Book Review: The Half Life of Molly Pierce by Katrina Leno

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The Half Life of Molly Pierce
Author: Katrina Leno
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: July 8th 2014
Review Source: Edelweiss | HarperTeen

You take it for granted. Waking up. Going to school, talking to your friends. Watching a show on television or reading a book or going out to lunch.

You take for granted going to sleep at night, getting up the next day, and remembering everything that happened to you before you closed your eyes.

You live and you remember.

Me, I live and I forget.

But now—now I am remembering.

For all of her seventeen years, Molly feels like she’s missed bits and pieces of her life. Now, she’s figuring out why. Now, she’s remembering her own secrets. And in doing so, Molly uncovers the separate life she seems to have led…and the love that she can’t let go.

The Half Life of Molly Pierce is a suspenseful, evocative psychological mystery about uncovering the secrets of our pasts, facing the unknowns of our futures, and accepting our whole selves

This story had me intrigued from the first chapter. Apart from being well written, the plot wasn't initially obvious and had me guessing most of the way through.

It is difficult to review without giving too much away, but we are introduced to 17 yr old Molly as she wakes from one of her frequent episodes of time loss. Molly often wakes in unfamiliar surroundings not knowing how she got there or how long she has been 'absent'.

I had a few theories about what was happening to Molly but won't spoil the ending by revealing too much here. The truth is revealed 3/4 into this story in a sensitive and emotional way. The remainder of the story I had to read without stopping as I needed to know how things were going to work out for Molly. I wasn't disappointed with the ending either and it definitely made me reflect on many aspects of my own life.

This story touches on family dynamics, friendships and the intricacies of growing up. I felt that the author dealt with some relevant and difficult issues and did a wonderful job of highlighting these.

I can't really say much more without giving away the plot, but it was an enjoyable read that was well written with believable characters. I enjoyed reading about Molly and learning about her and her emotions. Her feelings and thoughts. I would definitely read more from this author and hope that she delights us with more of her writing in the near future.