The best book that I have ever read is How to Be Remembered by Michael Thompson. It’s one of those books that you can finish in a day and think about for the rest of your life. The deeper meaning of this book, which is told in a more lighthearted and almost humorous tone, has left me with a better understanding of life in general, but also other people. It taught me how to leave an impact on others through helping others and doing good deeds.
The book follows Tommy Llewellyn, a boy who has been cursed with ‘The Great Reset.’ Every year on his birthday, everything about him is completely forgotten- his name, his age, his family- is completely erased. Even drawings and possessions vanish into thin air, leaving behind a completely clean slate for Tommy to write his life on. Tommy eventually finds a best friend, falls in love, and finds his dream job- just to leave it behind once the clock strikes midnight on his birthday. The book outlines how he, despite this curse, finds ways to be remembered- even if it’s in subtle ways that can’t be traced back to him.
As for the plot, no crucial details were missed, and the story made sense throughout the whole book. It was told in such a perfect way- it highlighted the confusion that could come with something as strange as The Great Reset, followed by the frustration and sadness that came with knowing that everything in Tommy’s life was only ever temporary, followed by the realness of Tommy as a person- from falling in love to losing friendships, from leaving behind the things he loves to finding new things to love. The character of Tommy Llewellyn was developed perfectly, and so was the plot surrounding him.
This book truly changed my life, not just because of how well it was told, but because of the message behind it. Through Tommy, I can understand that not everything in life is permanent, and not everyone you meet will remember you- it only matters what you leave behind. Tommy left a legacy, though he was not given credit, by helping others- restoring buildings, helping friends achieve their goals, and doing good for people that won’t even know him forever. It demonstrates how we should live- not to live for ourselves, but to be remembered through how we help others.
Out of five stars, I would give this book all five because of these factors. I highly reccomend it. Who would’ve thought that the book in the discount section at Books-A-Million would be so impactful?
