Review of "Reminders of Him" by Colleen Hoover
I have a soft spot for Colleen Hoover’s writing; her ability to weave heartbreak and hope into the fabric of her stories often leaves me breathless. So, when I picked up "Reminders of Him," I was prepared for another emotional rollercoaster. However, I found myself navigating a different kind of journey—one that was, at times, underwhelming. With a rating of 3.25 stars, this book had elements I loved and others that felt like missed opportunities.
The story centers around Kenna Rowan, an ex-con trying to reconnect with her daughter after serving time for a tragic accident. The premise alone is incredibly intriguing, and I could feel the weight of her struggle. Kenna’s desperation to see her child, whom she birthed while in prison, was heart-wrenching, and the exploration of the unfairness faced by ex-felons—especially female ones—was poignant. Colleen dives deep into the theme of redemption, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the execution left something to be desired.
The emotional pull was certainly there, especially when Kenna begins to form an unexpected connection with Ledger, a bar owner and her boyfriend’s best friend. Yet, the love story felt half-baked. Their romance, sprouting from shared grief, often felt like a consolation prize for Kenna. As much as I wanted to root for them, I struggled to believe their relationship was more than just a means of coping with their shared past.
There’s a memorable line: “Maybe the best way to cope with the loss of the people we love is to find them in as many places and things as we possibly can.” It resonates, but I longed for more complexity and depth in how the characters navigated their feelings for each other. At times, it felt like Kenna was still tethered to her dead boyfriend, which cast a shadow on the budding romance. I wished Hoover had allowed Kenna to fight harder for her daughter’s love, instead of accepting animosity from her child’s relatives without a more concerted effort.
The book’s pacing left me wanting, too. I often found myself awaiting the signature plot twist that is a hallmark of Hoover’s writing, but aside from the identity of Ledger, there was nothing shocking or thrilling to keep me on my toes. The ending felt rushed—too tidy for the tumultuous journey I expected. I suppose I anticipated a dramatic climax or revelation that would leave my heart racing, but it ultimately fell flat.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t devoid of emotion. The raw truth of Kenna’s life, her mistakes, and the consequences of a single moment of irresponsibility did tug at my heartstrings. While I didn’t cry outright, several scenes had me teary-eyed, demonstrating Hoover’s capacity to evoke empathy.
In conclusion, "Reminders of Him" will resonate with readers who appreciate the struggles of flawed characters and the quest for redemption. However, if you’re looking for that classic, heart-wrenching CoHo experience, you might find this one a little bland—like unseasoned crackers, as I aptly described it. It’s an emotional read with strong themes, but somewhat lacking in substance. So, approach it without high expectations, and you may find a nugget of truth or reflection that makes it worthwhile.