Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally Series: Hundred Oaks #3
Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 5, 2013
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley, Publisher
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Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…
This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt--with her.
Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…
Things I Can’t Forget is probably my favorite of Miranda Kenneally’s books. It’s fun and cute just like the rest but it’s also such a powerful story. I was seriously impressed and I’m even more excited for her next book now.
Where do I even begin? I loved everything about this book! At first I was a little nervous because I’d heard some really mixed things but I went in with an open mind and I’m so glad I did. Kate was really judgmental and preachy at first but I really suggest you just get past that and keep reading. I know it will bother some people (it did me) but it’s worth it to get past it. The story wouldn’t work at all if Kate wasn’t the way she was. She’s a truly devout girl and she doesn’t know how to deal with people who either don’t believe in God or just don’t believe the same way she does. She thinks that her way is the only way and it’s pretty much impossible for her to look past that. As the story progresses though Kate really starts to look a little deeper, not just into her own faith but into the faith of the people around her, from friends to family.
The other characters weren’t nearly as hard to like as Kate was. Take Matt, for instance. Oh gosh, Matt. Miranda Kenneally continues to impress me with the guys she writes. Matt may be the best yet. He’s funny, charming, sweet, and, oh yeah, he plays guitar and writes music. What’s not to love? He continually cracked me up and he did so much to help Kate come out of her shell and start to see the people around her. Then there were Will and Parker. Now, I’m ashamed to admit this but it took me a little while to realize that they were the Will and Parker from Stealing Parker. Yeah, I know, I’m a ditz. They were just as awesome as in Stealing Parker but maybe even more so now. Their relationship has really changed and they were so dang cute together. I also really enjoyed seeing them both become friends with Kate. Also, Kate’s parents were great, especially her dad. Her parents were always there for her and they were always willing to talk to her about anything and everything. Oh and I have to mention Matt’s family and fraternity. Matt’s family was so funny and so cute. His frat brothers were the best though. They’re only in the book briefly but I wouldn’t mind seeing more of them. And yes, you do get some Jordan and Sam Henry action!
The story moves along pretty quickly and Things I Can’t Forget won’t take you long to read at all. There were some rather dumb moves on Kate’s part but I felt that they really fit with her character and so they didn’t bother me all that much. However, they did kind of make me want to slap her a few times. Really, the story was just fun and cute but like I said, it had a heavier side to it that I really enjoyed. The religious part of Things I Can’t Forget was done amazingly well and it truly made me think. It was a bit preachy at times but I don’t think it could have been done any other way. Just stick with this one, I swear it’s so worth it.
Overall, Things I Can’t Forget is a must read for contemporary fans. I can’t recommend it enough. I’m so excited for the next book in this series!
Looking for more reviews of Things I Can’t Forget by Miranda Kenneally?
Oh Damn Books’ review
A Reader of Fictions’ review
My Heart Hearts Books’ review
Maji Bookshelf’s review
I’ve seen some mixed things for this one too! I’m hesitant to read but I’m going to give it a shot! I’m gonna catch up and read Stealing Parker first. So happy you enjoyed this one Katie! Awesome review <3
Jasmine
I’m not a huge fan of contemporaries, but–even though I’ve only read Catching Jordan–I will read any of Miranda’s books. I can’t wait to continue reading the rest of the books she put out, because I’m genuinely interested! Though the whole religion thing will probably bug me, too. I’m willing to look past it if it doesn’t get to be too much. Fantastic review!
Cheers!
Millie @ Millie D’s Words
Great review. I am a little over halfway done with this right now and I am enjoying it so far. I was kind of leery because of some of the mixed reviews I have read, but so far it has been good. I totally agree with you about Kate and I’m hoping she breaks free from some of her overly judgemental belief system as the book progresses.
I think this was my favorite of hers as well! And I definitely enjoyed the religious aspect of the story – it really does make you think and I loved watching Kate grow throughout the story.
I really can’t wait to start in on this series. I’ve heard so many great things about it!
Ugh–Kate was so snooty and judgmental at first, but you are totally right–they fit her character perfectly. Loved Matt, but I still keep picturing his filthy bare feet–gross! I loved this one, too!!!
I have fallen in love with YA contemporaries-and I’m 42! 🙂 This sounds like a great read.
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
I just finished Stealing Parker and it was good!! I can’t wait to read this one! Great review and I’m glad you liked this! Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I seriously need to pick up something by this author. Even though the slightly religious aspects behind this book worry me, I think I’ll really enjoy this one! Even if the main character is a little preachy at first. 😉 But the rest of the storyline sounds fantastic, and it also seems like the main character really grows throughout the book. And it’s so cute how the couples from the previous books were included! <3
Awesome review, Katie!
-Aneeqah @ My Not So Real Life
I still haven’t read anything by Miranda Kenneally. I’ve heard such wonderful things about Catching Jordan. I even bought the book a year ago, but still haven’t read it. I’m a little hesitant for some reason. Not sure why.
Glad that you liked this one.
This is one of my favorite of Miranda Kenneally’s (Stealing Parker is my all-time favorite!) and what I loved about Kate is that even though her point of view is difficult for me to understand, being in her head wasn’t hard at all. I understand people who are like that better now, and I think her character growth was awesome!!
Loved the camp! 😉
Lovely review 🙂