The Memory Key

Lora Mint is determined not to forget.

Though her mother's been dead for five years, Lora struggles to remember every detail about her—most important, the specific events that occurred the night she sped off in her car, never to return.

But in a world ravaged by Vergets disease, a viral form of Alzheimer's, that isn't easy. Usually Lora is aided by her memory key, a standard-issue chip embedded in her brain that preserves memories just the way a human brain would. Then a minor accident damages Lora's key, and her memories go haywire. Suddenly Lora remembers a moment from the night of her mother's disappearance that indicates her death was no accident. Can she trust these formerly forgotten memories? Or is her ability to remember every painful part of her past driving her slowly mad—burying the truth forever?

Lora's story of longing for her lost mother—and for the truth behind her broken memories—takes readers on a twisty ride. The authentic, emotional narrative sparks fascinating questions about memory and privacy in a world that increasingly relies on electronic recall.

• Corporate Conspiracy: Everyone has a memory key from the all-powerful Keep Corp. But what happens when the technology meant to save you is the one thing you can’t trust?
• An Unreliable Narrator: After her memory chip is damaged, Lora’s mind is flooded with vivid recollections that might not be her own. Can she unravel the truth before she loses her sanity?
• Near-Future Dystopia: In a world terrified of a viral plague, memory is a commodity. But Lora is about to discover that the price of perfect recall might be privacy, freedom—and her life.
• A Touch of Romance: Torn between her best friend’s brother and a mysterious new ally, Lora must decide who to trust in a world where even her own memories are a lie.

Lora Mint is determined not to forget.

Lora's mother has been dead for five years, and Lora's memories of her are beginning to fade: the soap scent of her skin, the rhythm of her laugh, and, most important, the details of what happened the night she sped off in her car, never to return.

But after a minor accident damages Lora's memory key—a chip embedded in her brain to ward off Alzheimer's-like Vergets disease—her memories go haywire. Suddenly she has perfect total recall—not just of her mother, but of everything that has ever happened to her.

Lora knows she needs to get her key fixed. Yet she doesn't. Because she is haunted by a long-forgotten moment that suggests her mother's accidental death was no accident.

But Wendy, her best friend, is worried. Can Lora trust her newly vivid memories of her mother's last night? Or is her ability to remember every hurt, every fight, every heartbreak she's ever suffered driving her slowly but surely insane—burying the truth forever?'''

“Paced like a spy thriller, this novel is a terrific read for reluctant female readers; they will identify with Lora and the terribly difficult choices she is confronted with.” - Booklist

“A fast-paced mystery with a touch of romance.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Readers will be itching to reach the conclusion.” - School Library Journal