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mbladams's review
3.0
This story was originally published on serialbox.com, which makes sense. It reads like a podcast or serial fiction than a cohesive book. It is a good story, but doesn't feel as robust as a novel.
Memory Lane explores the relationships we have with our mothers, and how memories can fool us into believing things that aren't true. Alex and her mother Cassie have a strained relationship. When Cassie invites Alex to participate in a research study with her, Alex goes along with it, partially for the money and partially because she wants to repair their relationship. When they get to the research facility, Alex finds out that the study involves implanting Cassie's memories in Alex's brain, then going on a road trip with Cassie to activate these memories.
Alex decides to participate, even though she has misgivings about the study. When their road trip begins, Alex realizes that the memories she is experiencing are different than what her mother remembers. Which memories are true, and why are they different?
The premise of this book is better than its execution; it feels forced at times, and some things don't ring true toward the end of the book. You will question why certain decisions were made. The book would have been improved by more flashbacks, or descriptions of past events that led to what is happening in the present.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book!
Memory Lane explores the relationships we have with our mothers, and how memories can fool us into believing things that aren't true. Alex and her mother Cassie have a strained relationship. When Cassie invites Alex to participate in a research study with her, Alex goes along with it, partially for the money and partially because she wants to repair their relationship. When they get to the research facility, Alex finds out that the study involves implanting Cassie's memories in Alex's brain, then going on a road trip with Cassie to activate these memories.
Alex decides to participate, even though she has misgivings about the study. When their road trip begins, Alex realizes that the memories she is experiencing are different than what her mother remembers. Which memories are true, and why are they different?
The premise of this book is better than its execution; it feels forced at times, and some things don't ring true toward the end of the book. You will question why certain decisions were made. The book would have been improved by more flashbacks, or descriptions of past events that led to what is happening in the present.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book!
rudo_tsaritsar's review
3.0
Alex and Cassie are a mother daughter duo that have never gotten along. Alex has had to take care of her mother while trying to learn more of her past and who her father is. When an experimental memory transfer has the potential to bring the two closer, Alex reluctantly accepts.
I enjoyed the premise of the book but it soon lost me. Alex starts having memories of her mother that Cassie claimed never happened. As Alex’s hallucinations keep happening, the distance between them grows. Although this was a short read, it was somewhat fast. The ending was kind of unexpected but I still wanted more. More from the story and more from Alex and Cassie. I didn’t feel invested in them as characters in a good way or bad way. I’d be interested in reading this as a full novel, to see what would be added.
Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for a copy of the book in exchange for a review!
I enjoyed the premise of the book but it soon lost me. Alex starts having memories of her mother that Cassie claimed never happened. As Alex’s hallucinations keep happening, the distance between them grows. Although this was a short read, it was somewhat fast. The ending was kind of unexpected but I still wanted more. More from the story and more from Alex and Cassie. I didn’t feel invested in them as characters in a good way or bad way. I’d be interested in reading this as a full novel, to see what would be added.
Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for a copy of the book in exchange for a review!
bookdarling1987's review
4.0
Promising Yet Odd
When I went through NetGalley and I saw this book it instantly pulled my curiosity so when I was approved for the advanced reader's copy of this book I was thrilled. While it had major promise for me it fell a little flat. Mother and daughter, Cassie, and Alex respectively, took part in a scientific memory transfer with Alex being the recipient of her mother’s memories. The memory that was transferred involved Cassie’s life when she was the same age as Alex presently, 21. This was also the time period in which Cassie was pregnant with Alex. At first, Alex thinks this is her mother's way of making a quick buck, but when the memory transfer begins to work and Alex gets bits and pieces of the memories, she has always been curious about them set off on an adventure.
As they continue their journey and the memories continue to pass from mother to daughter you as a reader get this underlining fear that creeps in because you do not know what to believe who is telling the truth and who is not. I am hoping that this book is part of a series because with the way that this ended, I am for sure in need of knowing what happens next.
When I went through NetGalley and I saw this book it instantly pulled my curiosity so when I was approved for the advanced reader's copy of this book I was thrilled. While it had major promise for me it fell a little flat. Mother and daughter, Cassie, and Alex respectively, took part in a scientific memory transfer with Alex being the recipient of her mother’s memories. The memory that was transferred involved Cassie’s life when she was the same age as Alex presently, 21. This was also the time period in which Cassie was pregnant with Alex. At first, Alex thinks this is her mother's way of making a quick buck, but when the memory transfer begins to work and Alex gets bits and pieces of the memories, she has always been curious about them set off on an adventure.
As they continue their journey and the memories continue to pass from mother to daughter you as a reader get this underlining fear that creeps in because you do not know what to believe who is telling the truth and who is not. I am hoping that this book is part of a series because with the way that this ended, I am for sure in need of knowing what happens next.
across_the_stars's review
3.0
This review was made possible through NetGalley.com
I’ve been a fan of Sara Shepard for a while, and the last book of hers I read, Reputation, left me wanting more. So I was pleasantly surprised when this book popped up in a recommended list for the upcoming year.
