Reviews

Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

kaylareadsbooks's review against another edition

5.0

As someone who has gone to the same sleep-away camp for ten consecutive summers, five as a camper and then five as a staff member, and has experienced the sleep away camp magic, this book was one that made me feel warm and fuzzy. There was one summer that sticks out more than others in my mind, and that had me questioning who I am and my beliefs too.

For those of you who haven’t been to camp, let me try to explain it. It’s the most magical place ever. You place twelve kids in a bunk together, which two 18-22 year olds in charge of them. The two 18-22 year olds started out as strangers, rather it be at this same camp or even two week ago, slowly become each others person. They spend nights staying up late laughing, crying, venting, watching silly video, telling stories. Everything. I have met my ride or die best friends at camp, I have fallen in love at camp, I grew more than I every thought while being at camp.

Then we have the twelve kids, they all came into this bunk on that first day as strangers. They know NOTHING about the kid next to them, and then twenty minutes later they are all laughing and talking as if they have known each other forever. They build connections with their counselors that are out of this world. My campers are my babies, I have been through so much with them. You do NOT mess with someones campers, its like a sibling bond but almost more intense. From dealing with a sick parent, a parent coming home from jail, a divorce, unexpected move, eating disorders and so much more. I have taught them things and they have taught me so much. (I could go on for DAYS all about how much I love camp.)

Sorry, back to our regular programming.

I loved this book so much because I can relate Kate in so many ways. My faith is so important to me, and I always wonder how people who say they believe do things that we were always taught in school aren’t so good.

Kate is an artist whose faith means the world to her. She returns back to her summer camp as the art director during the summer before her freshman year to college. She meets new friends, falls in love and make some enemies too. This all while trying to make sense of her faith and her friendships.

I always try to explain camp to those who have never been and this book is a good way of showing it. It’s kids falling in love for the first time, making new friends, pushing the limits, trying new things. It’s counselors falling in love, making new friends, bonding with their campers, breaking the rules, doing crazy stuff and so much more.

I love how much Kate developed in this book. She starts off being not so willing to see things from others people perspectives and slowly becomes more open-minded, befriending people she thought she had to stay far away from in order to protect her faith.

Let’s talk about Matt. He’s perfect. He’s a very hunky lifeguard (lifeguards are the source of all summer relationship troubles, I mean have you ever watched High School Musical 2? Gabriella is not nice to Troy!) He’s caring, has a heart of gold, his family is the best, he’s a frat guy and funny. He shows his worth when Kate tells him she wants to wait for marriage.

I loved this book so much for so many different reasons. It’s in a sleep-away camp, it deals with questioning your faith, waiting for marriage, and friendship.

charlottenw1's review against another edition

3.0

This was another one of Miranda's easy and adorable romance reads. The characters were super funny and had all the flaws of a teenage romance. I loved the whole book and she did not disappoint.

rachelwrites007's review against another edition

5.0

I tried this a few years ago and I couldn't get into it at all. I found Kate annoying and whiny and quit around page 10. I picked it up today and couldn't put it down. I am definitely a mood reader, it seems. I found Kate frustrating but relatable and I enjoyed her religious background and questioning of faith; you don't see that much in YA (or adult!) novels. I did want some more background on Emily and Kate's relationship, but I really enjoyed all the characters in this book - Matt, Emily, Kate, Parker, Will, Brad, etc. Looking forward to reading more MK books!

rdyourbookcase's review against another edition

3.0

First of all, this was the perfect title for this book. Kate had a lot to deal with before the start of the story and everything haunted her. She didn't know how to move on from what happened. It was a very powerful story and reading it definitely affected my emotions. I couldn't imagine being in Kate's place. As I read, I thought, what would I have done? Would my choice have affected my life as much as it did for her? The best thing about this book was that I could tell that the author had respect for all teens and especially her characters. She didn't make them seem stupid or ignorant. Everyone had growing to do and nothing about the story was condescending. She treated them like they were their age and doing their best that they could with the hand they had been dealt. The characters never seemed stupid or like they were missing what was right in front of them. I loved it. While this book was an emotional roller coaster, I really enjoyed reading it. It was different from her other two, but I was glad to see Parker again! She was in this book more than I thought she would be. I look forward to Miranda Kenneally's next book.

merkyr's review against another edition

4.0

I found it fascinating to be inside the head of a MC who had been raised in a southern church, and watching her go through her first questioning of the certainty of her faith allowed me to understand that mindset a bit better.

