Losing Clementine

Ream, Ashley. Losing Clementine. New York: William Morrow, 2012.

I don’t know where to begin with writing a review for this book. I read in two days and the only reason why I didn’t finish it in one sitting is that I had to be polite because it was Christmas day. This book shook me to the core; rattled me until my heart chattered in my head. I couldn’t decide which was worse, identifying with Clementine or really identifying with Clementine. I saw myself in her in more ways than I wanted to admit.

Here’s the skinny on Clementine Pritchard and why we lose her. Clementine is a gifted artist who has come to the end of her rope. It’s actually a rope she wouldn’t mind hanging herself with, except she doesn’t want people to see her asphyxiated that way. Instead, she’ll go with lethal injection. Despite a brilliant career, an ex-husband who still loves her, and an assistant who is loyal to a fault Clementine is ready to end her life. She makes the decision to research her method, put her affairs in order, and say her goodbyes within 30 days. Losing Clementine is a countdown; each chapter one less day in her life. Told in the first person Clementine Pritchard is sarcastic, funny, and painfully real. Like I said before I identified with her in more ways than I wanted to admit. She makes no apologies for her actions, her beliefs, nor her memories – for it’s the memories she wishes to escape. As the reader you are held in delicious suspense. Will she or won’t she? Clementine doesn’t spend 30 days trying to convince herself for her mind is made up. She spends 30 days proving it to you.

I wish I could quote this book because there were passages that had me holding my breath, laughing out loud and shedding silent tears. I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Ream will write.