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Mnevermind #2
Forget Me Not
No two people are exactly alike, but Elijah Crowe is very, very different.
Elijah is on the autism spectrum, so the tasks of day-to-day life most people breeze through are a challenge for him. His career suffered because he never got the hang of schmoozing, and now he wastes his talents teaching classes at the mall. His social circle is limited to his ex, his therapist, and a structured inclusion group at the Rec Center. The one bright spot in his life is the memory science of Mnemography.
Although he loves nothing better than devouring the latest research and tinkering with all the specialized equipment, he never clicked with any other experts in the field until he met Daniel Schroeder. Daniel runs a memory palace—he even writes his own mnems—and that shared interest alone would make him fascinating. But Daniel and Elijah met under unusual circumstances, where the statement, “I like you, and I think you like me,” held some surprising nuances.
Now Elijah suspects he’s gay, but the few prominent people in his life are less than supportive. Some are downright hostile. Elijah might not be neurotypical, but he’s plenty smart. Surely there’s some way to get people to accept him for who he is. If only he could figure out how.
Elijah is on the autism spectrum, so the tasks of day-to-day life most people breeze through are a challenge for him. His career suffered because he never got the hang of schmoozing, and now he wastes his talents teaching classes at the mall. His social circle is limited to his ex, his therapist, and a structured inclusion group at the Rec Center. The one bright spot in his life is the memory science of Mnemography.
Although he loves nothing better than devouring the latest research and tinkering with all the specialized equipment, he never clicked with any other experts in the field until he met Daniel Schroeder. Daniel runs a memory palace—he even writes his own mnems—and that shared interest alone would make him fascinating. But Daniel and Elijah met under unusual circumstances, where the statement, “I like you, and I think you like me,” held some surprising nuances.
Now Elijah suspects he’s gay, but the few prominent people in his life are less than supportive. Some are downright hostile. Elijah might not be neurotypical, but he’s plenty smart. Surely there’s some way to get people to accept him for who he is. If only he could figure out how.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
15 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Castillo Price
138 books2,134 followersAuthor and artist Jordan Castillo Price writes paranormal sci-fi thrillers colored by her time in the Midwest, from inner city Chicago, to various cities across southern Wisconsin. She’s settled in a 1910 Cape Cod near Lake Michigan with tons of character and a plethora of bizarre spiders. Any disembodied noises, she’s decided, will be blamed on the ice maker.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
Jordan is best known as the author of the PsyCop series, an unfolding tale of paranormal mystery and suspense starring Victor Bayne, a gay medium who's plagued by ghostly visitations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
December 29, 2019
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
I freaking LOVED this one.
I was not prepared for a POV switch from book 1 to book 2, but I think it was an utterly brilliant move. I adored Elijah's voice, and I was almost brought to tears by the intensity of it all.
Book 2 in the Mnevermind trilogy continues the relationship between Elijah and Daniel, as fresh and tentative as it might be. Seeing things from Elijah's perspective really changed how I viewed Daniel and Elijah as a couple. I got a greater sense of NEED from Elijah, and a feeling of single-mindedness that I found both fascinating and erotic.
I am, admittedly, not very knowledgeable about Autism. However, I have a special, squishy soft spot for MC's on the spectrum. In romance, an Autistic MC is hard to come by (The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie, Valentine Shower, The Rosie Project), but I'm always on the look out for them. Combine an atypical MC with a sexuality discovery... I'm SOLD, baby.
But it isn't just about a great concept, JCP executed. This book was crafted with feeling and care. Elijah wasn't someone that I pitied. The complexities of his life and his thought processes astounded me, but when it came down to it, he was a man, a man with feelings and needs and basic, human wants. JCP did a perfect job of showing ALL the sides of Elijah, which made me root for him even more.
I also found the chemistry between Elijah and Daniel to be off the charts. They were smoking hot together, and I can't wait to see what happens when they really have the time and space to devote to one another.
But this book is not just about sex or the relationship between the MCs. There is a really fascinating story to boot, with Daniel's father's storyline taking an emotional front seat.
I loved everything about this story, except, perhaps, the way the ending sort of drops off, leaving you positively CRAZED for book 3.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I freaking LOVED this one.
I was not prepared for a POV switch from book 1 to book 2, but I think it was an utterly brilliant move. I adored Elijah's voice, and I was almost brought to tears by the intensity of it all.
Book 2 in the Mnevermind trilogy continues the relationship between Elijah and Daniel, as fresh and tentative as it might be. Seeing things from Elijah's perspective really changed how I viewed Daniel and Elijah as a couple. I got a greater sense of NEED from Elijah, and a feeling of single-mindedness that I found both fascinating and erotic.
I am, admittedly, not very knowledgeable about Autism. However, I have a special, squishy soft spot for MC's on the spectrum. In romance, an Autistic MC is hard to come by (The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie, Valentine Shower, The Rosie Project), but I'm always on the look out for them. Combine an atypical MC with a sexuality discovery... I'm SOLD, baby.
But it isn't just about a great concept, JCP executed. This book was crafted with feeling and care. Elijah wasn't someone that I pitied. The complexities of his life and his thought processes astounded me, but when it came down to it, he was a man, a man with feelings and needs and basic, human wants. JCP did a perfect job of showing ALL the sides of Elijah, which made me root for him even more.
I also found the chemistry between Elijah and Daniel to be off the charts. They were smoking hot together, and I can't wait to see what happens when they really have the time and space to devote to one another.
But this book is not just about sex or the relationship between the MCs. There is a really fascinating story to boot, with Daniel's father's storyline taking an emotional front seat.
