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Remember Us: A Novel
When 25-year-old Ben calls his twin sister, Reese, to tell her their father has cancer, she drops everything and races back to their childhood home in Nebraska. A few days later―and thirteen years since walking out of their lives without a word―their estranged mother, Bernice, arrives on the doorstep. Remember Us chronicles the family’s journey through the following months as they begrudgingly grow reacquainted with each other, confront their past, and build a possible future. At its core, Remember Us explores forgiveness, love, loss, and the unexpected beauty of the people who share the same DNA.
- GenresFictionContemporary
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2018
9 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 10, 2019
Sweet, amusing & raw!
A light, quick & easy read that has the most adorable cover ever. REMEMBER US by LINDSAY BLAKE / LAYNE JAMES did take me a little bit of time to warm up to but once I did, I thought it was quite the entertaining and delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics between these characters and especially enjoyed Bernice’s character. She has this vibrant personality that is so full of life that I found to be so amusing and entertaining. This book had me smiling and chuckling a few times until the end where my feelings changed a little bit because I didn’t necessarily enjoy the direction that this book took. I did find it was a good, entertaining, and fun read though with a few endearing & heartbreaking moments.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Simple, attractive, and nostalgic with an adorable vintage feel to it that is an extremely fitting and meaningful representation to storyline. #coverlove !
Title: An intriguing, interesting and fitting representation to storyline. I enjoyed the journey whilst learning how this title played so fittingly into storyline. The complex dynamics between these characters was entertaining while the characters took us on a trip down memory lane.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, engaging and readable. Thoroughly enjoyed the quirky, humorous and amusing narrative!
Plot: Slow-building, steadily paced, amusing, heartfelt, thought-provoking and complex.
Ending: Okay this is where things went a little sideways for me as I wasn’t a fan of the ending and it left me feeling somewhat disappointed and unsatisfied.
Overall: It was a fun, light, sweet, sad and hopeful book that was an enjoyable quick and easy read!
Thank you so much to the authors Lindsay Blake and Layne James for gifting me a physical copy to read and review!
Review can also be found on our Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee Reading book blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
A light, quick & easy read that has the most adorable cover ever. REMEMBER US by LINDSAY BLAKE / LAYNE JAMES did take me a little bit of time to warm up to but once I did, I thought it was quite the entertaining and delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics between these characters and especially enjoyed Bernice’s character. She has this vibrant personality that is so full of life that I found to be so amusing and entertaining. This book had me smiling and chuckling a few times until the end where my feelings changed a little bit because I didn’t necessarily enjoy the direction that this book took. I did find it was a good, entertaining, and fun read though with a few endearing & heartbreaking moments.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Simple, attractive, and nostalgic with an adorable vintage feel to it that is an extremely fitting and meaningful representation to storyline. #coverlove !
Title: An intriguing, interesting and fitting representation to storyline. I enjoyed the journey whilst learning how this title played so fittingly into storyline. The complex dynamics between these characters was entertaining while the characters took us on a trip down memory lane.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, engaging and readable. Thoroughly enjoyed the quirky, humorous and amusing narrative!
Plot: Slow-building, steadily paced, amusing, heartfelt, thought-provoking and complex.
Ending: Okay this is where things went a little sideways for me as I wasn’t a fan of the ending and it left me feeling somewhat disappointed and unsatisfied.
Overall: It was a fun, light, sweet, sad and hopeful book that was an enjoyable quick and easy read!
Thank you so much to the authors Lindsay Blake and Layne James for gifting me a physical copy to read and review!
Review can also be found on our Two Sisters Lost in a Coulee Reading book blog:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/
October 3, 2019
An estranged mother, a rusty VW Van and a family on a journey to forgiveness and finding what was lost.
Remember Us is a fun, quirky yet a heartbreaking story that explores time, bond, forgiveness, and identity. The family is brought together by an illness and they take a journey together that at times was hilarious and heartbreaking.
