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Erased
There’s that moment – you know the moment – when you emerge from sub-consciousness and enter full awareness. Now imagine reaching that moment with a pounding head, throbbing body, hospital ID band around your wrist, and no memory. No idea why you hurt the way you do, or how you got where you are. No clue what your own name is, or who the people next to you are.
I’m seventeen-year-old Ryan Farnsworth, and that’s what happened to me. Now I have to walk a mile in my own, unfamiliar shoes; view myself through the eyes of a perfect stranger; live the life a former me chose. I also need to figure out why that former me tried to kill me.
I’m seventeen-year-old Ryan Farnsworth, and that’s what happened to me. Now I have to walk a mile in my own, unfamiliar shoes; view myself through the eyes of a perfect stranger; live the life a former me chose. I also need to figure out why that former me tried to kill me.
344 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2013
About the author
Margaret Chatwin
11 books61 followersI think I was a writer before I could even write. I can remember lying awake in my bed as a small child dreaming up characters and adventures for them to take. When I reached the age of thirteen, (which was a million years ago) my imagination could no loner be kept within the confines of my own head and I began to write them down. Many a summer I laid out in the back yard on the lawn chair with a pen and a note book. I’ve since graduated to a couch and a laptop, but I’m still writing.
My all time favorite genre to write is young adult. I’ve tried to grow up a few times and write adult novels, but I always find myself going back to my roots. YAY YA!
All of my books can be purchased at Amazon.com
And come hit “like” on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Margar...
My all time favorite genre to write is young adult. I’ve tried to grow up a few times and write adult novels, but I always find myself going back to my roots. YAY YA!
All of my books can be purchased at Amazon.com
And come hit “like” on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Margar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 26, 2014
(Book read and reviewed for {Read It & Reap 315} in the Shut Up And Read group.)
This is the second book I read by this author, and like the previous one, I found it very easy to get into the story, always wanting to read "just one more chapter" before having to put it down. There was something pretty compelling to the writing, to the way the main character went about his life (though I'd have a hard time explaining how exactly such an effect was achieved).
In any case, I found "Erased" to be an interesting take on the themes of amnesia and, most of all, second chances. Ryan, the main character, is just coming back from a three-month stay in the hospital after a horrible car crash, with barely any memory of his family, his friends, and what his old life used to be. All he knows in the beginning is that his accident was very likely a suicide attempt... but of course, he doesn't know why he wanted to kill himself, and trying to reclaim his life, in between coping with his body that's far from done healing, is already hard enough a job as it is.
And this is where things are interesting, because the cracks start quickly showing under an apparently pristine surface, cracks Ryan may or may not have noticed before. Now that he's more of a watcher, someone who observes the lives of those strangers called "parents" and "brother" and "girlfriend", he's also able to see them for what they really are, or at least, for what they might have made him feel before. The teenager he used to be—popular, football star, with plenty of friends and a gorgeous girlfriend—may not have been such a stellar person. Ryan's brother is clearly hostile, in a justified way that Ryan just can't understand because, well, he doesn't remember, all that simply. And then, there's Paige, the first person Ryan actually makes friends with post-accident, the one he remembers making friends with, which makes a huge difference.
Ryan was given a second chance, one to make things right, or at the very least to realise what was wrong before and not go through the same mistakes again. However, the other thing I really liked in this story was how things seemed very black and white at first, yet always had another edge, depending on whose point of view you relied. For instance, Ryan's father behaves in a very encouraging way, motivating his son to go through physical therapy, to try and do things by himself (climbing stairs...) and not get caught into remaining physically weakened; Ryan used to be an excellent football player, one who could've easily gone to college on a scholarship thanks to that, and his father keeps reminding him of that in order to make him claim back his old life. Only Ryan isn't so sure anymore he liked football that much, and feels under constant pressure... but he also doesn't dare tell his father this, caving under this very pressure, when communication could've been key here. The same way, both his parents try to help him by throwing a party for him to meet all his family and old friends again, so that he can get reacquainted with them. The result? Ryan feels at unease, overwhelmed, starts to resent their decision—but he doesn't tell them that meeting those people one by one, gradually, would've felt better for him. And Lucas, well, Lucas appears like an asshole to Ryan, for sure. However, his attitude made me wonder: how would I react if someone who had treated me badly for all my life suddenly waltzed back in without any memory, any regret of what s/he did to me? Lucas's position was one of terrible pent-up frustration with no real outlet, in fact.
Nobody's perfect here, people keep making mistakes, trying to clutch at memories, at a former life that won't come back, or not the way it used to be. I thought it was an interesting take on this theme of how to live with amnesia, how to find oneself, and also how good intentions can quickly become hurdles, because nobody's really equipped to react "the right way" to such trials. There isn't even a "right way" at all in my opinion.
On the downside, the copy I got could've done with another round of edits. I found several typos, mistakes and formatting errors that became annoying after a while. I don't know if it was my file only, though, or if other editions have the same problem. (It wouldn't be the first time a file reads oddly on my phone, but not on another tablet. I've had it happen regularly with galleys, among other things.)
Then I was torn regarding my feelings about Ryan's relationships with Paige. What I found more important here was the way things changed between Ryan and Lucas, whether such loathe between brothers could be mended or not, and this was a very moving and beautiful story to read. On the other hand, I felt Paige to be somewhat... just there. As a friend, she was all right; as a love interest, I was never sure if this was a good choice, if it was really that useful. I also wondered about a few other characters in the book, a few other relationships that could've been explored deeper (Ryan and his mother, or some of his former friends, mostly): I expected Ryan to pay more attention to those, whether it was to try and get his memories back or to understand better what kind of person he was before and what kind of things he did.
Overall, I'm giving this story 3.5 stars. I'm rounding it to 4 here because, in spite of its shortcomings, I really liked seeing how Ryan discovered the boy he was before, struggled with the idea, yet still tried to get past it and become a better person by learning from his former self. Basically, he had to function differently (if only because he couldn't rely on even simple physical actions like keeping his balance), and I think he went through this in believable ways, including bouts of depression, of denial, but also of acceptance and will to become a new person, a self he could look in the face without being ashamed.
This is the second book I read by this author, and like the previous one, I found it very easy to get into the story, always wanting to read "just one more chapter" before having to put it down. There was something pretty compelling to the writing, to the way the main character went about his life (though I'd have a hard time explaining how exactly such an effect was achieved).
In any case, I found "Erased" to be an interesting take on the themes of amnesia and, most of all, second chances. Ryan, the main character, is just coming back from a three-month stay in the hospital after a horrible car crash, with barely any memory of his family, his friends, and what his old life used to be. All he knows in the beginning is that his accident was very likely a suicide attempt... but of course, he doesn't know why he wanted to kill himself, and trying to reclaim his life, in between coping with his body that's far from done healing, is already hard enough a job as it is.
And this is where things are interesting, because the cracks start quickly showing under an apparently pristine surface, cracks Ryan may or may not have noticed before. Now that he's more of a watcher, someone who observes the lives of those strangers called "parents" and "brother" and "girlfriend", he's also able to see them for what they really are, or at least, for what they might have made him feel before. The teenager he used to be—popular, football star, with plenty of friends and a gorgeous girlfriend—may not have been such a stellar person. Ryan's brother is clearly hostile, in a justified way that Ryan just can't understand because, well, he doesn't remember, all that simply. And then, there's Paige, the first person Ryan actually makes friends with post-accident, the one he remembers making friends with, which makes a huge difference.
Ryan was given a second chance, one to make things right, or at the very least to realise what was wrong before and not go through the same mistakes again. However, the other thing I really liked in this story was how things seemed very black and white at first, yet always had another edge, depending on whose point of view you relied. For instance, Ryan's father behaves in a very encouraging way, motivating his son to go through physical therapy, to try and do things by himself (climbing stairs...) and not get caught into remaining physically weakened; Ryan used to be an excellent football player, one who could've easily gone to college on a scholarship thanks to that, and his father keeps reminding him of that in order to make him claim back his old life. Only Ryan isn't so sure anymore he liked football that much, and feels under constant pressure... but he also doesn't dare tell his father this, caving under this very pressure, when communication could've been key here. The same way, both his parents try to help him by throwing a party for him to meet all his family and old friends again, so that he can get reacquainted with them. The result? Ryan feels at unease, overwhelmed, starts to resent their decision—but he doesn't tell them that meeting those people one by one, gradually, would've felt better for him. And Lucas, well, Lucas appears like an asshole to Ryan, for sure. However, his attitude made me wonder: how would I react if someone who had treated me badly for all my life suddenly waltzed back in without any memory, any regret of what s/he did to me? Lucas's position was one of terrible pent-up frustration with no real outlet, in fact.
Nobody's perfect here, people keep making mistakes, trying to clutch at memories, at a former life that won't come back, or not the way it used to be. I thought it was an interesting take on this theme of how to live with amnesia, how to find oneself, and also how good intentions can quickly become hurdles, because nobody's really equipped to react "the right way" to such trials. There isn't even a "right way" at all in my opinion.
