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Nothing Is Forgotten
From the beloved author of Comeback Love and Wherever There Is Light, comes a novel about the life-changing journey of a young man who travels from New Jersey to Khrushchev’s Russia and the beaches of Southern France as he finds love and discovers the long-hidden secrets about his heritage.
In 1950s New Jersey, Michael Daniels launches a radio show in the storage room of his Russian-Jewish grandmother’s candy store. Not only does the show become a local hit because of his running satires of USSR leader Nikita Khrushchev, but half a world away, it picks up listeners in a small Soviet city.
There, with rock and roll leaking in through bootlegged airwaves, Yulianna Kosoy—a war orphan in her mid-twenties—is sneaking American goods into the country with her boss, Der Schmuggler.
But just as Michael’s radio show is taking off, his grandmother is murdered in the candy store. Why anyone would commit such an atrocity against such a warm, affable woman is anyone’s guess. But she had always been secretive about her past and, as Michael discovers, guarded a shadowy ancestral history. In order to solve the mystery of who killed her, Michael sets out to Europe to learn where he—and his grandmother—really came from.
Featuring Peter Golden’s signature “vivid characters and strong storytelling” (The Washington Post), Nothing Is Forgotten changes our understanding of the impact of World War II on its survivors and their descendants, and will appeal to fans of novels by Anita Diamant and Kristin Hannah.
In 1950s New Jersey, Michael Daniels launches a radio show in the storage room of his Russian-Jewish grandmother’s candy store. Not only does the show become a local hit because of his running satires of USSR leader Nikita Khrushchev, but half a world away, it picks up listeners in a small Soviet city.
There, with rock and roll leaking in through bootlegged airwaves, Yulianna Kosoy—a war orphan in her mid-twenties—is sneaking American goods into the country with her boss, Der Schmuggler.
But just as Michael’s radio show is taking off, his grandmother is murdered in the candy store. Why anyone would commit such an atrocity against such a warm, affable woman is anyone’s guess. But she had always been secretive about her past and, as Michael discovers, guarded a shadowy ancestral history. In order to solve the mystery of who killed her, Michael sets out to Europe to learn where he—and his grandmother—really came from.
Featuring Peter Golden’s signature “vivid characters and strong storytelling” (The Washington Post), Nothing Is Forgotten changes our understanding of the impact of World War II on its survivors and their descendants, and will appeal to fans of novels by Anita Diamant and Kristin Hannah.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2018
243 people are currently reading
1589 people want to read
About the author
Peter Golden
23 books130 followersPeter Golden is an award-winning journalist, historian, and novelist who has written nine books and interviewed Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush (41); Secretaries of State Kissinger, Haig, Shultz, and Eagleburger; Israeli Prime Ministers Rabin, Peres, and Shamir; and Soviet President Gorbachev. His first novel, Comeback Love, was praised by the novelist and reviewer Caroline Leavitt as an “extraordinary debut.” Wherever There Is Light, his second novel, was featured in New York Magazine’s Fall Preview issue, widely reviewed, and selected by the New Jersey Star-Ledger as one of the best books of 2016. His third novel, Nothing Is Forgotten, which explores the connection between the Holocaust and the Cold War, was published on April 10, 2018. New York Times bestselling author Lisa Wingate praised the novel as "the sort of book you won’t soon forget…Cold War Europe, lingering Nazi secrets, and the tragic history faced by millions of families not only bring this tale to life but will keep you turning the pages.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 10, 2018
3.5 stars
This story of a young Jewish man trying to discover his grandmother’s past and what happened to her in Russia during WWII was one that I was drawn to. I read a lot of holocaust stories because I believe they are so important to read and I enjoy the connections that characters make with their family’s past. Michael ‘s present story takes place during the Cold War and it became much more of a spy thriller than I had anticipated, a genre I don’t usually read. Thus the 3 stars. There was just too much going on - CIA, KGB, Michael running from place to place - from South Orange , NJ to Munich, then Russia and Paris, California, more characters than I could keep track of. This will more than likely appeal more to those who enjoy the chase.
Having said that, there are definitely some things that I liked about the book that kept me reading . The writing flows and I felt a familiarity with things that happened in the 60’s - the Cold War, Kennedy’s assassination, Beatles records. There are some wonderful characters in this book. I couldn’t help but love Michael from the beginning and what Yulie goes through in her young life will break your heart as will Michael’s grandmother Emma’s story.
Peter Golden is a well known journalist as well as novelist and it is obvious in the list of Sources he provides, how well researched this book is. In spite of the fact that this turned out to be more spy thriller than I had anticipated, I would recommend it those who enjoy the genre. I’m glad I stuck with it because it is also a good piece of historical fiction which depicts the suffering, courage and love of characters who represent people who may have lived through these times.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Atria through NetGalley.
March 25, 2019
Michael Daniels is living in 1950s New Jersey when he stars in a radio show he performs in his grandmother’s basement. What’s he famous for? His satires of Nikita Khrushchev, leader of the USSR.
The show is so popular it even makes its way to the Soviet Union. Yulianna Kosoy lives in this small city where she smuggles American goods into the country.
The radio show is booming when Michael’s grandmother is murdered in her store. The reason why is a mystery. His grandmother had not shared much about her ancestry, and Michael feels like that could be connected to her murder.
Nothing Is Forgotten drew me in with its storytelling from the start. Peter Golden has an extensive list of resources included, so I know the novel is well-researched. It has a spy thriller slant with the historical fiction background, and I found that fresh and engaging because I’m always up for an historical thriller.
Michael travels on a journey to find his roots that takes him from New Jersey to Russia and then to the south of France. The settings are so vivid, the characterization so strong, setting the stage for this critical time in our world’s history, I was swept up in this story and what would happen to Michael. I’ll definitely be reading more of Golden’s books.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
The show is so popular it even makes its way to the Soviet Union. Yulianna Kosoy lives in this small city where she smuggles American goods into the country.
The radio show is booming when Michael’s grandmother is murdered in her store. The reason why is a mystery. His grandmother had not shared much about her ancestry, and Michael feels like that could be connected to her murder.
Nothing Is Forgotten drew me in with its storytelling from the start. Peter Golden has an extensive list of resources included, so I know the novel is well-researched. It has a spy thriller slant with the historical fiction background, and I found that fresh and engaging because I’m always up for an historical thriller.
