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Memphis Grace
Graceland was named after the King of Pop's mansion by her Elvis- obsessed mum. But she's not rich, not famous and definitely not noticeable.
She's always just been Mikaela's best friend.
That is, until Mikaela leaves school without explanation and Graceland finds herself noticed by Cooper Dally. Popular boy and Mikaela's EX-BOYFRIEND. Now she's the centre of attention: big parties, new dresses and girlfriend to Cooper. Graceland is finally changing her stars.
But Cooper has expectations Graceland can't meet. And when the truth behind Mikaela's leaving comes out, Graceland realises Cooper might not be the guy she thought he was. Worse, it could cost Graceland more than she's willing to give to be noticed.
It will empower me to tell the story, to use the word rape ...
She's always just been Mikaela's best friend.
That is, until Mikaela leaves school without explanation and Graceland finds herself noticed by Cooper Dally. Popular boy and Mikaela's EX-BOYFRIEND. Now she's the centre of attention: big parties, new dresses and girlfriend to Cooper. Graceland is finally changing her stars.
But Cooper has expectations Graceland can't meet. And when the truth behind Mikaela's leaving comes out, Graceland realises Cooper might not be the guy she thought he was. Worse, it could cost Graceland more than she's willing to give to be noticed.
It will empower me to tell the story, to use the word rape ...
- GenresYoung Adult
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 9, 2021
I am a massive Elvis fan so the entire premise of this book had my attention. The book starts off so strong and slightly lost me in the middle but ended well. This is definitely fun for a light read for teens.
February 1, 2021
A bit slow to start, but once it got going wow did I love this, it was addictive reading once I got into it and I just didn’t want to put it down. It deals with serious issues with a very sensitive hand, it has wonderful representation for autism. trigger warnings for rape and sexual assault .
A very important read for YA and adults
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
A very important read for YA and adults
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
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July 4, 2021Grace is having a tough year. First, her best friend leaves moves away from school with no warning and goes no contact. Then she’s put in a group with the class losers for the group science project, and her final grade depends on doing well in the project. Failure is not an option–if she doesn’t pass Year 10 science, she won’t be able to follow her dream and become a nurse.
Home isn’t any easier. She’s the second daughter of a solo mother with no qualifications, so who works all hours as a waitress to make enough money to keep her family fed. There is no money left over for luxuries, like new clothes. And her mother is too tired to pay much attention. She prefers to watch and rewatch her favourite Elvis movies.
So when Cooper Daly shows he’s interested in Grace, she is more than interested. No matter that he’s her best friend’s boyfriend. Mikayla is gone, and has ghosted them both, and Grace has always had a crush on Cooper. And he’s rich. And generous, buying her clothes and other gifts.
Yes, that was a red flag for me. As a result, I found the first half of the novel frustrating. The characters couldn’t see the obvious (well, what I thought was obvious). Adult-me could see endless red flags that Grace, her friends, her sister, and even her mother ignored. The only person who saw anything wrong was Jack, the autistic boy in Grace’s science class. The second half was much better, as Grace starts thinking for herself more, and realises that she needs to take responsibility for her life rather than letting other people tell her what to do.
But I can’t blame Grace for her decisions early in the novel. She’s sixteen, and her decisions and actions aren’t out of line with normal teenage behaviour. And while her life hasn’t been necessarily easy, she’s been raised by a mother who is still grieving the loss of her son, and who still believes in the happy-ever-after of Elvis movies. As such, Grace is all too believable as the damaged child of damaged parents, all of whom are doing their best but not always doing enough.
Memphis Grace is a young adult novel that deals with some tough themes—bullying, teenage sex, date rape, peer pressure, and disability—in a sensitive and realistic manner. Recommended for mature teen readers.
Thanks to Rhiza Press for providing a free ebook for review.