On the downside, the copy I got could've done with another round of edits. I found several typos, mistakes and formatting errors that became annoying after a while. I don't know if it was my file only, though, or if other editions have the same problem. (It wouldn't be the first time a file reads oddly on my phone, but not on another tablet. I've had it happen regularly with galleys, among other things.)
Then I was torn regarding my feelings about Ryan's relationships with Paige. What I found more important here was the way things changed between Ryan and Lucas, whether such loathe between brothers could be mended or not, and this was a very moving and beautiful story to read. On the other hand, I felt Paige to be somewhat... just there. As a friend, she was all right; as a love interest, I was never sure if this was a good choice, if it was really that useful. I also wondered about a few other characters in the book, a few other relationships that could've been explored deeper (Ryan and his mother, or some of his former friends, mostly): I expected Ryan to pay more attention to those, whether it was to try and get his memories back or to understand better what kind of person he was before and what kind of things he did.
Overall, I'm giving this story 3.5 stars. I'm rounding it to 4 here because, in spite of its shortcomings, I really liked seeing how Ryan discovered the boy he was before, struggled with the idea, yet still tried to get past it and become a better person by learning from his former self. Basically, he had to function differently (if only because he couldn't rely on even simple physical actions like keeping his balance), and I think he went through this in believable ways, including bouts of depression, of denial, but also of acceptance and will to become a new person, a self he could look in the face without being ashamed.
October 27, 2014
A beautiful story filled with all the things that make the teenage years both difficult and great... except that everything is twisted because it’s told by 17-year-old Ryan Farnsworth who has just recovered from a crippling suicide attempt. Ryan’s memory has been totally erased, and now he doesn’t know who he is or what he was. Turns out that he was big man on campus, stud captain of the football team, boyfriend of the hottest girl in the school, and one of the worst bullies any educational institution ever had. There have been a lot of victims most notably his younger brother, Lucas, who might have idolized Ryan except that the years of bullying and conniving against him have left the kid almost more broken than his brother.
Enter Paige, who has just moved into the neighborhood and so has as little information Ryan as he does. They become friends, share an interest in drawing, fall in love, and then have to stand against Ryan’s old friends who are so disappointed in the new kinder gentler Ryan that they start bullying him as well. Tasha doesn’t though. Ryan’s old girlfriend wants him back and is not above blatant, hard-core seduction to get him. Ryan’s dad is part of the problem too... not necessarily a racist but certainly a guy who believes in the dominance of the upper class, he lives in dreams of Ryan’s football future, a future Ryan now realizes doesn’t even want.
ERASED is beautifully written, the dialogue is right on, the emotions and passions are real and raw (anger even more so than sex). But in the end author Margaret Chatwin leads us to a very satisfying and surprising conclusion. This is a book that was very hard for me to put down, kept me awake far into the night, and left me missing the friends I had made in its pages.
Enter Paige, who has just moved into the neighborhood and so has as little information Ryan as he does. They become friends, share an interest in drawing, fall in love, and then have to stand against Ryan’s old friends who are so disappointed in the new kinder gentler Ryan that they start bullying him as well. Tasha doesn’t though. Ryan’s old girlfriend wants him back and is not above blatant, hard-core seduction to get him. Ryan’s dad is part of the problem too... not necessarily a racist but certainly a guy who believes in the dominance of the upper class, he lives in dreams of Ryan’s football future, a future Ryan now realizes doesn’t even want.
ERASED is beautifully written, the dialogue is right on, the emotions and passions are real and raw (anger even more so than sex). But in the end author Margaret Chatwin leads us to a very satisfying and surprising conclusion. This is a book that was very hard for me to put down, kept me awake far into the night, and left me missing the friends I had made in its pages.
January 13, 2014
I began reading Margaret Chatwin's ERASED yesterday, while using the elliptical machine during my lunch hour. Well, I ended up pedaling until my legs went numb and my lunch hour extended into two!
This book is a potent depiction of second-chances. Written from teen jock Ryan's POV, the story opens with Ryan returning to a home -- and a family -- he can't remember hardly able to stand let alone walk. Injuries he sustained in a single-car crash nearly killed him and took a three-month hospital stay to repair.
Margaret's teen voice is compelling, though I'd have preferred she spell out curses instead of abbreviate them. Ryan's a lost boy and his pain -- both physical and emotional -- is palpable on every page. I had a few raised eyebrows at some of the spelling forms -- woosies instead of wussies, for example, but those were easily overlooked in what's a beautifully told story of love -- love of oneself and love for one's brother.
Speaking of brothers, that's my favorite aspect of this story. Yes, there's a romance when Ryan wanders from home, gets lost, and meets Paige, but his relationship with Luc, his younger brother, is the miracle of this book. I'm sure many readers will be able to identify with favoritism and feeling second-best but the ways Luc experiences and (minor spoiler alert!) reconciles these emotions ripped me apart.
You know, people often toss around the phrase, 'starting over' but nobody really does it. How can you? Read Ryan's story. He does and Ryan 2.0 is a much better version, trust me :)
This book is a potent depiction of second-chances. Written from teen jock Ryan's POV, the story opens with Ryan returning to a home -- and a family -- he can't remember hardly able to stand let alone walk. Injuries he sustained in a single-car crash nearly killed him and took a three-month hospital stay to repair.
Margaret's teen voice is compelling, though I'd have preferred she spell out curses instead of abbreviate them. Ryan's a lost boy and his pain -- both physical and emotional -- is palpable on every page. I had a few raised eyebrows at some of the spelling forms -- woosies instead of wussies, for example, but those were easily overlooked in what's a beautifully told story of love -- love of oneself and love for one's brother.
Speaking of brothers, that's my favorite aspect of this story. Yes, there's a romance when Ryan wanders from home, gets lost, and meets Paige, but his relationship with Luc, his younger brother, is the miracle of this book. I'm sure many readers will be able to identify with favoritism and feeling second-best but the ways Luc experiences and (minor spoiler alert!) reconciles these emotions ripped me apart.
You know, people often toss around the phrase, 'starting over' but nobody really does it. How can you? Read Ryan's story. He does and Ryan 2.0 is a much better version, trust me :)
June 18, 2013
A surprisingly compelling read, though the dialogue was a little clunky and the characters a little inconsistent sometimes. It works mostly as a take-down of "toxic masculinity"; it's a What If? story about what would happen to this type of guy if everything got stripped away, in this case quite literally via amnesia. I kind of wish that the author had gone even further with the idea, and had the main character Ryan exploring even more issues re gender, socioeconomic status, etc., in addition to the familial relationships and such.
As it stands, it's still pretty good YA. Could benefit from one more round of copy-editing, as with many indie novels, but the mistakes didn't really affect my opinion of the content.
As it stands, it's still pretty good YA. Could benefit from one more round of copy-editing, as with many indie novels, but the mistakes didn't really affect my opinion of the content.
March 28, 2018
Full disclosure: I won this book in a Goodreads contest but will not let that influence my review.
This book is about a teenage boy who was captain of the football team but barely survived a bad car wreck – probably a suicide attempt – and has no memory of who he was before, but doesn’t much like the glimpses he has into his past.
What he sees is a spoiled rich kid whose younger brother – who hates him now and torments him some – is always neglected while he is favored. There is also a girlfriend – the prettiest girl in the school – who keeps trying to seduce him, but he has met a new girl.
The boy does, in effect, end his old life and gets a new chance at life; taking advantage of that chance is difficult, though, when everyone else knows the old guy.
It’s a page turner, for sure, and I enjoyed it. It’s billed as a YA book, but some of the aforementioned seduction scenes are a bit suggestive but not graphic (probably PG-13), - and they are essential to the plot – so this is not a book for tweens but perhaps would be suitable for high schoolers.
This book is about a teenage boy who was captain of the football team but barely survived a bad car wreck – probably a suicide attempt – and has no memory of who he was before, but doesn’t much like the glimpses he has into his past.
What he sees is a spoiled rich kid whose younger brother – who hates him now and torments him some – is always neglected while he is favored. There is also a girlfriend – the prettiest girl in the school – who keeps trying to seduce him, but he has met a new girl.
The boy does, in effect, end his old life and gets a new chance at life; taking advantage of that chance is difficult, though, when everyone else knows the old guy.
It’s a page turner, for sure, and I enjoyed it. It’s billed as a YA book, but some of the aforementioned seduction scenes are a bit suggestive but not graphic (probably PG-13), - and they are essential to the plot – so this is not a book for tweens but perhaps would be suitable for high schoolers.
March 1, 2018
Fascinating
I want this in a goodreads first reads giveaway.
I thought of this but not knowing what to think it is out of my usual genre but I needed something different. Different is exactly what I got and I loved it. I love the main character Ryan with all of his flaws and his blunt honesty to the readers. I feel like the other was able to capture the perfect emotions and thoughts of a teenage boy dealing with deep issues. I don’t know what I would do if I woke up with no memory and not really liking who I was. It was worth a read and I am thrilled I read it. I’m already recommending it to my friends.
I want this in a goodreads first reads giveaway.
