Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Forgotten - Catherine McKenzie - Review AND Giveaway!

Forgotten is the third novel by Catherine McKenzie. I've enjoyed both previous novels - Spin (my review) and Arranged (my review) but I think that Forgotten is my favourite - so far.

I always stop and look at a cover before reading and wonder - what does the picture have to say about the story? What's in the gift box? Who has has given it to her? What is she thinking about?

The gift? Well, when Emma Tupper's mother dies, she leaves Emma a ticket for a journey she wished she could have taken herself - a month in Africa.

"Her death was a fractional thing. One moment she was still and pale, but alive. The next she was gone. It seemed like almost nothing had happened, but that almost nothing changed everything for me."

Emma is a lawyer and has been working towards  partnership for many years. When her firm strongly discourages her taking a month long absence, she surprises herself by going anyway. The trip starts out well, but within a few days, Emma is seriously ill. The safari leader leaves her with volunteers in a remote village with a promise to send a doctor. But then an earthquake decimates the country. Emma recovers, but there is still no way for her to contact anyone from her remote village. Six months later, she is finally able to return, ready to step into her life again. But, that life is no more - the key to her apartment doesn't work, there's a strange man living there, she can't reach any of her friends by phone, someone else has her job...and more. When Emma googles herself, she discovers the truth - she's been declared dead.

McKenzie has concocted a great premise that just opens up so many avenues. As one supporting character advises Emma -  to "treat what happened to me like an opportunity to change the things in my life I didn't like."

Emma was an eminently likable character. Her best friend Stephanie was loads of fun - I'm quite taken with her bookstore/match making concept! All the classic elements of a great chick lit read are here - love interests (then and now), b****y co-workers, a great supporting cast with both humorous and wise characters, missed cues and found opportunities. But in addition to all that, there is that underlying question - what's important and what would you change? Lots of food for thought here.

McKenzie's prose flow easily, deliciously enveloping me in Emma's tale for hours at a time. If you're looking for a feel good read that will both entertain  and have you thinking about what's really important, make sure you include Forgotten. It's one you won't forget. (sorry - couldn't resist!)

And thanks to the great folks at William Morrow, I have two copies to giveaway! Simply comment to be entered. US only. Ends Nov. 10/12

CATHERINE McKENZIE was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. A graduate of McGill University and McGill Law School, Catherine practices law in Montreal. An avid runner and skier, her novels SPIN and ARRANGED are national bestsellers. Visit her online at catherinemckenzie.com. Or you can find Catherine on Facebook and on Twitter.

(This review originally appeared on this blog on April 24/12 with the Canadian release of Forgotten. I wanted to make sure all of my US readers knew about this great book - and had a chance to win a copy!)

22 comments:

Mary (Bookfan) said...

I really enjoyed Arranged so I'm not surprised you liked Forgotten. It sounds like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I'd love to read it!

The Book Chick said...

I agree with you- I've loved all of her books! No need to enter me as I've already read this, but thanks for the review!

traveler said...

Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. This novel sounds great. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

Forgotten would be memorable. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Liene said...

Trying again, correct spelling this time...
Please count me in for the giveaway!
Thanks, LLucane at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Would love to try her books. molly.bishop@live.com

Kirsten said...

I have seen other good reviews of this book and it looks like something I would enjoy. Thanks for the giveaway!
kessna6(at)yahoo(dot)com

bermudaonion said...

I love it when an author's work gets better and better. Please enter me in your giveaway.

Shirley said...

I live in Canada so I am exempt from this contest but I just have to say that I really enjoyed Forgotten! I have yet to read Arranged and Spin but will soon, fully expecting the same wonderfully entertaining wit that flowed with Forgotten.

DarcyO said...

Catherine McKenzie's Forgotten sounds like a great read. Please enter me in your giveaway.

valleyreader at gmail dot com

Karen B said...

A new author for me but the book sounds amazing. As you said - lots of food for thought!

kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Donna said...

I will look for her other books at the Library. Would love to read this one.

lag123 said...

I just recently heard of this book and would love to read it.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

Sue Farrell said...

I think I would really enjoy this book--it should give one lots to think about.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Martha Lawson said...

Another new to me author! Her book looks awesome and i'd love to be entered to win it. Thanks for the chance.

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

bn100 said...

Sounds like a good book.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

I would love to read this. The review makes me anxious to read it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

This sounds like a great story. It would be awful to come home and find out that you have been declared dead. I would love to read the book and see what happens. Thanks for having the giveaway.

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

christa @ mental foodie said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
cytljjb @ gmail com

Maureen said...

It looks like a good story.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Jessica T. said...

I would love to read this!
reklaw422 at hotmail dot com

Sharon said...

I've been trying and trying to win this one...maybe this is my time. thanks!
sharn3960 AT comcast DOT net