One of the prompts in my recent reading challenge was to read a book set in a country you would like to visit. Instead of focusing only on the setting, I decided to choose a book by an author who actually comes from that country. That’s how I ended up reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty.
Australia has always been a place that fascinates me. The landscapes, the wildlife, and the culture all feel wonderfully different from my quiet corner of Wyoming. I’m not sure when I’ll get there, but it has officially earned a spot on my bucket list.
What Alice Forgot tells the story of Alice Love, who wakes up after a fall at the gym believing she is 29 years old and happily pregnant—only to discover that she is actually 39, going through a difficult divorce, and living a life she barely recognizes. With ten years of memories missing, Alice must piece together what happened to her relationships, her family, and even herself.
What I loved about this story is how it gently explores the way life changes over time. The people we become aren’t always the people we once imagined we’d be. Sometimes we lose parts of ourselves along the way, and sometimes we rediscover them in unexpected ways.
Reading this book made me think about how quickly life moves and how important it is to stay connected to what truly matters—family, kindness, and the small everyday moments that shape who we are.
And who knows… maybe one day I’ll be reading a book like this while actually sitting somewhere in Australia. Until then, I’m happy to keep traveling there through stories.