I loved everything about this story, except, perhaps, the way the ending sort of drops off, leaving you positively CRAZED for book 3.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
December 29, 2015
spectacular writing.
one of the finest depictions of a character on the autism spectrum i've ever read.
outstanding.
one of the finest depictions of a character on the autism spectrum i've ever read.
outstanding.
September 4, 2018
Re-read September 2018
One of my favorite audios.
-----------------------------
This book was incredible.
The story of Daniel and Elijah continues, through Elijah’s eyes this time. I loved his POV. This second book concentrates on Elijah and not a lot on the whole mneming business.
It’s not easy, writing a character with autism. I think JCP nailed it with Elijah. His confusion about some things, it felt so real. The way he perceives the world, I was completely in awe with him. His mind, sometimes so simple, sometimes so complicated.
He is very aware of the fact that he perceives things differently than other people. So he tries to compensates. He has learned how to interact with people by following certain rules. Even though those rules are not really that necessary when he is with Daniel. I liked that.
I could also understand Daniel being a bit weary for all that Elijah and being with him entails. Even though I loved Elijah’s take on their relationship.
”It’s everything else I’m worried about. It’s just so damn complicated.” Daniel said.
“Not really.” Not any more than everything else was complicated.
What did annoy me to no end was how some people treated Elijah. How his therapist immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion about Elijah’s relationship with Daniel. And don’t get me started on his ex-wife. She treated him like a child, I wanted to strangle her.
It almost never happens to me that the end of a book sneaks up on me. I am always aware of how many pages I have left. But not here. I was so engrossed in the story that I was completely taken by surprise when I had reached the end.
So happy there is still one book left.
One of my favorite audios.
-----------------------------
This book was incredible.
The story of Daniel and Elijah continues, through Elijah’s eyes this time. I loved his POV. This second book concentrates on Elijah and not a lot on the whole mneming business.
It’s not easy, writing a character with autism. I think JCP nailed it with Elijah. His confusion about some things, it felt so real. The way he perceives the world, I was completely in awe with him. His mind, sometimes so simple, sometimes so complicated.
He is very aware of the fact that he perceives things differently than other people. So he tries to compensates. He has learned how to interact with people by following certain rules. Even though those rules are not really that necessary when he is with Daniel. I liked that.
I could also understand Daniel being a bit weary for all that Elijah and being with him entails. Even though I loved Elijah’s take on their relationship.
”It’s everything else I’m worried about. It’s just so damn complicated.” Daniel said.
“Not really.” Not any more than everything else was complicated.
What did annoy me to no end was how some people treated Elijah. How his therapist immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion about Elijah’s relationship with Daniel. And don’t get me started on his ex-wife. She treated him like a child, I wanted to strangle her.
It almost never happens to me that the end of a book sneaks up on me. I am always aware of how many pages I have left. But not here. I was so engrossed in the story that I was completely taken by surprise when I had reached the end.
So happy there is still one book left.
November 7, 2014
My son is autistic. He doesn't make eye contact often. He speaks in sing songs. He stims--huge, huge stims. He's also incredibly smart, creative, and loving. So when I say, unequivocably, JCP gets it absolutely right in this book? I'm speaking as someone who knows what it's like to love an autistic person, to struggle with things like stims and social cues and eye contact. JCP nailed it. Nailed. It.
And the story is great too. :)
And the story is great too. :)
January 9, 2016
Review written January 9, 2016
4.8 Stars - Loved everything about this. EVERYTHING!!
Book #2
As so many of my friends here already said: I liked the first book but I loved this second installment. ~ Amazingly touching, charming sweet and hearbreaking lovely. The very best kind.
HURRAY my very first 5 stars read 2016! Let it be many.
**********************************************
The first book The Persistence of Memory (3.8 stars) was intriguing and interesting in all ways so I was really looking forward start this second just a week later.
Once again a BUDDYREAD with Sofia — start 6th Jan
Wow, here we get the chance to know more about Daniel Schroeder and his new very interesting acquaintance Elijah Crow .... and their struggles with ways to use the Mnem technology. This time so very well told in Elijah's point of view.
Elijah for sure has things to manage with in life. He has a hard time to always "read" and right understand other people's feelings and all those things that aren't said in a direct or straight way. Slightly autistic (or with a tiny aspberger?) and not just that, Elijah is also a newly to himself discovered 'I prefer men' gay man ... highly intensely in love ... in our dear Daniel. — And Elijah isn't just wonderful adorable he is also a innocent cutie.
It was just so much fun (and emotional interesting) to follow this Elijah characters thoughts and all those daily rules he lives after. I maybe wanted a bit more about Daniel but I'm sure next book will give more. — As in book #1 we also get a couple of interesting second characters. — You could just stay in this world... and enjoy.
**********************************************
Yes, yes, yes! Jordan Castillo Price know how to make me love her characters. Fab, weird, amusing and impressive fantastic as always.
What to more say? Nothing longish.. — Five stars probably says it all. — I'm in love... I just want to continue with book #3-Life is Awesome, the last in this intriguing good three books series.
**********************************************
I LIKE - yes I do, enormously hugely much
4.8 Stars - Loved everything about this. EVERYTHING!!
Book #2
As so many of my friends here already said: I liked the first book but I loved this second installment. ~ Amazingly touching, charming sweet and hearbreaking lovely. The very best kind.
HURRAY my very first 5 stars read 2016! Let it be many.
**********************************************
The first book The Persistence of Memory (3.8 stars) was intriguing and interesting in all ways so I was really looking forward start this second just a week later.
Once again a BUDDYREAD with Sofia — start 6th Jan
Wow, here we get the chance to know more about Daniel Schroeder and his new very interesting acquaintance Elijah Crow .... and their struggles with ways to use the Mnem technology. This time so very well told in Elijah's point of view.