Home isn’t any easier. She’s the second daughter of a solo mother with no qualifications, so who works all hours as a waitress to make enough money to keep her family fed. There is no money left over for luxuries, like new clothes. And her mother is too tired to pay much attention. She prefers to watch and rewatch her favourite Elvis movies.
So when Cooper Daly shows he’s interested in Grace, she is more than interested. No matter that he’s her best friend’s boyfriend. Mikayla is gone, and has ghosted them both, and Grace has always had a crush on Cooper. And he’s rich. And generous, buying her clothes and other gifts.
Yes, that was a red flag for me. As a result, I found the first half of the novel frustrating. The characters couldn’t see the obvious (well, what I thought was obvious). Adult-me could see endless red flags that Grace, her friends, her sister, and even her mother ignored. The only person who saw anything wrong was Jack, the autistic boy in Grace’s science class. The second half was much better, as Grace starts thinking for herself more, and realises that she needs to take responsibility for her life rather than letting other people tell her what to do.
But I can’t blame Grace for her decisions early in the novel. She’s sixteen, and her decisions and actions aren’t out of line with normal teenage behaviour. And while her life hasn’t been necessarily easy, she’s been raised by a mother who is still grieving the loss of her son, and who still believes in the happy-ever-after of Elvis movies. As such, Grace is all too believable as the damaged child of damaged parents, all of whom are doing their best but not always doing enough.
Memphis Grace is a young adult novel that deals with some tough themes—bullying, teenage sex, date rape, peer pressure, and disability—in a sensitive and realistic manner. Recommended for mature teen readers.
Thanks to Rhiza Press for providing a free ebook for review.
January 18, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Book: Memphis Grace
Author: Catriona McKeown
Pub Date: October 1, 2019
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Review: This is a very important book for all generations to read. The incorporation of the #MeToo movement was very well thought out. I found Grace a strong heroine and an average high-school girl who has much to learn. The representation of autism was very prevalent, as I do not have autism I do not know if this portrayal is correct and I am curious to see what nuerodivergent reviewers think.
However, Grace’s character arc seemed solely based on her ableism in the beginning of the book. She and her friends treated Jack, the autistic character, horribly. Grace learns this is wrong, but as her only character arc it seemed offensive and I cringed multiple times with what she said. I also would have liked to see more racial representation. From the descriptions of the characters, they all seemed white and as this book was published in 2019, I think it was not up to par with the representation that is expected now.
I would recommend this book to people who want to learn more about the MeToo movement, although not a large part of the book, it was most of the plot.
Content warning for ableism, rape (not portrayed graphically), attempted rape, coercion, and sexual assault
Age range: 12 or 13+
Book: Memphis Grace
Author: Catriona McKeown
Pub Date: October 1, 2019
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Review: This is a very important book for all generations to read. The incorporation of the #MeToo movement was very well thought out. I found Grace a strong heroine and an average high-school girl who has much to learn. The representation of autism was very prevalent, as I do not have autism I do not know if this portrayal is correct and I am curious to see what nuerodivergent reviewers think.
However, Grace’s character arc seemed solely based on her ableism in the beginning of the book. She and her friends treated Jack, the autistic character, horribly. Grace learns this is wrong, but as her only character arc it seemed offensive and I cringed multiple times with what she said. I also would have liked to see more racial representation. From the descriptions of the characters, they all seemed white and as this book was published in 2019, I think it was not up to par with the representation that is expected now.
I would recommend this book to people who want to learn more about the MeToo movement, although not a large part of the book, it was most of the plot.
Content warning for ableism, rape (not portrayed graphically), attempted rape, coercion, and sexual assault
Age range: 12 or 13+
July 7, 2020
3.5 stars.
