Forgotten by Cat Patrick

ARC REVIEW

I just want to say a big, BIG thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont's Australian publicist, Jennifer Kean for sending me an ARC copy of this amazing debut novel! I'm so very glad to have read this book earlier than its release date!

Release Day: June 6th, 2011

Publisher: Hardie Grant Australia/Egmont Books

Pages: 304pgs

The Story

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

The Review

London Lane is your typical sixteen-year-old girl. Or . . . so it seems. You see, she has an unusual problem. Every night when she goes to sleep, at 4:33 a.m. to be exact, her memory is erased and resets itself. Every morning she has to start the day from scratch, aided by only the notes she leaves for herself from the day before and being forever reminded by her overprotective mother. And this system worked for her. Until now. Jamie, London's best friend, is slowly going off the rail, London's mother is keeping secrets and, to top it all off, London can't remember a boy she's in love with . . . and every time she sees him - after her mind resets every morning - it's like the first time she's met and fallen in love with him all over again. Imagine that!!! What is even more interesting is that London's memories are of the future and not of the past, events that haven't even happened as of yet!

Everything changes when London meets the new guy at school, Luke Henry. From their very first meeting, there is an instant attraction and it definitely helps that he's a gorgeous and a really sweet, generous guy! But even with that familiarity about him, London still doesn't see him in any future memories of hers. Just when London thinks nothing will ever happen between them, she then can't stop talking to him and soon enough, the attraction and the romance builds . . . making Luke become a bigger part of her future - an important one at that. But she still can't remember him . . . the notes are the only thing she can rely on and the only thing to keep her facade of 'remembering' him intact.

Without too many spoilers, let's talk about the characters! I loved, loved, LOVED London! For the problem she has to go through every, single day, she still maintains a normal life and she's incredibly strong throughout the book as she tries to make the most of her life, even when she's dealing with her condition. She's just so loveable! I could understand if she was a moody, sulky teenager with what she has to go through (she's entitled to be) . . . but instead, the author has provided us with a teenager that stays true to herself. And even Jamie, the best friend that is the total opposite to London, meshes well with her and creates a perfect balance between them.

Okay . . . so LUKE HENRY! The love interest. Oh. My. God. He's the sweetest fictional boy I've ever met and one of my favourites in YA books! From his weird, yet so very cute artwork obsession to his memorable chocolate brown Converse shoes, he is the ultimate sweetheart! He will make girls hearts swoon and most importantly, he'll make you smile and giggle all through the book! It's heartbreaking at times when London can't remember him, but thanks to her notes . . . she does.

Lastly, let's talk about my thoughts on the actual storyline! FORGOTTEN had that reminiscent of Drew Barrymore's film 50 First Dates (a film that I love very much) and if that film was written into a book . . . it would be this final product of perfection, only it's so much better! For once, this particular young adult book is original, had very likeable - no, loveable - characters, and it behaved in a realistic manner for teenage readers such as myself, making this even more interesting than I'd first thought it would be. Nonetheless, with twists and turns along the way . . . they were so cleverly done and I loved how the story turned out in the end! *can't stop gushing over this book*

Without a doubt FORGOTTEN is an amazing and a refreshing debut novel. It has a hint of mystery that will keep you guessing til the very last page, a hint of romance that will stay in your heart forever, and of course, there will many emotions you will go through and make you question your own past and future in your everyday lives. Despite its title, there is no way Cat Patrick's novel FORGOTTEN will be forgotten!

The Rating

5/5 stars