV+ mention created a lot of topics that provoked thoughts. And the story wasn’t tragic or coming out wasn’t a part of it, it was just life (which more stories need to be this way). It was very much a slice of life type of read, which I also enjoyed. 
 
Because it was a slice, I didn’t find there to be much plot. Which some readers love that style! But for me, it was just okay. Because of the lack of plot, the story seemed to slow down in sections when other parts were quick. While reading, the back and forth communication between characters seemed flat. While I read in my head, I give the characters voices and infliction, but I couldn’t with this story. 
 
Warning! There are no quotation marks. 
 
Overall, I can see why the book was popular so and I would suggest checking it out. I will absolutely pick up other work by Washington! 
 
Content Warnings: cancer, infidelity, homophobia, death, alcoholism, abuse 
 
Another bonus? TV adaptation! I could see it being successful onscreen so I will definitely watch. 
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