A bit slow in places but worth it as I really liked how the ending came together and the way it made me think about some of the themes I picked up on. We all enjoyed discussing this one and I recommend for group discussions.
For more reviews from The Traveling Sisters, Norma and Lindsay.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
I received a copy from the authors.
Remember Us is a fun, quirky yet a heartbreaking story that explores time, bond, forgiveness, and identity. The family is brought together by an illness and they take a journey together that at times was hilarious and heartbreaking.
A bit slow in places but worth it as I really liked how the ending came together and the way it made me think about some of the themes I picked up on. We all enjoyed discussing this one and I recommend for group discussions.
For more reviews from The Traveling Sisters, Norma and Lindsay.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
I received a copy from the authors.
May 7, 2019
3 stars.
When Ben and Reese Hamilton find out their father has cancer, they take a break from their busy lives to spend time with their dad and help him through this devastating time. While back in their childhood home, one day they open the door to find their estranged mother ready to move back in and help after being gone from their lives for the last thirteen years. This sudden reintroduction of their mother into their lives causes much confusion and chaos. This broken family works through many emotions, questions and adventures while spending this quality time together.
This was a quick, light and easy read that I found cute and entertaining. The characters and situations brought smiles to my face throughout with their quirks and personalities. It was interesting to follow this family on their journey through difficult times while reflecting on their memories of happier times.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Norma which was a lot of fun! To find our reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to the authors Lindsay Blake and Layne James for gifting me a physical copy to read and review!
When Ben and Reese Hamilton find out their father has cancer, they take a break from their busy lives to spend time with their dad and help him through this devastating time. While back in their childhood home, one day they open the door to find their estranged mother ready to move back in and help after being gone from their lives for the last thirteen years. This sudden reintroduction of their mother into their lives causes much confusion and chaos. This broken family works through many emotions, questions and adventures while spending this quality time together.
This was a quick, light and easy read that I found cute and entertaining. The characters and situations brought smiles to my face throughout with their quirks and personalities. It was interesting to follow this family on their journey through difficult times while reflecting on their memories of happier times.
This was a Traveling Sister read with Brenda and Norma which was a lot of fun! To find our reviews, please visit our blog at:
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
Thank you to the authors Lindsay Blake and Layne James for gifting me a physical copy to read and review!
January 29, 2019
Remember Us is a book to chew on. I had to sit a bit and think on my overall feelings of this book, and now that I’ve digested its words a little more, it’s a five star 🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌 read for me.
Reese and her broken family endeavor on a journey together to pick up all the pieces life has scattered, and the reader goes right along with them. What I loved about this book was it felt like a road trip: There’s parts where you’re moving fast through the plot, then moments slow down and take some minutes to get through. But reaching the final destination and reflection on the trip made everything worth it.
There were so many takeaway points from this that I loved:
1. Seize your moment.
2. Make all your relationships count.
3. Say the words you want to say to your loved ones; don’t let pride or regret hold you back.
4. Don’t depend on other people to be the driving force in your life.
I loved this book after chewing on it, and I feel confident in recommending it to you all to grab yourself a copy and hop on this journey.
Thank you for the copy - you ladies wrote a wonderful story, and I’m so glad I read it!
Reese and her broken family endeavor on a journey together to pick up all the pieces life has scattered, and the reader goes right along with them. What I loved about this book was it felt like a road trip: There’s parts where you’re moving fast through the plot, then moments slow down and take some minutes to get through. But reaching the final destination and reflection on the trip made everything worth it.
There were so many takeaway points from this that I loved:
1. Seize your moment.
2. Make all your relationships count.
3. Say the words you want to say to your loved ones; don’t let pride or regret hold you back.
4. Don’t depend on other people to be the driving force in your life.
I loved this book after chewing on it, and I feel confident in recommending it to you all to grab yourself a copy and hop on this journey.
Thank you for the copy - you ladies wrote a wonderful story, and I’m so glad I read it!
February 13, 2019
Lawd have mercy! This book did quite the number on me. I laughed, I cried, I grieved. And I absolutely loved every second of it!