I thought of this but not knowing what to think it is out of my usual genre but I needed something different. Different is exactly what I got and I loved it. I love the main character Ryan with all of his flaws and his blunt honesty to the readers. I feel like the other was able to capture the perfect emotions and thoughts of a teenage boy dealing with deep issues. I don’t know what I would do if I woke up with no memory and not really liking who I was. It was worth a read and I am thrilled I read it. I’m already recommending it to my friends.
September 22, 2014
contacted the Author Margaret Chatwin about this book, and she gave me a copy in exchange for a review.
Ryan was speeding and busted through the guard rail, sailed out over the ravine and landed at the bottom in a barely recognizable crumpled mess. He was not wearing his seat belt. A botched suicide attempt is what they tell Ryan, but he doesn't remember a thing. Ryan wakes up with no memories about his life and a badly broken body. He can recall everything else that has happened all these years, just nothing about his own life. One hundred and three days excruciating days is how long Ryan was in the hospital. The man and woman that have been at his side are his parents Wendy and Craig Farnswordsworth, they are taking him home to the huge house that they live in. Ryan has a terrible limp, and has to be carried up steps by his father. His life is very humble now. We meet Lucas the younger brother Ryan has seen once at the hospital and in family pictures. You get a very distinct picture of the nasty home life Lucas has, a verbal and sometimes physical abusive one. One that stars Ryan as a monster towards everyone especially Lucas .Ryan was an entitled rich kid and the captain of the football team and king of his school. There is a home coming party for Ryan, and we meet Zane his once best friend. It is a funny meeting!!!Ryan is very overwhelmed by being thrown into a party with so many people and freaks out and leaves and gets lost. He meets Paige someone that doesn't know him because she is new in town. She is the one person he feels comfortable around because she is the only person that isn't waiting for him to became himself again. Page likes Ryan for the wonderful person he has become. There is also Tasha the head cheerleader and most beautiful girl in town. She is very pushy and aggressive with Ryan,she wants her fearless and entitled Ryan back. Tasha is the first memory Ryan has and this complicates his feelings very much! I really enjoyed this book! I was worried about how Ryan was going to react when he found out the kind of monster he was. I wondered if Lucas was going to hurt Ryan like when he use to beat him? Was it a suicide attempt or was it a murder attempt? I swore Zane (The Best friend that took over Ryan's life while he was in the hospital) tried to kill Ryan. You will have to read the book to find these things out. I really like the new Ryan and I was routing for him! I wanted him to retain the wonderful person he has turned into. It is so easy to get lost in the characters in this book, and to wonder who should Ryan really trust? You swear I will only read a few more pages then off to bed or the real world!! Alas you find it was more like a few more chapters! Margaret Chatwin is a wonderful author, and she had me fooled at the end of the book about who Ryan would end up with and I loved every moment of it! There are a lot of secrets that come out and a lot of excitement! We do find out what sent Ryan over the edge that night and it hurts!! We see what a terrible dark place he was in before he took off that night that everything changed.This is a wonderful book ,I laughed a lot and cried many times! The end really touched me and I cried for a while after I finished! I highly recommend this book!!!
Ryan was speeding and busted through the guard rail, sailed out over the ravine and landed at the bottom in a barely recognizable crumpled mess. He was not wearing his seat belt. A botched suicide attempt is what they tell Ryan, but he doesn't remember a thing. Ryan wakes up with no memories about his life and a badly broken body. He can recall everything else that has happened all these years, just nothing about his own life. One hundred and three days excruciating days is how long Ryan was in the hospital. The man and woman that have been at his side are his parents Wendy and Craig Farnswordsworth, they are taking him home to the huge house that they live in. Ryan has a terrible limp, and has to be carried up steps by his father. His life is very humble now. We meet Lucas the younger brother Ryan has seen once at the hospital and in family pictures. You get a very distinct picture of the nasty home life Lucas has, a verbal and sometimes physical abusive one. One that stars Ryan as a monster towards everyone especially Lucas .Ryan was an entitled rich kid and the captain of the football team and king of his school. There is a home coming party for Ryan, and we meet Zane his once best friend. It is a funny meeting!!!Ryan is very overwhelmed by being thrown into a party with so many people and freaks out and leaves and gets lost. He meets Paige someone that doesn't know him because she is new in town. She is the one person he feels comfortable around because she is the only person that isn't waiting for him to became himself again. Page likes Ryan for the wonderful person he has become. There is also Tasha the head cheerleader and most beautiful girl in town. She is very pushy and aggressive with Ryan,she wants her fearless and entitled Ryan back. Tasha is the first memory Ryan has and this complicates his feelings very much! I really enjoyed this book! I was worried about how Ryan was going to react when he found out the kind of monster he was. I wondered if Lucas was going to hurt Ryan like when he use to beat him? Was it a suicide attempt or was it a murder attempt? I swore Zane (The Best friend that took over Ryan's life while he was in the hospital) tried to kill Ryan. You will have to read the book to find these things out. I really like the new Ryan and I was routing for him! I wanted him to retain the wonderful person he has turned into. It is so easy to get lost in the characters in this book, and to wonder who should Ryan really trust? You swear I will only read a few more pages then off to bed or the real world!! Alas you find it was more like a few more chapters! Margaret Chatwin is a wonderful author, and she had me fooled at the end of the book about who Ryan would end up with and I loved every moment of it! There are a lot of secrets that come out and a lot of excitement! We do find out what sent Ryan over the edge that night and it hurts!! We see what a terrible dark place he was in before he took off that night that everything changed.This is a wonderful book ,I laughed a lot and cried many times! The end really touched me and I cried for a while after I finished! I highly recommend this book!!!
August 13, 2013
My Favorite Lines:
“If you think I’m over-exaggerating or being whiny when I say that, you go throw yourself off of a cliff, break damn near every bone in your body and then get back to me about the matter.”
“It’s weird enough being in a foreign place, but now this place is packed with complete strangers that know more about me than I know about myself.”
“I don’t think she’s stopped looking at me since I got up off the grass. It’s a different way of looking at someone. Not like she’s crushing on me. Not like she feels sorry for me. Not like she dislikes me, either. I can’t figure it out, but it makes me want to stare back at her in hopes of getting it.”
“‘What if they begin to discover they don’t really like who they used to be?’”
What I Thought:
I would have finished this book in one sitting if my husband didn’t think it was a good idea to go to bed at a slightly reasonable hour. But the first thought I had when I woke up was to finish it.
This book has everything. Captivating characters, a believable storyline, and originality. It’s really, really hard to find a genuinely good YA book anymore (at least one that doesn’t center around some sort of paranormal) but this book is it.
Ryan was an amazing character, and I don’t say that lightly. He’s likable from the start and even as his past is revealed and you find out who he used to be, you can’t help but continue to like him. He comes across really genuine and just real. He’s someone you could know and if you’re less introverted than me, maybe you already do.
The supporting characters certainly weren’t lacking, either. Lucas broke my heart at times and made me angry at other characters more than once. Paige was wonderful, and truly came across as an authentic teenaged girl. Ryan’s parents had their moments, but they seemed like an honest portrayal of how parents can be at times.
This book was well written and perfectly paced. I had to shorten my favorite lines because I started off with about ten. There were no lulls in this book, and nothing that felt like it needed more explaining. I really did feel like I’d entered Ryan’s brain through pretty much all of it.
This is another book to be added onto my ever-growing “favorites” list!
“If you think I’m over-exaggerating or being whiny when I say that, you go throw yourself off of a cliff, break damn near every bone in your body and then get back to me about the matter.”
“It’s weird enough being in a foreign place, but now this place is packed with complete strangers that know more about me than I know about myself.”
“I don’t think she’s stopped looking at me since I got up off the grass. It’s a different way of looking at someone. Not like she’s crushing on me. Not like she feels sorry for me. Not like she dislikes me, either. I can’t figure it out, but it makes me want to stare back at her in hopes of getting it.”
“‘What if they begin to discover they don’t really like who they used to be?’”
What I Thought:
I would have finished this book in one sitting if my husband didn’t think it was a good idea to go to bed at a slightly reasonable hour. But the first thought I had when I woke up was to finish it.
This book has everything. Captivating characters, a believable storyline, and originality. It’s really, really hard to find a genuinely good YA book anymore (at least one that doesn’t center around some sort of paranormal) but this book is it.
Ryan was an amazing character, and I don’t say that lightly. He’s likable from the start and even as his past is revealed and you find out who he used to be, you can’t help but continue to like him. He comes across really genuine and just real. He’s someone you could know and if you’re less introverted than me, maybe you already do.
The supporting characters certainly weren’t lacking, either. Lucas broke my heart at times and made me angry at other characters more than once. Paige was wonderful, and truly came across as an authentic teenaged girl. Ryan’s parents had their moments, but they seemed like an honest portrayal of how parents can be at times.
This book was well written and perfectly paced. I had to shorten my favorite lines because I started off with about ten. There were no lulls in this book, and nothing that felt like it needed more explaining. I really did feel like I’d entered Ryan’s brain through pretty much all of it.
This is another book to be added onto my ever-growing “favorites” list!
