Memory Man
by David Baldacci
Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 2017
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and recovery
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Genre
Themes
- memory and identity
- grief and loss
- justice vs. revenge
- serial murder investigation
- small-town secrets
- trauma and recovery
- law enforcement cooperation
- neurodiversity (hyperthymesia, synesthesia)
About this book
After a career-ending hit on his first NFL play leaves him with perfect recall and synesthesia, former detective Amos Decker is shattered when his family is murdered. A year later, a mass shooting in his Rust Belt hometown appears linked to the killings, drawing Decker into a joint investigation where his extraordinary memory becomes the key to hunting a calculating killer and confronting his own trauma.
Setting: Contemporary Burlington, Ohio (Rust Belt small city) and surrounding Midwestern locales
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memory Man right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Memory Man. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include memory and identity, grief and loss, justice vs. revenge.
How long does it take to read Memory Man?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Memory Man takes around 11h to finish. The book has 113,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Memory Man have an AR quiz?
Yes — Memory Man has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Memory Man?
Memory Man has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.