As soon as Reese gets a call from her twin brother, Ben, about their father having cancer, she immediately drops everything and flies back home to Nebraska to be with them. Bernice, the twins' mother who left the family 13 years earlier, also comes home to do her part and help nurse Carl back to health.
This book is the story of what ensues when these four people come back together. This is a story about life. Everyday, ordinary life and how we chose to live it with the people around us. I love how the authors delve into and explore relationships in its different forms with all of their intricacies and complexities. I love the connection and the bantering between the twins. I love Bernice's bigger-than-life personality.
This story wrapped itself tightly around my heart and held on for dear life all the way through the very last page.
As soon as Reese gets a call from her twin brother, Ben, about their father having cancer, she immediately drops everything and flies back home to Nebraska to be with them. Bernice, the twins' mother who left the family 13 years earlier, also comes home to do her part and help nurse Carl back to health.
This book is the story of what ensues when these four people come back together. This is a story about life. Everyday, ordinary life and how we chose to live it with the people around us. I love how the authors delve into and explore relationships in its different forms with all of their intricacies and complexities. I love the connection and the bantering between the twins. I love Bernice's bigger-than-life personality.
This story wrapped itself tightly around my heart and held on for dear life all the way through the very last page.
October 17, 2018
The storyline of this novel is intriguing from the get go, but it takes a bit more time to connect to the characters. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; I found Bernice and Reese to be dramatic and whiny in the first part of the book, making it harder to care about their struggles. However, as the story continues, readers grow to understand these characters (whose viewpoints are what narrates the novel) better, making them much more relatable and whole. It's kind of like meeting someone new - you only see one snippet of them, but as time goes on, you realize how much more they have to offer.
There were some surprises in this story that I wasn't expecting, but that I really enjoyed because of how much more realistic it made things, and how it affected the characters.
I really, really loved Part 3. I loved EVERYTHING about Part 3. It wrapped the story up beautifully, while leaving questions unanswered, because not everything in life can be wrapped up so neatly.
My favourite quote from this novel is this: "I started from the beginning, or the middle, however you want to look at it - for aren't we all jumping into the center of a story that's already been started, already fraught with broken edges and someone else's history?"
Overall, this is a great read. It's a story about families and their quirks/problems, how we don't always know both sides of the story (even our own), and how at the end of the day, we should be able to look in the mirror and feel stable on our own two feet. Blake and James have done a beautiful job of capturing a variety of relationships in this novel, and showing that even flawed, they are still beautiful.
There were some surprises in this story that I wasn't expecting, but that I really enjoyed because of how much more realistic it made things, and how it affected the characters.
I really, really loved Part 3. I loved EVERYTHING about Part 3. It wrapped the story up beautifully, while leaving questions unanswered, because not everything in life can be wrapped up so neatly.
My favourite quote from this novel is this: "I started from the beginning, or the middle, however you want to look at it - for aren't we all jumping into the center of a story that's already been started, already fraught with broken edges and someone else's history?"
Overall, this is a great read. It's a story about families and their quirks/problems, how we don't always know both sides of the story (even our own), and how at the end of the day, we should be able to look in the mirror and feel stable on our own two feet. Blake and James have done a beautiful job of capturing a variety of relationships in this novel, and showing that even flawed, they are still beautiful.
September 30, 2018
This book is full of life. Everyday, ordinary life. The hurts and pains that happen with choices we and those we love make. And about forgiving. And loving. And recognizing the love. And the path that gets us to that place.
Don't be surprised if you see yourself or someone you love in the characters as their story unfolds.
Enjoy!!!!!
Don't be surprised if you see yourself or someone you love in the characters as their story unfolds.
Enjoy!!!!!
January 22, 2019
For those of you who have been reading my reviews for awhile, the fact that I love debut authors and novels will come as no surprise; the amount of creativity, courage and perseverance that goes into producing an endeavor like this never ceases to amaze me. When I reached out to authors Lindsay Blake and Layne James for a review copy of their upcoming release, I was thrilled for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you all; it definitely does not hurt that the cover includes a VW van, because it has been my dream vehicle since age nine.