‘What was the alternative—wait until it was dark out and insist on keeping the lights off? No, I wanted to get it over with, all of it. Not because it was unpleasant, but because I always loathe the beginning of a learning curve.’
Elijah for sure has things to manage with in life. He has a hard time to always "read" and right understand other people's feelings and all those things that aren't said in a direct or straight way. Slightly autistic (or with a tiny aspberger?) and not just that, Elijah is also a newly to himself discovered 'I prefer men' gay man ... highly intensely in love ... in our dear Daniel. — And Elijah isn't just wonderful adorable he is also a innocent cutie.
It was just so much fun (and emotional interesting) to follow this Elijah characters thoughts and all those daily rules he lives after. I maybe wanted a bit more about Daniel but I'm sure next book will give more. — As in book #1 we also get a couple of interesting second characters. — You could just stay in this world... and enjoy.
**********************************************
Yes, yes, yes! Jordan Castillo Price know how to make me love her characters. Fab, weird, amusing and impressive fantastic as always.
What to more say? Nothing longish.. — Five stars probably says it all. — I'm in love... I just want to continue with book #3-Life is Awesome, the last in this intriguing good three books series.
‘There were probably rules about public displays of affection I should be following, but we weren’t in public, were we?'
**********************************************
I LIKE - yes I do, enormously hugely much
March 3, 2014
As the book opened, I was delighted to find myself in Elijah's POV. Not that Daniel wasn't a great narrator in book 1, but Elijah has some special challenges, and it was hard from the outside to know how deep those went, or how capable he really was of dealing with life, and with Daniel. I was reassured, touched, and fascinated by him in this book.
I know people who fit somewhere on the autism spectrum, and Elijah's difficulties with the social demands and abstract interactions rang very true. At the same time, I came out of this reassured that there is a lot of depth to Elijah. He is a better match for Daniel than I thought, and sometimes his inability to see the expected from people gives him unexpected new insights. I loved watching his development, as he realizes he is gay and sets out to explore, in his own way, how that's going to work for him and Daniel.
The secondary characters add depth to the story, and the Sci Fi element, although vital to the arc of the plot, is neither obscure nor over-detailed. I liked this one even better than the first book, and will eagerly jump on the third as soon as it becomes available.
I know people who fit somewhere on the autism spectrum, and Elijah's difficulties with the social demands and abstract interactions rang very true. At the same time, I came out of this reassured that there is a lot of depth to Elijah. He is a better match for Daniel than I thought, and sometimes his inability to see the expected from people gives him unexpected new insights. I loved watching his development, as he realizes he is gay and sets out to explore, in his own way, how that's going to work for him and Daniel.
The secondary characters add depth to the story, and the Sci Fi element, although vital to the arc of the plot, is neither obscure nor over-detailed. I liked this one even better than the first book, and will eagerly jump on the third as soon as it becomes available.
February 21, 2017
What if you can't control your memories?
Getting inside Elijah's mind was an excellent move to clarify the disconnect between Daniel and him. The reveal of mental processing of his autism elucidates his reactions to events. Watching his analysis and knowing that others are going to misread him is not easy to read, but since it is strictly from Elijah's point of view and his agency it feels less upsetting. He's driving what's happening and the reader is not placed in the role victim witness.
So much of human interaction is codified social constructs built over years that we don't even think about, rely on, and utilize short cuts in categorizing people and their actions rather than actually observing new ones. We count on past interactions to interpret and react to future ones, which in a homogenous environment where everyone is using the same playbook is tenable, but plurality and social differences in mores erase those lines.
Needless to say, this was pretty thought provoking. The neurological discussions of the technology and consequences of it are just really getting explored in this segment with the more in depth exploration of Big Dan and his relationships with Daniel and others. The alliance Elijah feels with Big Dan is immediate and an interesting intersect. Well done, and off to the next.
Getting inside Elijah's mind was an excellent move to clarify the disconnect between Daniel and him. The reveal of mental processing of his autism elucidates his reactions to events. Watching his analysis and knowing that others are going to misread him is not easy to read, but since it is strictly from Elijah's point of view and his agency it feels less upsetting. He's driving what's happening and the reader is not placed in the role victim witness.
So much of human interaction is codified social constructs built over years that we don't even think about, rely on, and utilize short cuts in categorizing people and their actions rather than actually observing new ones. We count on past interactions to interpret and react to future ones, which in a homogenous environment where everyone is using the same playbook is tenable, but plurality and social differences in mores erase those lines.
Needless to say, this was pretty thought provoking. The neurological discussions of the technology and consequences of it are just really getting explored in this segment with the more in depth exploration of Big Dan and his relationships with Daniel and others. The alliance Elijah feels with Big Dan is immediate and an interesting intersect. Well done, and off to the next.
February 20, 2014
This is the kind of book you rip right through and then you're sad when it's done so soon and you immediately go online to check the time between book 1 and book 2 so you have an idea how long it'll be 'til book 3 comes out. Please don't let it be another two years!
This one takes place over a few days right after the end of book 1, so it's still early days in Daniel and Elijah's relationship. Here we get to know Elijah better and I loved that this was from his POV. It was heartbreaking to see how, as an autistic adult, he struggles to function and to appear as normal as possible to the people around him. And he so desperately wants to be loved.
Now we've gotten to know both men and the final book is primed to be a team effort to fix Big Dan's persistent mnem. I'm anxious for an installment where Daniel and Elijah are together more. I hope this will be next up for the author because, as much as I love Vic and Jacob, I'd like to see the conclusion to this series before even another PsyCop book. I hate to leave these guys!
This one takes place over a few days right after the end of book 1, so it's still early days in Daniel and Elijah's relationship. Here we get to know Elijah better and I loved that this was from his POV. It was heartbreaking to see how, as an autistic adult, he struggles to function and to appear as normal as possible to the people around him. And he so desperately wants to be loved.
