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