After years of being the quiet, “weird” gay kid with no friends, seventeen-year-old Alex Sato is counting the days until graduation. But when the ghost of handsome, popular soccer star Noah Thornbridge appears in Alex’s English class one morning, Alex grudgingly agrees to help him solve the mystery of his death. Unfortunately, there’s no sign of Noah’s body, and the last thing he remembers is hiking through the woods with two of his friends, who are also missing.
With Noah’s friends’ lives on the line, Alex must push aside his introverted tendencies and better judgment to chase Noah into the woods that claimed him. There, Alex will face more than just the danger of following in Noah’s ghostly footsteps. He’ll face the greatest challenge of his life: not falling in love with a dead boy.
T.J. Baer is a queer, trans author of novels and short fiction. Born in Western Pennsylvania, he currently resides in his adopted hometown of Chicago with his cat and a well-stocked cupboard of tea. Some of his titles include FOLLOWING GRANDPA JESS, GUARDIANS, DREAMERS, THE BOY WHO WAS KISSED, and REMEMBER ME, and his short fiction has been featured in the Harpur Palate Literary Journal and Flash Fiction Magazine. When not writing, T.J. can be found either discussing queer media on his YouTube channel or failing to escape from murderous ghosts on Twitch.
Good evening, everyone! I'm Christopher, and tonight we'll be diving into the book: Remember Me by T.J. Baer (He/Him). I am thrilled to have had the chance to read this book as a E-Advanced Reader Copy (E-ARC), graciously provided by BookSirens in exchange for an optional honest review. I've thoroughly enjoyed this author's work, having already read two of his books, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of his writing in the future. Remember Me is scheduled for publication on February 21st, 2025. This book spans 271 pages told using three parts. all narrated from a mix of both Alex's and Noah's first-person perspective. with a reading age of 12 years. I appreciated how the book clearly identified the point-of-view character with each shift, eliminating the need to guess and allowing for a seamless reading experience. This straightforward approach made it easy to follow the narrative and fully immerse myself in the story without any confusion.
Summary: After years of feeling like the "weird" gay kid, Alex Sato is just trying to make it to graduation. But his life takes a turn when the ghost of a popular soccer star, Noah Thornbridge, appears in his English class. Alex reluctantly agrees to help Noah solve the mystery of his death, especially since Noah's friends are also missing.
Review: -The book immediately captivated me with its unique premise. I was drawn in from the very beginning, as the story opens with Alex in his classroom, where he encounters a ghost named Noah. The initial chapters expertly introduce the main characters and the central conflict: the mystery surrounding Noah's death. The book's core themes of self-acceptance, the strength found in human bonds, and the ability to discover optimism amidst hardship were inspiring. I found the character introductions in the book could be unclear at times, as the narrative would reference characters without providing enough context about their relationships. Although the character portrayals were well-done, their depth felt unevenly distributed throughout the story. The setting descriptions, however, were excellent and allowed me to easily visualize the scenes. While I appreciated the slanted font used for text messages, I feel a more realistic chat interface, complete with speech bubbles, timestamps, and name stamps, would have improved readability and made the messages more engaging. I found the book's pacing to be captivating, yet I believe there's room for improvement. Specifically, the middle section felt less dynamic compared to the rest of the book, which slightly diminished the overall momentum. I found the inclusion of flashbacks within the characters' dreams in the book to be a particularly compelling narrative device. I appreciated the book's humour, which enhanced its overall charm, though it wasn't the central element. The characters in the book come alive for me; each one speaks with a unique voice that immediately reveals their background, personality, and connections to others. The conversations feel authentic, mirroring the way people actually talk, which makes it effortless to connect with the characters and become fully immersed in the story.
-The book presented some challenging scenes involving medical intervention, which were difficult to read at times. I appreciated the author's approach, as the narrative steered clear of explicit content, considering the characters' ages. The story instead emphasized age-appropriate interactions, such as kissing and touching.
-I find that listening to audiobooks while reading enhances my comprehension and engagement, particularly as someone with autism. This method provides a more immersive experience and aids in maintaining focus. An audiobook version of this book would be incredibly beneficial, potentially assisting others with disabilities or learning differences in a similar way. I would be eager to revisit the book again in this format while reading along with the a copy of the physical book if it becomes available.
