My Name is Memory

Author: Ann Brashares
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Summary: Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together, and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short. Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.
A magical, suspenseful, heartbreaking story of true love, My Name is Memory proves the power and endurance of a union that was meant to be. (From Goodreads.com)


Review: I read this book because I loved Brashares's other series, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Also, it seems like a pretty epic love story, and not some mushy one between some paranormal creature and a human that just met. This is also  little bit of a historical fiction novel, because some of the chapters jump around a bit from the different lives the main character, Daniel, has. I actually learned a lot about world history.
    Anyway, sometimes the supporting characters of books really annoy me, but I loved all the characters in this book (except the bad guy). Daniel did some bad things in his first life, but as history goes on, you can tell he is really a good person. And the love interest/other main character, Lucy, was also a well-developed character. But I have to say, my favorite character was Ben, Daniel's friend from another life who also remembered his past lives. Ben was very wise, but also funny; like the perfect grandpa.
     Toward the end of the book, leading up to the climax, I especially loved this book. Everyone was so close to getting what they wanted finally, but then comes all the action. I don't want to ruin it for you, but it was soooo good. But my favorite part was the epilogue. It was so perfect! But I'm pretty sure this book will have a sequel, because the story isn't over yet. I haven't heard of her writing a new book yet, though; although this one did just come out in June. This book, and all of her other books, are perfect summer reads. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good romance that isn't fluffy or ridiculous, but wanting drama, mystery, and a little history.