Ashley Royer

Ugh. Even without the cover blurb, this is very obviously fanfiction. I've read phenomenal fanfiction. I've read truly pathetic fanfiction. This falls into the mediocre world of unexceptional fanfiction. The main character Levi is the single most melodramatic and whiny character I've ever read. If he doesn't cry at least once per chapter, it's a fairly remarkable chapter. He is the embodiment of the ideal emo, quiet (he's mute) sensitive boy teen girls *think* is so sexy...until they actually encounter it. Personally, I'd like to bitch slap him a few times and tell him to get the fuck over it.… (más)

I can't believe the author, Ashley Royer, is still in high school. I really enjoyed reading this book. It is emotional, dark, funny,and realistic. At first, I thought I would not enjoy a dark emotional depressing book but seeing there are over 13 million reads, I gave it a try; I am glad I did.

All the characters and the plot are well developed. Not only does Levi need to cope with his own depression and anxiety issues, now he also needs to adjust to a new environment and a father who left him several years ago. As Levi becomes more and more comfortable and open with Delilah, the readers would also learn how he becomes this way. It is like a puzzle being unsolved.

I like how the story is told in both Levi's and Delilah's points of view. So the readers get to know what Levi is thinking and the others' actual thoughts and reactions to Levi's abnormal behaviors.

5 out of 5 stars
Received a free ARC from BookSparks in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Seventeen-year-old Levi has not spoken a word for months. Ever since Delia, his girlfriend of almost a year tragically died in a car accident he has frequent panic attacks, has fallen into a deep depression, and is heavily medicated. Levi feels he doesn’t deserve help, and believes life without Delia is meaningless.

Desperate to save her son’s sanity, Levi’s mother arranges for him to move from Australia to Maine. She is sure a change of scenery will help him cope, but Levi is furious. He is sure that having to live with a father who abandoned him 3 years ago, and starting his life all over again in a completely new setting will not help.

From the moment he lands in Maine, Levi does everything he can to get his father and everyone else he meets to hate him especially Delilah and Aidan, his neighbors. It takes some time, but eventually he finds that love can break your heart but can also help it to heal.

Royer takes readers through Levi’s roller coaster of emotions in a very realistic way as she tells his story and Delilah’s. From the moment I began to read I couldn’t put the book down, finishing it in one sitting. Her true-to-life characters, filled with their own hopes, dreams and fears, are a perfect complement to Levi. I especially loved Aidan, as his antics made me laugh out loud. I was surprised to read the author is just 17 years old, which explains her understanding of the teen experience. This is her first book, and I look forward to reading more of them.

Highly recommended for ages 15 and older.

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

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/remember-to-forgetashley-roy...… (más)