Review of The Memo by J.J. Hensley: A Journey Through Choices and Consequences
As I opened the pages of The Memo, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and unease. The premise by J.J. Hensley struck a deeply personal chord within me: What would I do if I had the chance to rewind the clock and undo some of my own life’s blunders? And is living a "perfect" life truly what I want? These thought-provoking questions lingered with every turn of the page, leading me on a captivating journey through Jenny Green’s struggles and revelations.
The story centers on Jenny, a woman in her 30s grappling with unhappiness in both her career at a questionable gender equity foundation and her committed yet stagnant relationship. Just before her 15-year college reunion, mysterious text messages about “The Memo” begin to disrupt her mundane life. This intriguing setup instantly sucked me in. Being a fellow millennial accustomed to the often fickle reliability of text messages and apps, I found Jenny’s initial reluctance relatable—who wouldn’t hesitate to dive into a world of potential consequences?
When Jenny runs into the whimsical life coach Desiree and learns about the Simcott Center For The Study Of The Soul, I was drawn deeper into the narrative. The foreshadowing of a life-altering app that commands her to change her path lent a delightful sci-fi twist reminiscent of films like Sliding Doors. I loved how Hensley seamlessly blended genres—creating a narrative filled with humor, authenticity, and genuine emotion.
As Jenny embarks on her journey through an alternate, seemingly perfect life, the contrasts between her “ideal” scenario and her reality were stark and compelling. I appreciated the way the author examined free will versus fate—how our choices shape us, and how sometimes, external forces create an illusion of control. Jenny’s struggle between maintaining her friendships, especially with Gabe, a romantic interest from her college days, added layers to her character that were both relatable and heartbreaking. It made me ponder my own relationships, questioning what makes them significant.
Hensley’s writing style is both engaging and insightful, with a perfect pace that balances introspection and lighthearted moments. The dialogues spark with wit, and at times, I found myself laughing out loud—while other passages left me contemplating my own life choices. A particularly striking moment for me was when Jenny realizes that her pristine, manufactured life sacrifices genuine connection for superficial perfection. Quotes like “Freedom is choosing to create your own path, no matter how messy it may be,” resonated profoundly, revealing underlying truths about ourselves.
In conclusion, I believe The Memo will resonate with anyone who has ever grappled with the weight of their decisions, or contemplated what might have been had they taken another path. This is a book for those who enjoy a blend of humor, introspective travel, and relatable life lessons—all wrapped up in a thought-provoking narrative. It made me ponder my own choices and the beauty in the messiness of life—a reminder that while it’s tempting to wish for a neat, perfect existence, the real treasures lie in our imperfect, chaotic journeys. If you’re on a quest for a book that offers both entertainment and reflection, look no further than J.J. Hensley’s The Memo. You won’t regret it!