Remember Me Like This

Bret Anthony Johnston

Four years have passed since Justin Campbell’s disappearance, a tragedy that rocked the small town of Southport, Texas. Did he run away? Was he kidnapped? Did he drown in the bay? As the Campbells search for answers, they struggle to hold what’s left of their family together.

Then, one afternoon, the impossible happens. The police call to report that Justin has been found only miles away, in the neighboring town, and, most important, he appears to be fine. Though the reunion is a miracle, Justin’s homecoming exposes the deep rifts that have diminished his family, the wounds they all carry that may never fully heal. Trying to return to normal, his parents do their best to ease Justin back into his old life. But as thick summer heat takes hold, violent storms churn in the Gulf and in the Campbells’ hearts. When a reversal of fortune lays bare the family’s greatest fears—and offers perhaps the only hope for recovery—each of them must fight to keep the ties that bind them from permanently tearing apart.(from Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This book hit home because we had a very similar situation occur in our general area. A young boy goes missing, only to be “found” four years later. I still remember thinking - wow, I wonder what that whole experience was like for this young boy and his family.

Obviously, I can’t answer that on a personal basis. But I get the feeling that this author has probably come fairly close to hitting the nail on the head. He writes about the people who were left to deal with the sudden disappearance of Justin the Mom and Dad, a younger brother and a grandfather. How their grief is tearing their world apart. How they don’y know if they should give up or hold on to hope forever.

And then - Justin is found! Oh - the joy, the disbelief, the yes to be asked and answered questions.

The writing was compelling. This is a story that unfolds slowly and by the end, my stomach was in knots. It was wonderful!

My thanks to Random House, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.