I think that’s a good place to start, when talking about this book because, to me, the VW van sort of encompasses everything I enjoy about the story in Remember Us: dreamy, yet dysfunctional; quirky, but fun; not always reliable, but dedicated and loyal; and sure to invoke some eye-rolling and laughter.
"He was mine, completely.
And I was his.
I was too young to realize a love like ours was rare, beautiful, something to be cherished.
I was too naive to understand how complicated life can become."
The Hamilton twins, 25-year-olds Ben and Reese, have been hobbling along, as has their father Carl, since their mother, Bernice, flew the coup thirteen years ago with little to no explanation. When Carl is diagnosed with cancer, and his children return home to support him, so does Bernice…and she is not what one might call “well-received,” especially by her daughter.
"I’m simply saying it would make your life, my life, easier if you let some of this go. You know, take a breath now and then. Go for a walk. Smoke a cigar. Roll your eyes. Healthy coping mechanisms. Don’t let Mom get to you so much."
What ensues is nothing shy of a beautiful story of love and redemption, filled with plenty of laughter and southern charm; Bernice is definitely my favorite character in this book, but I also felt completely connected to the entire family and could not have anticipated how their journey would advance. As I type this, a couple of weeks have passed since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about the story of these characters; I’m certainly looking forward to more from this creative duo and hope you’ll try this one out. It is a quick read and perfect for those of you who enjoy southern fiction and family dramas with flair!
I think that’s a good place to start, when talking about this book because, to me, the VW van sort of encompasses everything I enjoy about the story in Remember Us: dreamy, yet dysfunctional; quirky, but fun; not always reliable, but dedicated and loyal; and sure to invoke some eye-rolling and laughter.
"He was mine, completely.
And I was his.
I was too young to realize a love like ours was rare, beautiful, something to be cherished.
I was too naive to understand how complicated life can become."
The Hamilton twins, 25-year-olds Ben and Reese, have been hobbling along, as has their father Carl, since their mother, Bernice, flew the coup thirteen years ago with little to no explanation. When Carl is diagnosed with cancer, and his children return home to support him, so does Bernice…and she is not what one might call “well-received,” especially by her daughter.
"I’m simply saying it would make your life, my life, easier if you let some of this go. You know, take a breath now and then. Go for a walk. Smoke a cigar. Roll your eyes. Healthy coping mechanisms. Don’t let Mom get to you so much."
What ensues is nothing shy of a beautiful story of love and redemption, filled with plenty of laughter and southern charm; Bernice is definitely my favorite character in this book, but I also felt completely connected to the entire family and could not have anticipated how their journey would advance. As I type this, a couple of weeks have passed since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about the story of these characters; I’m certainly looking forward to more from this creative duo and hope you’ll try this one out. It is a quick read and perfect for those of you who enjoy southern fiction and family dramas with flair!
October 15, 2018
The unanswered questions about relationships in the book plus the sometimes entertaining, sometime tragic relational dynamics made this book hard to put down! I wanted to know who people would "end up" with, who might live or die, who might get married or break up, what made certain people tick, and where the adventure would take them next.
I struggled slightly to get into the book the first few chapters, for some reason (possibly because of multiple interruptions on my end) and occasionally the beautifully descriptive language had me reaching for the dictionary app on my phone, but soon I felt like I knew the characters personally and just had to find out where the story would take them, how their lives would be affected.
Ultimately, I think everyone can find a character or situation they can identify with, a "team" to be rooting for. It also gave me lots to "chew on", to think about regarding the important relationships in our lives and the fact that there is always more than one (or two) sides to each story. This would be a great book for book club discussion!
I struggled slightly to get into the book the first few chapters, for some reason (possibly because of multiple interruptions on my end) and occasionally the beautifully descriptive language had me reaching for the dictionary app on my phone, but soon I felt like I knew the characters personally and just had to find out where the story would take them, how their lives would be affected.