Following the story of Alex and her mother Cassie, we delve into a world of scientific experimentation and strained relationships. Most of the scientific aspects of memory transfer are kept to the basics and there’s brief talk about self-driving cars, but overall this books didn’t feel very sci-fi to me. It was as if it was balancing between the future and present, and wasn’t really pushing the boundaries. I’d classify this as a straight up fiction book rather than science fiction.
Overall, though, this was a decent book. It was a good afternoon read that only took one day to get through. The ending felt rushed and some aspects felt predictable, some not all. With the way the book actually ended, I suspect there might be another book or books to follow, hopefully not 17 more (I’m looking at you Pretty Little Liars). I’m sure I’ll recommend this to my avid book reading friends and pick it up again at some point to read.
I’ve been a fan of Sara Shepard for a while, and the last book of hers I read, Reputation, left me wanting more. So I was pleasantly surprised when this book popped up in a recommended list for the upcoming year.
Following the story of Alex and her mother Cassie, we delve into a world of scientific experimentation and strained relationships. Most of the scientific aspects of memory transfer are kept to the basics and there’s brief talk about self-driving cars, but overall this books didn’t feel very sci-fi to me. It was as if it was balancing between the future and present, and wasn’t really pushing the boundaries. I’d classify this as a straight up fiction book rather than science fiction.
Overall, though, this was a decent book. It was a good afternoon read that only took one day to get through. The ending felt rushed and some aspects felt predictable, some not all. With the way the book actually ended, I suspect there might be another book or books to follow, hopefully not 17 more (I’m looking at you Pretty Little Liars). I’m sure I’ll recommend this to my avid book reading friends and pick it up again at some point to read.
terriep's review
medium-paced
2.5
more like a novella, quick read tho not much happens. A woman has her mother's memories implanted and discovers she saw a murder years ago. Lots of angst about missing dad.....too much of the story is that...
mreadsbooksnfics's review
3.0
Sara Shepard is always a yes for me. Even when it’s sci-fi which I don’t read too often.
I think this book was okay. The story was pretty well done, but it wasn’t mind blowing. I think the ending was what ruined it for me, leaving me wondering if there will be more. It was a good start, but I think it could have been so much better. Perhaps it’s because I’m not a sci-fi fan, but this book just seemed like it was meant to do more but all of the things didn’t pan out the right way. Just little bit and pieces of the story that were just brushed aside and never answered fully. I didn’t like the characters a lot either.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I think this book was okay. The story was pretty well done, but it wasn’t mind blowing. I think the ending was what ruined it for me, leaving me wondering if there will be more. It was a good start, but I think it could have been so much better. Perhaps it’s because I’m not a sci-fi fan, but this book just seemed like it was meant to do more but all of the things didn’t pan out the right way. Just little bit and pieces of the story that were just brushed aside and never answered fully. I didn’t like the characters a lot either.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
val713's review
4.0
*Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box Publishing for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review*
4 stars. This is the story of Alex and her mother Cassie and the road trip they embark on to recall memories transferred to Alex from Cassie from many years ago. Alex and Cassie are a part of this scientific study that implants/transfers a mothers desired memories into their daughter. Cassies desired memory was from the time in her life when she was pregnant with Alex at the age of 21. But everything starts to go awry when Alex starts recalling the memory differently to how Cassie remembers it.
The thing that drew me into this book originally was the memory transfer aspect which I think was interesting and was done well. I didn't know what to expect of the plot but I was definitely invested and was keen to figure out what was happening. I was not expecting and didn't see the plot twists coming and was definitely surprised. This was a quick and easy read and I would definitely be intrigued to read a sequel or continuation of this if they released it.
4 stars. This is the story of Alex and her mother Cassie and the road trip they embark on to recall memories transferred to Alex from Cassie from many years ago. Alex and Cassie are a part of this scientific study that implants/transfers a mothers desired memories into their daughter. Cassies desired memory was from the time in her life when she was pregnant with Alex at the age of 21. But everything starts to go awry when Alex starts recalling the memory differently to how Cassie remembers it.
The thing that drew me into this book originally was the memory transfer aspect which I think was interesting and was done well. I didn't know what to expect of the plot but I was definitely invested and was keen to figure out what was happening. I was not expecting and didn't see the plot twists coming and was definitely surprised. This was a quick and easy read and I would definitely be intrigued to read a sequel or continuation of this if they released it.
jessica42980's review
5.0
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on January 6, 2021.
