76 pages • 2 hours read
Gae PolisnerThe Memory of Things
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner begins immediately after the September 11 attacks, following 16-year-old Kyle Donahue as he evacuates Manhattan. Kyle encounters a girl wearing white wings who has amnesia and brings her home. While worrying about his father and caring for his injured uncle, Kyle helps the girl recover her memories and uncover her identity, forming a strong bond amidst the chaos. September 11th; potential suicide, loss of parents; mentions of genocide, rape, and occasional profanity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner artfully captures the emotional aftermath of 9/11 through compelling characters and a gripping narrative. Readers praise its sensitive handling of trauma and the development of the protagonists. However, some critics feel it leans on familiar tropes. Overall, it's a well-crafted and heartfelt exploration of resilience and recovery.
Who Should Read The Memory of Things?
A reader who appreciates heart-wrenching yet hopeful stories set against historical backdrops, such as in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, will find The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner captivating. This reader seeks emotional depth, character development, and resilience in the face of adversity.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
HL680LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Romance
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
September 11 Attacks
Emotions/Behavior: Fear
Relationships: Fathers
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
History: World