20 best books on amnesia – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you ready to embark on a mind-bending journey? Whether you’re fascinated by the mysteries of memory loss or simply love a good psychological thriller, these 20 best books about amnesia are sure to captivate you. From gripping tales of forgotten identities to suspenseful stories of buried secrets, these amnesia books will keep you on the edge of your seat. So, get ready to lose yourself in the pages of these mesmerizing novels that explore the depths of memory and the power of the human mind.


Before I Go to Sleep

by S.J. Watson

Before I Go to Sleep is a mind-bending thriller that will leave you questioning everything you think you know. This gripping book on amnesia takes you on a twisted journey through the fractured mind of Christine Lucas, a woman who wakes up every morning with no memory of her past.

Imagine waking up each day and having to rebuild your entire life from scratch, not knowing who you are, who you can trust, or even what happened the day before. This book about amnesia plunges you into the unsettling world of Christine as she desperately tries to piece together the fragments of her memory, guided only by the journal she keeps hidden from her husband.

As Christine delves deeper into her own psyche, she begins to uncover shocking truths that threaten to shatter everything she thought she knew about herself and those around her. With each page, the suspense mounts, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning to the next chapter to uncover the secrets buried within Christine’s forgotten past.

This gripping amnesia book will have you questioning the reliability of memory and the very nature of identity. S.J. Watson weaves a complex web of deception, manipulation, and psychological suspense that will leave you guessing until the final, jaw-dropping revelation. Unforgettable and haunting, Before I Go to Sleep is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who loves a twist that will leave them breathless.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the mind of a woman with a mysterious past? Look no further than The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, a gripping book that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

Step into the shoes of Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who finds solace in her daily train commute. As she gazes out the window, she becomes fixated on a seemingly perfect couple living in one of the houses along the tracks. She imagines their lives, creating a fantasy world that distracts her from her own reality.

But one day, Rachel witnesses something shocking. The woman she has been observing from afar disappears, and Rachel is determined to uncover the truth. However, there’s one problem – Rachel suffers from a condition that hampers her memory, making it difficult for her to piece together the events of that fateful day.

As the story unfolds, secrets are unveiled, lies are exposed, and Rachel’s own sanity is called into question. With each twist and turn, the truth becomes increasingly elusive, and Rachel’s unreliable memory becomes a major obstacle in her quest for answers.

With its masterful storytelling and intricate plot, The Girl on the Train keeps you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what to expect next. This exhilarating book about memory loss, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination will captivate you from the very first page.

The Maze Runner

by James Dashner

The Maze Runner is a thrilling book about memory loss, where the protagonist wakes up in a mysterious place with no recollection of his past. This captivating amnesia book takes readers on a suspenseful journey as they unravel the secrets of the maze and the truth behind their forgotten memories.

The Bourne Identity

by Robert Ludlum

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum is a thrilling book about a man who wakes up with no memory of his past, becoming a gripping tale of mystery and suspense. This gripping amnesia book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as they follow the protagonist’s journey to uncover his true identity.

The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

Are you ready to dive into the gripping world of a mind shrouded in secrets? Look no further than ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides, a mesmerizing book that delves deep into the labyrinthine realms of memory loss.

Step into the shadowy world of Alicia Berenson, a renowned painter who, one fateful night, shoots her husband Gabriel five times in the face and then never speaks another word. Confined to a secure forensic unit, Alicia becomes an enigma, a woman trapped within her own mind, hiding unimaginable secrets.

This spellbinding tale takes you on a thrilling journey as forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with unlocking the truth behind Alicia’s silence. Theo’s own past intertwines with Alicia’s as he unravels the layers of her psyche, peeling back the walls of her amnesic state.

‘The Silent Patient’ is not just another book about amnesia; it is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. With its twists and turns, spine-chilling revelations, and an ending that will leave you breathless, this amnesia book is a true masterpiece.

Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as Michaelides skillfully explores the depths of human nature, the darkest corners of the mind, and the power of silence. ‘The Silent Patient’ will captivate you from beginning to end, leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew about the human psyche.

So, are you ready to embark on this heart-pounding journey into the unknown? Grab a copy of ‘The Silent Patient’ and prepare to be consumed by a world of secrets, lies, and the haunting allure of amnesia.

