Thanks for the Memories

by Cecelia Ahern

Cecelia Ahern is such a unique author; funny, smart, emotional. Thanks for the Memories is another distinctive work from her.

Somehow Ahern manages to create an emotional attachment between the reader and her characters extremely early on in the book. Even being a little annoyed at Justin's narcissism, I still liked him and I was rooting for him to get it together. Joyce was an extremely vulnerable character, but her strength made it possible for this protagonist to balance on that precarious line between relatable and pathetic. I wasn't thrilled with Joyce's father, Henry. Although a very likable character, I have an aversion to elderly main characters because I'm afraid they will die at any moment and put a damper on the whole book. The bond between the father and daughter was genuine and the situations they found themselves in were silly and fun to read about.

The unique idea of this book, a person's memories being transferred to another through a blood transfusion, could have turned out too contrived and out there. However, Ahern manages to keep the book's feet firmly planted on the ground and it remains intriguing, but not too Science Fiction. This book was a literal feast of quotes; "Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you." I found myself nodding in agreement at several pieces of dialogue throughout the book. One quote in particular surprised me with its ringing wisdom:

"Everything grows. Including love. And with that growing every day, how can you expect the missing part to ever fade away? Everything builds. Including our ability to cope with it. That's how we keep going."

Ahern's writing is beautiful, clever, sincere and as fluid as the Seine. There is some language in Thanks for the Memories.

Rosie Dunne

By Cecelia Ahern

Rosie Dunne is an entire novel made up of e-mails, letters, instant messages and other correspondence. Incredibly, the story Ahern tells is in no way lacking despite her challenging medium.

The characters in this novel are endearing and real, facing real-life challenges that are complicated and heart-wrenching. Rosie and Alex are childhood friends, soul mates, really, that endure the whims of fate as their lives lead them to each other again and again only to face ironic twists that tear them apart. Despite this, they remain close friends and help each other through life's most bitter rejections. This is a story of unrequited love, in a way, but what I appreciate about that is the lack of cliches and silly, prideful insecurity. Love is unrequited because the characters care more for each other and their perceived feelings and circumstances than about themselves and, not only do they remain emotionally attached, but continue to move on in their own lives rather than dwelling on what they feel could never be.

I am impressed and surprised at how fast I fell in love with Rosie and Alex and even more so that Ahern was able to invoke such emotion and depth without real dialogue or imagery. This is a book that made me laugh, cry and shake my fist in annoyance and anger. The enduring loyalty and unconditional love between Rosie and Alex is rare and this book made me feel hopeful and uplifted.

I love this book. There is some crude language used in this book.