July 21, 2014
The concept of Erased was very interesting. Ryan Farnsworth begins the book by getting in a car accident and the first chapter picks up a few months later when he's returning home from the hospital. Ryan has no memory of why he drove his car off the road let alone who he is. His parents try to get him back into his old life as soon as possible but it's obvious that he's not the same person mentally or physically. His injuries didn't just cause him amnesia, they also left him with sever muscle loss and constant pain. He quickly starts to learn that the old Ryan wasn't a very nice person and treated others horribly and tries to rebuild relationships with those he's hurt.
I liked Ryan and the idea that he was learning about himself and trying to be a better man than he was before. I think the story could have dug a little bit deeper in terms of his relationships with others and his questioning who he once was. He barely interacts with his mother and has a shallow relationship with his father and the main focus of the novel is Ryan's attempts to build a relationship with his brother who he has more or less tortured from birth. He begins dating the new girl in town, Paige, but we're never really given much reason to like her except that she doesn't push Ryan and seems to accept that he has limitations and not push too much.
I did receive a free copy of the novel in exchange for a review.
I liked Ryan and the idea that he was learning about himself and trying to be a better man than he was before. I think the story could have dug a little bit deeper in terms of his relationships with others and his questioning who he once was. He barely interacts with his mother and has a shallow relationship with his father and the main focus of the novel is Ryan's attempts to build a relationship with his brother who he has more or less tortured from birth. He begins dating the new girl in town, Paige, but we're never really given much reason to like her except that she doesn't push Ryan and seems to accept that he has limitations and not push too much.
I did receive a free copy of the novel in exchange for a review.
January 1, 2015
I got this for free on Amazon and that makes me glad. there' s nothing better then a great book for free.
Ryan is 17 and just woke up after being in a coma, that’s not his only and or worse problem since he’s suffering from amnesia and has multiple scars and a limping leg. The thing is what ended up in the hospital in the first place is that he did it on purpose he tried to off himself.
We learn about Ryan struggles when is he’s trying to get back on his feet which is very hard; he struggles when he founds out he wasn't such a nice guy. Ryan’s family dynamics is fucked up and he’s trying to remember why everything is the way is it and why his brother hates him.
I liked Ryan , I liked that he was real and trying to find himself back. I felt for his brother.
This was an great read, the writing was good.
I will be watching this author.
Ryan is 17 and just woke up after being in a coma, that’s not his only and or worse problem since he’s suffering from amnesia and has multiple scars and a limping leg. The thing is what ended up in the hospital in the first place is that he did it on purpose he tried to off himself.
We learn about Ryan struggles when is he’s trying to get back on his feet which is very hard; he struggles when he founds out he wasn't such a nice guy. Ryan’s family dynamics is fucked up and he’s trying to remember why everything is the way is it and why his brother hates him.
I liked Ryan , I liked that he was real and trying to find himself back. I felt for his brother.
This was an great read, the writing was good.
I will be watching this author.
July 14, 2014
*An e-copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.*
Erased by Margaret Chatwin is a compelling young adult novel about second chances. Although Ryan has had a terrible car accident and is suffering from amnesia he confronts his demons head on.
As he begins to regain memories, he is shocked by his past and wants to make amends to those around him.
A read with a positive message.
Erased by Margaret Chatwin is a compelling young adult novel about second chances. Although Ryan has had a terrible car accident and is suffering from amnesia he confronts his demons head on.
As he begins to regain memories, he is shocked by his past and wants to make amends to those around him.
A read with a positive message.
August 4, 2016
Great Read
I enjoyed this uplifting story! It kept me interested and I found that I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I enjoyed this uplifting story! It kept me interested and I found that I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading more by this author.
February 13, 2018
This is a great novel that I’m sure everyone, teens and adults alike, would get something out of reading. The author allows you to connect at the characters on the deepest level, feel their pain, enjoy their successes, actually care about them. The relationships between the characters in this book, especially the familial relationships, but also between friends and significant others, will stick with me long after finishing. The idea of the book is this: What if you could take a look at your life completely from the outside without having any preconceptions? What changes would you make? What relationships are important? This story, in which an amnesic teenager gets the opportunity to reinvent himself as the person he wants to be, shows the reader that you never really know what is going on in someone else’s life, in their head, and what struggles they are dealing with. Even those who are popular, whom others want to be, who seem to have everything, have their own internal battles that they may not let the world see. Another very strong component to this story has to do with bullying and the unseen side effects this can have in all aspects people’s lives. It was a difficult to experience along with the main character his debut into his new life, with who he was in the past trying to get in his way of who he has become. Highly recommended for everyone.
September 16, 2013
Erased is about a teenage boy named Ryan Farnsworth, a high school football star, girl-magnet, and the most popular guy in school. In the opening chapter, he is engaged in a terrible car crash when his sports car at high speed plunges into a ravine. He wakes up a physical and amnesiac mess, patched together with nuts and bolts, the bones in his body cracked, fractured or broken. He doesn't remember his past, not even his handsome wealthy parents, Wendy and Craig Farnsworth. And so begins Ryan's painful story of recovery and self-discovery, the latter as mentally agonizing as the physical rehabilitation of his broken body.
This is a well written book as far as prose, dialogue, and description of Ryan's mental, physical, and social state are concerned. His character is well-drawn digging deep into his psyche so that we experience his misery, pain, and diminished hopes. His debilitating injuries are painfully real; one can almost grimace with each step he makes. His mental anguish is equally real and many times, I felt genuinely sorry for this young man who had so much going for him in the past. The car crash scene is well done, such that we don't know if it was really a suicide (that every character in the book assumes) or just foolish daredevil driving. If it was indeed suicide, the question that begs answering is: why would he want to commit suicide in the zenith of his youth? And so we turn the page and follow the intriguing journey.
This book is not for the faint of heart and I would imagine one has to be a special kind of reader to go through this book. I wouldn't be understating it when I say this novel is depressing and one would need to pop some Xanax by the time he or she finishes the story. There is no let up on the disheartening chapters, the narrative moving from one painful scene to another, piling on the pain, the family bickering, the interminable conflicts, and Ryan's misery, frustrations, and insecurity. It's like going around and around in a toxic maze without the salvation of an exit. Subordinate characters are mostly cookie-cutter, their flaws and personalities revealed very early on in the novel. It would have been better if the revelations were given to us in nuanced dribbles, so that the readers can grow with the characters. But all the discoveries were telegraphed in advance, in an in-your-face fashion, i.e. the reason for the family conflict, Ryan's past persona or why people behaved the way they do around him. From the outset, the father is a generic "bad father" character, pushing his power-trip ideals on his sons, in repetitive reinforcing scenes, eliminating chances for growth and surprises. The only sympathetic character I found in the first third of the book was the mother, who genuinely loves Ryan and would do anything for him, only to be given a cold shoulder by the injured son (since he feels he doesn't know her). The family squabble is non-stop, featuring a repetition of similar scenes. From the opening chapters, we know that the father fosters (and even dictates) Ryan's superiority/boorish behavior of the past; we know that the mother is meek and submissive; we know Ryan's brother Luc hates him because of the family's lopsided preference to Ryan and Ryan's bullying ways at home and in school; We know that Ryan used to be the leader of the school "Mean Boys." Why the students avoid Ryan and are still in awe of him in his broken state is suspect and lacks verisimilitude.
I must admit I had a difficult time reading the first half of this book, That the characters are generically unlikeable made it doubly so.
Did the story get better? In fact, it did, when lovely and artistic Paige, dubbed "trailer trash" by Ryan's mean friends finally enters the story. She is like a ray of sunshine, glowing with inner beauty. Ryan, with his memory erased, begins to treasure his friendship with her, even becomes terribly attracted to her, taking up sketching at the expense of his pre-car crash girlfriend Tasha (the most beautiful and popular girl in school) to whom Ryan's father is shamelessly pushing him toward. This developing relationship with Paige and Ryan's evolving view of the world behind new sympathetic eyes actually redeems the story for me. At this point, Ryan is no longer a cold, ungrateful, whimpering person but one whose entire persona, (despite his disabilities), is changing in a good way. His character kept me reading the book, and he honestly grew on me. I truly felt sorry for the guy, his physical and mental condition, and his disintegrating family life. His evolving relationship with brother Luc also added to the interest. I wanted to find out what happens to him, whether he will succeed or succumb in his new persona, which I think is the mark of a true underdog protagonist, the book's greatest asset. I mean, come on, the concept is a good one. Who wouldn't want to follow a protagonist who used to be a popular but mean, big-headed, bully, whose memory is suddenly erased only to discover that he is nothing but a brute and thus is determined to change his ways.
In short, my view of this book is two-sided, in an oxymoron kind of way. It has honest depth of character (Ryan and Paige), but also shallowness and predictability in most others. I disliked it, but I also couldn't help but turn the pages. And with a last page reflection, I can honestly say I even liked the journey, the second half anyway. With diligent rewrite and mercilessly pruning to avoid repetitive overbearing scenes, this has the makings for a really terrific book. And yes, I do recommend this book. Just get your happy pill ready. I'd say 3 to 4 stars.
