anneb42's review
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
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
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
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
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.
zeta05's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
elisabeth1st's review
3.0
Overall, I liked this book. I wanted to REALLY like this book but I felt it never picked up momentum. It was awkward, yet wouldn't family life be awkward with the return of a missing child after four years? Especially when the counselors advised to not ask too many questions or press for information? All of the characters were well developed and the relationships seemed true. I disagree with the reviews that call this a fast paced thriller, hwever, there is ample meat here for a solid book group discussion.
nicolelw1013's review
5.0
I received an ARC of Remember Me Like This from Goodreads first reads giveaway. I found the novel gripping and compelling. The opening had me thinking it was going to end one way and the duration kept me guessing and not wanting to put it down. I really liked getting a feel for how each member of the family was coping and processing in their own way. This will be a book that I'll think about down the line, find myself wondering about the family beyond the conclusion, and hoping they've been able to reach a good, peaceful place in their lives together.
gertyp's review
2.0
2.5 maybe. I read it, but it was not gripping or fast paced. Too much extra stuff.