Ultimately, I think everyone can find a character or situation they can identify with, a "team" to be rooting for. It also gave me lots to "chew on", to think about regarding the important relationships in our lives and the fact that there is always more than one (or two) sides to each story. This would be a great book for book club discussion!
October 29, 2018
When I read a book I want to live in it both mentally and emotionally. Remember Us not only captured me this way while I was reading but also when I put the book down. Reese’s emotional conflicts with Bernice would stay with me and have me search my own heart regarding forgiveness.
The family dynamics made me laugh out loud at times and get frustrated at times because they’re so relatable!!! I’m not giving much detail because I think this book can speak to hearts in many different ways and I don’t want to spoil that individual experience for future readers. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read that will also make you think & grow your heart in love, then read Remember Us immediately!!
The family dynamics made me laugh out loud at times and get frustrated at times because they’re so relatable!!! I’m not giving much detail because I think this book can speak to hearts in many different ways and I don’t want to spoil that individual experience for future readers. If you’re looking for an enjoyable read that will also make you think & grow your heart in love, then read Remember Us immediately!!
December 12, 2018
Thank you to the authors for the free finished copy to review. All opinions are my own.
How cute is the cover of this book!?! #coverlove 😍
If you’re looking for a sweet story with complicated family dynamics, this is the book for you! I loved the dialogue amongst the characters and thought it was quite funny most of the time.
I really wasn’t a fan of the ending, and it kind of ended up ruining the book for me. (#nospoilers) 😔
How cute is the cover of this book!?! #coverlove 😍
If you’re looking for a sweet story with complicated family dynamics, this is the book for you! I loved the dialogue amongst the characters and thought it was quite funny most of the time.
I really wasn’t a fan of the ending, and it kind of ended up ruining the book for me. (#nospoilers) 😔
October 14, 2018
This was a truly enjoyable read about complex family dynamics and finding your way through this crazy life. I did struggle a bit through the first half as the pacing was fast and I didn't feel like I got to know the characters enough to really understand all of their decisions. But it all came together at the end. The last section of the book is everything! Definitely recommend.
April 9, 2019
It took me some time to get into this one, but then I read probably the last third in one sitting. At first I felt like I couldn't really get into the characters, and then I realized you meet them like you meet people in real life - all at once, and then you figure out their nuances later. Made me laugh and cry, so lovely!
January 14, 2019
Such a sweet book about what it means to be a family. This is a character-driven novel that will warm your heart -I was SO honored to have received an advance copy from the authors, and even more honored to know them in real life. They are just as warm and lovely in real life as they are in their writing. Layne and Lindsay - I'm excited for what comes next from both of you!
January 10, 2019
I loved everything about this book! From the characters to the hilarious ups and downs to the emotional hardships. I laughed, cried and finished the book feeling an immense appreciation for life and all the beauty it comes with. The authors did a wonderful job describing the intense dynamics of family relationships as well as making the characters incredibly relatable. My personal favorite was Reece as I related the most with her. Highly recommend this book!!
January 7, 2019
From the moment the doorbell rings, you can feel the jarring presence of Bernice as her children and Carl struggle to find their equilibrium with her sudden and unwelcomed return. This book fully captures the dysfunction of so many families as they have lost their way. But as tragedy occurs, they are presented with the choice to choose forgiveness and have their hearts knit back together or to continue in the bitterness that misunderstandings and secrets have fostered for so many years. Join the wild and crazy ride of family relationships that so many of us have experienced through love, loss and the passing of time.
December 31, 2018
Fiction is not usually my go-to, but I am so glad I took the time to read this book. It had me laughing often, and even crying often towards the end! A few major plot twists along the way always kept me wanting to know what would happen next. I love the rawness and realness of the relationships depicted in this story. I read the last 113 pages straight because I couldn't put it down! As I read the last couple chapters, I found myself relating so much with the feelings of the characters, relating to relationship dynamics. In thinking about it afterwards, I realized why. "It didn't go as planned." These characters lives didn't go as they'd planned....and neither has mine (and I know so many others would relate to that too!). The authors beautifully depicted the struggle, and also the beauty of forgiveness and reconciliation, in a life that hasn't gone as planned. I'd highly recommend this book!