This is a well written book as far as prose, dialogue, and description of Ryan's mental, physical, and social state are concerned. His character is well-drawn digging deep into his psyche so that we experience his misery, pain, and diminished hopes. His debilitating injuries are painfully real; one can almost grimace with each step he makes. His mental anguish is equally real and many times, I felt genuinely sorry for this young man who had so much going for him in the past. The car crash scene is well done, such that we don't know if it was really a suicide (that every character in the book assumes) or just foolish daredevil driving. If it was indeed suicide, the question that begs answering is: why would he want to commit suicide in the zenith of his youth? And so we turn the page and follow the intriguing journey.
This book is not for the faint of heart and I would imagine one has to be a special kind of reader to go through this book. I wouldn't be understating it when I say this novel is depressing and one would need to pop some Xanax by the time he or she finishes the story. There is no let up on the disheartening chapters, the narrative moving from one painful scene to another, piling on the pain, the family bickering, the interminable conflicts, and Ryan's misery, frustrations, and insecurity. It's like going around and around in a toxic maze without the salvation of an exit. Subordinate characters are mostly cookie-cutter, their flaws and personalities revealed very early on in the novel. It would have been better if the revelations were given to us in nuanced dribbles, so that the readers can grow with the characters. But all the discoveries were telegraphed in advance, in an in-your-face fashion, i.e. the reason for the family conflict, Ryan's past persona or why people behaved the way they do around him. From the outset, the father is a generic "bad father" character, pushing his power-trip ideals on his sons, in repetitive reinforcing scenes, eliminating chances for growth and surprises. The only sympathetic character I found in the first third of the book was the mother, who genuinely loves Ryan and would do anything for him, only to be given a cold shoulder by the injured son (since he feels he doesn't know her). The family squabble is non-stop, featuring a repetition of similar scenes. From the opening chapters, we know that the father fosters (and even dictates) Ryan's superiority/boorish behavior of the past; we know that the mother is meek and submissive; we know Ryan's brother Luc hates him because of the family's lopsided preference to Ryan and Ryan's bullying ways at home and in school; We know that Ryan used to be the leader of the school "Mean Boys." Why the students avoid Ryan and are still in awe of him in his broken state is suspect and lacks verisimilitude.
I must admit I had a difficult time reading the first half of this book, That the characters are generically unlikeable made it doubly so.
Did the story get better? In fact, it did, when lovely and artistic Paige, dubbed "trailer trash" by Ryan's mean friends finally enters the story. She is like a ray of sunshine, glowing with inner beauty. Ryan, with his memory erased, begins to treasure his friendship with her, even becomes terribly attracted to her, taking up sketching at the expense of his pre-car crash girlfriend Tasha (the most beautiful and popular girl in school) to whom Ryan's father is shamelessly pushing him toward. This developing relationship with Paige and Ryan's evolving view of the world behind new sympathetic eyes actually redeems the story for me. At this point, Ryan is no longer a cold, ungrateful, whimpering person but one whose entire persona, (despite his disabilities), is changing in a good way. His character kept me reading the book, and he honestly grew on me. I truly felt sorry for the guy, his physical and mental condition, and his disintegrating family life. His evolving relationship with brother Luc also added to the interest. I wanted to find out what happens to him, whether he will succeed or succumb in his new persona, which I think is the mark of a true underdog protagonist, the book's greatest asset. I mean, come on, the concept is a good one. Who wouldn't want to follow a protagonist who used to be a popular but mean, big-headed, bully, whose memory is suddenly erased only to discover that he is nothing but a brute and thus is determined to change his ways.
In short, my view of this book is two-sided, in an oxymoron kind of way. It has honest depth of character (Ryan and Paige), but also shallowness and predictability in most others. I disliked it, but I also couldn't help but turn the pages. And with a last page reflection, I can honestly say I even liked the journey, the second half anyway. With diligent rewrite and mercilessly pruning to avoid repetitive overbearing scenes, this has the makings for a really terrific book. And yes, I do recommend this book. Just get your happy pill ready. I'd say 3 to 4 stars.
March 20, 2017
What drew me to read the book was its high rating mark plus the loss of memory idea.
For some reason I thought this book belongs to the thriller-mystery books, but found out that is philosophic- psychological-drama. Unfortunately I was not in the mood for reading plain drama. It is a book without any twist, just a day to day kind of diary, written by a teenager "reborn" at age 17 after a car self-accident. It is dealing with a boy that all its cognitive skills are intact but has no memories regarding his history.
Sorry. But that was not my type of genre. I was reading half the book. Got the philosophical idea after page 30, leafed through the 2nd half of the book. Realizing that it contain the same pattern and ideas.
For some reason I thought this book belongs to the thriller-mystery books, but found out that is philosophic- psychological-drama. Unfortunately I was not in the mood for reading plain drama. It is a book without any twist, just a day to day kind of diary, written by a teenager "reborn" at age 17 after a car self-accident. It is dealing with a boy that all its cognitive skills are intact but has no memories regarding his history.
Sorry. But that was not my type of genre. I was reading half the book. Got the philosophical idea after page 30, leafed through the 2nd half of the book. Realizing that it contain the same pattern and ideas.
March 1, 2018
I dont usually like books about sports and find it hard to read through books about bullies but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Such a good story about second chances, even if most of the characters in this story were actually truly horrible people who didnt deserve any kind of happy ending.
Want to Read
March 12, 2018I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
March 20, 2018
I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. I give it a solid 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story and the changes in personality that the main character, Ryan, went through. I loved the ending of the story in that it tied up everything nicely with a happy ending.
February 15, 2018
O loved loved it
I can not tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It is by far in the top four of my all time favorites. I can't wait to read more by her.
I can not tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It is by far in the top four of my all time favorites. I can't wait to read more by her.
July 31, 2014
4.5 stars
Erased was such a surprisingly good read. I thought the idea sounded interesting and right from the first page I was hooked. I loved that it was written from a guys point of view. It was just a really great book about Ryan becoming the guy he has always wanted to be and reconciling/fixing who he used to be. The main thing he needs to fix is his relationship with Luc and it really is a story of Ryan and Luc becoming brothers again. It is just a feel good book. By the end you are just happy and just...you just feel good about life. That might sound a bit lame, it sounds kind of like I am talking about a Lifetime movie or something, but it is not like that. It is not cheesy and lame, it was a great read and really hopeful. Even though I figured out what happened the night he tried to kill himself way before you actually do, it was still a great read.
The story starts with Ryan finally coming home from the hospital after he tried to kill himself by driving his car off the road. He broke a lot of bones in his body, cannot walk very well for long, or use stairs, or do many things he used to. He also cannot remember anything about his life before his accident/suicide attempt. It is pretty obvious early on what the last straw was that pushed him to try and end his life, not that that was how he should have dealt with everything. Once you see how his dad is it kind of makes even more sense.
Ryan doesn't remember anyone in his life. He doesn't recognize his friends or family members and he has a hard time trying to figure out who he is. People, especially his dad, keep telling him what he loves and such, but they don't always make sense to him. He was a great football player, but now he has no interest in the game. He likes art and finds peace creating art, but his dad is not very happy about that. He doesn't like art, he is going to work had and be back on the football field soon. Sure. It was just really interesting watching how everyone is around Ryan and how he deals with every situation.
One day his mom throws a party for him, something he definitely doesn't want. He escapes and gets lost and ends up in Paige's front yard. From then on they become closer and she is the one person who he can talk to, who stands by him and tries to help him. She is so great for him and he is able to be such good friends with her partially because she just moved to town. She is the only person who didn't know him from before the accident. She is sweet and kind and really great for Ryan.
Ryan quickly starts to find that he was not a very good person before. He treated people terribly, especially his brother. His "friends" he can't stand. He is especially upset when he sees how horrible they are to Luc. Ryan really was terrible to him, and that is not all. He quickly sees how his parents have always treated Luc as second best, not as important as Ryan. It is pretty heartbreaking watching how he used to be and how hurt Luc has been this entire time, how starved for his parents attention Luc is. Gradually Ryan is able to fix some of his past mistakes and since his accident he has tried really hard to just be a good person. Not everyone is happy about this change. His "friends" don't seem to like the new Ryan since he isn't a jerk like them. The worst part? Ryan gets feelings sometimes about how he really did care for these people that he can't stand anymore. How he really did love them and reconciling that feeling with what he knows is hard at times. He also starts standing up to his family, to his dad, and not taking the nonsense he keeps trying to feed Ryan. Man his home life is really no walk in the park. In many ways Ryan's suicide attempt and subsequent amnesia was the best thing that happened to him. He was able to get the life he always wanted, be the person he always wanted to be, and save his relationship with his brother Luc before it was too late. Really a great read and the ending just leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Erased was such a surprisingly good read. I thought the idea sounded interesting and right from the first page I was hooked. I loved that it was written from a guys point of view. It was just a really great book about Ryan becoming the guy he has always wanted to be and reconciling/fixing who he used to be. The main thing he needs to fix is his relationship with Luc and it really is a story of Ryan and Luc becoming brothers again. It is just a feel good book. By the end you are just happy and just...you just feel good about life. That might sound a bit lame, it sounds kind of like I am talking about a Lifetime movie or something, but it is not like that. It is not cheesy and lame, it was a great read and really hopeful. Even though I figured out what happened the night he tried to kill himself way before you actually do, it was still a great read.
