Don't You Remember?: A Memoir

by George Ella Lyon

DON'T YOU REMEMBER? is a fascinating and haunting memoir of a stunning past-life event that began when author George Ella Lyon was five years old, traveling with her family on a trip to Niagara Falls. Many years later this family story hesitantly emerges, and she begins pursuing it (or, as she notes, the story seems to pursue her). Her quest to understand the details and characters of this spiritual mystery becomes a decades-long journey from Harlan County, Kentucky; to Bath, New York; to Llanrwst, Wales. Told with keen eye, open heart and mastery of language, this is a story for past-life believers and non-believers alike, for it is the author's healthy skepticism that keeps this unique story in balance with the reality of her daily life. BOBBIE ANN MASON calls DON'T YOU REMEMBER? "An IRRESISTIBLE story, filled with suspense and wonder." SILAS HOUSE says it is "HAUNTING, thought-provoking, brave ... and maybe even the best book yet from this beloved author." LEE SMITH deems it "ENTHRALLING ... a mystery story of the highest order." And MARY ANN TAYLOR-HALL describes this memoir as "RIVETING ... a penetrating, serious meditation ...." (More www.MotesBooks.com.)

Genres: Memoir

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 16, 2007

About the author

George Ella Lyon is a Kentucky author who has published in many genres, including picture books, poetry, juvenile novels, and articles.

Reviews

[Barbara Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read, less than a day. I usually don’t enjoy books about the supernatural, but I was surprised that I liked this one. It’s a memoir of sorts, but instead of an autobiography type of memoir it was only about her brush with her past life. As a young child she remembered places she had never been. Her family was freaked out by this, but let it ride. As an adult Lyon decided to revisit those places, see if what she remembered was real. Some of it was, but she couldn’t explain it. I enjoyed her writing style and sped through the book.

[Heather Loudermilk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the normal memoir. It's a story about trusting yourself. About letting things fall into place. About understanding and overthinking and being okay with not knowing. It's inspiring info as a writer and as someone looking for their place. It's also a beautiful, nontraditional way of presenting a story. A true mix of nonfiction, fiction, and poetic aspects that take your breath away. I can't wait to read it again.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of years ago, when this book was a work in progress, I heard the author read a portion of it at a librarian's luncheon. The part she read is in chapter 3 where she tells the story of the experience she had at age 5 where she recognized, and anticipated aloud before seeing them, landmarks in a town she had never before been in. She swears this is truth, and the rest of the book is about her search for the source of that truth. A fascinating read.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kentucky poet and children's author explores her past and finds new self-understanding through... (wait for it) past life regression hypnosis! Really engrossing memoir.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating account of George Ella's attempt to be a metaphysical detective, trying to find out who the woman is/was who occasionally tries to live through her. The mystery aspect of it makes it a real page-turner. I finished it in 2 days!

[GraceAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply fascinating. A beautifully controlled study of research and writing wrapped in a search for a person who, perhaps, is reaching out from the living past.
I love the quote from her three year old son:
"I will read you a story." he says ... "Actually. Then. So. The end!"

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting. Creepy at times. This book takes us on the personal search of the author to find her previous soul or at the very least a "lost" soul that has sought George Ella Lyon out to tell her story. This is a very enjoyable read. I truly loved it!

[Aloka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that will make the reader wonder!!

[Marilyn]

A fascinating book from a compelling writer.

[Michael Kite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a true skeptic. I don't believe in the supernatural.
But THIS is one strange tale. She swears it is true and has facts and documents to back her up.
If it IS true - one really bizarro tale.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to buy a copy for all my girlfriends!