Books like The reminders by Val Emmich
Grief-stricken over his partner Sydney’s death, Gavin burns every reminder of their life together before fleeing Los Angeles for New Jersey. He hopes to find peace with the family of an old friend. There, Joan, a ten‑year‑old with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory, is obsessed with preserving Sydney’s memories in vivid, cinematic detail. In exchange for sharing those memories, Gavin offers to help her win a songwriting contest she believes will make her unforgettable. As Joan’s precise recollections of Sydney’s final months unfold, Gavin is forced to confront the purity of his past with Sydney and the direction of his future.
The novel explores grief, memory, and the impact of a loved one’s absence on those left behind, while also touching on LGBTQ themes and the burdens of memory.
First publish date: 2017
Genre: Literary Fiction/Contemporary Literary Fiction
Authors: Val Emmich
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