Unforgettable by Loretta Ellsworth: Review

Unforgettable
By: Loretta Ellsworth

Format: Hardcover, 256 pages
Published: September 27, 2011; Walker Books
Received: ARC from Author

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Summary (from goodreads): Baxter Green isn’t like everyone else. While most people would forget about the little details of everyday life, Baxter never forgets—not pain, not hurt, not embarrassment. In fact, Baxter never forgets anything—not even a string of account numbers, flashed before his eyes by his mother’s criminal boyfriend, Dink, for use in a credit card scam. Years after his testimony has locked Dink away, Baxter and his mother are in a new town, trying to forget the danger Dink brought into their lives. Baxter wants to hide his unique ability, but it becomes increasingly more difficult when he reconnects with Hallie, a girl from his childhood who has lived on in his memory long after she has forgotten him. Can Baxter win Hallie’s heart? Loretta Ellsworth’s newest novel is one readers will never forget.

My Review:  This is a book that hasn't received a whole lot of buzz, which is really a tragedy. Unforgettable is a sweet, understated love story that absolutely swept me off my feet. Like Sean in Sean Griswold's Head, I really loved the unassuming Baxter and his quirky manner.

Baxter's ability to remember everything makes him feel like a freak. He tries hard in school not to stand out, but on occasion blurts out a random fact or memory that surprises those around him. Especially after his ability is used to aid in a crime, Baxter is extremely nervous and protective of his gift, though he doesn't see it as one.


Another reason I was endeared to this story, is it reminded me a little of my husband. See, we knew each other in high school. I remember him as a very sweet, but kind of weird guy that was a senior when I was a sophomore. I would have described him very much as Halle described Baxter in this story.  When I went to college and we met again almost 5 years later, he remembered many things about our interactions in high school that I completely forgot. (Apparently I was quite a flirt, who knew?)


So, you can bet that I was rooting for Halle and Baxter every step of their journey. I loved Halle's passion for her cause, and her courage to stand up for something that mattered to her. I loved that she was kind and smart, but still a little bit vulnerable, because Baxter needed to do some saving.


This book is pretty darn near perfect for me as contemporary YA goes. Because heaven knows that this fiction universe needs more nerds getting the pretty girl. Because those of us who love nerds know just how wonderful they are.


My Rating:

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Giveaway

Thanks to Loretta, I have a signed hardcover copy to give away to one lucky winner! And, I'm trying out a new giveaway system. If you are in a feed reader or viewing in email, you'll need to click over and enter. You'll also have the option for the first time to do some multiple entries.