Now we've gotten to know both men and the final book is primed to be a team effort to fix Big Dan's persistent mnem. I'm anxious for an installment where Daniel and Elijah are together more. I hope this will be next up for the author because, as much as I love Vic and Jacob, I'd like to see the conclusion to this series before even another PsyCop book. I hate to leave these guys!
April 15, 2015
I liked the first book, but I absolutely loved this one!
Elijah is perhaps a bit more of an uplifting character than Daniel. They both have many personal problems but where Daniel just sees darkness, Elijah works hard to solve and understand his issues
Maybe I loved this book more because I’m shallow…Here the focus was really on their relationship and especially Elijah’s view on it, and there was not as much details on technology. Which as fascinating as it can be, just doesn't pull me in like a great romance story.
Elijah is perhaps a bit more of an uplifting character than Daniel. They both have many personal problems but where Daniel just sees darkness, Elijah works hard to solve and understand his issues
Maybe I loved this book more because I’m shallow…Here the focus was really on their relationship and especially Elijah’s view on it, and there was not as much details on technology. Which as fascinating as it can be, just doesn't pull me in like a great romance story.
January 9, 2016
This story is complicated, intimate, intricate weaving in of different people, different needs, different perspectives. And yes she has succeeded in make Elijah a person in his own right, not a label, a stereotype. Elijah is himself, I like how she gives him to us with his perspective and how it is all so different for him and how a big thing for him is nothing for someone else. But dispite all that he feels, he needs, he tries, he continues.
JCP lists in her notes Temple Grandin, she is a person I greatly admire and knowing that JCP used her to build Elijah makes me feel good.
I need to continue...........
Read with Ingela
April 20, 2015
3.5 stars rounded up!
The first book in this series, The Persistence of Memory, was a mixed bag for me. I liked it, but it wasn't exactly what I'd expected and I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue the series. I prefer my sci-fi to have interesting technology, some ethical dilemma and a dystopian setting. What I got was a romance that just so happened to be set in an alternate world in which there is a form of technology known as 'mnemography'.
So after reading book 1, I wasn't completely sold on this very sedate version of sci-fi. But 'Forget Me Not' had rave reviews from my friends, so I decided to check it out. And I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised.
In the previous book, Elijah was a complete enigma. We don't really get much information about him until very late in the book. That's probably why I didn't connect with him, or the romance, after book 1. I think changing the POV for book 2 was a genius move. Readers are able to understand what motivates Elijah and how he's approaching his new-found attraction to men, and Daniel in particular.
Elijah is on the autism spectrum, so I his POV allowed me to see the difficulties of daily life from his perspective. I think because I had read Carry the Ocean (which is an excellent read and delves deep in to the complexities of autism) just last week, I was able to understand Elijah more so than I would have otherwise. I couldn't help but be frustrated with Daniel's lack of understanding Elijah's situation a few times, but he's obviously trying to learn so I've got hope!
Overall, I'm really happy with how the romance is progressing. This is not a typical love story, but it's got need, passion and emotion in spades.
I'm still not convinced about mnemography, but it does provide an interesting backdrop to the romance. It looks like book 3 will have a lot more of the technology, so I'm hoping it'll catch my interest. And I'm really hoping that Big Dan's storyline has a happy ending!
P.S. I'd really like for Daniel to beat up Ryan.
The first book in this series, The Persistence of Memory, was a mixed bag for me. I liked it, but it wasn't exactly what I'd expected and I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue the series. I prefer my sci-fi to have interesting technology, some ethical dilemma and a dystopian setting. What I got was a romance that just so happened to be set in an alternate world in which there is a form of technology known as 'mnemography'.
So after reading book 1, I wasn't completely sold on this very sedate version of sci-fi. But 'Forget Me Not' had rave reviews from my friends, so I decided to check it out. And I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised.
In the previous book, Elijah was a complete enigma. We don't really get much information about him until very late in the book. That's probably why I didn't connect with him, or the romance, after book 1. I think changing the POV for book 2 was a genius move. Readers are able to understand what motivates Elijah and how he's approaching his new-found attraction to men, and Daniel in particular.
Elijah is on the autism spectrum, so I his POV allowed me to see the difficulties of daily life from his perspective. I think because I had read Carry the Ocean (which is an excellent read and delves deep in to the complexities of autism) just last week, I was able to understand Elijah more so than I would have otherwise. I couldn't help but be frustrated with Daniel's lack of understanding Elijah's situation a few times, but he's obviously trying to learn so I've got hope!
Overall, I'm really happy with how the romance is progressing. This is not a typical love story, but it's got need, passion and emotion in spades.
I'm still not convinced about mnemography, but it does provide an interesting backdrop to the romance. It looks like book 3 will have a lot more of the technology, so I'm hoping it'll catch my interest. And I'm really hoping that Big Dan's storyline has a happy ending!
P.S. I'd really like for Daniel to beat up Ryan.
April 10, 2015
I had some trouble getting used to Elijah’s voice in the beginning. But the only reason for that was: I loved Daniel’s voice in the first book so much that I just missed it. Truth is I thought JCP did an amazing job with Elijah. It’s so rare to find a character like him – so brave and vulnerable at the same time.
This was the turning point in the book for me:
And I hoped he didn’t want to know what I was thanking him for, other than to say he sometimes made me feel normal—and when I was feeling the opposite of normal, he didn’t freak out. Thankfully, though, he didn’t press me for details. He just said, “Okay.”
Which was a very good example of why Daniel Schroeder is awesome.
This was where I felt Elijah’s voice had to be heard to make this story complete. He couldn’t remain just Daniel’s love interest.
Very emotional read. And not only because of the bullying and insults Elijah had to endure, and how almost everyone around him easily underestimated him, but because of how much he wanted and needed Daniel to love him.
