I
started reading The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
because of a recommendation; however, I didn’t know much about the story. I’ve
enjoyed other books by Anderson, and I’ve added this one to the list. Hayley Kincain
is trying to find her way in a place that is new to her and where her father
believes is a good place to “settle.” After
living on the road for many years, this is a new concept to Hayley, and the
adjustment doesn’t come easy; she’s always ready to run, if necessary. She also has to care for her father– to help
ease the PTSD her father experiences on a regular basis. He’s always been able to control it, and
Hayley’s learned what she needs to do to help calm him. Eventually, even Hayley
can’t help her father. If she can’t help her father, who will? If she can't help her father, will she be strong enough to help herself? Anderson creates a intriguing story about self-identity and self-sufficiency, and the significant impact Hayley and her father have on one another.