Michael travels on a journey to find his roots that takes him from New Jersey to Russia and then to the south of France. The settings are so vivid, the characterization so strong, setting the stage for this critical time in our world’s history, I was swept up in this story and what would happen to Michael. I’ll definitely be reading more of Golden’s books.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
April 6, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
I shook my head, and he smiled a little sadly—the Russian smile, my grandmother called it, like a weak sun in a winter-gray sky.
Named for Mark Twain, whose loathing of Tsarist Russia endeared him to the party, the students spent half the day immersed in the government-blessed curriculum in Russian and the other half taking courses in English, all while a portrait of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet state, stood guard on a wall of every classroom, glaring at the students as if accusing them of harboring the forbidden desire to own private property.
"He is a real magician, my father.” “A magician? Like he pulls rabbits out of hats?” “Like he makes vodka disappear.”
I had a new reaction. I imagined smashing the wine bottle over Stenka’s head. Visiting Dachau, I concluded, could make a Jew touchy.
Of course, almost everyone loves dead Jews. Jesus was a Jew, no? It is the live Jews who seem to bother people.
I feel like I wandered into the middle of a freakish play, and I can’t get off the stage.
My Review:
Peter Golden has created exceptionally compelling arrangements of words within these 353 pages. His beguiling selections of nouns, verbs, and adjectives were densely packed across two timelines and were highly intriguing, thoughtfully written, mysteriously emotive, poignantly insightful, spiritually devastating, yet highly compelling. His well-crafted storylines were lushly detailed and often held a weighty aura of melancholy, which resulted in a bruised and heavy heart, yet, oddly, I didn’t seem to mind. To deploy his own words out of reference, Mr. Golden is truly a “connoisseur of irony.” He sagely tucked in clever turns of mocking wit and deftly tossed in twists of levity with razor-sharp sarcasm, quips, and sardonic banter. His cunning use of humor felt like delightful treats and often erupted in the most expected of places.
This was not an easy book to slice through given the disquieting subject matter, a large cast of unusual and disturbing characters, frequent use of foreign words and names, and unfamiliar cultural references; all of which left me ever so thankful for the translator and Wikipedia function on my tablet. However, I assure you, this masterfully penned tale was well worth the effort. I feel humbly and gratefully enlightened while having gleaned considerable and relevant knowledge in an entertaining manner. Peter Golden has mad skills and a new fan.
I shook my head, and he smiled a little sadly—the Russian smile, my grandmother called it, like a weak sun in a winter-gray sky.
Named for Mark Twain, whose loathing of Tsarist Russia endeared him to the party, the students spent half the day immersed in the government-blessed curriculum in Russian and the other half taking courses in English, all while a portrait of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet state, stood guard on a wall of every classroom, glaring at the students as if accusing them of harboring the forbidden desire to own private property.
"He is a real magician, my father.” “A magician? Like he pulls rabbits out of hats?” “Like he makes vodka disappear.”
I had a new reaction. I imagined smashing the wine bottle over Stenka’s head. Visiting Dachau, I concluded, could make a Jew touchy.
Of course, almost everyone loves dead Jews. Jesus was a Jew, no? It is the live Jews who seem to bother people.
I feel like I wandered into the middle of a freakish play, and I can’t get off the stage.
My Review:
Peter Golden has created exceptionally compelling arrangements of words within these 353 pages. His beguiling selections of nouns, verbs, and adjectives were densely packed across two timelines and were highly intriguing, thoughtfully written, mysteriously emotive, poignantly insightful, spiritually devastating, yet highly compelling. His well-crafted storylines were lushly detailed and often held a weighty aura of melancholy, which resulted in a bruised and heavy heart, yet, oddly, I didn’t seem to mind. To deploy his own words out of reference, Mr. Golden is truly a “connoisseur of irony.” He sagely tucked in clever turns of mocking wit and deftly tossed in twists of levity with razor-sharp sarcasm, quips, and sardonic banter. His cunning use of humor felt like delightful treats and often erupted in the most expected of places.
This was not an easy book to slice through given the disquieting subject matter, a large cast of unusual and disturbing characters, frequent use of foreign words and names, and unfamiliar cultural references; all of which left me ever so thankful for the translator and Wikipedia function on my tablet. However, I assure you, this masterfully penned tale was well worth the effort. I feel humbly and gratefully enlightened while having gleaned considerable and relevant knowledge in an entertaining manner. Peter Golden has mad skills and a new fan.
April 11, 2019
Exceptionally told, expertly researched, immensely engaging!
Peter Golden has constructed a highly addictive and compelling read. This was kind of historical fiction meets spy thriller meets mystery meets romance. The writing was eloquent and descriptive. Mr. golden does a wonderful job of bringing the spirit of the cold war to the pages of this book.
This book will take you from New Jersey, to Munich, to Russia, to France, to California, and probably places I have forgotten. The story was fast paced and action packed with a large cast of unique and interesting characters. Michael host a radio show that he broadcasts from his basement, the show is far reaching and can even be heard in Russia. The success of the radio show is mostly due to Michael’s satire of the Russian president, but just as Michael begins to enjoy his notoriety tragedy strikes. Michael’s grandmother is murdered, he cannot figure out why anyone would kill his loving grandmother? Convinced that the murder had something to do with his grandmothers past( a past she rarely discusses) Michael sets off on a quest for the truth. Along the way he meets a woman named Yuli. Yuli Is a disillusioned Russian who dabbles in smuggling. We learned about Emma, Michael’s grandmother along with him, as he researches her past.
I enjoyed unraveling the past as well as the Mystery along with Michael and Yuli. I really liked both of these characters, however I have to say Yuli was one of those feisty fabulous female characters that I absolutely love! I could tell that Peter Golden put a lot of thought and research into this book giving it such an authentic feel. There is a lot of characters, intrigue and action packed into the 352 pages of this book. I’d say this is the perfect book for those who love a little action adventure with their historical fiction, along with a side of romance!
*** many thanks to Atria for my copy of this book ***
Peter Golden has constructed a highly addictive and compelling read. This was kind of historical fiction meets spy thriller meets mystery meets romance. The writing was eloquent and descriptive. Mr. golden does a wonderful job of bringing the spirit of the cold war to the pages of this book.
