Stay Awake by Megan Goldin

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 9/13/23 - 9/15/23 

    Liv Reese wakes up in a taxi with no memory and finds herself locked out of her own apartment. Inside, a stranger has taken over her life. Liv discovers eerie messages on her skin and realizes she's involved in a crime. Two years of her memory are missing, and she's now on the run, trying to unravel the mystery of her own life. As she struggles to piece together her past, she's pursued by someone determined to make her forget everything, leading Liv on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth and stay alive.

    The premise of this book is undeniably intriguing, with an MC who not only loses two years of her memories but also experiences a reset to her last familiar day every time she falls asleep. Initially, the reader can't help but feel immense care and concern for Liv, who is confused, scared, and vulnerable to unknown dangers. 

    However, the story's execution left me feeling detached as it delved repetitively into the same questions without much progress. While mysteries thrive on questions, the constant repetition in this case became tedious, akin to a persistent child asking, "Are we there yet?" The lack of straightforward communication between characters, especially concerning Liv's situation, left me frustrated. 

    The narration by Imogen Church and January LaVoy was exceptional, keeping me engaged. The book's intriguing premise, good storytelling, excellent writing, and solid ending reveal were its strong points. Despite some drawbacks, the pros outweigh the cons. For future readers, I hope they can enjoy the story more than I did, appreciating its many positives and eagerly anticipating Megan Goldin's next work.