review: forget you by jennifer echols

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Zoey, a high school senior, had what seemed to be an incredible life; not anymore now that herself-absorbed father has impregnated Ashley, the 24 year old human resources manager at his water slide park. At the start of Forget You, Zoey’s dad has already moved Ashley into the waterfront house while Zoey and her mother live in a cramped apartment. The change in circumstances is difficult for Zoey’s mother, who swallows a bottle of pills. So right before jetting off to Hawaii to marry Ashley, Zoey’s dad must take her in. And Zoey, of course, starts acting out. The once good girl pursues a relationship with playboy Brandon after losing her virginity to him in an impulsive moment. It’s all done so Zoey can keep up the façade of perfection her family has created. But things come crashing (literally) when Zoey’s in a car accident and can’t remember the details. All she knows is that Brandon is hanging out with his neighbor Stephanie and bad boy Doug is acting more like her boyfriend. Zoey feels she can’t reveal her amnesia, so she tries to piece things together on her own and alienates the ones who care the most in the process.

Forget You is intense. The ending is particularly emotional. There were some things I just didn’t see coming. I’m impressed by the way Jennifer Echols crafted the story and created characters that reminded me of high school. I completely understood Zoey’s every move while also recognizing the huge mistakes she made. Forget You is wonderfully authentic and touching.
5/5
Review copy provided by the publisher, MTV Books.