This book will take you from New Jersey, to Munich, to Russia, to France, to California, and probably places I have forgotten. The story was fast paced and action packed with a large cast of unique and interesting characters. Michael host a radio show that he broadcasts from his basement, the show is far reaching and can even be heard in Russia. The success of the radio show is mostly due to Michael’s satire of the Russian president, but just as Michael begins to enjoy his notoriety tragedy strikes. Michael’s grandmother is murdered, he cannot figure out why anyone would kill his loving grandmother? Convinced that the murder had something to do with his grandmothers past( a past she rarely discusses) Michael sets off on a quest for the truth. Along the way he meets a woman named Yuli. Yuli Is a disillusioned Russian who dabbles in smuggling. We learned about Emma, Michael’s grandmother along with him, as he researches her past.
I enjoyed unraveling the past as well as the Mystery along with Michael and Yuli. I really liked both of these characters, however I have to say Yuli was one of those feisty fabulous female characters that I absolutely love! I could tell that Peter Golden put a lot of thought and research into this book giving it such an authentic feel. There is a lot of characters, intrigue and action packed into the 352 pages of this book. I’d say this is the perfect book for those who love a little action adventure with their historical fiction, along with a side of romance!
*** many thanks to Atria for my copy of this book ***
August 31, 2018
I only meant to read a page or two as I waited for my boys at the bus stop to get home from school, but Peter Golden's writing sucked me in and I was officially toast! Nothing is Forgotten is one powerfully moving novel, brilliant in execution, and an emotional roller coaster. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll root for the heroes and you'll fly through the pages to see if evil will finally get their due. I absolutely loved every page! I had so many passages highlighted on my eBook because there were so many good lines.
Golden is a master storyteller, equally deft with action scenes as he is with the romance aspect of the book. I fell in love with Yuli, she reminded me of a female Jason Bourne. And like in the Jason Bourne movies we are taken on an International adventure to Amsterdam, Russia, France, Germany, and back to the US. And we get to meet Picasso!
There was never a dull moment and it truly has everything I look for in a novel - danger, intrigue, mystery, romance, a smart & sassy leading woman, and a believable plot and Nothing is Forgotten had them all in spades. I am so excited to have found Peter Golden and I already ordered his other books. He's that good, folks! I highly recommend you checking out this book - you can thank me later :)
Golden is a master storyteller, equally deft with action scenes as he is with the romance aspect of the book. I fell in love with Yuli, she reminded me of a female Jason Bourne. And like in the Jason Bourne movies we are taken on an International adventure to Amsterdam, Russia, France, Germany, and back to the US. And we get to meet Picasso!
There was never a dull moment and it truly has everything I look for in a novel - danger, intrigue, mystery, romance, a smart & sassy leading woman, and a believable plot and Nothing is Forgotten had them all in spades. I am so excited to have found Peter Golden and I already ordered his other books. He's that good, folks! I highly recommend you checking out this book - you can thank me later :)
April 1, 2019
4.5
Michael Daniels loves his grandmother, Emma, dearly, but when he stumbles across her murdered body one morning, he realizes he might not have known her. He then embarks on a journey around Europe and the U.S., beginning for the sake of safety, but continuing to discover the truth of his family history. Along the way, he gathers pieces of that truth, connecting post-war Nazi trials, the KGB, Picasso, plenty of secrets, and more.
Nothing Is Forgotten by Peter Golden starts slow, and admittedly, I wondered where Michael’s story would go (I didn’t refresh my memory of the blurb when I started). But when he starts his travels, I was hooked. The truth he gradually uncovers about Emma’s life is both intriguing and devastating. It broke my heart that such events could be based in reality, and Golden writes it so well that I felt the impact along with the characters.
Nothing Is Forgotten is an incredible historical read. I highly recommend it.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Michael Daniels loves his grandmother, Emma, dearly, but when he stumbles across her murdered body one morning, he realizes he might not have known her. He then embarks on a journey around Europe and the U.S., beginning for the sake of safety, but continuing to discover the truth of his family history. Along the way, he gathers pieces of that truth, connecting post-war Nazi trials, the KGB, Picasso, plenty of secrets, and more.
Nothing Is Forgotten by Peter Golden starts slow, and admittedly, I wondered where Michael’s story would go (I didn’t refresh my memory of the blurb when I started). But when he starts his travels, I was hooked. The truth he gradually uncovers about Emma’s life is both intriguing and devastating. It broke my heart that such events could be based in reality, and Golden writes it so well that I felt the impact along with the characters.
Nothing Is Forgotten is an incredible historical read. I highly recommend it.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 14, 2018
NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN is currently in my top five favorite books of all time, joining A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, SHE'S COME UNDONE, GONE WITH THE WIND, and MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA. At times, the book is a thriller, others a mystery, and still others, a romance, but at all times, it's captivating, emotional, and incredibly well told. The story opens in Michael's childhood and reads like a memoir until his grandmother is killed, and then it takes off like a thriller wrapped in a mystery as Michael tries to figure out who killed his grandmother and why. His search for the truth takes him to Europe and Russia where he meets and falls for Yuli, a smuggler and defacto spy. Together they seek clues about the death of Emma, which only raises more questions and puts them both in danger.
Plot
Impeccably researched, there is as much history as there is storytelling going on between the pages. The story is expertly plotted and moves along at a steady rate. The pace picks up speed at the climax and keeps it up until the very end. And that ending...wow. For me, it's perfect. Yes, I want to know what happens next, but I don't need to know. It's such a satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of uncertainty to allow me to imagine what comes after without feeling frustrated.
The Characters
The characters are a masterpiece. Michael, Yuli, Der Schmuggler...they're deep, nuanced, and intriguing. Throughout the story, Emma goes from being an enigma to someone fully fleshed out as the reader learns through Micheal's research who Emma really was. The characters seem so much a part of the era (late 1950s to 1960s), that I never once questioned the setting.
Top Five Things I Loved About NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN
1. Yuli. She was by far my favorite character. She's so complex, strong and vulnerable, proud with fits of guilt, having lived through the horrors of the second World War, she's hard to identify with, but so easy to root for.