The Sudden Departure of the Frasers

by Louise Candlish

Welcome to the intriguing world of The Sudden Departure of the Frasers by Louise Candlish – a captivating book about memory loss that will leave you questioning everything you think you know.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox

by Mary E. Pearson

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson is a captivating book about amnesia that will leave you questioning the boundaries of identity and the ethics of science.

In this thought-provoking novel, Jenna Fox wakes up from a year-long coma with fragmented memories, unable to remember who she is or the life she once had. As she slowly pieces together her past, she becomes increasingly aware of the secrets her parents are keeping from her. With each revelation, Jenna is forced to confront the fundamental questions of what it means to be human.

Pearson’s writing is both gripping and lyrical, drawing readers into Jenna’s disorienting journey of self-discovery. Her exploration of memory, identity, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page.

Get ready to be captivated by this mesmerizing book on amnesia as you follow Jenna’s quest to uncover the truth about her past and find her place in a world that may not be as it seems.

The Accident

by C.L. Taylor

Discover the gripping tale of memory loss in The Accident by C.L. Taylor – a book that will leave you questioning everything!

Prepare to dive into the mysterious world of forgotten memories as you embark on a thrilling journey through the pages of this incredible amnesia book. With a twist at every turn, The Accident will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Follow the protagonist as they awaken from a devastating accident, plagued by a mind shrouded in darkness. As they struggle to piece together their fractured memories, nothing is as it seems. Every clue they uncover leads them closer to a shocking truth, but also deeper into a labyrinth of deception.

With her signature storytelling prowess, C.L. Taylor expertly weaves a web of suspense and intrigue, making this book on amnesia impossible to put down. As the protagonist races against time to uncover their past, they must confront their own fears and confront the possibility that the accident was no accident at all.

Prepare for twists and turns that will leave you breathless and a climax that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. The Accident is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, combining heart-stopping suspense with the fragile nature of memory.

Don’t miss out on this captivating book about amnesia that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Dive into the depths of forgotten memories and unravel the truth in The Accident.

The Memory Book

by Lara Avery

A Mind-Blowing Journey into the Abyss of Forgotten Memories

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the tangled labyrinth of forgotten memories with The Memory Book by Lara Avery. This mesmerizing tale will plunge you into a world where the past is a fragile construct, bound to slip away like grains of sand through your fingertips.

This extraordinary book weaves together the captivating stories of Sammie McCoy, a brilliant high school student, and her relentless battle against the merciless grip of a rare genetic disorder known as “memory loss.” As Sammie’s memories slip away, she refuses to surrender to the darkness and creates a memory book to document her fading moments.

With her razor-sharp wit, fierce determination, and unyielding spirit, Sammie takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as she navigates her way through the labyrinthine corridors of her own mind. This book is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The Memory Book is a mesmerizing amalgamation of heart-wrenching moments, heartwarming triumphs, and heart-stopping revelations. Avery’s masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat, breathless with anticipation, as you grapple with the profound question: What happens when our memories define who we are, and they slip away?

Prepare to be spellbound by this gripping tale that explores the fragility of memory, the depths of human resilience, and the boundless capacity of the human heart to love and remember, even in the face of oblivion. The Memory Book is not just a book about amnesia; it is a soul-stirring voyage that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is a captivating book about amnesia that will leave you questioning reality and eagerly turning the pages for more. Michelle Hodkin weaves a thrilling tale of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Lost Memory of Skin

by Russell Banks

The Lost Memory of Skin by Russell Banks is a mesmerizing book on amnesia that delves into the intricate world of memory and identity. This powerful novel takes readers on a thought-provoking journey, exploring the lives of individuals who have lost their sense of self.

In this book about amnesia, Banks introduces readers to the main character, a young man known only as “The Kid.” He is a convicted sex offender who has been released from prison and is now living under a highway overpass in a makeshift camp with other societal outcasts. However, what sets The Kid apart is his complete lack of memory. He cannot recall his own past or the events that led to his imprisonment.

As The Kid navigates his new life on the fringes of society, he meets a psychologist named Susan, who becomes fascinated by his condition. Together, they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind The Kid’s forgotten past. Along the way, they encounter other individuals who have also lost their memories, each with their unique stories and struggles.

