Though predictable, this was a sweet story that tugged at my heartstrings.

 

The premise of this book is relatively simple, but captivated me. There were really only two big characters in this book with three or so playing secondary roles, and this was odd as most conversation took place between these two.

 

I enjoyed seeing David grow and gain perspective. It was intriguing seeing Bethany open up bit by bit, but she didn't feel very dynamic, and though I grew to care about her, I would have liked to have seen her fleshed out a little more.

 

There were comic moments that could have been expanded upon, but were definitely clever and enjoyable.

 

I wasn't particularly satisfied by the ending, but I'm not sure how I would have liked to have seen it end. It's fascinating to think whether or not David was even real or if he was a figment of Beth's imagination.

 

While I probably wouldn't purchase this, I'm glad I picked it up. A short read, it teared me up and was worth the time.

 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book by Nicci French I read. I've read quite some other books by them afterwards, mainly because my aunt keeps getting them for me as Birthday/Christmas presents.

 

This is actually Nicci French's first book, and it centres on suppressed memories, and how much we should value the memories that are uncovered eventually.

 

It starts of slow and a great number of characters is introduced, but they don't get any depth. After that the story takes a lift and is more interesting. I'd already guessed the final plot twist, but do believe that these question about suppressed memories and certain psychological procedures are quite interesting.

 

Note: I read a Dutch translation of this book

The Memory Game - Sharon Sant Coming 1st September First of all thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book for review. No REALLY thank you it was amazing. David died at 15. But he is not gone. Weeks after his death, he wanders his home village, unable to interact with anyone or anything…and unable to understand why, as he seems to be the only ghost around. Suddenly he realises that there IS one person that can see and hear him…her name is Bethany. An outcast and loner, they had no contact in life so why is she the only one who can see him now? This was such a beautifully written story it tugged at my heartstrings. David was not a particularly nice person in life – certainly not in his attitude to girls like Bethany – and as he watches his best friend behave appallingly he comes to some understanding of who he himself was and how different things would be now if only he could get that life back. In the relationship with his Mother, his Stepfather and with Bethany. I suppose in a way, you could call it a coming of age story..except of course David will not have the chance. The relationship that develops between the two youngsters – one living, one dead, is almost what I would like to call “Anti Twilight”. No angst, just a rather strange friendship and mutual respect that you wish with all your heart they could have in life. And yet…if David was alive they would never speak.As Bethany tries to help David discover just why it is that he is stuck, they learn more about each other and themselves. She really is an amazing girl who has suffered her own share of tragedy…and we all knew girls and boys like her at school, some of us WERE those people – the slightly odd, and seemingly sad misfits. What Sharon Sant has done is give you a glimpse behind the mask – a possible reason for being. It makes you wonder….what if you had simply spoken to a girl like that rather than avoiding them or making fun – what hidden depths might you discover and who knows what friendships are missed because this simply doesnt occur.And of course its a darn good story to boot – you will WANT to know what David’s purpose is, why he is the only spirit, why is Bethany the one chosen to be able to see and hear him. There are some humerous moments as David tries to accomplish those things that film ghosts always seem to be able to do – moving things, scaring people..but mostly it is an emotional and heart wrenching ride towards the final resolution. Will David be doomed to walk forever with only Bethany for company? I would suggest you read and find out!Next Sunday, upon release, there will be a Q & A with Sharon Sant and the opportunity to win yourself a copy of “The Memory Game” on my blog and Facebook. Don’t miss that folks because this is a book worth taking time for! Happy Reading Folks!

This book cost me a national title once. Well, at least a shot at one. I settled down with it in bed the night before a Nationals started and at 5am I was still wide awake glued to it. I finished the book...and my chances of playing okay the next day. From a professional faller-asleeper - it is by far the thing at which I shine - this is really saying something.

How odd. I've read plenty of this sort of book, it isn't the best written (or the worst by any means). It even has the kiss of death of being written by a couple - who could ever make that work and even if it did, we wouldn't think it did. Yet there is something about the formula - and having read a few more, it is hard to call it anything else - that succeeds in spades.

I was in London and desperate for another author to read. My co-worker thought I'd like Ms. French. Well, it turned out I did not.