-The story's conclusion was powerful, stirring a strong emotional response that nearly brought me to tears. The ending was satisfying, especially with the unexpected twist near the end, and the epilogue, set six months later, provided a perfect sense of closure. I would be happy if it were adapted into a television series, and I would certainly watch it.
I rate each book I read out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 9 Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
Y’all, I didn’t realize a ghost story could be this cute! It is so cute! Remember Me is an adorably relatable ride through self-worth, ghost boyfriends, and first love.
Thom back at it with another 5 star book! Such a brilliantly unique idea for a story. There were moments where I was wondering why things were happening or why new characters were being introduced, but I was pleasantly surprised by how everything came full circle. Lastly, thank you Thom for tugging my heart strings just enough to bring on tears of joy, sadness, and laughter all in one sitting.
This is the second book of TJ’s that I’ve read, and this was just as beautiful and wonderful as Dreamers! Alex is a high school senior who’s not having the best time. He moved to a new town after his parents’ divorce, and he’s invisible at his school, except for the two horrible bullies that never leave him alone. He’s anxious and lonely, but at least he knows what to expect every day. Until one day in English class, he looks up to see a very handsome ghost who only he can see. After a terrible accident, Noah is now a spirit who only one boy can see. Noah knows that he must be here for a reason. He needs help in some way, but he can’t remember how he ended up here. His only hope is Alex, the adorable boy who’s kind enough to help a total stranger, who happens to be a ghost. So yes, this is a ghost love story, but it’s so much more than that. My heart broke for these sweet boys so many times; they made me laugh and cry and smile and feel so so much. I spent the whole book just wanting them to be okay because they are the sweetest and most adorable boys ever!! TJ really touches on acceptance in this story; both from those you love and from yourself. Both Alex and Noah struggle with this, and really lean on each other and support one another in being who they are, unapologetically. Even though Alex struggles with his self esteem, I love how brave he is in not hiding who he is. Noah seems like the strong one, and he is, but I love how Alex really motivated him to be honest. I absolutely loved both of them, but I know that Alex is one of those characters who will stay with me (and who I’ll want to hug forever!) Thanks so much to Deep Hearts YA for this wonderful arc!
"Remember Me" by TJ Baer was such a delightful surprise. Cute and cozy 💕
This was my first book by the author, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. With a powerful premise and a beautiful story, this novel hooked me from the very beginning and left me with a goofy smile on my face.
Alex and Noah are simply adorable. Total opposites, yet destined to find each other, clash, and eventually fit together in the most heartwarming way. Their dynamic is pure gold, one is more cynical, the other more optimistic, but together, they just work. And the side characters are so well crafted, adding even more depth and warmth to the story.
Even though it touches on some complex themes, the book never feels heavy. Instead, it’s light, fresh, and full of hope. It’s one of those stories that wraps around your heart and reminds you that, no matter what, there’s always room for love and second chances.
I’ll definitely be reading more from TJ Baer. Highly recommended!
I was pleasantly surprised by how engrossed I became in this book and how connected I felt with the characters from the first chapters. At first, I doubted whether it would be the right book for me because I didn't consider myself the target audience due to my age. It's a story that seems simple but delves into themes that everyone, no matter our age, can relate to. Loneliness, the lack of connection, not feeling understood or seen are themes explored in the book in a way that you quickly connect with. I like that it's a story of overcoming challenges, and despite dealing with delicate topics it leaves you with a positive feeling. I really enjoyed the small plot twists and the cliffhangers that make you stay hooked, while also adding a faster pace. This book is a roller coaster of love, sadness but mostly hopefulness. Written from the heart and so very refreshing
While it's written in a very YA way (I mean it IS a YA-novel), I absolutely fell in love with Alex and Noah. It's a perfect coming-of-age story, with a little touch of magic. Both of them have their own struggles with their sexuality and just figuring out their lives.
Usually this kind of 'insta love' bothers me, but given that they're highschoolers I can excuse it (I remember my own high school romances).
This book felt like a warm hug and made me feel so much love, I can only recommend it to both young and older queers, if reading about (accurately written) highschoolers doesn't bother you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Very cute and very heartfelt, this book had me tearing up a few times! I liked that all the characters seemed to have their own internal worlds and thoughts and feelings, even if we weren't following them. It made the world seem much more alive. I also liked that it didn't lean too heavily on contemporary references to convince us that the characters are kids, and just... let them be kids and do dumb things, like go on a hike without telling anyone where they were going. (There are some contemporary references, but they weren't overwhelming, so YMMV.)
