As a librarian, I often recommend books to readers that I haven't read. Any teen girl when a yen for romance immediately gets led to the Katie McGarry section. I've always heard her work was good, but I didn't read any of it until now!

Something about "Say You'll Remember Me" captured my interest from the get go. I strongly suspect it goes back to when I was a teenager and a certain boy I met at a county fair carnival midway. ~le sigh~ 

Okay, I'm back.

I keep saying I'm not a romance reader, but many of my favorite books do involve some romance. So, if you dig reading romance or it's not your thing, it doesn't matter. Here are 4 reasons you should read "Say You'll Remember Me". 1. Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness. 
  This is a theme often missing from young adult/new adult novels. The freedom of forgiveness is the ultimate redemption in this book in every single relationship model. It's a notion that folks need more experience with in this harsh world: forgiveness doesn't "fix" things, but it does give you a place to go from there. 

2. Healthy relationships vs. unhealthy relationships.
   Both kinds of relationships abound in this book, with a stressor on the fact that there are no perfect relationships. Many relationship flaws are profiled as well as possible solutions or, in the case of habitual abuse, presenting the difficulties of walking away from unhealthy relationships. While Drix and Elle -the main characters- acknowledge that their relationship is not without its issues, they navigate a plethora of situations and model an overall healthy relationship. Familial relationships are also a point of focus - including that sometimes your family isn't the people you grew up in the same house with.

3. Steam but responsibly and with a side of consent. Yes, please!
    I'm not normally a romance reader (someday, I will have to quit saying that!), but who doesn't enjoy a little steam now and again? This book was great for me because I could read it without feeling old and creepy and uncomfortable. It's also one I'd let my twelve year old daughter read. It's steamy and realistic and passionate while Elle makes if very clear that she doesn't want to go farther. Drix is exactly what a reader would hope. He understands and respects her decisions. He also makes it clear that, when they are both ready, it's on. It's a great example of a positive relationship and how to voice how far you want things to go.

4. It's just fun.
   I know, it's not a deep takeaway. There were so many deep things to choose from in this book, but when I step back and look at the overall picture, what resonates and fills my reader soul is that it was really fun to read. I'm kind of sad it's over! I found myself excited to snuggle in my warm bed and open the book again. 

"Say You'll Remember Me" was a bit of a dark horse for me. I'm normally exclusively fantasy and science fiction, but the popularity of Katie McGarry in my library had me curious. I'm glad I stepped away from my norm, and I'm insanely happy that I looooooved it. 

I encourage you to take a chance and read something you normally wouldn't. Who knows? I may try a historical fiction next!