(Don't You) Forget About MeAuthor: Kate Karyus Quinn
Published by: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 10, 2014
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Welcome to Gardnerville.
A place where no one gets sick. And no one ever dies.
Except...
There’s a price to pay for paradise. Every fourth year, the strange power that fuels the town exacts its payment by infecting teens with deadly urges. In a normal year in Gardnerville, teens might stop talking to their best friends. In a fourth year, they’d kill them.Four years ago, Skylar’s sister, Piper, was locked away after leading sixteen of her classmates to a watery grave. Since then, Skylar has lived in a numb haze, struggling to forget her past and dull the pain of losing her sister. But the secrets and memories Piper left behind keep taunting Skylar—whispering that the only way to get her sister back is to stop Gardnerville’s murderous cycle once and for all.
Last year I read Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn and was thoroughly impressed with her debut novel. It was amazing and so unique. So when I saw Don’t You Forget About Me, I didn’t hesitate to get it. I didn’t even read what it was about. Just based on my experience with ALP, I already knew that I wanted to go into this completely blind. Honestly, I suggest that to everyone. I know you all can just go read reviews for this book somewhere else that will give you a bunch of information about the story, but trust me when I tell you to experience this book for yourself. I’m telling you, it’s quite the ride!
Every time I read the title, the song Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds popped in my head. So when I started the book and saw that each chapter is titled after an eighties song, I got a little giddy and I had a new song stuck in my head with each chapter. Eighties music rocks! However, this takes place in current day.
Seriously, this book was so damn good! Quinn is without a doubt, a fantastic writer with an amazing imagination! She writes such unique stories, and I love that it felt like I was working out a puzzle as I read it. There were hints dropped throughout, and I had a pretty strong feeling about what was going on, but Quinn keeps you on your toes the whole time. It has an amazing blend of magical realism, mystery and horror that is so well done, that I’m literally in awe.
The setting is unique (there’s that word again). Gardnerville is a place to both love and fear. No one gets sick, but there is a price to pay. You have cancer? Move to Gardnerville and you’ll be cured. But once you move there, it’s hard to leave. And every fourth year the town requires payment for its gifts. Deadly payments. With four years passing since the last payment that involved her own sister, Sky is pushed into discovering the town secrets and figuring out how to stop the Fourth Years.
The characters were interesting, to say the least. I’m not going to get into details because it’s hard to without giving spoilers. However, I will say that I loved Sky. She drove me crazy at some points, but it isn’t in a bad way. I know that might sound odd, buy it should make sense once you read this. I loved going on this insane journey with her.
Don’t You Forget About Me proved that Quinn isn’t a one trick pony. After being blown away by both of her books, I will continue to blindly go into anything she writes, knowing that I’m going to get something exceptional. So do I recommend this book? Absolutely, without an inkling of hesitation.
wow I’m glad you had such a great time with this one! It sounds so good, and I’m curious now! Great review!
It’s a great book.
Well, that’s adorable, the 80’s song chapter titles. Now you have me intrigued. I have this book to read soon but I wasn’t too excite about it. But now, I am all tingly.
DO NOT RESIST! Read it!
Yay, I am so happy that you loved it!!! I love this one too. It was one those that I kinda thought I was going a little crazy reading. It’s just that good. Wonderful review girl!!!
Yeah, Quinn is definitely a fantastic storyteller.
Yay! I already have Another Little Piece, so I’ll probably get to it first, but this is definitely on my wishlist. Great review, Christy! I’m so curious about this author now . . . 😉
Oh man, Jessica, you need to read these. Both books are great, but they’re different.
I saw this book but I didn’t think much of it b/c I didn’t know the author. Do you think: 1. we should have it in the library? 2. I should read it? Okay, #2 is a no-brainer from your review. I can kind of tell from your review, tho, it would be a good mystery (?) for our shelves, tho 🙂
I’m sort of back but still brain dead… don’t expect too much smart from me (derrrrr o.O )
Yes, yes, yes … yes to everything you asked. 😛 Seriously,read this sucker and get it for the library.
You were gone? I didn’t even notice. Kidding! I actually did. Did you kill too many brain cells on your Chicago trip? lol
I did love her first book more than this one but I am so not surprised you loved this Christy, I knew you this would be your kind of read for sure and that you would like the main character.
I do love this author’s imagination and will continue to buy and read her books because I know I will truly be getting something unique in them.
Yeah, the two books are definitely different, but both so damn good.
Wow, this sounds like a great read. I’m also going to look in to Another Little Piece!
They’re different kind of books, but both are amazing. You definitely need to try her books.
I have to admit that I stayed away from this one because I would have that song in my head every. time. I. read. the. title. LOL I so want to read this author. This sounds like a book that I would enjoy and become invested in as well. Well, as long as I can read it without singing in my head… 😉
Oh you need to read this. I have a feeling you’ll like it.
I know I get that song stuck in my head every time I see it too. I am so excited to read this. I love that the chapters are eighties songs and the world building sounds awesome. I need to go back and read ALP.
You haven’t read ALP? These books are pretty different, but both still have that amazing Quinn quality to them.
Oh you have me SO excited to read this! I think I’m going to do what you did and go in with as little info as possible. I have read reviews but thankfully they’ve been spoiler free so far. So looking forward to this! Lovely review!
