Review: Persistence of Memory

Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Being diagnosed with schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder at a young age, has landed Erin Mishrahe, in a ward for most of her childhood. But after being eighteen months free of her alter ego, Shevaun, Erin is enrolled into a public high school for the first time at the age of sixteen. For the time being everything seems to be going quite normal until she is transported to France in another person’s body, Shevaun.

Everything for Erin, gets even more puzzling when an old friend, makes a reappearance in her life and tries to explain to her that she really isn’t schizophrenic and that Shevaun, her alter ego, really is a vampire.

In the meantime Shevaun, now fully aware of the strange connection she and Erin shares, is determined to be rid of the connection between the two, even if it means killing Erin in the process.

So after reading a lot of negative reviews of The Persistence of Memory, I was wary about picking the book up. The plot seemed a little far-fetched and unusual so I no clue what to expect, only have read one Amelia Atwater-Rhodes book (Demon In My View) years ago.

But the book turned out to be really good with loads of surprised. I actually liked the main character Erin. I personally felt she was quite sensible, despite the fact she was a supposed schizophrenic with Disassociate Identity Disorder. She was skeptical about certain things, until she had concrete evidence that they were true.

But my favorite character had to be, Erin’s friend Sassy, diagnosed as a compulsive liar, he was always fun and interesting to read about. I loved the parts whenever he was mentioned. He was funny and protective of Erin, which I thought was so sweet, and he had a lot of charisma, which I was not anticipating. I would want to read a sequel just to read about him more.

My main problem with the book was that at times I got really confused and would have to back track to understand what I was reading, which got a little annoying. But other then that the book as a whole surprised me in more then one way and I was pretty satisfied at how things ended.

Although, I have very limited experience with Amelia Atwater-Rhodes book, I really liked this book more then Demon In My View. So I guess that accounts for something right?



224 pages
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
December 9, 2008

*Reviewed for BookDivas.com

Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling

Claire Voyante has always been having strange visions for as long as she can remember. The visions were always unclear and meaningless. Until her fifteenth birthday when she is presented an onyx and ivory cameo by her grandmother Kiki. She is advised to wear the cameo at all times and pay close attention to her dreams for they will lead her to something “interesting.”

The cameo seems to have affected her dream, making them black- and -white and a whole lot clearer. Now can Claire see the danger that is lurking by? Will she be able to save someone’s life before it’s to late?

The book started a little slow for my taste, however as soon as the plot started to pick up I enjoyed it much more. Claire’s character had many funny quirks making her very likable. My favorite aspect of the book was her humourous relationship with her parents, friends and her grandmother Kiki.

It’s a great book to pick up if your looking for action, mystery, and just a touch of romance.