This was very skillfully done! Although readers kind of witness a "plot twist" right at the very beginning, it only serves to build the tension in the narration as we witness Vera trying to make sense of what's happened. We know what she's lost, but it doesn't "ruin" the mystery because we still don't know why or how.

I absolutely loved the thought of everyone having their own affinity, and the debate of magic vs science, the study of mutations, all of it! I love how the author included Vera's Christian faith, but also included several other viewpoints and respected the validity of all of them.

I was very, very impressed with this book and I can't wait to read what the author writes next!

Something is missing in Vera's life, but she can't put her finger on what. The absence has left a hollow space inside her that seems to grow by the day. When Vera discovers that she's not the only one feeling this way, that's proof enough that something much larger is amiss. Vera and her best friend Riven know they must do something before it's too late, but too late for what? How do you fix what you don't remember?

So this is a really cool premise, and there's a very minor magic system in the book as well. I liked that there wasn't a long drawn out explanation of the magic, we are just dropped right in. I was interested enough in the plot to finish the book, even though I had some issues with the book. There is no subtlety here, you are hit over the head again and again. There's a theological component, which is definitely not my bag. I cared almost nothing for the characters, and the dialogue was cheesy and clunky. Still, I wanted to know how it ended. So, I guess I was hooked regardless of my problems. Maybe this one was just too young for me? I definitely think it will be a hit with readers, 16 and under. Thank you to Amulet Books and Netgalley for the chance to review this advance copy.
2.75 stars rounded up

*DNF @25%*
This has a cool sounding premise, of a girl who knows something is wrong with her memories and sets out to find the truth, but this didn't keep my attention. It's a very slow book with just day to day stuff of her and her friends at school and her home life. There's hints of something being wrong but just knowing that isn't enough. The suspense of what's wrong never felt like it was executed well. Plus Vera's voice is just so plain and honestly kind of forgettable that I didn't care to keep going...

The concept of this book is very unique, it's not quite magical realism but not quite pure fantasy, but whatever it is, it is good. The friendships in this book were great and felt very true. There was something missing, something that needed tweaking, something I can't define that would have made this book better for me. But since I can't define it, it could be a me problem and not a book problem.

The Forgotten Memories of Vera Glass is a stunning sci-fi thriller, where the suspense doesn't come from figuring out the mystery, but wondering whether the main character will. It is truly remarkable the way the Priemaza has created a narrator experiencing lost memories in a way that the reader can see the inconsistencies and gaps, but the character cannot. Masterful, suspenseful, edge-of-your seat - but also a slice of life study of grief and loss. This book is hard to describe, but impossible to forget.

Loss creates holes in hearts, except you have the memories, the history. What if you were only left with the grief and loss, the hole in your heart? What would you do?

“The Forgotten Memories of Vera Glass”addresses the holes in the heart of Vera Glass, her family and friends. Through a wide range of world and faith perspectives, Vera and her friends unravel the mystery that no one wants to touch, let alone acknowledge.

With grace notes of ethics, religion, secrecy, crossed lines, Anna Priemaza skillfully draws us through Vera’s days as a new reality develops with each person fails to exist.. The voice is real and accessible, although lagging in sections. Time spent blaming one group for the potential losses could have supported the resolution instead.

An intriguing concept presented in real life teen thinking laced with religious perspectives, “The Forgotten Memories of Vera Glass” offers young readers a look at loss, gifts. and dilemmas wrapped in a mystery.

Okay this book was an interesting ride from the start. I couldn’t stop because I needed to know what was going on. Symbolic, magical, but definitely a more YA read than adults. It was unique if not a tiny bit cliche at the same time.

I received from NetGalley for an honest review.

What a completely unique premise for a story! I was hooked all the way till the end wondering what was causing the forgotten memories. I appreciated there wasn't a lot of time given to the fact that everyone has an aptitude, that would have taken away from the eerie, lovely, tale. I didn't put this book down, read it in one sitting, that is how captivating it was.

This book was not what I was expecting! It was fascinating, clever and will keep you turning the page.

I was kindly provided an ebook by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review of this book. The book is scheduled to be released on November 9, 2021.

Okay, first I just want to say holly hell that was such an intense ride! I don't know exactly what I expected from this book before I read it but it definitely wasn't that (and I mean that in the best way possible). Recently I have become a real sucker for magical realism and this book 100% delivers. I'm not going to lie, there were parts of the book where I was confused and I thought I was missing something important, but I have a feeling that was done on purpose? Vera and Riven have this big chunk of memories missing so if I'm not mistaken, I think they author was trying to put us in their shoes WHICH I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. So many times I give books lower ratings because they were too "tell-y" and not enough "show-y" but after reading Vera Glass, I am going to be upset if they don't make be feel like I am actually in the thick of it with the main characters. This book was definitely really complicated and it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you think it is, highly recommend it.

