Title: The Forgetting
Author: Sharon Cameron Published by: Scholastic Press Publication date: September 13, 2016 Pages: 416 Genres: Science Fiction, Romance Summary from Goodreads: Nadia lives in the city of Canaan, where life is safe and structured, hemmed in by white stone walls and no memory of what came before. But every twelve years the city descends into the bloody chaos of the Forgetting, a day of no remorse, when each person's memories – of parents, children, love, life, and self – are lost. Unless they have been written. In Canaan, your book is your truth and your identity, and Nadia knows exactly who hasn't written the truth. Because Nadia is the only person in Canaan who has never forgotten. But when Nadia begins to use her memories to solve the mysteries of Canaan, she discovers truths about herself and Gray, the handsome glassblower, that will change her world forever. As the anarchy of the Forgetting approaches, Nadia and Gray must stop an unseen enemy that threatens both their city and their own existence – before the people can forget the truth. And before Gray can forget her.
Sharon Cameron wrote Rook, which was one of my favorite books in 2015. Naturally, when I saw The Forgetting on the shelf at the library, I snatched it up. Cameron knows how to write a suspenseful story and a timely romance. I like that she takes her time with the romances in her books; it makes them more realistic. Her books also keep you guessing about character motives and trustworthiness.
Nadia is an interesting character. It’d be hard to depict her correctly in a movie, because she has so much inner dialogue. She doesn’t talk to people. She’s unique with her lifelong memories, which makes her feel vulnerable in relationships that could be forgotten too quickly. So she keeps her distance, watching others and exploring outside the wall. Along with Gray, Nadia begins to uncover the mystery of “the forgetting,” and why they must remain behind the wall of Cannaan.
“Don’t forget, Gray the Glassblower’s son has said to me. Twice.
The first half of the book is slow moving, but I never felt bored. Nadia and Gray’s story really picks up in the second half when the origins of Canaan and the forgetting start to unravel. Generally, the premise of the story felt familiar for the young adult market. Utopian-like society lives behind a wall and beyond it is a mystery to them. I’m giving this book 3.5 stars instead of 4, simply for originality’s sake.
Would I let my teen read this book? Cameron is a safe author for teens. She writes a clean, good story about youth challenging the standard for living, and believing they can make a difference. And if you or your teen liked Rook, you’ll appreciate The Forgetting. Age recommendation: 13 Language – none Drugs & Alcohol – none Sex – A few passionate kisses and embraces, but few graphic details Violence – There is reference to a whipping, several people are killed – one gets knocked over the head, the other stabbed My Goodreads rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Lindsey Learn
I read a lot. I'm a Mom. I'm officially in my 30s, but strangers often don't believe I'm old enough to drink. I love Young Adult fiction, and thought it was worthwhile to help teens and adults find age-appropriate options. Categories
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