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Please Note: I am not even sure how many pages Memory Lane is as it is a kindle copy and doesn’t list the page numbers; Amazon and Goodreads also do not have the number of pages listed. There is also some confusion as to the publication date. Both Netgalley (where I received my arc) and Goodreads have the publication date as January 13, 2021 while Amazon shows the publication date of December 21, 2021. Personally, I am more inclined to go with the release date on Amazon, so I received a very advanced copy of Memory Lane. Needless to say, my thoughts reflect the current arc I read and not any future versions which might have changes. There are also two covers showing, and I know which one I prefer!
My Review:
Memory Lane is a serialized novel of 8 episodes/chapters in one short novel. It centers around mother and daughter Cassie and Alex. They are at odds, but Cassie convinces Alex to go on this latest experiment to earn money. Alex accepts and it is actually a memory transfer. Cassie’s chosen memories are implanted in Alex and then they go on a road trip which triggers Cassie’s memories in Alex’s head. But soon other memories begin to flash for Alex, including ones that Cassie has no memory of. Soon Alex does not know who to trust.
This is a very quick read that keeps going the whole time! The ending was quite unexpected, and I hope there is a continuation of this serialized novel. I really enjoyed reading this one.
Many thanks to the publisher Serial Box for granting me an arc to read and review via NetGalley.
~~~~
This review will appear on my site on January 6, 2021.
~~~~
Please Note: I am not even sure how many pages Memory Lane is as it is a kindle copy and doesn’t list the page numbers; Amazon and Goodreads also do not have the number of pages listed. There is also some confusion as to the publication date. Both Netgalley (where I received my arc) and Goodreads have the publication date as January 13, 2021 while Amazon shows the publication date of December 21, 2021. Personally, I am more inclined to go with the release date on Amazon, so I received a very advanced copy of Memory Lane. Needless to say, my thoughts reflect the current arc I read and not any future versions which might have changes. There are also two covers showing, and I know which one I prefer!
My Review:
Memory Lane is a serialized novel of 8 episodes/chapters in one short novel. It centers around mother and daughter Cassie and Alex. They are at odds, but Cassie convinces Alex to go on this latest experiment to earn money. Alex accepts and it is actually a memory transfer. Cassie’s chosen memories are implanted in Alex and then they go on a road trip which triggers Cassie’s memories in Alex’s head. But soon other memories begin to flash for Alex, including ones that Cassie has no memory of. Soon Alex does not know who to trust.
This is a very quick read that keeps going the whole time! The ending was quite unexpected, and I hope there is a continuation of this serialized novel. I really enjoyed reading this one.
Many thanks to the publisher Serial Box for granting me an arc to read and review via NetGalley.
lifeofafox's review
3.0
3.5 stars
A great premise of what is a memory and how we can manipulate our thoughts to protect ourselves but also give us hope.
I loved the character growth of both Alex and Cassie throughout. Though I enjoyed the story, I found elements of the plot predictable. But would recommend it to friends. A nice way into light scifi.
A great premise of what is a memory and how we can manipulate our thoughts to protect ourselves but also give us hope.
I loved the character growth of both Alex and Cassie throughout. Though I enjoyed the story, I found elements of the plot predictable. But would recommend it to friends. A nice way into light scifi.
taketwolu's review
4.0
Fast paced, but slow to reveal. We follow the story of Alex (daughter) and Cassie (mother). Cassie isn’t the most motherly -- often too busy dealing with her own painful past and vices. Alex, however, is sensible, level-headed, and yearning to learn more about her father’s past.
One day, the two check-in for a mother-daughter study focused on memory which may hopefully help Cassie heal from her past and give Alex the answers she needs. Dr Novik performs a memory transfer from Cassie to Alex and suggests the two recreate the trip from Cassie’s memories in order to start transferring them.
I liked seeing the little moments where Cassie and Alex seemed to bond over. It was interesting to compare past memories with the present -- I kept trying to piece everything together and find the truth behind any discrepancies. Each fading memory left me in suspense with more questions than answers. The buildup was pretty good, but the ending felt a little rushed and tied together a bit too well -- it was shocking though. I would’ve also liked to know what happened beyond the last scene.
Overall, I’d say this is a good book if you’re looking for a quick thriller, fast-pace/suspense, and something that keeps you guessing.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for a copy of the ARC in return for an honest review.
One day, the two check-in for a mother-daughter study focused on memory which may hopefully help Cassie heal from her past and give Alex the answers she needs. Dr Novik performs a memory transfer from Cassie to Alex and suggests the two recreate the trip from Cassie’s memories in order to start transferring them.
I liked seeing the little moments where Cassie and Alex seemed to bond over. It was interesting to compare past memories with the present -- I kept trying to piece everything together and find the truth behind any discrepancies. Each fading memory left me in suspense with more questions than answers. The buildup was pretty good, but the ending felt a little rushed and tied together a bit too well -- it was shocking though. I would’ve also liked to know what happened beyond the last scene.
Overall, I’d say this is a good book if you’re looking for a quick thriller, fast-pace/suspense, and something that keeps you guessing.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for a copy of the ARC in return for an honest review.