Book Review & Giveaway: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

I absolutely loved Forgotten. I loved it because it has an interesting premise, but that’s not the entire appeal of the book. This is a romance, and a family story that will warm your heart, just as much as a story of a girl with a unique disability.

London forgets everything about her past every night as she sleeps. She only “remembers” things from the future. She has developed a sophisticated coping system by writing detailed notes to herself every night, and some of these notes she must read every day.

First of all, there’s a mystery about why London is like this. She started having this problem when she was six years old, around the time that her father left. She hasn’t heard from her father since then. Of course there have been many doctors, but no one knows why London is this way.

Secondly, there’s a swoon-worthy boyfriend, Luke, who London must meet for the first time every day, and fall in love all over again.

Then, there’s the recurring vision of a funeral in the future, in which London can recognize people, but can’t see the deceased.

And, her best friend isn't speaking to her because London is trying to get her to break off her relationship with a married teacher.

All of these elements make for a book that is simply unputdownable. Patrick has created a well-thought-out situation. At first, I thought that it didn’t make sense that London can remember her mom and her best friend, Jamie, but can’t remember Luke every day. But it makes perfect sense – I’m just a little slow – because London “remembers” these people from the future. Patrick mentions several times that London is concerned because she doesn’t see Luke in her future. So, he ceases to exist every time she falls asleep.

There are surprises in store, which keep you on your toes. The ending is not perfect but satisfying. This is a book for young adults, but there’s no reason this book doesn’t have adult appeal. The romantic elements are so heartwarming, and I just felt so deeply moved by what London had to live with day after day.  The language is easy to read, but detailed enough so as not to feel simplistic.

I can’t say anything else except, go get this one!

Published by Little Brown, June ?, 2011

ARC received from the publicist (Big Honcho Media) for an honest review

288 pages

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

What if every day when you woke up, you had no recollection of the days before?

Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can “remember” are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you’d easily forget, but try as she might, London can’t find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it’s time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting – before it destroys her future.

About the Author:

On a rainy November morning, new baby sleep deprived, Cat Patrick forgot what she was doing. She retraced her steps but instead of remembering, the idea for Forgotten was born.

Cat lives near Seattle with her husband and twin daughters who now, thankfully, sleep through the night. Forgotten is her debut novel.

The Giveaway:

I have been allowed by Big Honcho Media to give away TWO copies of Forgotten. Please read the rules and fill in the form!

You don't need to be a follower, but if you want to, that would certainly be OK! You DO need to be at least 13 years old. You DO need to have a US mailing address. You need to fill out the form below, and you need to know that these books will come from the publicist, so I'm not responsible if the post office loses or damages the books (and I certainly HOPE that never happens!)

Thanks for entering and good luck!

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