2. Michael. His optimistic Americanism is the polar opposite of Yuli's Eastern European post-war hopelessness. His quest to uncover the truth is both reckless and admirable, making him an absolutely fascinating protagonist.
3. History. I love history, but even more when it serves as a backdrop to a compelling story. The author's meticulous attention to detail made history come alive, leaving me wanting to learn more about the events of that time.
4. The ending. One of the best endings ever.
5. Storytelling. The way the story unfolds kept me glued to the pages, but the characters made me care about what happened.
Bottom Line
One of my all-time favorite novels. I will be reading more by Peter Golden.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Plot
Impeccably researched, there is as much history as there is storytelling going on between the pages. The story is expertly plotted and moves along at a steady rate. The pace picks up speed at the climax and keeps it up until the very end. And that ending...wow. For me, it's perfect. Yes, I want to know what happens next, but I don't need to know. It's such a satisfying conclusion with just the right amount of uncertainty to allow me to imagine what comes after without feeling frustrated.
The Characters
The characters are a masterpiece. Michael, Yuli, Der Schmuggler...they're deep, nuanced, and intriguing. Throughout the story, Emma goes from being an enigma to someone fully fleshed out as the reader learns through Micheal's research who Emma really was. The characters seem so much a part of the era (late 1950s to 1960s), that I never once questioned the setting.
Top Five Things I Loved About NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN
1. Yuli. She was by far my favorite character. She's so complex, strong and vulnerable, proud with fits of guilt, having lived through the horrors of the second World War, she's hard to identify with, but so easy to root for.
2. Michael. His optimistic Americanism is the polar opposite of Yuli's Eastern European post-war hopelessness. His quest to uncover the truth is both reckless and admirable, making him an absolutely fascinating protagonist.
3. History. I love history, but even more when it serves as a backdrop to a compelling story. The author's meticulous attention to detail made history come alive, leaving me wanting to learn more about the events of that time.
4. The ending. One of the best endings ever.
5. Storytelling. The way the story unfolds kept me glued to the pages, but the characters made me care about what happened.
Bottom Line
One of my all-time favorite novels. I will be reading more by Peter Golden.
Disclaimer
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2018
Wow, I didn't expect this novel to be so powerful! "Nothing Is Forgotten", by Peter Golden, is an interesting historical fiction, spanning from the 1960's in America, to WWII in Eastern Europe, as well as the Cold War in Russia and East Berlin. A young man's exploration of his family roots, told with the rhythm of a mystery novel. Full of thorough research and vivid descriptions, with many unexpected turn of events and discoveries. A proof that our stories, indeed, do not have to be "written in invisible ink". I highly recommend it! Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley and Ninja Group for this early edition copy for my honest review.
May 18, 2018
Golden’s Nothing is Forgotten features a central metaphor of Russian nesting dolls to drive deeper and deeper to reveal a story that keeps surprising the reader with all that it is-- a baffling murder mystery, a riveting historical novel, an espionage thriller with a dizzying cast of characters, a tragic family saga and, to top it off, a love story. This smorgasbord of interrelated plot points will certainly propel you through the pages, but as the novel crosses genres it also unfolds as a story of surprising charm and affection. I’m amazed at Golden’s skill in using love stories featuring open-hearted men entranced with complex women to ground his fresh takes on war-based stories we think we know-- from the Vietnam of Comeback Love to the World War II of Wherever There is Light and now the dual Cold War and Holocaust setting of Nothing is Forgotten. Golden is an historian, an edge-of-your seat storyteller and an optimistic romantic. The combination ensures you will not know where to put your bookmark as you read into the night
July 11, 2018
What originally drew me to this book is the time it takes place. I grew up during the Cold War as does the protagonist in Nothing is Forgotten. As I started reading it I soon realized that this was more than just a coming of age tale, though there is that element to it. Instead what I found is a captivating, and well crafted mystery/romance/spy vs spy story as Michael/Misha delves into his family's past. The author delivers a plot with many turns and unexpected developments that certainly make this a page turning delight to read. The characters are believable, the backstory historical events are gut wrenching, the description of the places involved pull the reader in - all in all a very enjoyable foray into the not too distant past. 5 stars
April 10, 2018
What a beautifully written story told from a perspective that you seldom read about. This was a treat from page one until I turned the final page. I definitely recommend this one to lovers of mystery and WWII fiction.
May 9, 2018
What I love about this story:
1. Michael's sharp sarcasm and voice. Reminds me of his age, era, and the place where he lived.
2. Michael is an intelligent fellow. He is not a nerd. He does not come across as a know-it- all. He is fluent in several languages. He is street smart. He is observant of his surroundings and the people.
3. Peter Golden is simply a great storyteller. I think this is a great book to hear on audio.
4. I loved reading about how the family came to America; and later the circumstances not known in the beginning of the book.
5. History is weaved into the book. For example: John F. Kennedy's assassination.
6. I love the time period. It is just before the Beatles. It is before America became involved in the Vietnam War. It is before Nixon and Watergate. Rock n Roll is in its infant stages. The fear and angst of communism is shown in the time period.
7. Yulianna Kosoy is a character who lives in USSR. I like her. She is a savvy person. She is a remarkable person. At her introduction, I felt she showed a "whatever" attitude towards certain activities. I believe this is apart of her persona of living life on the edge.
8. I love the unique career of Michael. I've not read another story where the character is a jockey of a radio station. Actually, he is the lone operator.
9. I love pulling the history of World War II, Holocaust, post war, communism, spying, espionage, romance, family saga, CIA, mystery, travel, art, and early 1960s culture into one book.
10. The story has a solid finish.
Complimentary hardcover copy provided for this review by Atria Books.
1. Michael's sharp sarcasm and voice. Reminds me of his age, era, and the place where he lived.
2. Michael is an intelligent fellow. He is not a nerd. He does not come across as a know-it- all. He is fluent in several languages. He is street smart. He is observant of his surroundings and the people.
3. Peter Golden is simply a great storyteller. I think this is a great book to hear on audio.
4. I loved reading about how the family came to America; and later the circumstances not known in the beginning of the book.
