Synopses & Reviews
A moving and insightful debut novel of great friendship interrupted. Can the relationship survive when the memories are gone? Marissa Rogers never wanted to be an alpha; beta suited her just fine. Taking charge without taking credit had always paid off: vaulting her to senior editor at a glossy magazine; keeping the peace with her critical, weight-obsessed mother; and enjoying the benefits of being best friends with gorgeous, charismatic, absolutely alpha Julia Ferrar.
And then Julia gets hit by a cab. She survives with minor obvious injuries, but brain damage steals her memory and alters her personality, possibly forever. Suddenly, Marissa is thrown into the role of alpha friend. As Julia struggles to regain her memory- dredging up issues Marissa would rather forget, including the fact that Julia asked her to abandon the love of her life ten years ago- Marissa's own equilibrium is shaken.
With the help of a dozen girls, she reluctantly agrees to coach in an after-school running program. There, Marissa uncovers her inner confidence and finds the courage to reexamine her past and take control of her future.
The Art of Forgetting is a story about the power of friendship, the memories and myths that hold us back, and the delicate balance between forgiving and forgetting.
Review
“Beautiful … a must read!”
Review
“This impressive debut is . . . (dare I say it?) unforgettable.” -J. Courtney Sullivan, author of Maine and Commencement
Review
“A quietly compelling literary debut … about the power of friendship and the importance of forgiveness.” -Chicago Tribune
Synopsis
“Remind yourself what really matters with The Art of Forgetting. Fast-paced, painful, funny, and renewing at once. . . . Take a cue from the book and pass it along to your buds. ” –Daily Candy
Marissa Rogers has always been just fine as a beta. After all, hadn’t taking charge without taking credit been paying off? It’s what vaulted her to senior editor at a glossy—if somewhat tedious—diet magazine and let her be best friends with gorgeous, charismatic, absolutely alpha Julia Ferrar.
And then Julia is hit by a cab. Her external injuries are minor, but brain damage steals her memory and alters her personality. To help her friend, Marissa must assume the alpha role and help Julia recover her past. As Julia heals, she begins dredging up memories Marissa would rather forget—including the fact that Julia once asked her to abandon the love of her life.
About the Author
"Charming and original...a delightful story of friendship, love, and forgiveness while exploring the surprising ways lives are forever reshaped in the aftermath of tragedy."
-Beth Hoffman, author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
"[A] lively, thoughtful examination of a woman's rangles relationship with her closest friend....This book captivated me from the first page, and I couldn't bear to put it down."
-Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Opposite of Me and Skipping a Beat
"[A]n insightful exploration into the nature of friendship and self. This impressive debut is at turns funny, though-provoking, and achingly sad. It is (dare I say it?) unforgettable."
-J. Courtney Martin, author of Commencement