July 14, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
I stumbled upon this book on some old listicle somewhere, and I am grateful it found its way to me because it was quite a special story. This family was very complex, and their deep wounds had been festering for many years. They were reunited to support their father as he battled cancer, but it ended up being an opportunity to reconnect and be a family again. Pretty heavy stuff, but I have to say, their journey through their baggage and pain was rather hilarious. There were so many laugh out loud moments, and there I was laughing, until I was crying.
This story took some unexpected turns, and the authors went from just breaking my heart to ripping it out of my chest. Despite all that, I enjoyed it tremendously. It was told with warmth and humor, and it reminded me that life’s too short to hold grudges and forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. The fact that I am shedding tears as I write this review is evidence of how much Remember Us touched my heart.
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I stumbled upon this book on some old listicle somewhere, and I am grateful it found its way to me because it was quite a special story. This family was very complex, and their deep wounds had been festering for many years. They were reunited to support their father as he battled cancer, but it ended up being an opportunity to reconnect and be a family again. Pretty heavy stuff, but I have to say, their journey through their baggage and pain was rather hilarious. There were so many laugh out loud moments, and there I was laughing, until I was crying.
This story took some unexpected turns, and the authors went from just breaking my heart to ripping it out of my chest. Despite all that, I enjoyed it tremendously. It was told with warmth and humor, and it reminded me that life’s too short to hold grudges and forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. The fact that I am shedding tears as I write this review is evidence of how much Remember Us touched my heart.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
December 26, 2018
Family can be wonderful, horrible, comforting and alienating. We hurt the ones we love and love the ones who hurt us. The family in this book is no different than the family across the street and three houses down from you whom you wave to, but have never spoken to. Or maybe they are almost just like you. While very different from mine, I can relate to them on so many levels. We can all hold grudges, bitterness and unforgiveness and we all have times that we long for that reconciliation. All of the bitter sweetness of relationships is not pretty, but it is what makes us who we are. This book made me laugh and cry. It took me a bit to realize the perspectives were coming from only two characters and at first I wanted the perspective from the Male characters then realized that the rawness was more realistic coming from the two main women as it was written by two women. Those perspectives kept it legitimate. This is not my normal genre, but I do venture out from time to time to keep my mind flexible. It may sound absurd, but the entire time I read this book I kept thinking of , "The Shack". Really thinking about it it's probably because of how uncomfortable it is for me to be honest with emotions I lock away deep inside. This book reminds me so much of relationships things I choose to ignore. Overall this book is well written, creative and raw.
November 10, 2018
This was a great book exploring the not so straightforward side of family dynamics! There are always two sides to a story and when you add in human emotions, nobody is always right or always wrong. We all bring our messes into relationships and I think this book illustrates that very well!
I started out being pretty annoyed with Bernice but by the end sympathized with her desire as a mother to love he family wholeheartedly in her own quirky way.
I struggle with books that don’t give me closure, but upon reflection realize this book was about real life and life doesn’t often wrap up neatly the way I’d like it to.
All in all, great story with some fun and heartbreaking twists and turns!
I started out being pretty annoyed with Bernice but by the end sympathized with her desire as a mother to love he family wholeheartedly in her own quirky way.
I struggle with books that don’t give me closure, but upon reflection realize this book was about real life and life doesn’t often wrap up neatly the way I’d like it to.
All in all, great story with some fun and heartbreaking twists and turns!
October 7, 2018
I read this book in one morning, because I couldn’t put it down. Despite the fact that I felt I couldn’t quite flesh out the characters in my mind as unique and deep people, I was still drawn in by the narrative. You definitely feel like you are in the presence of the action and lose yourself in the story. This is a good book about finding your identity in the midst of the struggle of family.