5. History is weaved into the book. For example: John F. Kennedy's assassination.
6. I love the time period. It is just before the Beatles. It is before America became involved in the Vietnam War. It is before Nixon and Watergate. Rock n Roll is in its infant stages. The fear and angst of communism is shown in the time period.
7. Yulianna Kosoy is a character who lives in USSR. I like her. She is a savvy person. She is a remarkable person. At her introduction, I felt she showed a "whatever" attitude towards certain activities. I believe this is apart of her persona of living life on the edge.
8. I love the unique career of Michael. I've not read another story where the character is a jockey of a radio station. Actually, he is the lone operator.
9. I love pulling the history of World War II, Holocaust, post war, communism, spying, espionage, romance, family saga, CIA, mystery, travel, art, and early 1960s culture into one book.
10. The story has a solid finish.
Complimentary hardcover copy provided for this review by Atria Books.
August 11, 2018
Wow, I loved reading this book. I had little knowledge of what I was getting into, and glad I dove in blind: highly recommended.
October 11, 2019
A superb and special novel. I wasn't sure where we were going for the beginning parts of the book, but the characters and international events grew and interacted in a completely logical and engrossing way. We meet bad people doing bad things, good people doing bad things, and all people with at least a spark of humanity however dark - the story follows Michael on a complex search for understanding his past and trying to find the murderer of his grandmother. The past is slowly brought to light with surprises and a very captivating love interest. The ending resolves with several deaths and some high level politics, but nothing trite with the love interest put on hold while trying to insure their safety - about as perfect a story as I've read - highly recommended. Did I mention Paris and Picasso are part of the adventures...
August 21, 2018
3.5 stars, rounding down because second half was farfetched. This book can't decide what it is - spy thriller, romance, or Holocaust-related story, all with some humor thrown in. I guess it is all of these things, but that makes it uneven. Just ok for me, despite promising start.
February 28, 2018
Nothing is Forgotten by Peter Golden is a full length, standalone novel.
Peter Golden is the author of Come Back Love ; and Wherever There Is Light.
Nothing is Forgotten : the journey of a young man who travels from New Jersey to Khrushchev´s Russia and the beaches of France. He finds love and discovers the secrets of his heritage.
Meet Michael Daniels, he´s the typical immigrant´s son, grows up sheltered and beloved by his granny. Hunger for life and circumstances throw him into the adventure of a lifetime.
Nothing is Forgotten is a lesson in history, a journey through history and time. It´s a heartwrenching story about growing up, love , hate and finding himself.
Nothing is Forgotten is a book that stubbornly stays with you. I greatly enjoyed reading this story and give 4,5 stars.
Peter Golden is the author of Come Back Love ; and Wherever There Is Light.
Nothing is Forgotten : the journey of a young man who travels from New Jersey to Khrushchev´s Russia and the beaches of France. He finds love and discovers the secrets of his heritage.
Meet Michael Daniels, he´s the typical immigrant´s son, grows up sheltered and beloved by his granny. Hunger for life and circumstances throw him into the adventure of a lifetime.
Nothing is Forgotten is a lesson in history, a journey through history and time. It´s a heartwrenching story about growing up, love , hate and finding himself.
Nothing is Forgotten is a book that stubbornly stays with you. I greatly enjoyed reading this story and give 4,5 stars.
April 9, 2018
This book was a surprisingly good read. I wasn't sure I could take another WWII book, however that Nothing Is Forgotten is based on Russia's part in the war is an intriguingly new take. The perspectives going back and forth between characters makes the storyline and dialogue more interesting and lets the book flow. Misha (Michael) and Yuli's love story takes us from New Jersey to Russia, East Germany and all over France while the two learn about each other and Misha's family heritage. The characters are well written and believable, I was even rooting for the two of them to get together already. The storyline is a new take on an old favorite and I loved reading about The Russian side of things.
April 11, 2019
Nothing is Forgotten begins in the late 1950's in South Orange, New Jersey. Michael "Misha" Daniels is a teenager looking for direction in his life. He begins working on a small radio show, which eventually becomes popular locally ... and overseas in Russia. After his beloved grandmother is murdered at the family candy store in 1964, Misha travels overseas to find answers about her past -- from Germany to Russia to France, and eventually to Atlanta and Los Angeles. His story intertwines with that of Yulianna "Yuli" Kosoy, a war orphan in Russia.
I was initially interested in reading this novel because of the time period -- most of the book takes place between 1964 - 1965. I love historical fiction and retro pop culture, and my curiosity was piqued.
This is such a fascinating and complex book -- it is a love story, a family history, a mystery, and a spy thriller all at once. It takes place in an everyday town in the late 1950's to mid-1960's, but also deals with the tragic history of the Holocaust and its effect on a family.
There are so many twists and turns in the novel -- just when I thought I had everything figured out something else happened. I found this a really compelling book and basically read in all my spare time for a couple of days because I was so curious to see where the book would go next.
The writing is absolutely beautiful -- the descriptions are so vivid and the historical details are perfect. I have not read Peter Golden's books before, but will certainly look for his other novels now.
I am very impressed with the sweep of the book. The author captures Americana and 1960's life so well, with details about candy in the family shop, a girlfriend compared to a Barbie doll, and descriptions like "this nondescript street of Colonials with one-car garages and two-family houses, in a small New Jersey town" (p. 216).
Most of all the mystery of this book is one that kept me guessing as a reader. It is fascinating because it covers so much ground, not just from America to Russia to France, but also a young Russian man who loves the Beatles, a CIA man who knew JFK, a surprising meeting with Picasso.
I have already promised to loan my copy of Nothing Is Forgotten to my best friend with the condition that we talk about it after he finishes reading. This is a book you will want to share and discuss -- there are so many surprises waiting here. Highly recommended!
I was initially interested in reading this novel because of the time period -- most of the book takes place between 1964 - 1965. I love historical fiction and retro pop culture, and my curiosity was piqued.
This is such a fascinating and complex book -- it is a love story, a family history, a mystery, and a spy thriller all at once. It takes place in an everyday town in the late 1950's to mid-1960's, but also deals with the tragic history of the Holocaust and its effect on a family.
There are so many twists and turns in the novel -- just when I thought I had everything figured out something else happened. I found this a really compelling book and basically read in all my spare time for a couple of days because I was so curious to see where the book would go next.