January 6, 2016
Even better than the first book! This one was told from Elijah's POV. And his mind is a fascinating place to be. I loved seeing his thought process in the real world vs. in mnem. And I loved seeing Elijah and Daniel get closer. I am so looking forward to book #3!!
August 27, 2018
OMG THIS BOOK IS AMAZING AND I LOVE EVERYTHING IT CHOOSES TO BE!
I loved so much that we got a book from Elijah's POV. Now, I'll say upfront I'm not autistic, so I can't say if this is an accurate portrayal of what it's like to be autistic. JCP says in the afterword that she did contact people who have autism and did her research before writing this, and from everything else I've read by her, she takes her craft seriously. So I trust her to make this as close to possible as an accurate portrayal as she can get - bearing in mind that autism is different for everyone who has it. But I'll leave it up to readers who are autistic to make that determination.
What I did appreciate about this was that it gave Elijah a voice. It let us into his thought processes and his emotional processes, both of which were often hard to discern in the first book through Daniel's POV. We see how he processes information and how he filters everything that comes his way throughout the day. We also get to learn more about his background and his problems at work. He's a fully developed character, not a list of behavioral traits.
It was also fascinating to watch him and Daniel figure out how to communicate with each other, and to see Elijah so excited to figure out he's gay and not being worried or afraid to pursue that part of himself. Not that it's all easy. He does have challenges from outside to deal with, and those parts were rather tense reading about.
This book was a treat and I'm already plowing through the last book in the trilogy.
I loved so much that we got a book from Elijah's POV. Now, I'll say upfront I'm not autistic, so I can't say if this is an accurate portrayal of what it's like to be autistic. JCP says in the afterword that she did contact people who have autism and did her research before writing this, and from everything else I've read by her, she takes her craft seriously. So I trust her to make this as close to possible as an accurate portrayal as she can get - bearing in mind that autism is different for everyone who has it. But I'll leave it up to readers who are autistic to make that determination.
What I did appreciate about this was that it gave Elijah a voice. It let us into his thought processes and his emotional processes, both of which were often hard to discern in the first book through Daniel's POV. We see how he processes information and how he filters everything that comes his way throughout the day. We also get to learn more about his background and his problems at work. He's a fully developed character, not a list of behavioral traits.
It was also fascinating to watch him and Daniel figure out how to communicate with each other, and to see Elijah so excited to figure out he's gay and not being worried or afraid to pursue that part of himself. Not that it's all easy. He does have challenges from outside to deal with, and those parts were rather tense reading about.
This book was a treat and I'm already plowing through the last book in the trilogy.
January 17, 2016
4.5 stars
JCP is a fricking genuis. *calming self down from crazy fan girl mode* Seriously though......I think she made a fabulous choice in this second book of the trilogy to switch the POV from Daniel's to Elijah's. We don't get to know him till late in book one and what we see is from Daniel's impressions. By switching to Elijah we not only become invested in him but we clearly see that he is not a child or incompetent in any way. He's an every day man who just perceives and responds to the world differently than most. I think his Autism was so well done and realistic.
This portion of the story shows the development of their relationship and how Elijah feels about Daniel. It shows the struggles he goes through every day and how he has to push himself outside his norm. By showing us that I think it makes the reader realize just how beautiful this thing growing between these two men is. How hard they're working for it. This review doesn't remotely do justice to how well this book was done. I think this is the best portrayal of a MC with Autism that I've read. I loved every minute of this book.
JCP is a fricking genuis. *calming self down from crazy fan girl mode* Seriously though......I think she made a fabulous choice in this second book of the trilogy to switch the POV from Daniel's to Elijah's. We don't get to know him till late in book one and what we see is from Daniel's impressions. By switching to Elijah we not only become invested in him but we clearly see that he is not a child or incompetent in any way. He's an every day man who just perceives and responds to the world differently than most. I think his Autism was so well done and realistic.
This portion of the story shows the development of their relationship and how Elijah feels about Daniel. It shows the struggles he goes through every day and how he has to push himself outside his norm. By showing us that I think it makes the reader realize just how beautiful this thing growing between these two men is. How hard they're working for it. This review doesn't remotely do justice to how well this book was done. I think this is the best portrayal of a MC with Autism that I've read. I loved every minute of this book.
September 1, 2015
4.5 stars YES YES YES!!! Yet another amazing addition to JCP's work. I
loved
that this was from Elijah's POV and really thought that JCP nailed it. It helped so much in understanding him to see how his thought process worked compared to neurotypicals. At times it was heartbreaking to see him struggle to understand things that come naturally to the rest of us, but I also loved his straightforward way of approaching things and admired the way it cuts out a lot of the bullshit.
Their relationship didn't progress so much as I think they are still figuring each other out, and really Danial has a lot of issues to work through first. The ending isn't quite a cliffhanger but it also isn't completely resolved, this is definitely a trilogy as meant as such. But thank goodness for me that book3 is out already so I don't have to wait!
Their relationship didn't progress so much as I think they are still figuring each other out, and really Danial has a lot of issues to work through first. The ending isn't quite a cliffhanger but it also isn't completely resolved, this is definitely a trilogy as meant as such. But thank goodness for me that book3 is out already so I don't have to wait!
April 8, 2015
What a frikken amazing book!. I loved book one. I though the whole thing was different from anything I've read, and it was such a refreshing and complex story. In the second book we get Elijah's perspective, which as expected, made the whole thing even more amazing.