This book grabbed me from the cover and title, and I couldn't put it down! It was gripping it all the right ways.

Interesting read, though a bit predictable and cliché in places. Quick engaging read. Teens should be the target audience though. They will love the magical realism.

This book was received as an ARC from ABRAMS Kids - Amulet Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved the concept and execution of this book. I am a fan of books that are unpredictable filled with twists and turns at every chapter and The Forgotten Memories of Vera Glass had them and more. You know at first what to expect from the title of this book but the concept that Anna Priemaza chose was different and unexpected in the best possible way. At first, I was concerned that I was going to be confused and then at the end, make sense and get good then the book will end but I was in for such a thrill ride that I was glad I read this book from start to finish anticipating when I was going to continue. When I finished the book, I was filled with excitement that I had to tell someone about the release of this book which I know is not until November but, I know our teen book club will have much to say when they read it themselves.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Thank you to ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books, and Netgalley for free access to a digital copy of The Forgotten Memories of Vera Glass by Anna Priemaza in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a wonderful book in so many ways. I love fantasy that is set in the real world with a touch of something supernatural. Vera, like everyone else, has a magical power - an aptitude, but just one. Some powers are more useful to daily life than others. Some are quite mysterious.

The author has done an incredible job with bringing the reader along at the same pace, or slightly ahead of, Vera in developing an understanding of what is happening in the story. I had “wait, but I thought…” moments throughout. As the novel continues, Vera and the reader become more aware of what is missing, or being forgotten.

This is a story of love, the bonds of friendship, the willingness to grow and learn, and of acceptance of self and others. My only regret, at the moment, is that I have no friends who have read it yet to discuss it! I cannot wait until it is released in the world so I can share it with my students.

If you've ever forgotten or lost something but can't remember or find it, you've stepped lightly into Vera's world. The frustration of loss and fear of the unknown abounds in this story, tied up with so many types of magic and witches that are part of each characters' world.

Vera is lost in a world of loss . Love, luck, and perseverance are the tools she needs to find her forgotten memories

I really enjoyed this book. It makes you really wonder. If loved ones disappeared but we forgot they even existed, how would you be able to mourn. How could you ever move on with a giant hole in your heart that can never be mended. We need our memories of lost loved ones. So we can remember the good and bad times and how they helped us grow.

This book was so unexpected and SO GOOD. I could not put it down.
Vera Glass lives in a world much like ours, but everyone is born with an aptitude. An aptitude is basically like a piece of magic they have, but they believe that it's part of your DNA- science, not magic. When the world starts to feel wrong to Vera, she starts to investigate.
The writing of the "forgotten memories" was very clever. I was so invested in the story that my only real concern was that the explanation wouldn't live up to my expectations. It DID!
My only criticism is that the way the author described people felt clunky, and unnecessary.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC to review.

While I didn't love this one, I think it's because I am no longer a teenager. However I do think teens will enjoy this one and get something out of it.

Odd convo about sex aside, I enjoyed the book as a whole. The end felt rushed but the descriptions of grief and the slow unraveling of the plot were skillfully done. I think grades 9+ will enjoy this.

•A R C•B O O K•R E V I E W•
2021 Book #50 out of 80
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THE FORGOTTEN MEMORIES OF VERA GLASS
Publication date November 9, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars
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QUICK SYNOPSIS:
Vera Glass discovers that her life is suddenly disappearing in what feels like a black hole, but she can't seem to pinpoint what is exactly missing or why she is feeling this way. Vera notices that she is not the only one feeling this sense of loss either. With everyone in her world having some form of an aptitude (a form of magic), Vera and her friends try to unravel what is really going on and disappearing in their life.

STORYLINE & THOUGHTS:
~ A WONDERFUL YA book, written for thrill and suspense seekers.
~ I was always left with wanting to read more after I finished a chapter. Also, I kept on wondering "what is going on?!" whenever I felt like something unexpected happened. I sometimes had to even do a reread to make sure I read the unexpected event properly.
~ The book was refreshing, a good puzzle, and relatable for me. I'd definitely read more of Priemmaza's books again in the future.
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Thank you to @netgalley and @ABRAMSKidsfor this ARC Ebook. All reviews are fair and honest reviews. All opinions are my own.
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