The pacing was good, though there was a stretch towards the middle that I felt was kind of slow, and I was really hankering for more supernatural elements, but it picked up towards the end. The ghost stuff was always an undertone at the very least, though, so it was never gone entirely; it just took a backseat for a while. There were also some mid-chapter perspective changes in the later chapters, which I understand from a storytelling point of view, but were a bit jarring.
Overall, very good and very cute, an enjoyable read all around!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am not one for YA books especially when the characters are so young, but since this one included ghosts I said why not. I am so glad I didn't pass it up. Alex's parents are divorced, he moves to a new town with his dad. Starting a new high school for anyone can be tough, poor Alex is being bullied for being new & gay. In class one day he sees someone hanging out by the window & realizes no-one else sees it. It's a ghost named Noah, the same age as Alex but Noah doesn't realize his dead. Alex sets out to help Noah find his body. There are twists & turns in the story, which I will not get into. As a parent, I would recommend this book to YA's I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily..
I liked this book a lot. The blurb got my interest and once I started the book I couldn't put it down. Lots of romance, plenty of twists, a touch of the paranormal and interesting characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Good book. Really good story. I like main character Alex. He is really interesting. Plot full of action twists and turns. Plus a paranormal twist And background that adds to the story. And happy ending. IT is one of my favorite stories. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Great romantic ghost story with a twist! So well written. I rooted for Alex and Noah to find happiness together and for the bullies to get their just desserts. I wasn’t disappointed.
Alex Sato starts another school day, not realizing how much his life will change in the space of a few minutes. The boy with the blue glow -- Noah Thornbridge -- needs Alex's help. A friendship between two boys -- invisible in different ways -- might just grow into something more.
This may sound terrible, but there is something very "movie of the week" or "very special episode" about this book. Not in a bad way where it's overly preachy or circumstances are greatly exaggerated but more of a focused emphasis on a specific time in the lives of Alex and Noah. Dramatic with bouts of danger but not like a soap opera. More like what we think of as "real life" but with intense focus on two people. All that to say I enjoyed Alex and Noah's story, how they met, their families and friends, etc.
I received an advance reader copy from the author through BookSirens, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
just an interesting story, i really enjoyed it and i wanted more.😭
i loved alex and noah and noah's friends and how alex's father changed for the better.
i do feel like alex should have told noah the truth from the start but what happened was better i believe. i do feel like it would be amazing if we had seen alex and sophia talking about young alex dying.
Thanks to BookSirens, TJ Baer, and Deep Hearts YA for this eARC in exchange for a review!!
You know how sometimes the right thing just falls into your life at the moment you need it most? That's what it felt like when I received an email from BookSirens this morning with an offer to get this eARC. A day ago, I didn't even know this book existed. Now, I can't imagine NOT having this story in my life. It was such a beautiful, heart-warming, emotional journey, one that had me falling more and more in love with the characters with each page.
Remember Me seems, at first glance, like another queer ghost romance - which would've been enough to put the book in my top ten of the year right there. Yet it's so much more than that. It's a story of trust and self-discovery, of living rather than surviving, and of learning to be a version of yourself that knows you're worthy of love and joy solely for being YOU. As with TJ's previous books, I connected so deeply with the characters in regards to their dreams, their struggles, and their perfectly imperfect love for each other. None of us are without flaws and hurt and hardship, but we still deserve to feel seen and known and surrounded by a community that will pick us up when we fall.
Alex and Noah have such a wonderful relationship with each other that goes beyond being just a romance. Their interactions with their parents hit so deeply and honestly to me, especially with how hurt can come from people who love you, but love can exist even amidst hurt and messy imperfection. I really enjoyed how every character was so fleshed out and existed within their own space. Everyone had their own journeys and growth and no one was there just for the plot. The dismantling of stereotypes and assumptions - even in regards to the main characters' thoughts - was also so well done.
Overall, yes, this is a ghost story, and a romance, and a coming-of-age book. And it does those things wonderfully! But it's so much more than that, especially in how much of a light is shined on queer joy, acceptance, hope, and healing. TJ never fails to absolutely amaze me with his skill as a writer, and I know that this will be a favorite I return to again and again!