Elijah is autistic, which for starters makes this really interesting. He also thought himself to be straight for most of his life, until he met Daniel. Seeing Elijah rediscovering his sexuality was interesting, and it was also so endearing, and refreshing. The fact that he took the initiative to actually research and find out about gay sex, so he could understand it, and also understand Daniel better was gah.. Wonderful. The same goes for Daniel. The fact that Daniel decided, and wanted to know and understand Elijah better and did some research on Autism, was sweet to read. This speaks to me about two characters that really like each other and are trying to find ways to make a (potential, at this stage) relationship between them work, instead of going blindfolded into it and risk misunderstandings and problems.
Being in Elijah's mind was in every single way fascinating to read. The way he thinks, and how he links things is beyond interesting. He's extremely intelligent.In some way his "difficulty" to see things the same way that other people do, give new perspectives that are brilliant.
I have two close friends that have Autistic kids. Elijah reminded me so much of them. Every autistic person is different, even if they are in the same shade on the spectrum, but there are characteristics that are shared no matter where in it you are, and I saw those, and it was great. She nailed it. I LOVED how JCP was able to capture all of this, I ADORED that she took the time to research and talk to people on the spectrum. What a wonderful thing to do.
Another thing that I found realistic (and annoying for that reason), is how Beth was so extremely overprotecting of Elijah, but that's what you see in RL. The psychologist jumping into conclusions about Daniel, and practically crossing off Ryan, and almost dismissing the whole thing was also annoying, but then again, possible. So, in short, these aren't bad things, on the contrary, they are good. They made me GRRRRR because I've seen them happen in RL.
Elijah somehow projecting himself on Big Dan was: sad, heartbreaking, brilliant, interesting, and so well written. It was also hopeful. These are the things that I love about JCP, she takes the best of a chance like this one, putting two characters that while not in the same neuroatypical spectrum, can relate to each other, and makes something wonderful of it.
Also: HOT. These two are hot beyond belief.
Elijah is autistic, which for starters makes this really interesting. He also thought himself to be straight for most of his life, until he met Daniel. Seeing Elijah rediscovering his sexuality was interesting, and it was also so endearing, and refreshing. The fact that he took the initiative to actually research and find out about gay sex, so he could understand it, and also understand Daniel better was gah.. Wonderful. The same goes for Daniel. The fact that Daniel decided, and wanted to know and understand Elijah better and did some research on Autism, was sweet to read. This speaks to me about two characters that really like each other and are trying to find ways to make a (potential, at this stage) relationship between them work, instead of going blindfolded into it and risk misunderstandings and problems.
Being in Elijah's mind was in every single way fascinating to read. The way he thinks, and how he links things is beyond interesting. He's extremely intelligent.In some way his "difficulty" to see things the same way that other people do, give new perspectives that are brilliant.
I have two close friends that have Autistic kids. Elijah reminded me so much of them. Every autistic person is different, even if they are in the same shade on the spectrum, but there are characteristics that are shared no matter where in it you are, and I saw those, and it was great. She nailed it. I LOVED how JCP was able to capture all of this, I ADORED that she took the time to research and talk to people on the spectrum. What a wonderful thing to do.
Another thing that I found realistic (and annoying for that reason), is how Beth was so extremely overprotecting of Elijah, but that's what you see in RL. The psychologist jumping into conclusions about Daniel, and practically crossing off Ryan, and almost dismissing the whole thing was also annoying, but then again, possible. So, in short, these aren't bad things, on the contrary, they are good. They made me GRRRRR because I've seen them happen in RL.
Elijah somehow projecting himself on Big Dan was: sad, heartbreaking, brilliant, interesting, and so well written. It was also hopeful. These are the things that I love about JCP, she takes the best of a chance like this one, putting two characters that while not in the same neuroatypical spectrum, can relate to each other, and makes something wonderful of it.
Also: HOT. These two are hot beyond belief.
June 30, 2017
So looks like I started this two years ago and was really digging, and then I must have fell into my habit of "this book is so good, I'm just going to put it down so I can streeeetch it out more" and then life happened and I didn't finish it.
So, I picked up the audio book on sale, and started over recently, and sped through.
This was GREAT. But even more so, the audio was AMAZING.
Like, Elijah was already my fave character from book 1, and the narrator really did a fantastic job on his voice and cadence. I loved Elijah before, and now EVEN MORE.
If you liked book 1, The Persistence of Memory, then you should enjoy this. If you haven't read book 1 yet, DO NOT START HERE. It won't make sense.
This is an interesting series for JCP--like, it's kinda sci-fi-ish with the mneming, but it's overall a very thoughtful, personal story about people working through their issues and finding each other. Way less action than Psycop, but still really enthralling.
So, I picked up the audio book on sale, and started over recently, and sped through.
This was GREAT. But even more so, the audio was AMAZING.
Like, Elijah was already my fave character from book 1, and the narrator really did a fantastic job on his voice and cadence. I loved Elijah before, and now EVEN MORE.
If you liked book 1, The Persistence of Memory, then you should enjoy this. If you haven't read book 1 yet, DO NOT START HERE. It won't make sense.
This is an interesting series for JCP--like, it's kinda sci-fi-ish with the mneming, but it's overall a very thoughtful, personal story about people working through their issues and finding each other. Way less action than Psycop, but still really enthralling.
January 17, 2022
“I think I’d like to stop at the Quick Lube. Is it quick, really, or is that just the name? Do they service Hondas? Will they need to see my title and registration? Do I need an appointment? Can I pay with my debit card?”
#me
I really enjoyed reading from Elijah's perspective, and I think it was necessary in order to understand the depth of his character, as it's not outwardly expressed and therefore couldn't be shown through Daniel's POV.
I do wish the mnems had been less obvious, because I like being surprised. I look forward to seeing how everything is wrapped up in the final book, hopefully with some surprises along the way!
#me
I really enjoyed reading from Elijah's perspective, and I think it was necessary in order to understand the depth of his character, as it's not outwardly expressed and therefore couldn't be shown through Daniel's POV.