Yes, READ IT! Avoid everything about it until you do.
Too funny, I started singing the Simple Mind song and love the eighties chapter thing. You have me adding this one!
Oh, you need to read this. I can’t remember if you’ve read ALP. If you haven’t, then read that one too.
This is on my TBR list and I can’t wait to read it 🙂
Good! I hope you enjoy it.
OMG This sounds really good a bit ominous! Is it a standalone? HEA?
Yes, it’s a standalone. Both of her books are. And I can’t tell you if it’s a HEA … that is kind of a spoiler. 😉
I can honestly say I’ve never read anything by this author. Love how it sounds though!!
You are missing out, Lily! 🙂
I started Another Little Piece a few weeks ago but set it aside because I wasn’t in the mood for that particular type of story right then. I’ll definitely get back to it and probably end up adding this one to my TBR. Glad it lived up to your expectations!
They are different kind of stories, but both are really good. I hope you read both soon.
Sounds fantastic. I still need to read her first book too, but both of these sound great. I definitely need to dive in soon.
Yes, you do! They are both great.
I remember seeing a lot of reviews when Another Little Piece came out! I’m glad to see Don’t Forget About Me did not disappoint. And now I’ll have that song in my head all night!
Thanks for the great review!
Haha! You should read this, Andrea.
Yay! So excited to read this soon! Unique is always good! I haven’t read her other book, but I’ve definitely heard a lot of good things. I’m glad you enjoyed both so much (:
Also, yes, the song is always stuck in my head!
I can’t wait for you to read it!! You’ll love it.
WOW! I’m most curious now! Last year I listened to The Program and I quite enjoyed it, this is reminding me a little of it. It looks like I need to go on a search for book one.
Thank you Christy 🙂
I haven’t read The Program, but I don’t think they’re very similar. And this is a standalone, both of her books are. Which is really nice.
I meant the first book you mentioned..LOL I already downloaded the free sample of Another Little Piece 🙂 I loved the blurb. I’m pretty sure I’ll be buying it.
D’oh! I totally knew that. lol. I hope you love it.
I actually pressed play, then read your review!! lol! I love 80’s music too!
Great review! This book sounds like it has touched you! The unique world, characters so well developed!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
lol – That’s the best way to do it! You should read it, Naomi!
I’ve heard great things about her writing, and I do love the unique vibe of her works. I’m gonna read this baby this summer, that’s my plan right now. It might fail, because I just managed to read Killing Sarai like a week ago I think, so that’s how slow my plans become realities, lol!!! But I most def wanna read this, cause if you loved it, chances are I will most likely love it too 😀
Oh man, wasn’t Killing Sarai amazing? I just finished Reviving Izabel a couple days ago … love! Yeah, you for sure need to read this one too though. 🙂
I AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU ENJOYED THIS ONE TOO!!!! I absolutely adored Kate’s debut so I was over the moon about this and I didn’t hesitate to grab it off of EW. Even though I expected my mind to be blown, Kate still managed to surprise me. She really is incredibly talented isn’t she?
Lovely review, Christy!! 🙂
She is without a doubt a very talented lady. I can’t wait to read more. No matter what she puts out there, I’m reading it.
I haven’t read her first one, but I’d heard about the D.I.D aspect (I think- I could be thinking of something else) which I thought for a while was going on with Sky too. Left me with some surprises, that’s for sure. So crazy though, haha. But get what you mean with her, I loved her even if she did annoy me a little at times, I liked the post-pills Sky more.
It’s not quite as simple as D.I.D in ALP. You need to read that one next!
I’ve heard quite a bit of talk about this one so i’m excited to hear you really liked it 🙂 I love the title (80’s references are the best references) so i was at first interested in the book for that reason alone, lol! NO SHAME. NOPE. NADA
LOL – Well it’s just more of a reason to read it then. 😀
I don’t think I’ve seen this one yet. Yay for her follow up being just as good! Love when you find that 🙂
They are truly impressive YAs.
I absolutely LOVE the sound of this, the thriller part of it sounds super fascinating! Thanks for the review Christy, I’ll definitely pick this one up.
I really hope you do, Jeann. I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on it.
I didn’t know what to expect of this book and it was SO GOOD. Definitely one of my favourite reads of 2014. The setting, the characters, the story… I can’t wait to read Another Little Piece
I’m betting you’ll love ALP too. The woman can write, that’s for sure!
I have Another Little Piece on my kindle but have not read it yet! I really should get on that since you really enjoyed it so much and it sounds like a total mind-fuck. I love mind-fucks! LOL. I’ve seen this book too and the premise, like ALP, intrigued me as well! I’m so glad you ended up loving this too and this proves to me that the author has more up on her sleeve and that she’s not a one hit wonder. Awesome review Christy, I am definitely up to be blown away by this author 🙂
Mind-fucks, indeed. lol. I think ALP is more of a mind-fuck though. I hope you read both soon!
And now, I’ve got the song in my head too ! Fortunately, I like it 🙂
I have seen this book around, but I never really gave it a second glance. Your review has me regreting that. It does sound very unique 😉
Great review. I’m glad you enjoyed this one christy.
I love picking up books without looking at reviews or the back summary, it makes it so much more fun. I really need to grab this one and her other book, but I keep forgetting.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!