257 books
—
597 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Before I Forget” as Want to Read:
Before I Forget
by
Abby's memories are her most precious thing.
Even though they're sometimes painful, she can't stop herself looking back, reliving the love of her life.
Until a freak accident means that she could lose it all: every memory and experience she has ever had.
Abby can't believe it's true. She feels fine. She is fine. How could she possibly forget all those moments that make her ...more
Even though they're sometimes painful, she can't stop herself looking back, reliving the love of her life.
Until a freak accident means that she could lose it all: every memory and experience she has ever had.
Abby can't believe it's true. She feels fine. She is fine. How could she possibly forget all those moments that make her ...more
Paperback, 341 pages
Published
July 9th 2009
by Hodder & Stoughton
(first published 2009)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Before I Forget,
please sign up.
Recent Questions
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
We always have to be careful when we make a wish. Abby Ryan was so pathetic about her boyfriend who broke up with her after quite a long relationship, and wished to forget him and everything she’d been through with him. As the book goes on, you learn how much she depended on him. Sadly, her wish had really happened; she was hit by falling debris when she was walking under a ladder on her way to work and has lost much of her long-term memory. Abby can't believe it's true. She feels fine. She eve
...more
It made me cry. I love it!
Can you imagine waking up one day discovering that you have the possibility to lose big chunks of your memories; therefore, your life? and if you can hold on to just one memory, what would it be and what would you do if you can't hold unto it?
Abby just lost Keiran, a man who she gave all his whole heart to for 5 years.. yet, crushed it into pieces saying that they were never meant to be and six months after married another girl..
Finn is picking up the pieces of himself ...more
Can you imagine waking up one day discovering that you have the possibility to lose big chunks of your memories; therefore, your life? and if you can hold on to just one memory, what would it be and what would you do if you can't hold unto it?
Abby just lost Keiran, a man who she gave all his whole heart to for 5 years.. yet, crushed it into pieces saying that they were never meant to be and six months after married another girl..
Finn is picking up the pieces of himself ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
The entirety of this book irritated me, I think. The characters weren't really likeable, any of them really, and the main character spent most of her time whining, or being too miserable for me to even care about. I understand she was having a tough time, but it made me not care for her at all. The twist near the end also through me off, and confused me a little, and not in a good way, and really, I didn't think it was necessary.
A book that takes me to 4 places - New York, Italy, Paris & Dublin. It's as though I was in the story as well....the shopping, food, atmosphere....just beautiful. And interesting characters - Abby, Finn, Caroline (the shopaholic and caring sister), Claire & Erin. Well, it was a good thing that Kieran dumped Abby, if not, things will not change for her. And the accident that knocked her out really changes everything.....especially her perspective of life. And not forgetting the beautiful
...more
Quite enjoyed this one. Abby has a freak accident and is hit on the head. This caused brain damage and she is told she will not remember things soon. But how can this be true she feels fine! Abby starts to live again after being dumped by her boyfriend, who to be honest sounds a right idiot! She meets Finn in New York and again in Ireland. He tries along with her family to help her make new memories and to find different ways of keeping hold of them. Much easier in todays world of technology.
There's so many stories about memory loss, but this one is very unique. Every plot twist is page turner. Especially the super romantic ending. This is (yet) the best Melissa Hill book I ever read (so far). Cannot wait to read her other books.
it was just ok. the story is mostly predictable and i did not get into the author's style of writing, particularly the quite repetitive and cliché turns of phrases.
This book was brilliantly written, the characters engaging, and the story beautiful. Loved it and would highly recommended.
Abby Ryan is quite happy with life, but all that changes when she’s hit by falling debris when she’s walking under a ladder on her way to work.
When she awakes, she finds out that her memory is damaged, and that she has lost much of her long-term memory. She’s devastated, but also slightly in denial. So Abby sets about creating some new, fantastic memories with the help of her family and close friends, ones that she hopes she will be able to hold onto despite her declining health.
On her amazing a ...more
When she awakes, she finds out that her memory is damaged, and that she has lost much of her long-term memory. She’s devastated, but also slightly in denial. So Abby sets about creating some new, fantastic memories with the help of her family and close friends, ones that she hopes she will be able to hold onto despite her declining health.
On her amazing a ...more
I LOVED THIS BOOK. IS A SWEET, HEART-WARMING STORY ABOUT LOVE. IT TAUGHT ME THAT, EVEN IF WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH TONS OF PROBLEMS IN OUR LIFE, IF WE HAVE SOMEONE BY OUR SIDE WHO LOVES US, THE BATTLE IS WORTH THE FIGHT.
I started this book and I wasn't expecting much but, in the end, it turned out to be a really great book. Abby is the example that when someone has just broken your heart in a thousand little pieces, you need something EXTRAORDINARY to happen to you. Well, I am not sure if I would ca ...more
I started this book and I wasn't expecting much but, in the end, it turned out to be a really great book. Abby is the example that when someone has just broken your heart in a thousand little pieces, you need something EXTRAORDINARY to happen to you. Well, I am not sure if I would ca ...more
The Book is Ahhhhhhhhhhhhmazinngg..!!