I do wish the mnems had been less obvious, because I like being surprised. I look forward to seeing how everything is wrapped up in the final book, hopefully with some surprises along the way!
August 8, 2016
I loved this book.
JCP nails Elijah's autism so well, i really enjoyed to be in his POV and he grew on me fast. I think he's my 2nd fav JCP's character after Victor. The thing i love about Jordan's characters is that they all are so different and despite their distinct characteristics, there's something that makes you identify with them. At least that's what happens to me and Elijah wasn't the exception.
The realism and details Jordan put on her stories is fantastic, i'd never get tired of read whatever she has to tell.
JCP nails Elijah's autism so well, i really enjoyed to be in his POV and he grew on me fast. I think he's my 2nd fav JCP's character after Victor. The thing i love about Jordan's characters is that they all are so different and despite their distinct characteristics, there's something that makes you identify with them. At least that's what happens to me and Elijah wasn't the exception.
The realism and details Jordan put on her stories is fantastic, i'd never get tired of read whatever she has to tell.
July 21, 2016
Just excellent! JCP writes this one from Elijah's pov and does an amazing job at telling the story through the eyes of someone on the autism spectrum. The way he explains Mneming is very interesting, and I loved how he describes the differences of how he perceives things when in Mnem vs. when he is not.
If was fascinating to read about how he deals with things in his everyday life and how everything makes him feel - it was a really personal book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
If was fascinating to read about how he deals with things in his everyday life and how everything makes him feel - it was a really personal book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
July 19, 2021
I actually liked this one a little better than the first because I enjoyed Elijah's viewpoint more than I did Daniel's. That being said, a lot of things happen in this book that are never resolved, neither in this nor in the third book in the series.
November 18, 2019
Audio Review 17Nov2019: 5 Stars
I know I read this over 3 years ago and I think I'm even more impressed with the story this time around. JCP does a wonderful job depicting a neurodivergent Elijah without resorting to caricature, and I love having this second book from his POV. Also, as much as I appreciated Seth Clayton's voice for Dan, I think it's even more suited to Elijah. Great choice of narrators, JCP!
Original Review 24Sep2019: 4.5 Stars
So, you know what I appreciate most about some television writers (specifically the likes of J. Michael Straczynski, Ronald D. Moore and Joss Whedon)? They don't treat me like I'm stupid. They tend to write stories that make you think, make you ponder, make you question and they do it in a way that isn't patronizing or simplified. And they expect you to keep up.
I just realized that Jordan Castillo Price does the same thing. JFC this book. It's enlightening but not sermonizing or castigating and it does in a way that makes perfect fucking sense given the plot of this series. I've never felt so much in the head of a character as I am with Elijah. Never felt I understood a character as much as I do Elijah.
Once again, JCP blows me away with saying more than she's saying and I just...it's just...argh! I NEED BETTER WORDSMITHING.
(I'm seriously considering a comparative lit course online and a creative writing seminar at the library just so I can have the words I need to review her books adequately.) (No, I'm not kidding.)
Edited 17Nov2019: Yeah, couldn't afford the tuition for an online class or the one offered way back when at the Library...*sad face*
I know I read this over 3 years ago and I think I'm even more impressed with the story this time around. JCP does a wonderful job depicting a neurodivergent Elijah without resorting to caricature, and I love having this second book from his POV. Also, as much as I appreciated Seth Clayton's voice for Dan, I think it's even more suited to Elijah. Great choice of narrators, JCP!
Original Review 24Sep2019: 4.5 Stars
So, you know what I appreciate most about some television writers (specifically the likes of J. Michael Straczynski, Ronald D. Moore and Joss Whedon)? They don't treat me like I'm stupid. They tend to write stories that make you think, make you ponder, make you question and they do it in a way that isn't patronizing or simplified. And they expect you to keep up.
I just realized that Jordan Castillo Price does the same thing. JFC this book. It's enlightening but not sermonizing or castigating and it does in a way that makes perfect fucking sense given the plot of this series. I've never felt so much in the head of a character as I am with Elijah. Never felt I understood a character as much as I do Elijah.
Once again, JCP blows me away with saying more than she's saying and I just...it's just...argh! I NEED BETTER WORDSMITHING.
(I'm seriously considering a comparative lit course online and a creative writing seminar at the library just so I can have the words I need to review her books adequately.) (No, I'm not kidding.)
Edited 17Nov2019: Yeah, couldn't afford the tuition for an online class or the one offered way back when at the Library...*sad face*
January 7, 2016
Wow. There is so much to praise here, but I'll just stick with Elijah. This really didn't feel like 'a picture of autism' to me--it was a portrait of a person, but through it I felt like I had a window in what it might be like to go through life as a neuro-atypical person. Part of me was in awe of just how hard Elijah fought to cope, but a much bigger part was chastened by how hard he had to fight, how much his life was shaped by what we might call the tyranny of the neurotypical.
Favorite quote: "Like regular people. Not that I wanted to be neurotypical, which I didn't. Evolutionarily speaking, neurodiversity is a good thing, plus I'd hate to be as limited as most people I meet. But that didn't mean I was immune to the feeling that despite my gifts and abilities, sometimes I didn't quite measure up."
I was also really disturbed by how quick his doctor was to deny Elijah's ability to consent to sex, this in a man who'd been formerly married. It's a complex question, but it illustrated the dangers, and even the arrogance, of trying to speak for others, even those perceived as vulnerable, or define their experience based on your own preconceptions.
Reading over this review, I recognize that I fell into my own trap of focusing on "the autism," as if that was all that needed to be said about Elijah or the book, as if it were not a rich, involving, and incredibly well-written story. It is all those things and as such I couldn't recommend it more highly.
