This book has a simple story line, but it is the kind of story that sticks with you. I really enjoyed the main character, 16 yr old Miles, and his mechanical ingenuity. His parents don't rely on him, but they embrace his skills to help them build the Ali Princess, their self-powered conveyance. I like how the author goes from past to future, where in the flashbacks to Miles school assignment we learn how those memories will aid in his families survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The story has a great pace, there is an interesting family dynamic with great interactions between family members, and very good world building for a post-apocalyptic world. I can't wait to read the sequel. ( )

This book has a simple story line, but it is the kind of story that sticks with you. I really enjoyed the main character, 16 yr old Miles, and his mechanical ingenuity. His parents don't rely on him, but they embrace his skills to help them build the Ali Princess, their self-powered conveyance. I like how the author goes from past to future, where in the flashbacks to Miles school assignment we learn how those memories will aid in his families survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The story has a great pace, there is an interesting family dynamic with great interactions between family members, and very good world building for a post-apocalyptic world. I can't wait to read the sequel. ( )

This book has a simple story line, but it is the kind of story that sticks with you. I really enjoyed the main character, 16 yr old Miles, and his mechanical ingenuity. His parents don't rely on him, but they embrace his skills to help them build the Ali Princess, their self-powered conveyance. I like how the author goes from past to future, where in the flashbacks to Miles school assignment we learn how those memories will aid in his families survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The story has a great pace, there is an interesting family dynamic with great interactions between family members, and very good world building for a post-apocalyptic world. I can't wait to read the sequel. ( )

It's been two years since the volcanic explosions in the Pacific Northwest. More than just eruptions, this series of events left the volcanoes - and really - the country irrevocably changed. With Mount Rainier and Mount Adams among other erupted, their ash spilling out across the country, sunlight is scarce and gasoline, food and other staples are being rationed.

Miles Newell and his family are leaving their Minneapolis home behind, settling out on the Ali Princess, a contraption Miles invented, before it's too unsafe for them not to do so.

Memory Boy charts their course on an uncertain journey across a, now, very different world.


Miles and his family aren't hoping to go far - with gas rationed and their not driving a car, that much is obvious, but we do get to see a lot about how different even just Minnesota has become in the two years since all of the volcanic eruptions.

Memory Boy is told in three stories almost: that of Miles two years ago, around the time of the eruptions/explosions; Miles now; and through another character whose who and when are explained later on in the story. As the book is short (the novel itself just over 200 pages), it's nice to get some of the background while also getting the current story.

The book is short, though. It's best described as a glimpse. A glimpse of what Miles was like two years ago. A glimpse of how Miles helps his family now. A glimpse of how his family interacts with each other - now and before. A glimpse of how the ash is affecting the country - or, at least, the towns the Newells pass through. A glimpse of what different people will do - or choose to do - to survive.

Memory Boy is not hugely complex. It is short and sweet. In fact, it stopped right when I really wanted it to keep going. (I've stared the sequel The Survivors, though, and am hoping that will give me some more.) I do think it's shortness and not have a complicated plot is to its benefit. It will be great for younger readers and also, those who it's hard to get to read. I know someone I have trouble getting to read things and this being short and a fast read, I think I can get them to read it. And then draw them to other books (including The Survivors with it).

Rating: 8/10


Thank you to Harper for my copy for review

the kid knows how to survive ( )