This was a very sweet novel that tackled some pretty heavy subject matter without weighing you down. I really enjoyed the similarities shown between Cricket and her family and the family of Loons that visit the lake

This is SUCH a lovely book! I started it yesterday afternoon, then stayed up late to finish - what a wonderful treat to be immersed in this world and these characters. I was hesitant to request it at first - stories where a character has Alzheimer’s can be a rough go sometimes, in life and in fiction. But this is not that. Instead, author Tory Henwood Hoen offers us a different perspective, which she unfolds in the differing responses of two sisters to their father’s diagnosis. The older sister responds with charts, lists, and a schedule written in stone, attempting to manage/control something that is unmanageable and uncontrollable. But then when the younger sister, Cricket, takes over, she sees and experiences amazing things in her relationship with her father. Her account of the journey is eye-opening and so encouraging.

There’s a significant plot line about her father mysteriously knowing the future, and casually giving stunningly accurate personal prophecies. Cricket turns to the occult to explore this, with a bunch of forms of divination. I wish the author had included some thought of God in this - it all seemed a bit unmoored without any consideration of possible origins of the spiritual experiences the characters where having, and all the questions that come up when we’re faced with the end of life.

That said, this story is filled with warm and thoughtful people you will be happy to spend time with, and a story that will give you much to ponder in the best possible way. Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book.

This book hits on a lot of heavy topics: the toll of being a caretaker for a parent, dementia, death, but I loved how it also integrated the beauty of the natural world (one day I will visit the Adirondacks!), how weird Goop is, and how it takes time to find yourself and what brings you purpose in life. It was light at times to balance out the heaviness. It is a nice length that I finished in a few hours and I was excited to see how it played out!

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

In *Before I Forget*, Tory Henwood Hoen tells a funny and heartfelt story about memory that really hits home. The main character, Cricket Campbell, is 26 and feeling lost between who she was meant to be and who she actually is. When she heads back to her childhood home to take care of her dad, Arthur, who's dealing with Alzheimer's, things take a surprising turn. Arthur reveals he can predict the future, and this twist makes their journey even more special.

Hoen handles the tough topic of Alzheimer’s with a light touch, mixing humor with the more serious moments, making everything feel relatable. Cricket’s voice is both witty and vulnerable, and her struggle to find herself will resonate with anyone who's ever felt out of place. As she reconnects with her dad and her roots, she starts to uncover family secrets and rediscover parts of herself she thought she lost.

In the end, *Before I Forget* is a warm, uplifting read about healing and the importance of remembering in a different way.

**Verdict:** A clever and touching look at memory, identity, and fresh starts, this book hooks you in with its quirky premise and emotional punch.

Before I forget is a wonderful book showing that you never stop coming of age. You never stop discovering who you are and what you want. This book is thoughtful and considerate. It’s such a lovely depiction of parent/child dynamics and how pivotal they can be in navigating your own identity. This book is, at its core, hopeful. It discusses grief, loss, and the feelings of insecurity and confusion in a real and meaningful way. I loved this book.

Wow!! Thank you, NetGalley and to Macmillan publishers for an ARC of this awesome story. I absolutely loved it. Read it in a day. 4.5 stars easy.🥲🌟

When I first started the book, I was open to the premise but a part of me almost wasn’t in the mood for something “heavy”. But the author did such an excellent job of highlighting both the bittersweet moments that accompany tough family-level struggles like Alzheimer’s. Topics like loss, memory, coming-of-age struggles, and interpersonal conflicts were handled super well and refreshingly.

I also found that I liked it much more as the plot went on. And I really liked watching our protagonist’s arc develop next to her sister. It was a great way to characterize while “show don’t tell”-ing. The writing is riddled with moments that are quotable and subtly profound. Lots of good lines.

I think at the start of the book I had some moments where I wanted the plot to reflect some more back in time— to almost get me right away super invested in cricket and her family’s dynamics and flaws. However, that reflecting was something the story very much did later! And very excellently! So that might have been my personal preference.

I also really felt attached to her dad. He was so fun and felt like such a real character. And loved the late 20’s coming of age story. It’s a needed perspective and I think a lot of people will resonate. :)

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Publishers for sharing this ARC with me! All opinions are my own:

“Before I Forget” is a touching new fiction novel by Tori Henwood Hoen. I was immediately intrigued by the title of this book: it gives depth to the casual phrase that you would toss over your shoulder on your way out the door. In her story, Cricket Campbell’s journey confronts the complexities of adulthood, memory, and true responsibility.

This is truly a stunning story. I read this book in a day and loved it. Tori Henwood Hoen gracefully navigates some powerful themes, and I LOVE that she does it in such a relatable, sentimental, and lighthearted prose. This novel may carry some heavy topics that will definitely touch your heart, but it does not weigh so much as to put you in an emotional reading slump. It tenderly highlights the difficulties that accompany an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the challenges in maneuvering it as a caretaker. The characters are crafted with realistic and relatable personalities. I especially loved the repeated emphasis on the relationships between Cricket and her father and sister. I’ll definitely be back to see what Tori Henwood Hoen comes out with next!!

This is a story about the unpredictable nature of healing and how sometimes the hardest truths offer the deepest clarity. Poignant, funny, and brimming with heart, it’s a reminder that even fractured memories can lead us home.