Banks skillfully explores the themes of memory, guilt, and redemption in this gripping amnesia book. He challenges readers to question the nature of identity and the impact of our past on our present lives. Through his vivid storytelling and rich character development, Banks creates a world that is both haunting and thought-provoking.

The Lost Memory of Skin is a compelling read that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It is a reminder of the power of memory, the complexity of human relationships, and the enduring search for self-discovery. Prepare to be captivated by this unforgettable tale.

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

by Claire North

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is an extraordinary book about amnesia that will leave you captivated from start to finish.

The Book of M

by Peng Shepherd

Discover the mesmerizing world of The Book of M, a captivating chronicle of forgotten memories and a powerful exploration of the human spirit. This extraordinary novel by Peng Shepherd takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape, where a mysterious phenomenon known as the Forgetting has caused people to lose their memories.

The Forgotten Girl

by David Bell

Discover a world of forgotten memories in The Forgotten Girl by David Bell.

Step into the gripping pages of this mesmerizing book on amnesia and prepare for a thrilling journey filled with mystery and suspense. David Bell, a master of psychological thrillers, weaves a tale that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.

In this book about amnesia, the protagonist, Jason Danvers, wakes up on a train platform with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. Struggling to piece together his past, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth and find out why his memory has been wiped clean.

As Jason delves deeper into his forgotten life, he realizes that the people closest to him may be hiding dark secrets. With each revelation, the suspense builds, and the line between ally and enemy becomes blurred. His journey takes him through a labyrinth of lies, deceit, and danger, as he races against time to reclaim his identity.

In this captivating amnesia book, David Bell skillfully explores the fragility of memory and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. With his trademark twists and turns, he keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, The Forgotten Girl is a must-read. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you join Jason on his quest to reclaim his past and unravel the mysteries that surround him.

The Memory Thief

by Lauren Mansy

The Memory Thief by Lauren Mansy is an exhilarating journey through a world where memories are stolen and sold. This captivating book delves into the depths of a society plagued by amnesia, where the very essence of who you are can be ripped away in an instant. Prepare to be spellbound by this thrilling tale of secrets, betrayal, and a quest for identity.

The Forgetting

by Sharon Cameron

The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron:

Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey into a world where memories are elusive and forgetfulness is a deadly curse. In this captivating novel, Sharon Cameron invites readers to unravel the mysteries of The Forgetting, a highly acclaimed book on amnesia that will leave you questioning everything you know about memory and identity.

Set in the city of Canaan, a place plagued by a peculiar phenomenon known as The Forgetting, this gripping tale follows the fearless protagonist, Nadia, as she navigates a society where everyone’s memories vanish every twelve years. Imagine waking up one day with no recollection of who you are, your loved ones, or even the simplest details of your life. In this amnesia book, Nadia must confront the terrifying reality of a world that constantly resets, leaving its inhabitants in a perpetual state of confusion.

But Nadia is different. She possesses the rare ability to remember, a power that could change everything. Determined to uncover the truth behind The Forgetting and save her loved ones from its clutches, she embarks on a perilous quest filled with twists, turns, and shocking revelations. As Nadia unravels the secrets of her forgotten past, she discovers that the key to salvation may lie within her own memories, hidden deep within the recesses of her mind.

The Forgetting is an enthralling amnesia book that delves into the complexities of memory, exploring the fragility of our identities and the profound impact of forgetting. With its immersive world-building, heart-stopping suspense, and thought-provoking themes, this book about amnesia will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Prepare to be captivated by Sharon Cameron’s spellbinding tale of memory, identity, and the power of remembering. Dive into The Forgetting and embark on a journey you won’t soon forget.

The Amnesia Clinic

by James Scudamore

The Amnesia Clinic: A Mind-Bending Journey into the Abyss of Forgotten Memories

Get ready to dive headfirst into the enigmatic world of forgotten memories with James Scudamore’s captivating masterpiece, The Amnesia Clinic. This mind-bending novel takes readers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the labyrinthine corridors of the human mind, exploring the depths and intricacies of memory loss.