March 23, 2019
I didn’t think I was going to like it. It was dramatic, the kind of dramatic I don’t really care for. Family drama, romantic drama, and someone dies. But I read the bulk of it in like 2 days so I guess it was pretty good. 😏 The story flowed well without too many sections that dragged on, just the right amount of dialogue mixed with descriptions of places, events, and character thoughts. There were some literary and movie references I didn’t get but not too many. It reminded me of my own family history and drama and at the same time made me glad my family wasn’t like this one, although at times it did feel very relatable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2019
Remember Us by Lindsay and Layne. First off before getting into my thoughts, I want to say that this orange VW bus is and has been my dream car for a while. I currently have an orange car but it's definitely not this awesome. HOWEVER, I certainly would not call it Ernie. I picture some type of Reading Wanderwoman logo on it, going on road trips across the world, maybe even selling books from it, similar to other traveling bookshops.
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I'll admit it, I definitely ugly cried almost the entire Part III of the book. It could be cause I'm not feeling great or because I'm an emotional reader. Pretty sure it's the latter but I'll blame the first. It was a sweet, fun rom-com type of book. I love the brother sister twin dynamic and the family drama that probably everyone deals with in some way. I also saw alot of myself in Reese with every aspect. From the way she talks with her mom Bernice to her strength and spirit that she finds in herself. Fun, sweet, sad and hopeful. I also love that one of my favorite Dumas quotes from The Count of Monte Cristo was in there. A great read. 3.5🌟
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I'll admit it, I definitely ugly cried almost the entire Part III of the book. It could be cause I'm not feeling great or because I'm an emotional reader. Pretty sure it's the latter but I'll blame the first. It was a sweet, fun rom-com type of book. I love the brother sister twin dynamic and the family drama that probably everyone deals with in some way. I also saw alot of myself in Reese with every aspect. From the way she talks with her mom Bernice to her strength and spirit that she finds in herself. Fun, sweet, sad and hopeful. I also love that one of my favorite Dumas quotes from The Count of Monte Cristo was in there. A great read. 3.5🌟
November 5, 2020
This books started off great for me but really started dragging towards the middle. I struggled to finish it.
March 28, 2021
This slow, character-driven story was a perfect read for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Read it for book club, likely would not have picked it up on my own, but I’m glad it found its way to me.
It is a story of a family in crisis with a lot of questions that get answered only too late. The characters in the story are well-developed, easily likeable even when they shouldn’t be. That is a testament to the writers, one who lives in the vicinity. I am proud to support local talent.
Be prepared to laugh and cry all on the same page.
It is a story of a family in crisis with a lot of questions that get answered only too late. The characters in the story are well-developed, easily likeable even when they shouldn’t be. That is a testament to the writers, one who lives in the vicinity. I am proud to support local talent.
Be prepared to laugh and cry all on the same page.
January 10, 2019
Books like this are the reason I shouldn't read fiction at bedtime. I couldn’t put it down! Much of the storyline was relatable to me and brought knowing laughter and tears, but it was also quite unexpected in parts. What really struck me, though, were the compelling characters. Each one was so well-developed, with strengths the made you want to cheer them on and weaknesses that made you want to wring their necks. I cared what happened to each one, and felt a little post-book slump when I was done. I want to know where they all go from here. Please write a sequel!!
April 19, 2019
Remember Us is a classic tale about family, and all it’s glourious disfunction. Reese receives a call from her twin brother Ben telling her the grim news that their father has cancer. She drops everything and heads home to see her dad who is hospitilzed and not doing so well. Ben and Reece spend their time with their dad sharing memories, pushing him to eat, and really just getting on his last nerve! It’s been the three of them for so long. Imagine everyones surprise when In walks their mother who hasn’t been in the picture since the twins were little. She just up and left, and has never been back. Bernice wants to take this opportunity to make things right not only with her kids, but also with their father. She has her reasons for leaving, but Reece is not as forgiving as her brother and simply won’t entertain any idea of reconciling. Ben tells his sister;
“ I’m simply saying it would make your life, my life, easier if you let some of this go. You know, take a breath now and then…Go for a walk.Smoke a cigar. Roll your eyes. Healthy coping mechanisms. Don’t let mom get to you so much”
When Carl gets out of the hospital he and Bernice decide to take a road trip, and insist that they all go together. It will be a time for them to live in the moment, to bond as a family, and let the healing begin. As you’d expect with any family trip, there is fun and there is drama. Everyone is trying to get to know each other again, and really make this trip count. After all, we all know our days are numbered and we should be living them with no regrets.
