My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together - and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.

Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

I am often moved by the creativity and imagination held by many of the wonderful books that I have read. But THIS book has hit the top of my list. The story very much rivals the likes of The Time Traveler's Wife. The story is interwoven through present day and past, historical events.

I had no trouble getting into this book. In fact, within the first couple chapters I knew I would be reading this one quickly just so I could find out how it ended. The characters are very relate able and I almost feel as if they are people in my life.

As soon as I finished reading it last night, I called my good friend Nicole, since she recommended the book (click here to read more about Nicole). All I could keep saying was..."I want more!". I don't typically desire an author to write a sequel, but I need one with this book. I need more of Daniel and Lucy/Sophia/Constance. I need more of their story and more of the "what happened next".

I read some information on the web today that this is in pre-production for a movie. But just like The Time Traveler's Wife, the movie will not be able to do this book justice. I will be buying my own copy of this book for my collection...that's how much I absolutely loved it.

It's a great summer read, so go get it before the summer is over.