The story starts with Ryan finally coming home from the hospital after he tried to kill himself by driving his car off the road. He broke a lot of bones in his body, cannot walk very well for long, or use stairs, or do many things he used to. He also cannot remember anything about his life before his accident/suicide attempt. It is pretty obvious early on what the last straw was that pushed him to try and end his life, not that that was how he should have dealt with everything. Once you see how his dad is it kind of makes even more sense.
Ryan doesn't remember anyone in his life. He doesn't recognize his friends or family members and he has a hard time trying to figure out who he is. People, especially his dad, keep telling him what he loves and such, but they don't always make sense to him. He was a great football player, but now he has no interest in the game. He likes art and finds peace creating art, but his dad is not very happy about that. He doesn't like art, he is going to work had and be back on the football field soon. Sure. It was just really interesting watching how everyone is around Ryan and how he deals with every situation.
One day his mom throws a party for him, something he definitely doesn't want. He escapes and gets lost and ends up in Paige's front yard. From then on they become closer and she is the one person who he can talk to, who stands by him and tries to help him. She is so great for him and he is able to be such good friends with her partially because she just moved to town. She is the only person who didn't know him from before the accident. She is sweet and kind and really great for Ryan.
Ryan quickly starts to find that he was not a very good person before. He treated people terribly, especially his brother. His "friends" he can't stand. He is especially upset when he sees how horrible they are to Luc. Ryan really was terrible to him, and that is not all. He quickly sees how his parents have always treated Luc as second best, not as important as Ryan. It is pretty heartbreaking watching how he used to be and how hurt Luc has been this entire time, how starved for his parents attention Luc is. Gradually Ryan is able to fix some of his past mistakes and since his accident he has tried really hard to just be a good person. Not everyone is happy about this change. His "friends" don't seem to like the new Ryan since he isn't a jerk like them. The worst part? Ryan gets feelings sometimes about how he really did care for these people that he can't stand anymore. How he really did love them and reconciling that feeling with what he knows is hard at times. He also starts standing up to his family, to his dad, and not taking the nonsense he keeps trying to feed Ryan. Man his home life is really no walk in the park. In many ways Ryan's suicide attempt and subsequent amnesia was the best thing that happened to him. He was able to get the life he always wanted, be the person he always wanted to be, and save his relationship with his brother Luc before it was too late. Really a great read and the ending just leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
June 13, 2019
A page turner
This story captured me right from the first page and kept me in its grip all the way through to the last page. I'm very picky when it comes to giving 5 star ratings. The story has to capture me completely and make me not want to put it down, and this story did that for me.
I won this story on goodreads... Thank you so much for choosing me.. Margaret Chatwin wrote this story in such a way that I felt like I was back in high school seeing this drama unfold in person. I would love to read more stories like this from this author.. I wish this author the very best in her future writings.
This story captured me right from the first page and kept me in its grip all the way through to the last page. I'm very picky when it comes to giving 5 star ratings. The story has to capture me completely and make me not want to put it down, and this story did that for me.
I won this story on goodreads... Thank you so much for choosing me.. Margaret Chatwin wrote this story in such a way that I felt like I was back in high school seeing this drama unfold in person. I would love to read more stories like this from this author.. I wish this author the very best in her future writings.
July 13, 2014
Find my review (also) on my Blog Bettgeschichten
I received a free copy of Erased by Margaret Chatwin in exchange for a honest review.
Let me start this review by pointing out that this book has a male protagonist, something I don’t come across often. I must admit that it was a very refreshing and fun change. This fact already lead me into liking Erased.
When I first read the synopsis of Erased on goodreads, I immediately knew that it’s exactly the type of story, which I would enjoy. It deals with memory loss and the whole process of finding yourself and your memories. I enjoy stories like this greatly, and so it comes as no surprise, when I say that I enjoyed Erased a lot.
The story we are presented with in Erased is written in a way, which comes across in a very believable and realistic way. The pace in which Ryan, the protagonist of this story, gets his memories back is amazingly good and fun. Also the way Ryan explores which former life and self is both sad and fun at the same time. And seeing him come to the conclusion, that maybe the way he was before the accident, which was declared to be a suicide attempt, wasn’t good was brilliant.
“Could I…I really need a drink. Could I maybe borrow a glass of water from you?” (Ryan)
“Borrow? Well, we might want the glass back, but you can keep the water, we have a whole sink full.” (Paige)
Also his relationship with his brother Lucas is very believable and the way it plays out over the course of the book is well paced and also adds to the level of believability of this story. And yes, I know it’s just a story so the whole ‘believable’ or not factor isn’t that important, but I enjoy it when it’s present.
Ryan is a very likable character. The way he describes everything that happens around him and inside of him is great. The further I was into the story, the more I liked Ryan.
“If you think I’m over-exaggerating or being whiny when I say that, you go throw yourself off of a cliff, break damn near every bone in your body and then get back to me about the matter.” (Ryan)
Lucas, Ryans brother, is also a very nicely crafted character. I felt sorry for him throughout most of the story, due to the way people and even his very own family treats him.
“No grounding. But it better not happen again, and if it does, the two of you had better run like hell, because I’m sick and tired of coming to school. That thing you call principal frightens me.” (Ryan’s dad)
Speaking of people, I really did hate Ryan’s former friend Zane, who just behaved like a total ass toward everybody, including Ryan. And also Tasha just annoyed me which made me root for Paige even more, because she just seemed like the right kind of girl for Ryan.
The ending and epilogue were simply perfect and made it even harder for me to say goodbye to the characters in Erased.
All in all, I had a lot of run reading the story, even though it deals with quite a hard topic, which on the other hand is exactly what I like. I can only recommend it to everybody, even though it might not be your average summer read, but it’s still a great read.
I received a free copy of Erased by Margaret Chatwin in exchange for a honest review.
Let me start this review by pointing out that this book has a male protagonist, something I don’t come across often. I must admit that it was a very refreshing and fun change. This fact already lead me into liking Erased.
When I first read the synopsis of Erased on goodreads, I immediately knew that it’s exactly the type of story, which I would enjoy. It deals with memory loss and the whole process of finding yourself and your memories. I enjoy stories like this greatly, and so it comes as no surprise, when I say that I enjoyed Erased a lot.
The story we are presented with in Erased is written in a way, which comes across in a very believable and realistic way. The pace in which Ryan, the protagonist of this story, gets his memories back is amazingly good and fun. Also the way Ryan explores which former life and self is both sad and fun at the same time. And seeing him come to the conclusion, that maybe the way he was before the accident, which was declared to be a suicide attempt, wasn’t good was brilliant.
“Could I…I really need a drink. Could I maybe borrow a glass of water from you?” (Ryan)
“Borrow? Well, we might want the glass back, but you can keep the water, we have a whole sink full.” (Paige)
Also his relationship with his brother Lucas is very believable and the way it plays out over the course of the book is well paced and also adds to the level of believability of this story. And yes, I know it’s just a story so the whole ‘believable’ or not factor isn’t that important, but I enjoy it when it’s present.
Ryan is a very likable character. The way he describes everything that happens around him and inside of him is great. The further I was into the story, the more I liked Ryan.
“If you think I’m over-exaggerating or being whiny when I say that, you go throw yourself off of a cliff, break damn near every bone in your body and then get back to me about the matter.” (Ryan)
Lucas, Ryans brother, is also a very nicely crafted character. I felt sorry for him throughout most of the story, due to the way people and even his very own family treats him.
“No grounding. But it better not happen again, and if it does, the two of you had better run like hell, because I’m sick and tired of coming to school. That thing you call principal frightens me.” (Ryan’s dad)
Speaking of people, I really did hate Ryan’s former friend Zane, who just behaved like a total ass toward everybody, including Ryan. And also Tasha just annoyed me which made me root for Paige even more, because she just seemed like the right kind of girl for Ryan.
The ending and epilogue were simply perfect and made it even harder for me to say goodbye to the characters in Erased.
All in all, I had a lot of run reading the story, even though it deals with quite a hard topic, which on the other hand is exactly what I like. I can only recommend it to everybody, even though it might not be your average summer read, but it’s still a great read.
July 25, 2014
This review is also available on Gemstreet Reviews
*** I received a copy of the this ebook through Read-It-And-Reap (Goodreads) for an honest review.***
After a long and tiring day, I was about to sleep but decided to just have a look at the book I was planning to read next. An hour and a half later I realised that sleep was a foregone thought. I could not let go of the book, it was that captivating.
As the blurb suggests, Ryan Farnsworth is a seventeen year old who has survived a suicide attempt but has lost all his memories in the process. This novel takes us through his journey as he rediscovers himself and makes amends for his past sins.
The novel opens at the suicide scene and instantly sucks you in. It is a scene that could have easily been under-or-overwhelming. It was perfectly executed. And it was a good beginning. The author is to be applauded for her realistic narrative in the book. Written from the POV of a seventeen year old, it is a believable and empathic voice .