I really enjoyed this story because it felt so real. We can all relate to some form of family dysfunction. What separates us is the decision to address it, or chose to live with a grudge. Although I personally did not grown up with an skeletons in my closet, no family dysfunction, I know many friends who have. I would encourage anyone to make things right, to seize the day, and let go of the hate. Life is to short to hold on to things that don’t serve you anymore.
“ I’m simply saying it would make your life, my life, easier if you let some of this go. You know, take a breath now and then…Go for a walk.Smoke a cigar. Roll your eyes. Healthy coping mechanisms. Don’t let mom get to you so much”
When Carl gets out of the hospital he and Bernice decide to take a road trip, and insist that they all go together. It will be a time for them to live in the moment, to bond as a family, and let the healing begin. As you’d expect with any family trip, there is fun and there is drama. Everyone is trying to get to know each other again, and really make this trip count. After all, we all know our days are numbered and we should be living them with no regrets.
I really enjoyed this story because it felt so real. We can all relate to some form of family dysfunction. What separates us is the decision to address it, or chose to live with a grudge. Although I personally did not grown up with an skeletons in my closet, no family dysfunction, I know many friends who have. I would encourage anyone to make things right, to seize the day, and let go of the hate. Life is to short to hold on to things that don’t serve you anymore.
December 19, 2018
First of let me start by saying that I'm an HONEST book reviewer.
I had to stop reading this book on page 200. I honestly plan on finishing it, I just need some time to step away from the story and revisit it another time. This is only due to the fact that I have been bored since the first chapter. I had a lot of high hopes for this book and I'm sad to say those were short-lived.
However, I don't plan to go into full detail in regards to my full opinion inside and out on this book until I'm able to finish. I have 60 pages left and plan on finishing after the holidays.
Stay tuned for a full review coming soon...
I had to stop reading this book on page 200. I honestly plan on finishing it, I just need some time to step away from the story and revisit it another time. This is only due to the fact that I have been bored since the first chapter. I had a lot of high hopes for this book and I'm sad to say those were short-lived.
However, I don't plan to go into full detail in regards to my full opinion inside and out on this book until I'm able to finish. I have 60 pages left and plan on finishing after the holidays.
Stay tuned for a full review coming soon...
January 10, 2019
This book is artfully written in its descriptions and how it unfolds a story about all the complexities of family relationships. I will admit the first part of the book was difficult to get into, however I devoured the last chapters of this book in order to discover how the lives of these characters I had gotten to know and care for would end up. I truly enjoyed reading and reflecting upon the intricacies of the various relationships portrayed in this story that are so relatable to real life. Definitely a good read!!!
March 2, 2019
If you are looking for a book that is upbeat without being overly sentimental, this is probably a good read for you. In tone it reminds me of "The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel," which I was also surprised to like (those of you who know me, know I rarely enjoy fiction that is upbeat in nature). I did not anticipate that a book about a dad with cancer and a mom who returns after abandoning her family, to be upbeat without being overly sentimental and/or dishonest about feeling anger, resentment, and hurt. I don't know HOW Blake and James did it, but they did it. That said, I don't find myself fully believing in the relationship between Reese and Bernice, but that's about me and my general lack of distrust in all daughter/mother narratives that involve potential reconciliation. I also enjoyed the more "insider" Omaha place/name dropping (no mentions of Warren, Runza, or the CWS).
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