Book Review: Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry
Title: Say You'll Remember Me
Author: Katie McGarry
Rating: 5/5 stars
Release date:
Publisher: HQ Young Adult
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.
Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.But sometimes love can breach all barriers.Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.
Review:
McGarry's writing is UNREAL. So raw and gripping. Her writing captures each emotion so well. It's a much more slow-paced contemporary novel, and I really like that it's got that slow burn because it gives the story its own roots. Both characters in the story are people I can relate so much to. Their flaws, attitude, and even personal demons speak for my own, and it's crazy to see them being portrayed so accurately through writings.
I love stories that explore the 'grey' in a 'black and white'. I personally find them really hard to project in written prose, but McGarry does it so easily. Such simple yet hard-hitting words. I personally wasn't the biggest fan of the romance that Drix and Elle had. I was still rooting for them, but I was just in it for the development, and most importantly the resolution. I was curious to find out how everything wraps up in the end, and I have to admit - how the author did broke my heart (in a good way!!) and made me shed tears.
Another thing I liked about the story was how the author constantly talks about the flaws of society revolving around social media. We live in a world where celebrity scandals come in the form of K-pop stars secretly dating one another. The hunger for new trends and scandalous publicity is just sad. People would claw and bleed just to make their way to the top, and McGarry moulds these contemporary issues into the story so well that the book can be said to be an accurate representation of modern society today. But besides the fact that McGarry is capable of projecting a powerful voice, the story also focuses on the coming of age themes of two teenagers. More specifically, the author explores the element of fear. It's not just about becoming a better, much wiser version of yourself that matters, it's how you learn to deal and overcome your fears that's most important. I'm amazed by how well the author pinpoints this theme to just one emotion (amongst many other that played a huge role, but fear was a major one).
Overall it was an amazing, intense, and emotional read. A total rollercoaster ride. This has been the easiest 5/5 stars I've given in a while. I'd LOVE to read more of Katie McGarry's novels!
Thank you SO much Harlequin Teen for sending over a copy in exchange for an honest review!
if you're interested in buying Say You'll Remember Me, you can click here to shop the book at Book Depository - i receive a small commission if you use the link! :)