Remember - Review

In the midst of tragedy, memories can bring the greatest healing. Ashley Baxter is trying to forget.

A Deep Regret - Though Ashley vowed to start a new life when she came back from Paris, the mistakes she made there continue to haunt her. She has locked up her heart, convinced that no one - including God - could forgive her. But four unlikely people - Alzheimer's patients - find the cracks in Ashley's heart and slowly help her heal.

An Unthinkable Tragedy, then comes the nightmare of September 11, which forever changes the lives of the Baxter family, causing them to remember what is important and leading them to make decisions that are both heartbreaking and hope-filled.

A Steadfast Love - Landon Blake has loved Ashley since he was a teenager, but the heartache of her past has convinced her she'll never be able to love again. Landon tries to dull the pain of her rejection by immersing himself in the rescue efforts at Ground Zero. Will a new opportunity in New York keep him apart from Ashley forever.

About the Authors

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury is America's #1 inspirational novelist. She has written more than forty novels and there are over 15 million copies of her award - winning books in print. Visit her website at www.KarenKingsbury.com.

Gary Smalley, America's relationship doctor, is the cofounder of the Smalley Relationship Center and the author of more than forty bestselling, award - winning books, including The Blessing, The Language of Love, and The DNA of Relationships.

If I say that 'Remember' is the best novel that I have read this year, do not consider it to be an exaggeration. The feelings are true, and such has been the impact of this novel that I am still hung over its beauty.

Like the first book in the series ('Redemption'), 'Remember' charts the lives of the members of the Baxter family, through times thick and thin. While Kari was the protagonist in the series opener, the focus shifts towards her sister Ashley this time, unfolding her secrets and the events that had changed her life while she was in Paris. The shocking revelation is followed by the moment of realization, and then the subsequent healing. Her belief and faith undergoes a complete turnover, and we see the warm side of her personality.

But then again, that wouldn't have been possible if she wasn't blessed with a friend and companion like Landon.

Ashley and Landon’s relationship reminds us of Kari and Ryan, floating in a mist of passion and need, and the confusion that creates a distance between the couple. While the love in their hearts is true, and is eager to be shared, it’s the uncertainty of the situation that holds them back, leading to a sad beauty and poignancy that promises a lot, but takes time to fulfil those vows.

The story flows in a subtle timeliness, as the characters grow in experience over several events, both happy and sad. The chief turning point in the story is the terrorist attack of September 11 that shook not only the United States but created ripples of shock and disbelief all around the global. Can hope and prayer save the world from such attacks of evil, and does God have a plan for all our well being? The faith of Baxter’s family is questioned, and how they react to this catastrophe showcases their strength and bonding.

Another important segment that has been dealt with in 'Remember' is Alzheimer’s disease. Ashley joins a centre that takes care of patients suffering from this disease, and as you read their conversations, often repetitive, and yet, so full of life, you really need to keep your bag of tissues ready. Their words dab at your soul, and like Ashley, you, the reader, feel for them, and their pain. Moreover, these patients teach us a lot about life, how we dwell in self imposed negativity, complaining for things we don’t have, rather than feeling blessed for what God has gifted us.

'Remember' isn't just a figment of imagination, or a mere fiction. No! Rather, it’s one of those conversations that we have with our inner selves, trying to find who we are, what we want, exploring the questions that haunt our minds, forgetting that the answers take their own time to come, and we should just wait for the right moment. 'Remember' is real, the characters are rooted deep within us. There is an Ashley, a Ryan, a Landon, a Kari and a Luke in each one of us, often taking the forms of different moods and whims.

The cover of the book has this beautiful line – “In the midst of tragedy, memories can bring the greatest healing.” Once you read the book, the real meaning of it dawns on you, and a feeling of thankfulness and gratitude floods your heart.

This Thanksgiving Day, go and pick up this masterpiece, and enrich your life by savouring the beauty the world has to offer.

Title: Remember

Authors: Gary Smalley, Karen Kingsbury

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

Genre: Fiction

No. of Pages: 412

Price: Rs 299

My Rating: 5/5