bunnieslikediamonds's review against another edition
3.0
This well-written drama is not so much about the disappearance of a child, but his reappearance. 15-year old Justin is returned to his family after four years of captivity. In his absence his parents have drifted apart, while younger brother Griff tries to compensate for their loss. The author focuses on the fragile relationships between the characters, and steers clear of the facts about Justin's abduction. I understand the author's apparent wish to avoid sensational details, but it also means that Justin remained a mystery to me. There were hints of trauma, but mostly he seemed remarkably calm and well-adjusted. With such a terrible crime at the heart of the story, it felt odd that Johnston refused to allow his characters to ask the obvious questions.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
1.0
Listened for Review (Random House Audio)
Overall Rating: DNF
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
It's Not You, It's Me DNF Review: I gave Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston 2.5 hours and just could not get into the story. This is one of those thrillers that I think you have to care about the characters in order for it to work and they just did not click with me. I do think this story will work for other people.
Audio Thoughts:
Mark Bramhall did an excellent job with the narration. His pacing was excellent and each of the characters had distinct personalities that his voice enhanced. I will give books narrated by him a try in the future.
Notes about DNF Ratings: I am a moody reader. Sometimes books do not work for me simply because of the mood that I am. Plus, I think reading is so individual and what works for one reader, won't work for all. I track all books that I read and that includes DNFs. Have to keep it real. I always suggest reading other reviews on all my DNF reviews.
Overall Rating: DNF
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
It's Not You, It's Me DNF Review: I gave Remember Me Like This by Bret Anthony Johnston 2.5 hours and just could not get into the story. This is one of those thrillers that I think you have to care about the characters in order for it to work and they just did not click with me. I do think this story will work for other people.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Mark Bramhall / Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins
Mark Bramhall did an excellent job with the narration. His pacing was excellent and each of the characters had distinct personalities that his voice enhanced. I will give books narrated by him a try in the future.
Notes about DNF Ratings: I am a moody reader. Sometimes books do not work for me simply because of the mood that I am. Plus, I think reading is so individual and what works for one reader, won't work for all. I track all books that I read and that includes DNFs. Have to keep it real. I always suggest reading other reviews on all my DNF reviews.
melissabeth's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this book is pulls you in right from the beginning.
anneb42's review against another edition
4.0
This was a gripping novel exploring relief and suffering in the aftermath of a child kidnapping victim who returns home years after his disappearance. The multiple narratives from family members helped show the varied responses, fear, guilt, anger, and joy; the only character whose thoughts you aren't privy to is Justin, the kidnapping victim. It's such a horrifying situation that I felt a little voyeuristic as I read - a similar story happened in my hometown, and I've wondered before what kind of life that young man was able to lead after he came home. It's hard to think about and hard to talk about, but I think it's handled well here. The book is incredibly well-crafted, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
taraw's review against another edition
3.0
I know this book is a big deal but it has so many unanswered questions. There was way too much detail about unnecessary things and a complete lack of detail in others. I guess I missed the greatness...
xofeno's review against another edition
2.0
An excruciatingly slow read. This book is like 95% description and 5% plot. Basically nothing happens beyond what's in the synopsis. The characters are okay, but not charismatic enough to make up for the lack of plot.
I stuck with it because the very start of the book teased something dramatic, but that turned out to be not so dramatic at all in the end.
Very disappointing. Not recommended.
I stuck with it because the very start of the book teased something dramatic, but that turned out to be not so dramatic at all in the end.
Very disappointing. Not recommended.
debbiecuddy's review against another edition
4.0
The author provides an insightful look at how a family copes with the return of a child who has been missing for four years. The focus of this book is not on what happened to the missing child, but on the family. It explores the complexity of the family members' emotional responses, how they have been affected by grief, guilt, isolation, and how they begin to heal. I really liked the ending.
awin82's review against another edition
2.0
If you're looking for a thriller, this is not the book for you. However, you're looking for a book full of navel examining by every blessed character read on. Meh.
lovegrace_21's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
4.5
zeta05's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0