I Know You Remember

First, when discussing "I Know You Remember", I have to admit that I really hated the main character. Intensely. Ruthie was such a jerk (internally judging other people, hostile to her father's recovery from alcohol abuse and his new family, and overly apathetic to everyone's reactions when she disappears while searching for her best friend, Zarah). This slow burn mystery had me turning pages faster and faster as I got closer to the end. The jaw-dropping final quarter of the book blew my mind. Congrats to Jennifer Donaldson for writing a mystery that presented all the clues, but still left the reader baffled. Highly recommended. Probably an amazing reread as well.

Whelp. Jennifer Donaldson knows how to craft a twisty, utterly delightful YA thriller/mystery. I’m going to keep this review short and sweet, because I don’t want to give away anything, but suffice it to say, this book kept me guessing, and kept the twists coming all the way to the end. Ruth left Anchorage years ago when her parents split up. But after her mother’s death, she’s forced to return to move back in with her father and stepmother. She’s looking forward to reuniting with her former best friend, Zara, but the weekend she’s arriving home, Zara goes missing. Really. Awesome. Mystery. Nuff said!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

Featured in a blog post at https://booksbeyondbinaries.blog/2019/10/28/villainathon-wrap-up/

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I had so much trouble stepping away from this utterly compelling book. Although I did not enjoy the author's previous work, this plot-driven mystery pulled me in from the first chapter. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was drawn in by the details of the Alaskan setting, especially given my own roots growing up in an isolated, Northern, small city. The political awareness that is obvious in this book was also surprising to me, given that from what I show more know of the author, she is a white woman, and I would say that oftentimes, thrillers are lacking in the political awareness that I would like to see in a book. All of that said - I did not see the ending of this book coming, and it was a shocking revelation. This was such a satisfying read. I would absolutely recommend it. CW for religious extremism, parents with substance use issues, disappearing girls, murder, threatening wildlife encounters, underage alcohol use, death of parents, death of teenagers, child abuse. No sexual content beyond kissing on the page, or sexual abuse or harassment. show less

4.5 stars.

I Know You Remember by Jennifer Donaldson is a riveting young adult mystery.

Seventeen year old Ruthie Hayden is thrilled to move back to Anchorage and reunite with her best friend Zahra Gaines. Soon after arriving, she learns that Zahra has been missing since her huge fight with her boyfriend Ben Peavy. When Ruthie does not think the police are taking her friend's disappearance seriously, she insinuates herself into Zahra's group of friends to see if she can figure out if they know more than they have admitted. Fearing the worst, Ruthie throws herself into locating Zahra, but is it already too late to save her?

Ruthie and her mom moved to Portland, OR following her parents' divorce. She was not at all happy to be ripped away show more from her best friend or Anchorage. They stayed in touch through email and texts but Ruthie fears she and Zahra have grown apart. Now returning to live with her recovering alcoholic father, her stepmom Brandy and stepsister Ingrid, Ruthie is hoping to recapture her once close friendship with Zahra.

Following Ruthie's departure three years earlier, Zahra drastically changed her life. She left her creative side behind and joined the cross country team. She also briefly lived with her evangelical grandparents. Zahra is still outgoing and friendly and she has a wide circle of friends. Her relationship with Ben has been rocky throughout their time together, but their argument the evening she went missing is definitely their worst blow up.

The investigation into Zahra's disappearance is delayed since her parents initially believe she is off with Ben. It is not until Monday morning they sound the alarm and suspicion immediately falls on Ben who is Koyukon Athabaskan. His alibi is hard to prove and he remains the chief suspect. A shocking discovery leaves Ruthie and Ben fearing the worst but they both continue to keep their hopes up Zahra will be found.

I Know You Remember is a fast-paced mystery with a clever and well-executed storyline. The cast of characters is diverse and well developed. Ruthie refuses to give up searching for Zahra and she often makes risky decisions in her quest to find her. With a very chilling twist, Jennifer Donaldson brings this mesmerizing mystery to a rather disturbing conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this marvelous young adult novel to older teen and adult readers. show less

Well this was a wild ride! Jennifer Donaldson has done it again with this young adult thriller that will keep you wondering until the very end.

Ruthie has been living away from her hometown, Anchorage, for a few years but moves back after her mother passes away. Finally getting to reunite with her old best friend, Zahra, Ruthie couldn’t be more excited. Except Zahra has been missing a few days before Ruthie’s return. Determined to find her friend, Ruthie begins investigating and soon realizes that her artistic, whimsical friend is no more and instead has been replaced by a partying athlete. The digger Ruthie deeps, the closer she becomes with Zahra’s friends and begins to realize maybe she never knew Zahra at all.

CW: Abuse in a religious cult.

3.5 Stars