False Memory: Review

A few days ago I finished reading the book False Memory by Dan Krokos. The novel is about a girl named Miranda North who randomly wakes up on a park bench with no memory of anything but her name and age. Through a series of unfortunate events she hurts a mall full of people with just her mind. She is quickly scooped up by a boy named Peter who claims to have known her all her life. Later at what she has to trust is her home, she learns she is part of an elite group of people called Roses. Roses are basically machines who have advanced control of their mind. Miranda later meets Noah, a boy she can’t remember loving. Noah is also the reason she can’t remember anything. There’s also Olive who’s secret could tear apart the three. On a whirlwind journey Miranda, Peter, Noah, and Olive try to limit the casualties of a massive attack their creators are planning on the city and try to figure out the Roses true purpose.

The whole book, I thought, was fantastic. The action sequences and the way the author so cleanly and easily slipped in Miranda’s resurfacing memories were amazing. Miranda’s development over the book was my favorite part. At the beginning of the book she was this shy being who felt like she couldn’t trust anyone. As you read further you watch her become the person you imagine she was before she lost her memory; strong, independent, and fierce. I can not wait to read the next installment in Miranda’s journey.
Rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Tell Me

So that you will hear me

my words will become honest.

They will be like the words

you hear in  your most vulnerable states.

Tell me your secrets

and I’ll tell you mine.

Tell me all your hopes and dreams,

so I can see myself in them too.

When you get tired,

don’t just run away.

If you slip away,

you’ll start a fire

that can never be put out.

Tell me you need me,

and I’ll say I need you too.

Tell me clearly,

speak what your heart

is telling you.

I’ll tell you I’m lucky,

I’ll always tell you the truth.

Don’t be just everything I want,

be everything I need.

When I say I love you,

tell me you love me too.

So that you will hear me

I’ll show you my heart

beating as hard as a drum.

My words will become yours.

Yesterday

Because yesterday

everything was different,

(the sun shone darker,

the wind blew cooler,

the rain came down harder) --

and because this morning I woke up

and I immediately knew there had been a shift,

(my bed was empty, cold;

white sheets perfectly spread

and untouched like fresh snow) --

and because in the kitchen

piles of dishes were covered

in last night’s makeshift meal,

(flies buzzing around looking for an extra scrap) --

and because when I walk into my living room

piles of boxes were stacked to the ceiling,

full of every memory from

yesterday and beyond --

and because there was no one around,

and I was alone from now on;

I realized no one would be here to guide my every step;

I was an adult now in the real world--

I had grown up.

Where Does Writing Hide?

Writing hides behind quick movements.

When you’re suddenly hit

with a good idea

and you can’t wait to get to

the nearest pen and paper.

Writing hides behind your past.

Whether or not you’re able to let go

or learn from what you've done wrong

or what you've done right.

Writing hides behind the people

you surround yourself with.

The stories they share about themselves

fuel the characters in your stories.

They help add character development.

Writing hides behind your ghosts.

That pang in your stomach

when you walk away from something

that was practically calling your name.

You give your characters those experiences.

You make them fearless.

You make them guiltless.

Writing hides behind you.

Whether you trust yourself enough

to let the words flow openly and honestly.

Whether you just need an escape

so you create something a million miles from the truth.

Writing hides behind your willingness.

Whether you’re willing to commit

and escape.

Thief of Always Exercise: Chapters 14-26

1. Start a story with the sentence: “He knocked on the door…” continue the story.

     He knocked on the door softly. He immediately removed his hand, rubbing his hands over his jeans, wiping away the sweat. After a minute or two, the door was still closed. He reached his hand up again, knocking on the door. After another minute, no one came to the door. He sighed, giving up. He turned on his heels and started heading on his way. Maybe he’d go to the neighbors and ask where they were
     “Excuse me?” A soft voice came from behind me. And there she was in all her glory. Her dark blond hair in a messy bun, her blue jeans, plaid flannel, and white tank top all covered in dust and paint. “Sorry it took so long to come out, I was just working. Did you need something?” Her blue eyes sparkled as she spoke to me. She was as beautiful as I remembered her to be.

     “Maggie?”

     “Don’t know how you know my name but I really need to get back to work. If you need something make it quick please.” She didn't remember me.

      “I-um-I just needed to use the bathroom.” I lied.

      “Oh, well, sure.” She said motioning me into her house. “Mind if I ask your name?”

      “Adam.”

      “Well nice to meet you Adam. Mind if I ask how you know my name?”

      “I-uh-asked a neighbor.” She gave me a quizzing look, nodded, and continued to show me where the bathroom.

       Once I was in, I locked the door quickly behind me. I took several deep breaths trying to calm myself. I was in Maggie’s house. Her new house at that. While walking through the halls I didn't see any signs of a boyfriend or significant other. The only thing I saw were empty boxes and boxes waiting to be unpacked.

      She didn't remember me.

      But I sure remember her. Especially those eyes. It seemed they’d gotten brighter than the light time I saw them.

      “Adam, you okay in there?” She asked knocking on the door.

      “Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. I’ll be out in a second.” I took a moment to collect myself, washing my hands, splashing some water on my face. I put on my straightest face, unlocking and opening the door to once again face her. 

Thief of Always Exercise: Chapters 8-13

14.Describe a time you witnessed or participated in the death of a living being.

      Back in 2012 the first pet I ever owned passed away. I only remember him as the large cat he was, I never got to see him as a kitten. He was one of the most lovable pet my family owned. When he was still health he was the cutest. He had big green eyes and a stomach that hanged to the floor. But as he got older, he started getting thinner and weaker. Soon that belly that hung to the floor was barely visible. His bones would show and he could barely walk and eat. By November we would have to keep him in my mom and dad's room because all the other animals would try and play with him. By then we were bringing him his food and water and taking him to the liter box. Then, at the end of November, he passed away. It was one of the most surreal things I feel like I'd ever gone through. Here was the creature, that I'd taken care of and cherished my whole life, who I had to watched get sicker and sicker as the days went on. To make matters worse, I couldn't do anything about it. I think the most important lesson I learned from that is, sometimes stuff just happens in life. Bad things are going to happen in life and we can't do anything about it. We just need to find a way to get along. 

Thief of Always Exercise: Chapters 4-7

5. Write about a time you played a practical joke on someone or when someone played a practical joke on you.

      I don't really know if this counts as a practical joke, but as everyone knows lots of my friends like to call me 'Tampon' as a joke. It started in eighth grade when my friend Sophia started calling me Tam Tam. As days and days and days went on she eventually bumped it up to Tampon. That's when she told all everyone. To even things out we gave everyone I was close to an equally gross name, but I'm pretty sure none of theirs will surpass mine. It gets quite weird because they never call me by Tamaron anymore, with the exception of Bella and Karina. It's gotten to a point where it's weird hearing my own name, even at home. So in hopes that those people are reading this, (Serita), could you tone it down a bit maybe? You're at like a seven, maybe bring it down to like a two.