The Memo by Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling (Review by Stephanie Rowitz)

Rating: 5/5

Jenny Green is dreading her upcoming college reunion. At thirty-five, her life hasn’t turned out how she imagined, and she loathes the idea of making polite chit-chat with all the affluent women in her class. Why are there so many successful women from her alma mater? Jenny wonders if she somehow missed the memo on how to lead a successful life. It turns out she did! Now Jenny has a second chance to get it right thanks to the female-led organization that helps disadvantaged women flourish, but is it worth giving up her less-than-thriving real life?

This book delves into the power of female friendship, the balance between life and work, and figuring out your life goals—not just the high-reaching ones society puts upon you. ​I loved Jenny’s time-traveling escapades and seeing how minuscule changes had monumental effects on her life. I also liked how it didn’t lean too far into self-pity. Jenny is upset about how her life turned out, but she doesn’t belabor the point. She accepts that there isn’t anything she can do about it. When the consortium shows her flashes of her “corrected” memo-filled life, she’s enamored by it. In the choice between a disappointing life and a life filled with wealth, a handsome husband, and a successful career, it’s clear which life Jenny should pick, but will she be any happier in her new and improved life?

I like that Jenny realizes that even at thirty-five (the horror!), it’s not too late to change course, and that one person’s definition of success doesn’t necessarily work for somebody else. Jenny figures out that to lead a fulfilling life, you need to figure out what you truly want first.

The Memo is about self-empowerment and the courage to make your own choices even when it means not getting it right the first, second, or even third time. You’ll fall in love with Jenny and wonder if you’d be as brave as her if given the same opportunity for a do-over.