The writing is absolutely beautiful -- the descriptions are so vivid and the historical details are perfect. I have not read Peter Golden's books before, but will certainly look for his other novels now.
I am very impressed with the sweep of the book. The author captures Americana and 1960's life so well, with details about candy in the family shop, a girlfriend compared to a Barbie doll, and descriptions like "this nondescript street of Colonials with one-car garages and two-family houses, in a small New Jersey town" (p. 216).
Most of all the mystery of this book is one that kept me guessing as a reader. It is fascinating because it covers so much ground, not just from America to Russia to France, but also a young Russian man who loves the Beatles, a CIA man who knew JFK, a surprising meeting with Picasso.
I have already promised to loan my copy of Nothing Is Forgotten to my best friend with the condition that we talk about it after he finishes reading. This is a book you will want to share and discuss -- there are so many surprises waiting here. Highly recommended!
March 29, 2019
Nothing is Forgotten is a well crafted and deeply engrossing tale of a young man’s journey of discovery through a family history that was unknown to him. Michael had a pretty typical American upbringing; his parents owned a candy shop and his grandmother was there to care for him. He loves Rock and Roll and in all ways was living like any normal kid. Using some connections he soon turns his love of music into a job spinning records as a DJ and becomes known as “the mad Russian.” Then his grandmother is murdered and his life is turned upside down.
People around Michael feel that his life is in danger so they suggest he take an offer to work in Berlin. While overseas Michael starts to follow a trail that shows him parts of his grandmother’s life that he knew nothing about. He learns things about her and her family that shake the foundation of everything he knows about his family. He also finds himself caught up with a mysterious woman who helps him learn more about his grandmother and ultimately leads him to the answers he seeks about who killed her and why.
I found Nothing is Forgotten to be a hard book to put down. The characters are complicated and conflicted; there is much evil to be found in any novel that explores the impacts of Holocaust but there is also goodness as many people did what they could to battle the forces of hate. This book moves back and forth in time sharing Michael’s tale in the present with his grandmother’s life in the past.
There are no easy answers and this book doesn’t leave you with a clean and tidy ending. It does stay with you for days after you finish, popping into your thoughts at odd times.
4.5
People around Michael feel that his life is in danger so they suggest he take an offer to work in Berlin. While overseas Michael starts to follow a trail that shows him parts of his grandmother’s life that he knew nothing about. He learns things about her and her family that shake the foundation of everything he knows about his family. He also finds himself caught up with a mysterious woman who helps him learn more about his grandmother and ultimately leads him to the answers he seeks about who killed her and why.
I found Nothing is Forgotten to be a hard book to put down. The characters are complicated and conflicted; there is much evil to be found in any novel that explores the impacts of Holocaust but there is also goodness as many people did what they could to battle the forces of hate. This book moves back and forth in time sharing Michael’s tale in the present with his grandmother’s life in the past.
There are no easy answers and this book doesn’t leave you with a clean and tidy ending. It does stay with you for days after you finish, popping into your thoughts at odd times.
4.5
December 18, 2018
Peter Golden, the author, was appearing locally to discuss this book and I wanted to meet him so I quickly began to read Nothing Is Forgotten.
Partly, historical fiction, partly a coming of age story and party a thriller- this book runs the gamut. Never was there a lull as I sped through the pages excited to get to the next stop on my journey.
Michael, a young Jewish man is being raised by his grandmother in South Orange New Jersey. His grandmother is well known in the neighborhood for her generosity and her unusual connection to some seemingly shady characters who hang out in her candy store.
Set during the Cold War, the tale unfolds and transports us from NJ to Germany, where Michael’s career as a Russian mocking deejay makes him a local celebrity. And there in Germany he falls for Yuli, ward of der Schmuggler, whose lives and purpose are shrouded in mystery.
When Michael’s grandmother is found murdered , he begins to slowly unravel what has been hidden from him. Who was this grandmother and why did she have secrets?
Mr Golden has done a masterful job of recreation the feel, fury and fright of both the Holocaust and the Cold War. His research is impeccable as are the characterizations of each deftly drawn person in this story. He writes with ease and passion. At times I felt like the book was all over the place but that was s small price to pay for a most memorable read.
Partly, historical fiction, partly a coming of age story and party a thriller- this book runs the gamut. Never was there a lull as I sped through the pages excited to get to the next stop on my journey.
Michael, a young Jewish man is being raised by his grandmother in South Orange New Jersey. His grandmother is well known in the neighborhood for her generosity and her unusual connection to some seemingly shady characters who hang out in her candy store.
Set during the Cold War, the tale unfolds and transports us from NJ to Germany, where Michael’s career as a Russian mocking deejay makes him a local celebrity. And there in Germany he falls for Yuli, ward of der Schmuggler, whose lives and purpose are shrouded in mystery.
When Michael’s grandmother is found murdered , he begins to slowly unravel what has been hidden from him. Who was this grandmother and why did she have secrets?
Mr Golden has done a masterful job of recreation the feel, fury and fright of both the Holocaust and the Cold War. His research is impeccable as are the characterizations of each deftly drawn person in this story. He writes with ease and passion. At times I felt like the book was all over the place but that was s small price to pay for a most memorable read.
July 30, 2018
Peter Golden likes to use a large canvas, taking his readers on glorious excursions, situating his characters and their exciting adventures in whatever period or locale he chooses, and thanks to his deep research and well-honed craft, with amazing believability. In Nothing is Forgotten he has chosen the Holocaust and the big war, and the cold one that followed, and his clear intention, realized through good old-fashioned story-telling and an appealing love story, is to make sure we don't forget. It is didactic in the best sense, instructing us by making the past so present that we experience it as though we were living it ourselves. The Holocaust is not, in Golden's hands, some anomalous event to be considered from a distance, but a trauma transmitted across generations, and a lesson to inform our thinking for all time. A wise teacher, he understands that the human mind cannot encompass the war's 50 or 70 million deaths (just consider the range and rounding in those figures) and that the horror must be approached through the individual story, as Anne Frank stands for a million (or maybe a million and half) murdered Jewish children. Golden's novel has a particular resonance today when authoritarianism and anti-Semitism is on the rise everywhere, and Russia is, once again, our implacable foe. It is a terrific read. Don't miss it.