Also camp counselor romance = awesome.

maddieg's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn't too sure how I felt about this book at the beginning, but it got better and better with every turn of the page. I loved how Kate's character progressed throughout the book but also stayed true to her core values. Her relationship with Matt was so well-written and I loved how they knew each other as kids because it added more layers to their relationship. When Matt told Kate that she saved him as kids, it was so touching and I knew their relationship would work out no matter what because of their trust in each other. I thought the camp setting was so neat and was a great take with the Christian-focused core because it really made Kate question everything and push her to boundaries she never thought she'd see. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series!

Favorite Quote: “Your truth isn't everybody else's truth.”

bibliohannah's review against another edition

5.0

This book was bought on a whim. I was pressured to get out of Barnes and Noble and I grabbed the book, quickly scanned the back cover, and payed.

Was I surprised! This book was amazing! I love camp set settings and romance between two people who knew each other from their childhood. *swoon* Childhood love reuniting!

I anticipated every page. I wanted to read it all the time! I got tears, warmth, anger, humor, and shivers from reading this book.

I recommend you read this book if you're looking for something cute and fun. It's a great summer read!

bookaholic_kim's review against another edition

5.0

I highly admire [a:Miranda Kenneally|4506073|Miranda Kenneally|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1292869884p2/4506073.jpg] for writing this book. Religion is a very sensitive subject to everyone’s lives and for Miranda to incorporate it in her writing is brave. Really brave.

I totally enjoyed reading this book because it is relatable. The situations in the book can be seen in our society. And for Christians like me, you would totally love it.

So, the story is about this girl who is a devoted Christian. She does things basing on what is accepted in the Christian world. However, one incident made everything complicated.

This would definitely give you some thoughts to ponder on. :)

The book talks about
1. Beliefs
2. Friendship
3. Love
4. Self-actualization
5. Family

Here are some of my favorite lines in the book.

“I know some people wonder whether Heaven and Hell truly exist, but do those people question whether gravity exists? Or oxygen? You can’t see those with your naked eye, either. I can’t see cologne on a guy’s body, but I can smell it. I may not be able to see Heaven, but deep inside, I can feel it.”


“Why is believing in football different than believing in God? Why is one more socially acceptable than the other?”


“Why is it cool for some people to do what they want to do, but uncool for others? Why is being on the football team considered cool while being on the math team is not?”

A highly recommended book to YA readers.

kwc1016's review against another edition

3.0

I had a hard time with Kate, I am not religious and she was a very frustrating. The book series has grown more and more religious. It was interesting to see someone else's point of view and I'm glad she did come to FINALLY grow out of the brainwashing from her childhood. I really wish Kate had reached out and explored other church families to learn that the "sins" she was taught in her church were not what all people believe. Overall a sweet book and if she hadn't been such a judgmental bible bitch 90% of the book I would have enjoyed it even more!

kcmmp13's review against another edition

5.0

First off, I did not think I would cry so much reading this book. It just really hit home. I enjoyed every character, even the not so nice ones because they helped move the story along. I'm not a religious person, but I like how faith was intertwined throughout the story. That the's no one way to honor what you believe in. Matt was the absolute best. His story broke my heart, but also made me smile at times. Kate was a strong character who, over the summer began to understand herself and others. I loved the growth she went through, it was refreshing to read. I also enjoyed the cameo of past Hundred Oak characters.

Now all I need is a sequel or for these characters to make an appearance in future Hundred Oak books. I'm working my way through them now. :)