Favorite quote: "Like regular people. Not that I wanted to be neurotypical, which I didn't. Evolutionarily speaking, neurodiversity is a good thing, plus I'd hate to be as limited as most people I meet. But that didn't mean I was immune to the feeling that despite my gifts and abilities, sometimes I didn't quite measure up."
I was also really disturbed by how quick his doctor was to deny Elijah's ability to consent to sex, this in a man who'd been formerly married. It's a complex question, but it illustrated the dangers, and even the arrogance, of trying to speak for others, even those perceived as vulnerable, or define their experience based on your own preconceptions.
Reading over this review, I recognize that I fell into my own trap of focusing on "the autism," as if that was all that needed to be said about Elijah or the book, as if it were not a rich, involving, and incredibly well-written story. It is all those things and as such I couldn't recommend it more highly.
July 7, 2016
This is brilliantly done. It is an imaginative sci-fi story with a beautiful human dimension. Although there is a romance, the romance is not the whole story. There are issues about family, friendships, work place relationships, bullying, the need for people to listen instead of assuming, and also what it is like to live with autism.
It was this last aspect that really won me over. It is fascinating to see how Elijah understands his work, life, and friendships as an autistic person, and then how he uses Mnem to overcome this challenge. For me this was the most interesting aspect of the book and also a surprise because I didn't see it so clearly in the last book.
JCP always writes such solid and intriguing sci fi stories and this trilogy shows just how talented she is as an author.
It was this last aspect that really won me over. It is fascinating to see how Elijah understands his work, life, and friendships as an autistic person, and then how he uses Mnem to overcome this challenge. For me this was the most interesting aspect of the book and also a surprise because I didn't see it so clearly in the last book.
JCP always writes such solid and intriguing sci fi stories and this trilogy shows just how talented she is as an author.
February 20, 2015
First read: November 2014
Reread: February 2015
I can't believe I didn't write a review the first time I read this. I loved it so much! Both times.
This second book was from Elijah's POV. I made me love him even more. It was quite an insightful for me to see the world from an autistic POV. It showed how innocent and brave Elijah was. The story was an emotional roller coaster for both Daniel and Elijah. It ended on a promising note but still very abruptly. I'm soooo happy the next book (or is it the last book from the trilogy?) is coming out in a couple of days!
Another well deserved five stars:)
Reread: February 2015
I can't believe I didn't write a review the first time I read this. I loved it so much! Both times.
This second book was from Elijah's POV. I made me love him even more. It was quite an insightful for me to see the world from an autistic POV. It showed how innocent and brave Elijah was. The story was an emotional roller coaster for both Daniel and Elijah. It ended on a promising note but still very abruptly. I'm soooo happy the next book (or is it the last book from the trilogy?) is coming out in a couple of days!
Another well deserved five stars:)
January 7, 2017
4.5 stars
July 10, 2023
Predators are every where. Anyone can be a victim. Survivors work everyday. Some times they can't. Sometimes they win a little bit back each day.
But when one decides people they consider are of limited mental facilities don't want to be loved. Then you aren't thinking of them as a person. More of a pet in need of care.
Elijah is neurotypical. Just means his brain wiring makes it hard to understand emotions. Daniel is still trying to solve his Father's issue. While his mother is making it worse. Why can't she leave them alone. Because she is a bully. A predator hunting her usual prey. Elijah can help! He has dealt with his.
But when one decides people they consider are of limited mental facilities don't want to be loved. Then you aren't thinking of them as a person. More of a pet in need of care.
Elijah is neurotypical. Just means his brain wiring makes it hard to understand emotions. Daniel is still trying to solve his Father's issue. While his mother is making it worse. Why can't she leave them alone. Because she is a bully. A predator hunting her usual prey. Elijah can help! He has dealt with his.
April 7, 2015
BR, March 30th with Susan, Gaby and Bucletina
I love this series… Deep respect for Jordan Castillo Price!! I think she nailed it to write a series about Autism/Asperger…
I fricking adored Elijah.. I was so surprised that the sequel was in Elijah’s POV.. He was interesting, cute and I had a lot of respect for how he handled his life.. He worked hard to have a grip on his disability.. Never did I feel sorry for him.
Elijah has a job, lives by himself and is as independend as can be.
And he is so smitten with Daniel. Daniel, who he met in his mnem is a memorysmith.
It was fascinating to see what went on in Elijah’s head.. Who would have thought that the most common things we do dailey could be so complicated.
Elijah’s need to get Daniel to like him, to get him on a date was great but how he gathered his information was hilarious. Logging in on a pornsite to chat…
And then, before I could ask whether I was supposed to bring flowers or wine or a little stuffed animal or something, someone named ManMeat4U typed a question for me.
r u a top or bottom?
I figured he meant my top lip. I touched my whiskerburn, which was a bit sore from the kiss in the parking lot, then typed, You mean my lips?
u got a hot mouth?
Uh oh. ManMeat4U knew about my whiskerburn? I glanced at my webcam, but the little green light was off. We weren’t video-chatting without me knowing it, which would be embarrassing since I might have been stimming without realizing it.
I also loved Daniel… I understood it was difficult for him in the beginning. Thinking Elijah was as broken as his father, he couldn’t take any more responsibility in taking care of Elijah as well.
“No, it’s incredibly complicated, but that’s okay. I want to try. Not because I’m so sick of this train wreck life of mine that I just need someone, anyone to be with.
I can’t stop thinking about you, and all I want to do is be with you. Even if it’s like walking through a minefield.” - Daniel
It will be nice to see how their relationship will develop. ♥♥♥
September 21, 2015
Too bloody good. Such a great writer. Nothing is too much when describing the awkward & difficult social minefield of autism, but JCP has such a way of making it weave into a great relatable story.
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