February 3, 2022
This is a story of a young man who sets out to find who murdered his grandmother, a woman, it turns out , who had a very secret & dangerous past concerning WWII concentration camp, secret daughters by a 2nd husband, trips to Europe each year, & owner of a candy store in South Orange, NJ with 2 telephones in a backroom used by people associated with mobsters.
The first 3/4 of the book reads mostly like a travel log, with trips throughout Europe, Russia and the US. In every town visited, we read the names of all the streets, descriptions of intersections, churches, cafes, restaurants, food, drinks, clothes, rivers, on and on all of which made for added number of words I guess, but not interesting and not very relevant. An example: a scene about Grandma being killed, a crystal vase with flowers is described. ??? I almost gave up, but decided to plow on and read of Nazis, atrocities, more people, more places.
I should mention that he acquires a Russian girlfriend living in Germany who kills Nazis and KGBers. And of course their affair is described in ways that you know the author is a man-soft hair, standing before him naked holding a bikini, etc. She shoots the murderer, a former Nazi woman, herself, a killer of many. The last chapter has her driving through the US, naming state after state, after state. Ho Hum.
The first 3/4 of the book reads mostly like a travel log, with trips throughout Europe, Russia and the US. In every town visited, we read the names of all the streets, descriptions of intersections, churches, cafes, restaurants, food, drinks, clothes, rivers, on and on all of which made for added number of words I guess, but not interesting and not very relevant. An example: a scene about Grandma being killed, a crystal vase with flowers is described. ??? I almost gave up, but decided to plow on and read of Nazis, atrocities, more people, more places.
I should mention that he acquires a Russian girlfriend living in Germany who kills Nazis and KGBers. And of course their affair is described in ways that you know the author is a man-soft hair, standing before him naked holding a bikini, etc. She shoots the murderer, a former Nazi woman, herself, a killer of many. The last chapter has her driving through the US, naming state after state, after state. Ho Hum.
May 15, 2018
I have read both of the author's earlier books (Comeback Love and Wherever There is Light) and while I greatly enjoyed them, this one is his best by far. The writing style is wonderful and does a terrific job in unfolding the story, so that the reader is compelled to keep reading - never feeling like the story has revealed itself prematurely.
In my own work as a genealogist, I know how challenging it can be to tell ancestral stories in a compelling way that is accurate in terms of social, economic, and political context. This book does just that. It is clear that extensive research was done which contributes so much to the depth of the story but that research is wrapped around vivid characters, with well developed individual story lines that intertwine. In this novel, one of the lessons that Emma Dainov imparts to her grandson, Michael, is that "you fix the past in the present, not in the past." Michael discovers there is much more to Emma's past than he ever knew or imagined and, after her death, he embarks on a journey to search for answers which unfolds a story of the Holocaust and a resulting life-encompassing quest of Emma's that Michael will attempt to bring to fruition.
A great story that I highly recommend!
In my own work as a genealogist, I know how challenging it can be to tell ancestral stories in a compelling way that is accurate in terms of social, economic, and political context. This book does just that. It is clear that extensive research was done which contributes so much to the depth of the story but that research is wrapped around vivid characters, with well developed individual story lines that intertwine. In this novel, one of the lessons that Emma Dainov imparts to her grandson, Michael, is that "you fix the past in the present, not in the past." Michael discovers there is much more to Emma's past than he ever knew or imagined and, after her death, he embarks on a journey to search for answers which unfolds a story of the Holocaust and a resulting life-encompassing quest of Emma's that Michael will attempt to bring to fruition.
A great story that I highly recommend!
March 2, 2019
“Why does God write our stories in vanishing ink?”
It’s a query presented by Michael Daniels’ grandmother Emma in the back of an art book he finds in her bookcase after she’s been killed in her workplace in South Orange NJ in the early 1960s. And in trying to figure out who is Grandmother actually WAS, he’s certainly not ready for the work that takes him all over the world to find out.
Michael’s trying to figure this out connects him with CIA operatives, Holocaust survivors, Russian smugglers, artists, rogue assassins and Cold War Europe... and Yuli Kosoy, a young woman in Russia who is obsessed with all things American, including “Misha Daniov: The Mad Russian” his radio persona. This is the story about finding what’s missing; the things hidden in the vanishing ink.
A thriller of utmost proportions, Golden takes you from South Orange New Jersey to Post War/Cold War Russian in a story that might leave you scratching your head as the puzzle pieces come together...or do they? I can’t begin to explain it without giving the plot away, but it is a book I recommend. 4/5
[disclaimer: I won this book in a contest and have chosen to review it]
It’s a query presented by Michael Daniels’ grandmother Emma in the back of an art book he finds in her bookcase after she’s been killed in her workplace in South Orange NJ in the early 1960s. And in trying to figure out who is Grandmother actually WAS, he’s certainly not ready for the work that takes him all over the world to find out.
Michael’s trying to figure this out connects him with CIA operatives, Holocaust survivors, Russian smugglers, artists, rogue assassins and Cold War Europe... and Yuli Kosoy, a young woman in Russia who is obsessed with all things American, including “Misha Daniov: The Mad Russian” his radio persona. This is the story about finding what’s missing; the things hidden in the vanishing ink.
A thriller of utmost proportions, Golden takes you from South Orange New Jersey to Post War/Cold War Russian in a story that might leave you scratching your head as the puzzle pieces come together...or do they? I can’t begin to explain it without giving the plot away, but it is a book I recommend. 4/5
[disclaimer: I won this book in a contest and have chosen to review it]
April 7, 2019
I will admit that at first I was struggling with this book. In fact, I put it down after getting about half way. After a while, I did go back and decided to start over again. The second time around was much better. So, my suggestion would be to other readers that might be feeling the same way as I did. Wait until you are in a better head space and can dedicate some more time to this book. You won't regret it.
I really liked Michael. I was drawn towards him and his story. I did feel the loss of his grandmother. She was not only a big influence in his life but she raised him after the tragic deaths of his parents. Therefore, I could understand what her death did to Michael and how it shaped him.
Whereas; Yuli's story is concerned, I did like it. However, it took me longer to warm up to Yuli. She did have a interesting story. I liked her mission. So for the first couple of times when the story would flash to Yuli, I was not as engaged and could not wait for the story to go back to Michael.