I saw the book on Amazon and felt like it is a kinda book I should not miss and
while reading the book I Sometimes saw me on Abby.The way she fought and moved on in life gave me kinda..positivity and Smile on My Face.. Finn..Lucy..
All the characters are now so close to my Heart that I feel All of them live somewhere around me and even If I have completed the book.. I have a feeling that I will meet them tomorrow for sure.
The Best part is.. I donno If I am re ...more
I saw the book on Amazon and felt like it is a kinda book I should not miss and
while reading the book I Sometimes saw me on Abby.The way she fought and moved on in life gave me kinda..positivity and Smile on My Face.. Finn..Lucy..
All the characters are now so close to my Heart that I feel All of them live somewhere around me and even If I have completed the book.. I have a feeling that I will meet them tomorrow for sure.
The Best part is.. I donno If I am re ...more
You know I love Melissa Hill mainly because you always feel good after you finish one of her books. This story was the same. Its starts off Abby is devastated because her long term boyfriend Kieran has dumped her. Her friend Erin tries to get her to go on holiday with her and another friend to Dubai for some girly time but Abby doesn't want to, she is too busy wallowing and now really late for work. As she is rushing out the door for work, she walks under a ladder and is hit on the head by a sla
...more
Must be something in the air. This is the second story related to bucket list that i've come across this week. Hmm..
The story is about Abby, who was pretty devastated after she was dumped by her long-time boyfriend. She started absorbing herself in her work & avoiding family/friends. One day she had an accident, causing injury to the head specifically where the memory function is. At first, she tried to deny it but one day she played the piano without ever remembering learning it. It initia ...more
The story is about Abby, who was pretty devastated after she was dumped by her long-time boyfriend. She started absorbing herself in her work & avoiding family/friends. One day she had an accident, causing injury to the head specifically where the memory function is. At first, she tried to deny it but one day she played the piano without ever remembering learning it. It initia ...more
I got this from the library as I was after a quick read that I didn't have to think too much about. In this respect I wasn't disappointed: it was light-hearted and enjoyable enough and easy to follow.
I wasn't really fond of the main character though, I found her a little irritating and whiny. The story was a nice idea though, particularly the list Abby makes in order to try and preserve her memories, but I really thought the ending was a let down. (view spoiler) ...more
I wasn't really fond of the main character though, I found her a little irritating and whiny. The story was a nice idea though, particularly the list Abby makes in order to try and preserve her memories, but I really thought the ending was a let down. (view spoiler) ...more
After breaking up with her boyfriend, the main character suffers a head injury which causes her to lose bits of her memory. The rest of the book is about her trying to learn how to live with her new injury. I enjoyed this one, even if I found it predictable in parts. I saw the end coming, although I really wasn’t sure how we were going to get there. Some of the characters I found two dimensional, but I enjoyed her interactions with them none the less. I like the idea of her ‘bucket list’. I thin
...more
i really enjoyed the book although the start was not as interesting as i had hoped.
appy has not been the easiest person to deal with in the past few years but with a family like hers anyperson no matter wat is he going through or wat is his personalty is(even if he is as horrible as kirean) will open up and be the most enjoyable person ever.
quick note she canm gain all the info that finn deleted by some programs found nowadays or at least lets just hope that kirean had a backup on his computer.
F ...more
appy has not been the easiest person to deal with in the past few years but with a family like hers anyperson no matter wat is he going through or wat is his personalty is(even if he is as horrible as kirean) will open up and be the most enjoyable person ever.
quick note she canm gain all the info that finn deleted by some programs found nowadays or at least lets just hope that kirean had a backup on his computer.
F ...more
Anyone other than me who thinks this book is like the more serious version of the movie "50 First Dates"?!
Still.. I liked the book. Its kinda scary thinking that though the brain is one of the major organs of a human being, a thick skull can't really prevent anything bad happening to it. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I knew I'd lose most of my short term memories and gradually, all my other memories..
*shudders*
Still.. I liked the book. Its kinda scary thinking that though the brain is one of the major organs of a human being, a thick skull can't really prevent anything bad happening to it. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I knew I'd lose most of my short term memories and gradually, all my other memories..
*shudders*
I really loved this book, it was a little slow in areas but that didn't matter because the story needed it. The last 5 chapters I read all at once (I usually only do 1 or 2 at a time as I'm an incredibly slow reader) as I was desperate to find out how it was going to end.
I think if you have never experienced true heartbreak you may not get on with Abby but I liked her and related to her a little.
Overall thrilled with this book.
I think if you have never experienced true heartbreak you may not get on with Abby but I liked her and related to her a little.
Overall thrilled with this book.
