Kirkus Reviews The Memory Thief!

I’ve had a lot of great reviews come in for THE MEMORY THIEF since it was published back in September, but I was disappointed to date that none of the big review publications had taken the time to review it. (Of course, that’s a double edged sword. I was also worried they’d review it and then end up hating it. That’s always a possibility.) Since the book is also coming out in a wide release in March, there was always the chance they were just waiting until March was closer before they did their reviews.

And lo and behold, yesterday Kirkus posted one. Better yet, it’s a really great one. (Kirkus has been known for really trashing books. They can be pretty harsh in their reviews sometimes.) Here’s a link to it on Kirkus, but here’s the whole thing for those of you who don’t want to click through. (Which, by experience, is most of you.)

Memories are slippery things.

Twelve-year-olds Benjamin and his fraternal twin, Kelly, look forward to the Adams County fair every year. There isn’t much to do in their corner of Maine besides listen to their parents bicker. This year a new tent appears on the fairgrounds: the Memory Emporium, where a wizened man says he can take and share memories. Narrator Ben hopes that he can help his parents forget their anger. But when he returns to the tent, a young tattooed woman has taken the old man’s place. She promises to help the white preteens with their problem if she can have a few memories in return. Her solution seems to harm more than help, though, as the memories of the fairgoers are disappearing, including Kelly’s and their parents’. It’s up to Ben to figure out how to restore the minds of his family and town before he is forgotten as well. Moore crafts a compelling premise and a plot that delivers more than might be expected. Ben initially believes that a memory is an objective moment in time, but the quest to restore memories brings him to a deeper understanding of how they affect a life. Memories are not separate—they are integral to who we are.

With interesting twists, captivating action, and a down-to-earth lead, this adventure is sure to become a new favorite. (Fantasy. 8-12)

That last bit is the best: a super one-liner that sums up their response to the book. The sort of thing that can go on a cover. I love it.

(And as a general reminder, if you’ve read THE MEMORY THIEF and enjoyed it, why not post a review on Goodreads?)