What The Song Remains The Same is about:
One of only two survivors of a plane crash, Nell Slattery wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the crash - or who she is, or was. Now she must piece together both body and mind -- with the help of family and friends who have their own agendas. She filters through photos, art, music and stories, hoping something will jog her memory, and soon - in tiny bits and pieces - Nell starts remembering...It isn't long before she learns to question the stories presented by her mother, her sister and business partner, and her husband. In the end she will learn that forgiving betrayals small and large will be the only true path to healing herself -- and finding happiness.
I have pretty much loved everything that Allison has written and her newest book is no exception. I identified so much with Nell and embraced her as a woman. She is so vulnerable and even though she can't remember her mother and sister, she's allowed herself to be open to their version of how she "used" to be. One of the things that really struck me while reading this book was how often Nell doubted her "inner voice" and it made me sit back and take stock of how many times I have done the exact same thing. Nell comes through this tragedy with a much better understanding of who she is as a person and what she really wants out of life. There are plenty of bumps and deceptions along the way, but that is what makes this a stellar read. It felt real! I thought it was genius as to how music plays a vital role in Nell's self-exploration and how intricately linked our memories are to songs that we listened to during pivotal moments in our lives. I was sad to let Nell's story go, but I was so happy to see that Allison didn't make the ending the typical cliche' of a Happily Ever After.
Recommend? If you're looking for a compelling story about a woman who essentially has to start all over again and a character that you can really root for, then I highly recommend the newest release from Winn-Scotch. You will not be disappointed and if you're anything like me, it will leave you anxiously awaiting her next book!!
Source: Lydia @ G.P. Putnam's
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 320
Published: April 12, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 320
Published: April 12, 2012
*Uncorrected ARC
Book Review #11
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Sounds like one that I'd enjoy as well -- great review Staci
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you enjoyed this book. I loved Time of My Life, so I can't wait to read this one. There are times when I want the happy ending, but I enjoy when authors keep it real, too.
ReplyDeleteI had some issues with this book but I love AWS's writing style and can't wait to read more. I like how you personalized your review. That's the best thing about reading fiction - relating to characters. Great review, Staci.
ReplyDeleteI love Allison's books too. Looking forward to reading this one. She just has a way of drawing me in to a story and keeping me firmly planted there. Nice review, Staci!
ReplyDeleteStaci, I've loved several books by this author, too, and I preordered it for Sparky, my Kindle. I think I'm getting it tomorrow. I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great review....
Great plot! I've read a couple of other books with the amnesia theme and enjoyed them. This is on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm... I am thinking I need to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great, Staci! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I didn't realize music was so important in this story, but it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteInteresting...I have to be in the mood for an emotional tugger like this one. I will keep this in mind. Great review :)
ReplyDeletePlease tell me that she doesn't fall in love with the other survivor.
ReplyDeleteI love books about lost memories and music, so I'm drawn to this one. Yours is the first review I've seen of it, so I'm off to see if my library has it now. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of her books but I've been seeing positive reviews of this one. I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Great review, Staci.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this author's work yet, but everyone seems to be crazy about it.
ReplyDeleteI have not read this author but this book sounds like the place to start. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by her but maybe I should one day :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so enthusiastic about this one; its infectious. I haven't read this author yet. Sad, I know.
ReplyDeleteYou are so enthusiastic about this one; its infectious. I haven't read this author yet. Sad, I know.
ReplyDeleteI have this one to read and will soon, after seeing your enthusiastic comments!
ReplyDeleteI know I have one of her books around here somewhere - I just need to find it. And then find the time to read it :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds lovely, I haven't read anything by this author yet but I have Time Of My Life on my kindle, have you read it?
ReplyDeleteI've only heard great things about this author, but haven't read anything by her yet. Hmmm
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you loved this one as much as me. I figured you would. She's such a fantastic author. I've been a fan since I read her first book and I'll continue to be.
ReplyDeleteClearly I've been extremely remiss in not having picked up any books by this author. I have a huge pile of books to take to Half-Price Books tomorrow; even though I won't be able to find this one, I'll definitely for Winn Scott's books!
ReplyDeleteI love how I can go to your blog and add a bunch of new books to my library list and TBR list :) I hadn't heard of this author before now but I'm definitely going to check this book out!
ReplyDeleteNell sounds like a great character. Isn't it good when you have an author you can rely on to consistently write a good story?
ReplyDelete