Everyone We've Been

by Sarah Everett

[Kim Deister]

Everyone We've Been Everything We've Been is the debut novel from author Sarah Everett.  It is one of those books that gives all the feelings, but sorting them out is next to impossible.  Sadness, laughter, anger, disbelief, even horror of the emotional variety.
 
The story is told in two timelines, one from before Addison's accident and the other after.  The accident has caused memory lapses and hallucinations involving a boy no one else can see.   Because of that, she takes some aggressive steps to find out who he is and what is missing in her memory.  And that takes her down a path she never imagined.
 
The twists and turns... I loved them.  Combined with the two timelines, the story was thoroughly engrossing.  At times, it was like reading two different stories.  Pre-accident Addison and post-accident Addison were almost like two separate people.
 
I loved the story, and the premise behind it.  How far would you go to move forward beyond pain?  Should parents be allowed to make that choice for their child?  Does the loss of memories change who you are, who you become?  How much pain is too much?  Erasing memories... is that always the right choice, or is it sometimes just the easy way out?  These are the kinds of questions that this novel makes a reader consider for themselves.
 
My only issue with the book is hard to discuss without fear of spoilers.  It has nothing to do with the book itself, but choices that may or may not be made.  But that isn't a bad thing.  Instead, that is exactly why I enjoy the novel so much.  By disagreeing with a character's actions, or feeling disappointment at their thought processes, I've connected with the character.  On top of that, it makes you consider your own position with the issues at hand.
 
All in all, this was a thought-provoking read that I loved.  I love any novel that makes me think about my own beliefs and views!