I enjoyed this book very much <3 It was a lovely, cosy story for winter evenings (although a tad more stressful than The Boy Who Was Kissed that I read previously!). It's a story about Alex, who is a lonely high-schooler, who doesn't have any friends, but what he has plenty of is low self esteem and a daily dose of bullying. Yet, he has his head screwed on and knows who he is. When he meets a ghost of a boy, he embarks on a journey from surviving to thriving, but not without trepidation and a fair bit of hiking trail-based scratches and bruises. His heart however grows fuller, happier and lighter than ever before, which may or may not be because of a certain lovely ghost... ;)
I love that this book avoids common tropes and is focused on the main characters' emotions, self-awareness and internal growth. It's a book that every teen needs right now. It refreshingly shows young people treating each other with kindness and full acceptance, without assumptions or them/us rhetoric.
Read it if you're a teen or a parent, queer or not.
Thank you TJ Baer, Deep Hearts YA and BookSirens for this ARC.
This novel starts with a bang when seventeen-year-old Alex encounters the confused ghost of a teenage boy one morning in English class. As he helps Noah figure out what brought him to this sorry state, he finds himself attracted to the boy, all the while recognizing the futility of crushing on a ghost.
But wait. Maybe things aren’t quite what they seem.
From the apt title to the satisfying ending, this book is a winner. Author T. J. Baer has skillfully captured the euphoria of newfound love along with the angst of coming out to friends and family who might or might not be receptive. The characters, especially the two boys, are richly drawn, with quirks and flaws and relatable insecurities. The teen dialogue is pitch-perfect, and the paranormal happenings add an intriguing element to the story. Highly recommended!
This is the first book I've read from this author, I'm pretty sure, and I absolutely loved it - I read it in one sitting and was heavily invested. I enjoy mixing in YA books with my other ones and this one was just up my alley. I like ghosts and paranormal stuff, so the concept stood out immediately when I was browsing. Insta-love does usually put me off, but I was a highschooler once and I've (embarrassingly) have had my own insta-love moments that didn't last long at that age, so I get it.
I related to Alex, especially since I remember dealing with someone like Logan in school (it wasn't as bad and was a two time thing, but it sticks with you) and how he feels since even now, I'm a fairly lonely/secluded person who is queer. Noah was great as well. Definitely got me out of the slight reading slum I was in.
I had heard about this book online from posts promoting preorders for it. So when I saw it as an arc, I decided to sign up and I was not disappointed. It was such a good story.
The story opens with a lonely boy who starts to see a ghost and ends up helping the ghost find out what happened to him. As the story progressed I would have to pause and let the tears form. It hits emotionally in both a beautiful and tragic way. If you love a ghost romance this is the story for you. I cannot recommend it enough.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read many of Thom’s books and this is my favorite so far. The magical elements were simple and consistent without overriding the plot of the love story. The twists were clever and the first twist was where I thought the story would originally end but was really just the beginning. I found both characters complex and loveable; flawed enough to be real but deeply understandable. The love story was so sweet and the magical take was one I have not seen used previously in this way. I’m looking forward to whatever Thom does next.
This is such a sweet, lovely book. I loved both MCs - Alex and Noah. I loved the ghost story aspect very much and how it brought Alex and Noah together. This story was beautiful and well-crafted. Both of the boys have struggles in their lives, even Noah who seems so put together. I love how over the course of the book, they not only find their way to each other, but they also discover themselves. This is coming-of-age done in the best way. This book gave me all the feels and more than just a few tears.
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily
I loved Remember Me by T.J. Baer. I loved Noah and Alex's story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, multiple times, and it made me fall in love with all of the people in the book. I also loved that the author didn't make Noah's mom into a villain, since she's a Republican senator who now has a gay son. It would have been easy to do and I think highly of the author for not doing it. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
This was such a wonderful romance. Alex is someone I'd want to be friends with (and defend from his bullies), and so is Noah. The conflict in this book manages to avoid all the worst tropes that makes me want to smack the characters, and instead, I found myself rooting for nearly everyone, even unexpected people.
TJ Baer has crafted a lovely supernatural story of connection, love of all kinds, and hope... even for ghosts.
I started reading because the cover is really pretty (I know, don’t judge a book by its cover blah blah blah, but sometimes you do). Anyway, the book was… fine? The plot felt pretty forced, not gonna lie. How does someone suddenly start seeing ghosts? Why go to sleep instead of telling Noah’s parents he disappeared? Why not call emergency services? The whole plot is kind of sketchy. And the romance part later on? Cute. The cliff scene was dramatic for no reason, but okay. 3 stars.