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A review by lucidstyle
Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston
3.0
I liked it, but... 2-1/2 stars
The reasons I really liked the first 90% of this book: Raw, real. Johnston captured the agonizingly slow plodding of a family (think the Joads in Grapes of Wrath) in mourning and searching for "normal" after an unbelievable trauma. There are so many eloquent phrasings that perfectly reflect what family members must feel at different times on their journey. The author has given such painful accounts from each of the family members save Justin. The moments of confusion, disorientation, and disconnection, the aimlessness and wandering of the soul, each moment reflected upon rings true and personal.
The reasons I hated the ending of the book (***POSSIBLE SPOILER***): Happily ever after should be reserved for Hollywood. Such an ending can diminish the authenticity felt in the first portion of the novel. What a letdown, really. Other than of course we want everything, all the pain and frustration for the family to be over!! But, is that life? Healing can happen, yes, but it ain't no magic. I guess I would have preferred Mr. Johnston to invoke some Steinbeck (I admit the bias) and end authentically, truthfully, but with a clear note of hope. Not everyone who suffers a trauma will be the star celebrity of their community in the end. Seriously.
The reasons I really liked the first 90% of this book: Raw, real. Johnston captured the agonizingly slow plodding of a family (think the Joads in Grapes of Wrath) in mourning and searching for "normal" after an unbelievable trauma. There are so many eloquent phrasings that perfectly reflect what family members must feel at different times on their journey. The author has given such painful accounts from each of the family members save Justin. The moments of confusion, disorientation, and disconnection, the aimlessness and wandering of the soul, each moment reflected upon rings true and personal.
The reasons I hated the ending of the book (***POSSIBLE SPOILER***): Happily ever after should be reserved for Hollywood. Such an ending can diminish the authenticity felt in the first portion of the novel. What a letdown, really. Other than of course we want everything, all the pain and frustration for the family to be over!! But, is that life? Healing can happen, yes, but it ain't no magic. I guess I would have preferred Mr. Johnston to invoke some Steinbeck (I admit the bias) and end authentically, truthfully, but with a clear note of hope. Not everyone who suffers a trauma will be the star celebrity of their community in the end. Seriously.