My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
finished reading on April 4, 2011
My thoughts:
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. When I first read about it, I was fascinated by the reincarnation aspect of it. I was not disappointed. I'm not sure if this book is considered YA, but it really didn't have that normal YA feel, if you know what I mean. When Daniel and Lucy 'meet' in the present time, they are teenagers, but Daniel is various ages throughout the book as he recounts his past lives beginning in the 500s AD. These are the parts of the book that I most enjoyed...the looking back in history. Daniel has been reincarnated many times over and he remembers every life he has led. I'm not sure if that would be a blessing or a curse and I do not think that Daniel always looked on it as a blessing either. Intertwined in the story is the love story between Daniel and Lucy/Sophia. Lucy does not remember her past lives and when Daniel approaches her with the idea, it spooks her. Understandable. I mean it would be pretty incredible for someone to come up to you and tell you that you have lived before. When Lucy and Daniel finally do meet again, there is an element of danger left over from the past that is hellbent to interfere. So, as we approach the end, it is very climactic and exciting and then...it just ends! I was pissed until I found out that this is a planned trilogy. Thank goodness because I'm not sure the book would have survived my wrath.
I am a person who likes to think that we are reincarnated each time we die. The reasons for my feeling this way are because of children who have imaginary friends, which I had when I was a child. I believe that these children are remembering past lives. Also, I believe that the feelings of deja vu we experience throughout life could be shadows of our previous lives. Sorry...didn't mean to get all new agey on you here, but my beliefs are just one of the reasons I liked this book. If you normally steer clear of YA novels, don't do it on this one. Like I said, it's not your normal YA book. And if you like an historical aspect in books, you will most probably like it as well. I'm not saying that it has the most extensively researched historical bits I've ever read, but it's believable in its own right. In all, I recommend this book.
Book description (from Goodreads):
Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.
Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.
A magical, suspenseful, heartbreaking story of true love, My Name is Memory proves the power and endurance of a union that was meant to be.
This book was read and reviewed for a book tour with Crazy Book Tours. Book copy was provided by tour and mailed to the next tour participant.
Qualifies for the following reading challenges:
Alphabet Challenge
Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
2 comments:
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I enjoyed it too. I heard this was the first of a series. I look forward to more of this story.
ReplyDeleteNice review, I have been wondering about thsi book too :)
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