Forget You Know Me (by Jessica Strawser)
Jessica Strawser’s books have been a constant source of joy for me, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting her at several Kentucky Book Festivals. While I haven’t had the chance to read all of her books yet, I’m diligently working on it. In her latest novel, Forget You Know Me, lifelong best friends Molly and Liza, who grew up together in Cincinnati, find themselves facing a shocking and frightening incident during a video call. Molly momentarily steps away to care for her crying child, leaving her laptop camera on. What Liza, in Chicago, witnesses through the screen is a disturbing revelation that unravels a web of hidden secrets, further straining their friendship and exposing cracks in Molly’s marriage. This accidental glimpse forces both women to confront buried truths about trust, loyalty, and the distances that can grow between even the closest relationships.
Forget You Know Me delves into a multitude of themes, including the complexities of long-term friendships, the challenges of marital strain, the impact of chronic pain, the joys and struggles of motherhood, and the consequences of unspoken wounds. The novel centers around the main characters, Molly and Liza, who have been inseparable since childhood. However, the sub-characters play equally significant roles, adding depth and richness to the story. I was particularly drawn to the complexity of the characters and the compelling drama surrounding their struggles. Jessica skillfully navigates the emotional landscape of her characters, allowing readers to empathize with their personal journeys and growth.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its exploration of the often-unspoken topic of how friendships evolve when people move away or have children. Jessica addresses this elephant in the room with sensitivity and insight, acknowledging that significant life changes inevitably alter friendships. By making this a central theme of the narrative, she crafts an in-depth and thought-provoking story that resonates with readers. While the book is marketed as a thriller, with its elements of mystery and suspense, I found that the drama and emotional depth of the story were the most captivating aspects for me.
I was fortunate enough to acquire a copy of Forget You Know Me at a book festival, and Jessica graciously signed and personalized it for me.
You’re welcome to explore my reviews for more of Jessica’s books, which are conveniently linked below. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jessica multiple times at book fairs, which you can also find below.
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