This was not my first time reading a novel in which the protagonist lost his/her memories. But it was one of the best I have read so far. Ryan is broken, not only because of the emotional strain but also because of the physical pain. He used to be a football jock, he now has the strength of a baby. He has to accept the fact that even a simple push can land him on his ass (and it does, many times).
Ryan’s painful struggle is palpable and his emotional pain potent through each and every page. There were moments when I wanted to introduce a few of the characters to a hammer. Really, he has so many broken bones (on the mend) and no memories, and they are just interested in him reclaiming his position on the game field! Seriously?
Ryan’s father was such an a**hole at times that you just wanted to beat the guy over the head to make him see the point and decide. He was also willfully blind. Ryan’s brother Lucas is a different case altogether.
We get only one life to live, Ryan is blessed to get two. In the first he is almost a monster. In the second we see him trying to make reparations, because even though he can change himself, he cannot change the past. Though I knew of his atrocious acts, I could not bring myself to hate him. Nor could I hate Luc, though his reactions seem unjustified for a part of the story.
I personally thought that the title is appropriate in more than one way. Not only is Ryan’s memory erased, his whole personality is too. He is virtually a blank slate with a strong conscience. I also think that the title also stands true for Luc, though I won’t go into details.
For those who love a romantic angle, Ryan does have a sweet and innocent relationship. But what made this book special is the part about Luc and Ryan. It is both painful and beautiful to witness.
This is a good book. I usually tend to avoid this genre (I am not fond of high school dramas and such), but not once did I feel that this book was a wrong pick. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on another novel(same genre) by Maragret Chatwin. Enough said.
*** I received a copy of the this ebook through Read-It-And-Reap (Goodreads) for an honest review.***
After a long and tiring day, I was about to sleep but decided to just have a look at the book I was planning to read next. An hour and a half later I realised that sleep was a foregone thought. I could not let go of the book, it was that captivating.
As the blurb suggests, Ryan Farnsworth is a seventeen year old who has survived a suicide attempt but has lost all his memories in the process. This novel takes us through his journey as he rediscovers himself and makes amends for his past sins.
The novel opens at the suicide scene and instantly sucks you in. It is a scene that could have easily been under-or-overwhelming. It was perfectly executed. And it was a good beginning. The author is to be applauded for her realistic narrative in the book. Written from the POV of a seventeen year old, it is a believable and empathic voice .
This was not my first time reading a novel in which the protagonist lost his/her memories. But it was one of the best I have read so far. Ryan is broken, not only because of the emotional strain but also because of the physical pain. He used to be a football jock, he now has the strength of a baby. He has to accept the fact that even a simple push can land him on his ass (and it does, many times).
Ryan’s painful struggle is palpable and his emotional pain potent through each and every page. There were moments when I wanted to introduce a few of the characters to a hammer. Really, he has so many broken bones (on the mend) and no memories, and they are just interested in him reclaiming his position on the game field! Seriously?
Ryan’s father was such an a**hole at times that you just wanted to beat the guy over the head to make him see the point and decide. He was also willfully blind. Ryan’s brother Lucas is a different case altogether.
We get only one life to live, Ryan is blessed to get two. In the first he is almost a monster. In the second we see him trying to make reparations, because even though he can change himself, he cannot change the past. Though I knew of his atrocious acts, I could not bring myself to hate him. Nor could I hate Luc, though his reactions seem unjustified for a part of the story.
I personally thought that the title is appropriate in more than one way. Not only is Ryan’s memory erased, his whole personality is too. He is virtually a blank slate with a strong conscience. I also think that the title also stands true for Luc, though I won’t go into details.
For those who love a romantic angle, Ryan does have a sweet and innocent relationship. But what made this book special is the part about Luc and Ryan. It is both painful and beautiful to witness.
This is a good book. I usually tend to avoid this genre (I am not fond of high school dramas and such), but not once did I feel that this book was a wrong pick. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on another novel(same genre) by Maragret Chatwin. Enough said.
May 9, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
ERASED by Margaret Chatwin
I liked this book very much. The story is sweet and heart warming. It was interesting from the start on. It was easy to read and I kept wanting to know what would happen in the next chapter. The mood was right, not to overly depressing but you do get the deep feelings trough.
This book is about discovering your own individuality and be who you really are or want to be instead of letting others manipulate you and becoming someone the others want you to be. You get to know how Ryan, the It-boy, the one everyone wants to be or be friends with, tries to end his life and how after getting out of the hospital he gets to struggle with a life he can’t remember, with people who know more about him that himself. And how he gets to know new people and renew bounds with the ones he already knew but can’t remember. He gets to see his errors and become a better person, the true person he wanted to be. He gets to clear misunderstandings and tell his true feelings. And he discovers the reason for his suicide attempt.
The characters were likeable and real.
I think the way the Author Margaret Chatwin introduces Ryan to the readers is the best way possible. If the story would have started when Ryan was still his old self, not everyone would have liked him and couldn’t get into the story the same way. I, for my part, wouldn’t have liked him the way he was. This way I got to know his real self and liked him from the start.
Paige is quit likeable as well, she is kind and understanding. Exactly what Ryan needs after all the chaos he is going through.
Luc is the kind brother who is always ignored and maltreated by his family. He does some extremes things as well but does regrets the.
The whole family is chaotic and a little strange after all that happened. Ryan’s father said really stupid things to Ryan sometimes. Ryan’s mother was really nice and strong in her own way.
Zane was an ass from the start off and Tasha was really pushy. I couldn’t like any of them.
The interaction between the characters was funny and sad. You get to understand Ryan and Luc.
I can warmly recommend it.
ERASED by Margaret Chatwin
Rating: I give the book 4.5 of 5 stars
I liked this book very much. The story is sweet and heart warming. It was interesting from the start on. It was easy to read and I kept wanting to know what would happen in the next chapter. The mood was right, not to overly depressing but you do get the deep feelings trough.
This book is about discovering your own individuality and be who you really are or want to be instead of letting others manipulate you and becoming someone the others want you to be. You get to know how Ryan, the It-boy, the one everyone wants to be or be friends with, tries to end his life and how after getting out of the hospital he gets to struggle with a life he can’t remember, with people who know more about him that himself. And how he gets to know new people and renew bounds with the ones he already knew but can’t remember. He gets to see his errors and become a better person, the true person he wanted to be. He gets to clear misunderstandings and tell his true feelings. And he discovers the reason for his suicide attempt.
The characters were likeable and real.
I think the way the Author Margaret Chatwin introduces Ryan to the readers is the best way possible. If the story would have started when Ryan was still his old self, not everyone would have liked him and couldn’t get into the story the same way. I, for my part, wouldn’t have liked him the way he was. This way I got to know his real self and liked him from the start.
Paige is quit likeable as well, she is kind and understanding. Exactly what Ryan needs after all the chaos he is going through.
Luc is the kind brother who is always ignored and maltreated by his family. He does some extremes things as well but does regrets the.
The whole family is chaotic and a little strange after all that happened. Ryan’s father said really stupid things to Ryan sometimes. Ryan’s mother was really nice and strong in her own way.
Zane was an ass from the start off and Tasha was really pushy. I couldn’t like any of them.
The interaction between the characters was funny and sad. You get to understand Ryan and Luc.
I can warmly recommend it.
August 4, 2014
Disclaimer. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In a word—phenomenal. I've read a lot of books this year. And this one was amazing. At times, I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. My insides hurt.
The main character had it all. He's got the looks, the girl, friends, a doting father, supportive mother, an amazing arm (he's a star football player), and was incredibly popular. But he's also got a screwed up relationship with his family. And is scared to death (of so many things). But evidently not scared of dying.
The book starts out with a car crash and a long stay in the hospital. This teenage boy, who seemingly had it all, tried to kill himself. But he lived and got a second chance.
"It literally took erasing who I was from my memory, in order to become who I wanted to be," he says.
His failed suicide attempt was a turning point for this young man. He chose to be a different person and redeem the years of torture he inflicted upon his younger brother, Luc. He chose to really pay attention to other people and try to empathize with them (his mother, his father, people he bullied over the years). Instead of doing what was expected of him by his father, someone he did not ever want to disappoint, he embraced his passions. He became surprisingly comfortable in his own skin for someone so young. But I suppose experiencing trauma like he had can quicken one's maturity level.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading his narrative—how lost, scared and (at times) alone he felt. The writer made me feel his pain and his relief (he didn't have to stay the way he was, he could be the person he wanted to be). I earnestly would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gem. Well done!
In a word—phenomenal. I've read a lot of books this year. And this one was amazing. At times, I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. My insides hurt.
The main character had it all. He's got the looks, the girl, friends, a doting father, supportive mother, an amazing arm (he's a star football player), and was incredibly popular. But he's also got a screwed up relationship with his family. And is scared to death (of so many things). But evidently not scared of dying.
The book starts out with a car crash and a long stay in the hospital. This teenage boy, who seemingly had it all, tried to kill himself. But he lived and got a second chance.
"It literally took erasing who I was from my memory, in order to become who I wanted to be," he says.