This is a great book. I really enjoyed the time spent with Finn and Abby
This is a story about true love. Abby has a lot to learn about an accident which causes her to not remember. She has to learn how to live her life without a relationship she had been in for several years. Then she meets Finn. The journey they travel is not easy. Unconditional love and respect is the path they choose
This is a story about true love. Abby has a lot to learn about an accident which causes her to not remember. She has to learn how to live her life without a relationship she had been in for several years. Then she meets Finn. The journey they travel is not easy. Unconditional love and respect is the path they choose
I wish to give this book a 3.8 actually. I gave 4 because of the story line..super love the story line. I think it's amazing that there's one surprise after another. Second half of the book makes it hard for me to put down the book but I'm a bit disappointed with the ending though. I somehow hope Melissa prolong the ending.
Jan 13, 2011
Adeem AlHassan
added it
What I liked the most in this novel was the optimism in her, the strength to never give up! Even though doctors didn’t give her any hope! She ignored the negativity of life. She believed in herself. Hope, faith and belief that’s all we need to get through any hard time in life. Also it made me realize that (Every problem has a solution), That’s it.
Looooooved this book! Unusual plot but beautiful story, with an emotional and touching happy ending.
I love Finn. And he's Irish, as a bonus :)
And Abby is a super cute and totally relatable heroine.
I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect to love this book so much and I'm glad I was wrong. I won't forget it :)
I love Finn. And he's Irish, as a bonus :)
And Abby is a super cute and totally relatable heroine.
I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't expect to love this book so much and I'm glad I was wrong. I won't forget it :)
Happily ever after but it took so long
I"m sorry but when I read romance I want beautiful people, romance and a LITTLE drama. This book is about a young woman who suffers brain injury in a freak accident. She isn't particularly attractive and it takes several years for the story to play out. I just finished it and I think I turned 100!
I"m sorry but when I read romance I want beautiful people, romance and a LITTLE drama. This book is about a young woman who suffers brain injury in a freak accident. She isn't particularly attractive and it takes several years for the story to play out. I just finished it and I think I turned 100!
Unputdownable! Unforgetable!
Easily one of the most gripping books I've read by Melissa Hill. I could barely put it down.
That being said, I was getting distinct feelings of deja-vu as I read this book, as I found there were quite a few similarities between Before I Forget and the film 50 First Dates.
Brilliant book, very glad I've read it
Easily one of the most gripping books I've read by Melissa Hill. I could barely put it down.
That being said, I was getting distinct feelings of deja-vu as I read this book, as I found there were quite a few similarities between Before I Forget and the film 50 First Dates.
Brilliant book, very glad I've read it
Mar 06, 2012
Marcia
added it
I order romance for my library. This author came to my attention and I got the book on ILL. She is not really published in the US. I can imagine myself finding it in a hostel in Ecuador or Nepal and because I have to read something always, I would read it. The storyline is a bit original, but the writing is so so.
An interesting premise but probably a mistake to read it straight after a book full of beautifully written prose (The Secret Scripture). The contrast in language was huge, and highlighted this as very much a chick-lit offering.
However... it was easy to turn the pages and I did enjoy it overall.
Made me want to read Before I Go to Sleep , for comparison.
However... it was easy to turn the pages and I did enjoy it overall.
Made me want to read Before I Go to Sleep , for comparison.
This is the only book by Melissa Hill I've been able to get my hands on and I truly can't wait to read more of her books! Shes a great writer and I only hope Us americans can get more of her great books over here!
Another one I didn't really want to finish, not for me.
I never got into the story, didn't much care for the characters, got confused at the end.
My fault, I skipped but even though I went back a little it just didn't grab me.
I never got into the story, didn't much care for the characters, got confused at the end.
My fault, I skipped but even though I went back a little it just didn't grab me.
Sweet and unforgettable love story.
A light and easy read that offered some unexpected surprises. Delightful and enchanting. Perfect read for the holidays. Hill is a wonderful storyteller.
A light and easy read that offered some unexpected surprises. Delightful and enchanting. Perfect read for the holidays. Hill is a wonderful storyteller.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers also enjoyed
International #1 bestselling author Melissa Hill lives in Dublin.
Her page-turning, contemporary novels are published worldwide and translated into 25 different languages.
Her titles are regular chart-toppers in Ireland and internationally.
A GIFT TO REMEMBER will be released as a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017 and another of her novels is in development with a major Hollywood studio.
Melissa Hill ...more
Her page-turning, contemporary novels are published worldwide and translated into 25 different languages.
Her titles are regular chart-toppers in Ireland and internationally.
A GIFT TO REMEMBER will be released as a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017 and another of her novels is in development with a major Hollywood studio.
Melissa Hill ...more
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Ah, weddings can be very emotional sometimes, can't they? Yes, especially when it's the wedding of the love of your life to somebody else.”
—
0 likes
“Some of the best experiences are the most unexpected ones.”
—
0 likes
More quotes…