In this riveting tale, Scudamore weaves an intricate web of intrigue, centering around the secretive Amnesia Clinic. Set in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, this mysterious institution specializes in the treatment of individuals suffering from various forms of memory loss. But as patients enter the clinic, they soon discover that the line between healing and manipulation becomes blurred, and the true nature of their forgotten pasts remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Through the eyes of the novel’s protagonist, we witness the protagonist’s desperate quest for the truth, his relentless search for answers amidst a backdrop of shifting realities and unreliable memories. As the story unfolds, readers are confronted with profound questions about identity, the nature of truth, and the power of memory in shaping our lives.

With his poetic prose and masterful storytelling, Scudamore takes us on a thought-provoking journey that explores the fragility of memory and the haunting consequences of forgotten pasts. As the plot thickens, the author skillfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth that lies concealed within the labyrinthine corridors of the Amnesia Clinic.

Prepare to be captivated by this mesmerizing tale that transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The Amnesia Clinic will challenge your perceptions, force you to question the nature of reality, and leave an indelible mark on your psyche. Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure into the depths of the human mind.

The Memory Police

by Yoko Ogawa

The Memory Police is a captivating book about amnesia that takes you on a haunting journey through a world where memories disappear. Yoko Ogawa immerses readers in a dystopian society where an oppressive government enforces the erasure of certain objects from collective memory. The protagonist, a writer, finds herself caught in a web of secrecy and danger as she tries to preserve her memories and those of others. This gripping amnesia book explores themes of identity, loss, and the power of remembering in a way that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page.

The Girl Who Was Taken

by Charlie Donlea

Introducing The Girl Who Was Taken, an enthralling book on amnesia that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This captivating thriller by Charlie Donlea takes readers on a heart-pounding journey into the depths of the human mind, exploring the haunting world of a young woman who has vanished without a trace.

In this gripping book about amnesia, we meet Livia Cutty, a talented and ambitious medical student who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. As she struggles to piece together the fragments of her lost memories, she discovers that she is not the only one who has disappeared. Another girl, Nicole Cutty, vanished from the same town a year earlier, and the authorities believe the cases may be connected.

With the help of renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Lacey Flint, Livia embarks on a race against time to unravel the truth behind her own disappearance and find out what happened to Nicole. As they delve deeper into the twisted web of secrets and lies, they uncover a chilling trail that leads them to a sadistic killer who preys on young women.

This intense amnesia book will keep you guessing until the very end, as Donlea masterfully weaves together a complex and suspenseful plot. With its seamless blend of psychological thrills, chilling suspense, and shocking revelations, The Girl Who Was Taken is a must-read for fans of gripping crime fiction and twist-filled mysteries.

The Memory Collector

by Fiona Harper

The Memory Collector: A Captivating Book on Amnesia

Get ready to dive into the mysterious depths of memory loss with “The Memory Collector” by Fiona Harper. This captivating book about amnesia will leave you spellbound as you unravel the enigmatic story of a woman searching for her lost past.

Imagine waking up one day with no recollection of who you are, where you come from, or the life you once lived. This is the gripping reality that our protagonist, Emma, finds herself in. With every memory erased, she embarks on a mesmerizing journey to reclaim her identity, piece by elusive piece.

Harper’s writing style is nothing short of exceptional, effortlessly transporting readers into Emma’s disoriented world. As she navigates through the labyrinth of forgotten memories, Emma encounters unexpected twists, gripping suspense, and heart-wrenching emotions.

But “The Memory Collector” is more than just a tale of amnesia. It delves deep into the complexities of human connections, as Emma attempts to reconstruct the relationships she once held dear. With each encounter, she not only uncovers her own past but also discovers the profound impact she had on others.

This amnesia book is a masterful blend of mystery, romance, and self-discovery. As Emma’s memories slowly resurface, the book captivates you with its intricate web of secrets and hidden truths. You’ll find yourself eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the real story behind Emma’s memory loss.

Prepare to be enthralled by “The Memory Collector” as it takes you on an unforgettable journey through the depths of the human mind. Harper’s exceptional storytelling and her ability to evoke raw emotions make this book on amnesia a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and gripping mysteries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about amnesia are sure to captivate and intrigue readers seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking journey. From gripping psychological mysteries to heart-wrenching tales of self-discovery, these stories explore the depths of memory loss in unique and unforgettable ways. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction, science fiction, or literary fiction, there’s a book on this list that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So grab a copy and prepare to delve into the enigmatic world of amnesia, where the truth is elusive and every forgotten memory holds the key to unlocking a powerful story.