His failed suicide attempt was a turning point for this young man. He chose to be a different person and redeem the years of torture he inflicted upon his younger brother, Luc. He chose to really pay attention to other people and try to empathize with them (his mother, his father, people he bullied over the years). Instead of doing what was expected of him by his father, someone he did not ever want to disappoint, he embraced his passions. He became surprisingly comfortable in his own skin for someone so young. But I suppose experiencing trauma like he had can quicken one's maturity level.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading his narrative—how lost, scared and (at times) alone he felt. The writer made me feel his pain and his relief (he didn't have to stay the way he was, he could be the person he wanted to be). I earnestly would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gem. Well done!
August 4, 2014
Disclaimer. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In a word—phenomenal. I've read a lot of books this year. And this one was amazing. At times, I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. My insides hurt.
The main character had it all. He's got the looks, the girl, friends, a doting father, supportive mother, an amazing arm (he's a star football player), and was incredibly popular. But he's also got a screwed up relationship with his family. And is scared to death (of so many things). But evidently not scared of dying.
The book starts out with a car crash and a long stay in the hospital. This teenage boy, who seemingly had it all, tried to kill himself. But he lived and got a second chance.
"It literally took erasing who I was from my memory, in order to become who I wanted to be," he says.
His failed suicide attempt was a turning point for this young man. He chose to be a different person and redeem the years of torture he inflicted upon his younger brother, Luc. He chose to really pay attention to other people and try to empathize with them (his mother, his father, people he bullied over the years). Instead of doing what was expected of him by his father, someone he did not ever want to disappoint, he embraced his passions. He became surprisingly comfortable in his own skin for someone so young. But I suppose experiencing trauma like he had can quicken one's maturity level.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading his narrative—how lost, scared and (at times) alone he felt. The writer made me feel his pain and his relief (he didn't have to stay the way he was, he could be the person he wanted to be). I earnestly would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gem. Well done!
In a word—phenomenal. I've read a lot of books this year. And this one was amazing. At times, I wanted to cry. I wanted to scream. My insides hurt.
The main character had it all. He's got the looks, the girl, friends, a doting father, supportive mother, an amazing arm (he's a star football player), and was incredibly popular. But he's also got a screwed up relationship with his family. And is scared to death (of so many things). But evidently not scared of dying.
The book starts out with a car crash and a long stay in the hospital. This teenage boy, who seemingly had it all, tried to kill himself. But he lived and got a second chance.
"It literally took erasing who I was from my memory, in order to become who I wanted to be," he says.
His failed suicide attempt was a turning point for this young man. He chose to be a different person and redeem the years of torture he inflicted upon his younger brother, Luc. He chose to really pay attention to other people and try to empathize with them (his mother, his father, people he bullied over the years). Instead of doing what was expected of him by his father, someone he did not ever want to disappoint, he embraced his passions. He became surprisingly comfortable in his own skin for someone so young. But I suppose experiencing trauma like he had can quicken one's maturity level.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading his narrative—how lost, scared and (at times) alone he felt. The writer made me feel his pain and his relief (he didn't have to stay the way he was, he could be the person he wanted to be). I earnestly would recommend this book to anyone looking for a gem. Well done!
July 25, 2014
I really enjoyed this book about second chances. Told from Ryan's POV, it shows Ryan's struggle as he returns home after more than 100 days in the hospital due to a car wreck. He has amnesia and debilitating injuries, with no memory of who he was or family and friends. He learns from others that he MAY have tried to kill himself, prior to ruling the school as the popular, good-looking captain of the football team.
We go on the journey with him as he tries to reconcile who he is with who he was, at least according to friends and family. Ryan discovers he wasn't such a nice guy and his relationship with his brother, Lucas, is incredibly damaged because of it.
Ryan's evolving relationships with his father, Paige, and Lucas are very important to Ryan's story, and to Ryan's attempts to reinvent himself to become a better person. It was clear that his prior "self" was not the person he intends to be going forward in life, and the relationships help him find his path. I feel, however, his relationships with his father and Paige could have been more developed. Paige was more or less just "there" for him and supported and shared his passion for art, while his father just pushed him over and over back to his former life of shallow friends and football.
My only gripe....multiple typos and editing issues. There were times I was not clear about what I was reading due to misplaced words, random page breaks or no page break when changing to another scene.
Overall a surprisingly good read.
We go on the journey with him as he tries to reconcile who he is with who he was, at least according to friends and family. Ryan discovers he wasn't such a nice guy and his relationship with his brother, Lucas, is incredibly damaged because of it.
Ryan's evolving relationships with his father, Paige, and Lucas are very important to Ryan's story, and to Ryan's attempts to reinvent himself to become a better person. It was clear that his prior "self" was not the person he intends to be going forward in life, and the relationships help him find his path. I feel, however, his relationships with his father and Paige could have been more developed. Paige was more or less just "there" for him and supported and shared his passion for art, while his father just pushed him over and over back to his former life of shallow friends and football.
My only gripe....multiple typos and editing issues. There were times I was not clear about what I was reading due to misplaced words, random page breaks or no page break when changing to another scene.
Overall a surprisingly good read.
July 13, 2014
After 103 excruciating days in the hospital recuperating from a botched suicide attempt, Ryan Farnsworth returns home to pick up the pieces of his life. However, the car wreck that almost killed him successfully robbed him of his memory: of his family, his friends, his past, everything. Erased by Margaret Chatwin is the excellent telling of Ryan’s second chance at life, his discovery of who he was and his desire to become someone better.
As the story unfolds, we slowly get glimpses of what kind of person Ryan was and what kind of life he led. We see the vestiges of his past relationships with his family and his friends and how they attempt to pick up where they left off although Ryan has undergone more changes than just those that physically apparent. Ryan tries to make the most of his chance to makeover a life that he had obviously found more painful than death.
Chatwin has created some memorable characters and memorable scenes as if she’d been a witness to their happening. The interactions and dialogue seem genuine, and the eventual resolution of the story is quite satisfyingly real. Ryan’s ultimate confrontation and confession to his father is emotionally tough.Erased is a great story with good characters, and well worth the experience of reading. There are some consistent grammar and word choice problems that keep me from giving the novel a higher rating but there is nothing that a competent editor wouldn’t easily repair.
July 24, 2014
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I had no preconceived notions going in and I simply loved it.
This story of a young man, a high school football star and his unsuccessful attempt at ending his life was so well written. I felt every emotion that Ryan Farnsworth felt. He didn't remember his former life and this book is basically his struggle to move forward and repair some of the past.
Ryan meets a girl "from the wrong side of the tracks" and is immediately drawn to her. With Paige Parker's help, he soon discovers just how awful he was to those he loved and to himself. But with his new personality, it was at times both heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch how he struggles to be the man he knows he can be yet face the horrific way he treated people, especially his younger brother Lucas.
The secondary characters add so much to this storyline and the way they interacted with Ryan throughtout. His family could be any family and to see how they themselves struggled with the "new" Ryan, one could put themselves in their places and react the exact same way.
The author has given us a well written book that had me smiling bigtime after that last word was read. I can only hope we might get a glimpse of how Ryan is faring since he was able to face his demons and see the man is today.
Highly recommended. I was very fortunate to receive an ARC and I am very happy I did.
4.5 stars from me.
This story of a young man, a high school football star and his unsuccessful attempt at ending his life was so well written. I felt every emotion that Ryan Farnsworth felt. He didn't remember his former life and this book is basically his struggle to move forward and repair some of the past.
Ryan meets a girl "from the wrong side of the tracks" and is immediately drawn to her. With Paige Parker's help, he soon discovers just how awful he was to those he loved and to himself. But with his new personality, it was at times both heartwarming and heartbreaking to watch how he struggles to be the man he knows he can be yet face the horrific way he treated people, especially his younger brother Lucas.
The secondary characters add so much to this storyline and the way they interacted with Ryan throughtout. His family could be any family and to see how they themselves struggled with the "new" Ryan, one could put themselves in their places and react the exact same way.
The author has given us a well written book that had me smiling bigtime after that last word was read. I can only hope we might get a glimpse of how Ryan is faring since he was able to face his demons and see the man is today.
Highly recommended. I was very fortunate to receive an ARC and I am very happy I did.
4.5 stars from me.
July 14, 2014
WOW WOW WOW!!! I dont quite know what to say. An absolutely amazing read, everyone should read it. I loved Ryan one minute and thought he was an absolute jerk in the next minute. He really came through in the end though for Luc and for Paige. Not remembering everything he did to people must have been hard but the fact that when he did remember, he didn't go back to his old ways really does prove that people can change. I was a bit unsure of Ryans parents at first but as I kept reading I grew to like them and genuinely got where Ryans dad was coming from with wanting the best for his sons. Tasha and Zane were absolutely horrible people but I kind of get why they lied to Ryan, I suppose it was easier trying to forget what they did than live with the guilt that they drove Ryan to attempt suicide. A very well thought out book, very thought provoking too. I guess we never know what other people are thinking or feeling so we never take into account how our actions can affect someone else. The book was very well written although I had a few issues on some pages, it didnt take me away from the story and thats why I give you 5 stars. This will be a book I keep returning to, to re-read, and one I will be encouraging my children to read when they are old enough. An excellent book and my first from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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