Overall, I liked this book. It features past history that should not be forgotten. Mr. Golden is a good storyteller. I would read another book from him.
I really liked Michael. I was drawn towards him and his story. I did feel the loss of his grandmother. She was not only a big influence in his life but she raised him after the tragic deaths of his parents. Therefore, I could understand what her death did to Michael and how it shaped him.
Whereas; Yuli's story is concerned, I did like it. However, it took me longer to warm up to Yuli. She did have a interesting story. I liked her mission. So for the first couple of times when the story would flash to Yuli, I was not as engaged and could not wait for the story to go back to Michael.
Overall, I liked this book. It features past history that should not be forgotten. Mr. Golden is a good storyteller. I would read another book from him.
May 10, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. It started out with a bang, an opening section about Michael and his family in the early 1960s, in South Orange, New Jersey, not a word wasted, characters pinned to the page in a few words. Then tragedy strikes, his parents die in a car crash and Michael is brought up by his beloved Russian immigrant grandmother. He helps out in her candy store and becomes a radio deejay, calling himself the Mad Russian. More tragedy follows and Michael (or Misha as his grandmother calls him), heartbroken, heads to Europe to find out why this kindly old woman has been assassinated. The secrets of grandma's life need to be understood for Michael to know who he is.
That's where the book went off the rails for me. It became formulaic, with hard-to-believe coincidences and mysteries solved with little effort on the part of Michael and his partner, the beautiful smuggler Yulia. Even Picasso jumped in to help solve the mysteries. The new characters, like Yulia, don't have much depth. Sigh; I couldn't finish it. If only the tension and excitement of the first section had continued....
That's where the book went off the rails for me. It became formulaic, with hard-to-believe coincidences and mysteries solved with little effort on the part of Michael and his partner, the beautiful smuggler Yulia. Even Picasso jumped in to help solve the mysteries. The new characters, like Yulia, don't have much depth. Sigh; I couldn't finish it. If only the tension and excitement of the first section had continued....
December 17, 2018
This book was a real page turner for me. I thought I'd lost my love of reading until I encountered this book & my lifelong passion was restored. The characters are believable people you care about, & so relatable, even when their life experiences are so different from your own. Likewise with the settings...his descriptions return you vividly & poignantly to familiar places, but even with locales you've never been in fact, you feel and see & sense them as familiar. The plot moves quickly & twistingly. Having lived through many of the decades of the time periods in this story I feel Golden has gotten them exactly right. As a baby boomer myself, the contrasts he creates between those robbed of their childhoods by WWII or the Cold War & children brought up in the US in those years are the best evocations of the reality I've ever encountered, including the guilt felt by boomer kids for having the happy childhood all parents want for their children. Bravo. I will be passing this book on to friends & family. Thank you, Mr. Golden.
January 13, 2020
This was a fun book to read.
I grew up in the Millburn/South Orange area and currently live in Maplewood, NJ. My book group is also local to South Orange and we have students at Columbia High School (mentioned several times in the book).
I enjoyed the references to Don's, Grunings (Ice Cream Parlor) and Columbia High School and the area in the 1960's.
It was also an interesting storyline (historical fiction) and I learned even more about Europe / Nazi Germany in the early 1940's. My book group did not expect the book to take the turns that it did. I did find some of the characters and groups confusing and couldn't keep track of all the different affiliations ... but I do not think it deterred me from enjoying the read.
The second half of the book picks up A LOT and it definitely becomes a page turner for the last 25 percent. Even though it starts off slow and confusing (and some remains confusing).
I recommend this book and especially for anyone local to South Orange in the early 60's. Enjoy!!
I grew up in the Millburn/South Orange area and currently live in Maplewood, NJ. My book group is also local to South Orange and we have students at Columbia High School (mentioned several times in the book).
I enjoyed the references to Don's, Grunings (Ice Cream Parlor) and Columbia High School and the area in the 1960's.
It was also an interesting storyline (historical fiction) and I learned even more about Europe / Nazi Germany in the early 1940's. My book group did not expect the book to take the turns that it did. I did find some of the characters and groups confusing and couldn't keep track of all the different affiliations ... but I do not think it deterred me from enjoying the read.
The second half of the book picks up A LOT and it definitely becomes a page turner for the last 25 percent. Even though it starts off slow and confusing (and some remains confusing).
I recommend this book and especially for anyone local to South Orange in the early 60's. Enjoy!!
April 7, 2018
‘Nothing is Forgotten’ is a very interesting and well researched story. Michael Daniels is raised by his grandmother after his parents are killed in a car accident. When his grandmother passes away, Michael learns that she had many secrets. The story goes from New Jersey to Russia to France as Michael tries to uncover the secrets of the woman he thought he knew, and tries to understand why she kept so many important details of her life from him.
I enjoyed the aspects of mystery that the story took on as Michael was led from place to place in search of answers. I enjoyed how Michael would not give up and was intent on learning the truth. I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Michael and Yuli. I also liked the DJ and music references in the story.
At times I felt the story dragged and moved a little too slowly but it was well worth sticking with it for the resolution in the end.
I received an Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the aspects of mystery that the story took on as Michael was led from place to place in search of answers. I enjoyed how Michael would not give up and was intent on learning the truth. I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Michael and Yuli. I also liked the DJ and music references in the story.
At times I felt the story dragged and moved a little too slowly but it was well worth sticking with it for the resolution in the end.
I received an Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2018
This is a terrific book. A very well-written historical fiction/thriller, it goes from 1960’s America, Soviet Russia and Europe back to WWII. Intriguing characters, the Cold War setting, and great writing elevate the essential thriller plot into a very good novel. I was very moved by the ending and am still thinking about the characters. One passage that really stuck with me is a conversation in a restaurant in Los Angeles where one character looks around at the happy diners and contrasts them to Russians, and says “they aren’t waiting for something terrible to happen.” The answer - “Because nobody can lock them up for cursing the government, and the Nazis never invaded Burbank and slaughtered fifteen million civilians.” The effect of the past on the present is a major theme of the book, along with the huge difference between life in America and the rest of the world, where WWII had such devastating consequences. A compelling story that leaves you with a lot to think about.
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