Review: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Genre: Young Adult

Rating: 4.5 stars

Format: Paperback,  280 pages

Release Date: June 1, 2011

Publisher: Hardie Grant Books

ISBN: 1921690623 

Source: Bought (Target)

Synopsis:

I remember forwards. I remember forwards, and forget backwards. My memories, bad, boring, or good, haven't happened yet. So I will remember standing in the fresh-cut grass with the black-clad figures surrounded by stone until I do it for real. I will remember the funeral until it happens - until someone dies. And after that, it will be forgotten. Here's the thing about me: I can see my future, but my past is blank. I see the future in flashes, like memories. I remember what I'll wear tomorrow, and a car crash that won't happen till this afternoon. But yesterday has evaporated from my mind - just like the boy I love. I can't see him in my future. I can't remember him from my past. But today, I love him. And I never want to forget how much.

My Thoughts...

I thought Forgotten was a really easily flowing read. The storyline drew me in and I couldn't stop reading from the very beginning 'til the end. It helps that the cover is gorgeous and dreamy, with such a romantic cover line. 

"My heart keeps time even when my head doesn't"

Sounds a bit cheesy though, on second thought...

It's not called a cover line though, is it? I don't know what those lines are called - the ones on the cover that lure you in. Anyone? 

I finished this novel pretty quickly, probably due to the fact that I couldn't put it down without wondering what would happen next!!! I kept guessing who did what or who was guilty of this and that - I was pleasantly surprised to find that my guesses were wrong. (I think sometimes I feel disappointed if I guess the outcome of a story correctly. Predictability is not a trait I like in a novel.)

Amidst the suspense throughout Forgotten, there was plenty of romance. This intermingling of the ideas of memory loss and true love seems to always pull on the heart strings. As if we're imagining ever forgetting such an intense emotion for a person. It just breaks your heart to imagine a tethered relationship fading to emptiness every night.

This notion reminds me of The Notebook, needless to say we all cried towards the end of that film (or book if you've read it - I haven't read it yet but I assume it's just as heart-wrenching, if not more so than the movie). 

Anyway... 

I won't give much away (when do I ever?) but I'll just say a few things. 

The ending was practically perfect, which I don't think I can say that often about a novel - I feel like I'm hard to please when it comes to story endings. 

The characters were great; the relationships and other little aspects stirred up strong emotions with me. 

The concept is so boldly original and so brilliantly designed and written. 

This novel won't be forgotten easily.