I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did! But golly, it hooked me in and kept dragging me down. I couldn’t put it down! I was invested in the storyline like it was a teenage drama (which, it pretty much was), and I was sucked into the lives of these Brisbane teenagers who were going through high school. It actually brought me back to my own high school days, and makes me wonder whether I had experienced anything that the characters did?? Like, not to the extent of coercion that they did, but like did I witness it? Did I say anything? Would I speak out if I’d known? I really liked the representation of an autistic character and also a character with Down syndrome, but I was a bit disappointment (and not really surprised, I suppose), by the lack of race representation. 🤷🏻♀️🤔
I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did! But golly, it hooked me in and kept dragging me down. I couldn’t put it down! I was invested in the storyline like it was a teenage drama (which, it pretty much was), and I was sucked into the lives of these Brisbane teenagers who were going through high school. It actually brought me back to my own high school days, and makes me wonder whether I had experienced anything that the characters did?? Like, not to the extent of coercion that they did, but like did I witness it? Did I say anything? Would I speak out if I’d known? I really liked the representation of an autistic character and also a character with Down syndrome, but I was a bit disappointment (and not really surprised, I suppose), by the lack of race representation. 🤷🏻♀️🤔
September 4, 2025
Grace's best friend Mikaela has suddenly ghosted her. It isn't as if she's the only one to receive the no-contact treatment. Mikaela's boyfriend Cooper seems at a loss.
In talking to Grace about what she knows about Mikaela's mysterious disappearance, they slowly begin a different kind of relationship. Grace begins to move into a scene that is like nothing she's ever known before. She's with the popular in-crowd, welcome at parties, pressured from all sides to move beyond the moral boundaries that she's comfortable with, emotionally and mentally manipulated without even realising what's happening.
Raw themes are sensitively dealt with, including date rape and bullying of the disabled. Minor number of swearwords included.
In talking to Grace about what she knows about Mikaela's mysterious disappearance, they slowly begin a different kind of relationship. Grace begins to move into a scene that is like nothing she's ever known before. She's with the popular in-crowd, welcome at parties, pressured from all sides to move beyond the moral boundaries that she's comfortable with, emotionally and mentally manipulated without even realising what's happening.
Raw themes are sensitively dealt with, including date rape and bullying of the disabled. Minor number of swearwords included.
July 29, 2021
I really loved Catriona's style of writing in this. I felt very close to Grace throughout the story and reading her get sucked into a terrible situation had me on the edge of my seat. I did find sections a bit triggering so if you have a history of sexual assault I would recommend you be cautious as you read but it was very therapeutic to read her get control of the situation and come out the other side. I really loved this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
I wish this book was around when I was in highschool. Even if you experience different issues, it is empowering to know we have a voice. A valid, powerful and worthy voice. Life as a teenager is hard, but books like this that not only tell a story but also hold a very valid and important message are very valuable. All teenage girls should read this book (and their parents:))
January 16, 2021
Memphis Grace will appeal hugely to Elvis fans. It's a nice read that explores teen relationships and what happens when they go wrong. It's uplifting and shows that it's never to late to stand up for yourself and believe in who you are not conform to what/who others feel you should be just to fit in.
December 3, 2019
Many thanks to Reading Time who provided a copy of this book for my honest review. http://readingtime.com.au
Trigger Warnings: rape; sexual coercion; bullying
‘One person can tell a story, but its power grows when other voices join it.’
McKeown has written an engaging and intensely honest novel exploring the confusing and, at times, painful high school years.
Graceland is in Year 10 at a Queensland co-ed high school. Life is complicated: her best friend, Mikaela has suddenly left school without any explanation and is not answering her calls; Grace is dealing (or more to the point, not dealing) with the accidental death of her younger brother, who had Downs Syndrome, and she suddenly finds herself being noticed by Cooper, the coolest boy in school, who also happens to be Mikaela’s ex-boyfriend.
As her relationship with Cooper develops, we learn more about why Mikaela left and Cooper’s true colours start to be revealed.
Memphis Grace deals with some very hefty issues without being heavy handed or judgemental. I believe many young adult readers will relate to the pressure felt by Grace to look and act a certain way. Grace has firm ideas about what is right and is not afraid to stand up for them. When pressured to drink alcohol at a party, she responds with ‘My mum drinks a fair bit. It’s not pleasant… there’s not a single adult in my life who isn’t either drunk or sobering up so they can go stock up to get drunk again. And they all live completely miserable lives.’ Grace is determined to finish school and go to University to study nursing; she does not want to repeat her mother’s mistakes. You can’t help but fall in love with Grace.
As an adult reader, I heard alarm bells ringing from the start regarding Cooper and his smooth talk. To an inexperienced girl, his words would sound romantic, to me they sounded downright creepy: ‘ …I want you all to myself, Grace McKay. In fact, I’m determined to make you mine. Cooper puts more and more pressure on Grace to have sex with him: …if you really loved me, you would give it to me…’ It made my skin crawl. When Mikaela reveals to Grace the real reason for her leaving, Grace begins to realise that Cooper is not who she thinks he is.
How Grace and her friends deal with Cooper’s actions is very satisfying. McKeown cleverly ties in the #MeToo movement, highlighting the relevance of this story to young adult readers today. Don’t be deterred by what happens to Grace as this book is all about courage, friendship and ultimately empowerment.
While this novel deals with confronting subject matter, there are no explicit descriptions of what happens, making this suitable for readers in lower high school. It would be wonderful for boys to read this book and learn how men should behave, but unfortunately, the cover will make it hard to sell to them. Highly recommended for readers 13+.
Trigger Warnings: rape; sexual coercion; bullying
‘One person can tell a story, but its power grows when other voices join it.’
McKeown has written an engaging and intensely honest novel exploring the confusing and, at times, painful high school years.
Graceland is in Year 10 at a Queensland co-ed high school. Life is complicated: her best friend, Mikaela has suddenly left school without any explanation and is not answering her calls; Grace is dealing (or more to the point, not dealing) with the accidental death of her younger brother, who had Downs Syndrome, and she suddenly finds herself being noticed by Cooper, the coolest boy in school, who also happens to be Mikaela’s ex-boyfriend.
As her relationship with Cooper develops, we learn more about why Mikaela left and Cooper’s true colours start to be revealed.
Memphis Grace deals with some very hefty issues without being heavy handed or judgemental. I believe many young adult readers will relate to the pressure felt by Grace to look and act a certain way. Grace has firm ideas about what is right and is not afraid to stand up for them. When pressured to drink alcohol at a party, she responds with ‘My mum drinks a fair bit. It’s not pleasant… there’s not a single adult in my life who isn’t either drunk or sobering up so they can go stock up to get drunk again. And they all live completely miserable lives.’ Grace is determined to finish school and go to University to study nursing; she does not want to repeat her mother’s mistakes. You can’t help but fall in love with Grace.
As an adult reader, I heard alarm bells ringing from the start regarding Cooper and his smooth talk. To an inexperienced girl, his words would sound romantic, to me they sounded downright creepy: ‘ …I want you all to myself, Grace McKay. In fact, I’m determined to make you mine. Cooper puts more and more pressure on Grace to have sex with him: …if you really loved me, you would give it to me…’ It made my skin crawl. When Mikaela reveals to Grace the real reason for her leaving, Grace begins to realise that Cooper is not who she thinks he is.
How Grace and her friends deal with Cooper’s actions is very satisfying. McKeown cleverly ties in the #MeToo movement, highlighting the relevance of this story to young adult readers today. Don’t be deterred by what happens to Grace as this book is all about courage, friendship and ultimately empowerment.
While this novel deals with confronting subject matter, there are no explicit descriptions of what happens, making this suitable for readers in lower high school. It would be wonderful for boys to read this book and learn how men should behave, but unfortunately, the cover will make it hard to sell to them. Highly recommended for readers 13+.
October 2, 2019
Wonderful. So beautifully written and so important.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews