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What Remains
In less than a second...
... two of the things Cal Ryan cares most about--a promising baseball career and Lizzie, one of his best friends--are gone forever.
In the hours that follow...
...Cal's damaged heart is replaced. But his life will never be the same.
Everyone expects him to pick up the pieces and move on.
But Lizzie is gone, and all that remains for Cal is an overwhelming sense that her death was his fault. And a voice in his head that just...won't...stop.
Cal thought he and his friends could overcome any obstacle. But grief might be the one exception.
And that might take a lifetime to accept...
The ARC edition for ISBN13: 9780738744308 is located here.
... two of the things Cal Ryan cares most about--a promising baseball career and Lizzie, one of his best friends--are gone forever.
In the hours that follow...
...Cal's damaged heart is replaced. But his life will never be the same.
Everyone expects him to pick up the pieces and move on.
But Lizzie is gone, and all that remains for Cal is an overwhelming sense that her death was his fault. And a voice in his head that just...won't...stop.
Cal thought he and his friends could overcome any obstacle. But grief might be the one exception.
And that might take a lifetime to accept...
The ARC edition for ISBN13: 9780738744308 is located here.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2015
7 people are currently reading
1756 people want to read
About the author
Helene Dunbar
9 books297 followersCalled the "queen of heartbreaking prose" by Paste Magazine, Helene Dunbar is the author of WE ARE LOST AND FOUND (Sourcebooks, September 2019), PRELUDE FOR LOST SOULS (August, 2020), and THE PROMISE OF LOST THINGS (2022), as well as BOOMERANG, THESE GENTLE WOUNDS, and WHAT REMAINS. Over the years, she's worked as a drama critic, journalist, and marketing manager, and has written on topics as diverse as traditional Irish music, court cases, and theater. She lives in Nashville with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 24, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Flux and NetGalley.)
“Everything changes,” I whisper into her hair which smells a little like paint thinner. “It won’t always be this hard.”
This was an interesting YA contemporary story about a boy who loses his best friend.
I felt quite sorry for Cal in this story; it was easy to see why he felt guilty over Lizzie’s death, even if it wasn’t really his fault, and to then find out what he found out was even harder for him.
“It’s my fault. I was driving. I should have been able to save her.”
The storyline in this revolved around Cal coming to terms with Lizzie’s death, and trying to work out where his own life was going to go after having to have a transplant and not being able to play baseball anymore.
There was some romance, and I thought that Cal and Ally were really cute together.
“We’ve talked a lot. Just not with words.”
The ending to this was fairly happy, and Cal seemed to be in a good place.
6.5 out of 10
“Everything changes,” I whisper into her hair which smells a little like paint thinner. “It won’t always be this hard.”
This was an interesting YA contemporary story about a boy who loses his best friend.
I felt quite sorry for Cal in this story; it was easy to see why he felt guilty over Lizzie’s death, even if it wasn’t really his fault, and to then find out what he found out was even harder for him.
“It’s my fault. I was driving. I should have been able to save her.”
The storyline in this revolved around Cal coming to terms with Lizzie’s death, and trying to work out where his own life was going to go after having to have a transplant and not being able to play baseball anymore.
There was some romance, and I thought that Cal and Ally were really cute together.
“We’ve talked a lot. Just not with words.”
The ending to this was fairly happy, and Cal seemed to be in a good place.
6.5 out of 10
July 26, 2016
„Парченца от нашия живот” е една от онези книги, които бих описала като топла прегръдка. На моменти романът наистина ми идваше по – тежичък, отколкото ми се искаше с цялата болка и вина, които държеше в себе си героят, но в по – голямата част от сюжета се прокрадваха онези слънчеви лъчи, или иначе казано - всичко, което доказа на Кал, главният герой, че заслужава да изживее своя „втори живот”: приятелите и семейството – неотлъчно до него, бейзболът – бягство и спасително въже и... да, любовта – онова прекрасно чувство на първото влюбване.
Цялото ревю тук -> http://justonebooklover.blogspot.bg/2...
Цялото ревю тук -> http://justonebooklover.blogspot.bg/2...
August 6, 2016
Bulgarian review: https://bookishipster.wordpress.com/2...
At first when i started this book i thought it would be really sad, but i'm glad i was wrong. Yes, 'What Remains' has its sad moments and thoughts but it gave me some happy feelings too. I overall really enjoyed reading it, it was different in its own way and i'm glad i got a chance to read it.
At first when i started this book i thought it would be really sad, but i'm glad i was wrong. Yes, 'What Remains' has its sad moments and thoughts but it gave me some happy feelings too. I overall really enjoyed reading it, it was different in its own way and i'm glad i got a chance to read it.
August 5, 2016
"Парченца от нашия живот" е книга, която ни кара да се замислим за важните хора около себе си, за това как бихме се чувствали след като някой от тях вече ги няма, дали бихме се оставили на болката, завличайки ни в бездната на отчаянието или да се борим за лъч надежда и да намерим начин да живеем с болката от загубата.
Колкото и тъжа да е историята на главния герой Кал и най-добрия му приятел Спенсър имаше моменти, в които се засмивах, не зареди моята безчувственост (ол не книгата здравата ми повлия) просто историята бе разказана по такъв начин, че въпреки всички гадно, имаше моменти на смях.
"Парченца от нашия живот" е една завладяваща, интересна книга, която ни кара да се замислим за хората около себе си, за това на какво се способни за тях и за това как човек може да намери сили в себе си да продължи живота си въпреки загубата на любим.
Цялото ревю на книгата тук - http://books99blogspot.blogspot.bg/20...
Колкото и тъжа да е историята на главния герой Кал и най-добрия му приятел Спенсър имаше моменти, в които се засмивах, не зареди моята безчувственост (ол не книгата здравата ми повлия) просто историята бе разказана по такъв начин, че въпреки всички гадно, имаше моменти на смях.
"Парченца от нашия живот" е една завладяваща, интересна книга, която ни кара да се замислим за хората около себе си, за това на какво се способни за тях и за това как човек може да намери сили в себе си да продължи живота си въпреки загубата на любим.
Цялото ревю на книгата тук - http://books99blogspot.blogspot.bg/20...
December 17, 2016
"Понякога да искаш е толкова хубаво, колкото и да имаш."
В една трета от книгата плаках, в другата една трета се смях, а в останалата част, изумена или възмутена се питах "Защо?????"
Книгата беше уникална и се радвам, че имах възможността да я прочета. Всеки има нужда от време на време да прочете нещо, което да го разтърси чак до костите, а тази книгата беше точно такава.
цялото ревю: http://queenoflunaelibri.blogspot.bg/...
В една трета от книгата плаках, в другата една трета се смях, а в останалата част, изумена или възмутена се питах "Защо?????"
Книгата беше уникална и се радвам, че имах възможността да я прочета. Всеки има нужда от време на време да прочете нещо, което да го разтърси чак до костите, а тази книгата беше точно такава.
цялото ревю: http://queenoflunaelibri.blogspot.bg/...
August 7, 2016
actual rating: 3.5*
August 17, 2016
Една много истинска история, която показна че не всичко е изпълнено с дъги. Хубаво е от време на време да се чете нещо такова, поне за разнообразие. Въпреки че не съм почитател на точно този тип истории, защото ме натъжават, но когато е написана добре умее да те докосне.
February 17, 2015
A love story of three friends. I wrote this book for all those who know their friends will always be with them, no matter what. Follow your heart.
November 25, 2016
"Парченца от нашия живот" разказва историята на тримата най-добри приятели Кал,Спенсър и Лизи.Те са неразделни и дават всичко един за друг.До фаталния миг,който завинаги променя всичко.След катастрофата,която убива Лизи,присаждат сърцето и на Кал и той започва да чува гласа и в главата си.
Още от началото книгата плени интереса ми и не ми позволи да я оставя до последната страница.Историята е разказана по увлекателен начин и стилът на писане е много добър.Чете се много бързо и въпреки че резюмето може да наведе на мисълта,че историята ще е тежка и тъжна-тя не е.Поне не изцяло.Тя носи не толкова чувство на тъга,колкото на надежда.Въпреки,че трагичната смърт на Лизи,разбива живота на Кал и Спенсър и той се променя,те намират свой начин да се справят и да извлекат най-доброто от случилото се.Това е една история за загубата,любовта,преодоляването на страха и най-вече истинското приятелство.
Краят беше тъжен,но и хубав и е ново начало за Кал и Спенсър,които са намерили начин да продължат живота си.
Благодаря на издателство AMG Publishing за предоставената възможност !
Още от началото книгата плени интереса ми и не ми позволи да я оставя до последната страница.Историята е разказана по увлекателен начин и стилът на писане е много добър.Чете се много бързо и въпреки че резюмето може да наведе на мисълта,че историята ще е тежка и тъжна-тя не е.Поне не изцяло.Тя носи не толкова чувство на тъга,колкото на надежда.Въпреки,че трагичната смърт на Лизи,разбива живота на Кал и Спенсър и той се променя,те намират свой начин да се справят и да извлекат най-доброто от случилото се.Това е една история за загубата,любовта,преодоляването на страха и най-вече истинското приятелство.
Краят беше тъжен,но и хубав и е ново начало за Кал и Спенсър,които са намерили начин да продължат живота си.
Благодаря на издателство AMG Publishing за предоставената възможност !
February 26, 2018
За да коментирам тази книга, трябва да издам някои неща от сюжета, така че предупреждавам за СПОЙЛЕРИ!!!
Много исках да ми хареса, но определено не се получи. Темата е много сериозна. Приятелство! Катастрофа! Смърт! Трансплантация на сърце!
И все пак не повярвах на тази книга. Изобщо не ми беше достоверна. Ясно, че е художествена измислица и може случващото се да се интерпретира както авторът си пожелае, но този начин мен не ме трогна, не ме докосна.
Кал, Спенсът и Лизи са най-добри приятели от както се помнят. Винаги са един до друг и винаги са всички за един. Докато една катастрофа не отнема живота на Лизи, а Кал получава втори шанс за живот взимайки нейното сърце. И книгата ми беше интересна до тук. След това вече всичко стана някакво набързо, някаква мешавица. Всичко от катастрофата до връщането на Кал в училище става едва ли не в рамките на една седмица. Никакво обяснение колко време е бил откъснат от средата си, колко време се е възстановявал и прочие неща не се казват. Това за мен е важно, в такива моменти хората преживяват катарзис, а той нашия вече е на училище и сърцето на Лизи "му говори". Разбира се има случаи на придобиване на навици от дарителя и промяна на вкусове или предпочитанията, но тук нещата бяха представени така, че все едно Лизи се е вселила в него - та те двамата си разговаряха!!! Да, имаше хубави моменти в книгата, но само заради тях няма да дам 2, а 3*
Много исках да ми хареса, но определено не се получи. Темата е много сериозна. Приятелство! Катастрофа! Смърт! Трансплантация на сърце!
И все пак не повярвах на тази книга. Изобщо не ми беше достоверна. Ясно, че е художествена измислица и може случващото се да се интерпретира както авторът си пожелае, но този начин мен не ме трогна, не ме докосна.
Кал, Спенсът и Лизи са най-добри приятели от както се помнят. Винаги са един до друг и винаги са всички за един. Докато една катастрофа не отнема живота на Лизи, а Кал получава втори шанс за живот взимайки нейното сърце. И книгата ми беше интересна до тук. След това вече всичко стана някакво набързо, някаква мешавица. Всичко от катастрофата до връщането на Кал в училище става едва ли не в рамките на една седмица. Никакво обяснение колко време е бил откъснат от средата си, колко време се е възстановявал и прочие неща не се казват. Това за мен е важно, в такива моменти хората преживяват катарзис, а той нашия вече е на училище и сърцето на Лизи "му говори". Разбира се има случаи на придобиване на навици от дарителя и промяна на вкусове или предпочитанията, но тук нещата бяха представени така, че все едно Лизи се е вселила в него - та те двамата си разговаряха!!! Да, имаше хубави моменти в книгата, но само заради тях няма да дам 2, а 3*
May 14, 2015
It's official. Helene Dunbar's books have become my go-to reads if I ever want to read something extraordinarily touching, heart-breaking and inspiring. Just like with the first book I read of her, These Gentle Wounds, What Remains came into my life to beautifully ruin my happy state of mind. It's been several days since I finished this book and I still cannot recover from it.
There's no point of me explaining the book's plot since the summary does a good job of it, but I will tell you that even though I was "prepared" for Lizzie's death, it still affected me immensely. This surprised me since we don't get much time to for us to get attached to her character, yet I did. I felt for this character. Maybe because you can tell how much Cal and Spencer cared for her, how much they loved her, and maybe also because Lizzie was a broken and honestly brutal character that you wish had a better chance in life.
Lizzie, Cal, and Spencer are the big stars of this book. I loved how unique and amazing they all were, and it pained me to see them suffer. Especially Cal, whose point of view is the one we get to read about. Cal's life changes dramatically after Lizzie's death and the emotional journey of recovering and accepting life as it is was no easy thing to read.
I like to read authors acknowledgements because they sometimes give you an extra insight to the author's mind about their motivation to write this book, and I liked the small part where she sums up perfectly what this book is about. Helene Dunbar states that What Remains is ultimately a love story of friendship, and I 100% agree with that. There is a little bit of romance somewhere inside the book, but it's not as important as the relationship between these three friends, and I loved that.
"But I guess what remains after someone you love dies aren't things you can reach out and touch. When you love someone, that love changes you for better or worse. So in a way, maybe they're never truly gone."
This was my favorite quote from the book. It made me break into an embarrassing display of tears because it broke me and fixed me at the same time. So beautiful. Just like the whole book.
The bottom line is: You HAVE to read What Remains. You won't regret it.
*Huge thanks go out to the publisher & tour host for the eARC in exchange of my honest opinion. This review can also be found on my blog, The Reader and the Chef.*
There's no point of me explaining the book's plot since the summary does a good job of it, but I will tell you that even though I was "prepared" for Lizzie's death, it still affected me immensely. This surprised me since we don't get much time to for us to get attached to her character, yet I did. I felt for this character. Maybe because you can tell how much Cal and Spencer cared for her, how much they loved her, and maybe also because Lizzie was a broken and honestly brutal character that you wish had a better chance in life.
Lizzie, Cal, and Spencer are the big stars of this book. I loved how unique and amazing they all were, and it pained me to see them suffer. Especially Cal, whose point of view is the one we get to read about. Cal's life changes dramatically after Lizzie's death and the emotional journey of recovering and accepting life as it is was no easy thing to read.
I like to read authors acknowledgements because they sometimes give you an extra insight to the author's mind about their motivation to write this book, and I liked the small part where she sums up perfectly what this book is about. Helene Dunbar states that What Remains is ultimately a love story of friendship, and I 100% agree with that. There is a little bit of romance somewhere inside the book, but it's not as important as the relationship between these three friends, and I loved that.
"But I guess what remains after someone you love dies aren't things you can reach out and touch. When you love someone, that love changes you for better or worse. So in a way, maybe they're never truly gone."
This was my favorite quote from the book. It made me break into an embarrassing display of tears because it broke me and fixed me at the same time. So beautiful. Just like the whole book.
The bottom line is: You HAVE to read What Remains. You won't regret it.
*Huge thanks go out to the publisher & tour host for the eARC in exchange of my honest opinion. This review can also be found on my blog, The Reader and the Chef.*
April 20, 2015
Source: Flux via Netgalley free of charge for honest review
I wanted to read this one because I liked the sound of their friendship, and the story of loss.... of one of his best friends and the sport that was such a huge part of his life are ripped from him. The promise of soul searching and figuring out his identity without what he had based so much of himself on.
I did like that it started in a place before his loss, and I got to see the depth of his friendship with Lizzie and Spencer. Lizzie had a rough family life and Cal and Spencer were her rocks, the people that she could call at 2am and they would help her without a doubt. There is a complicated history between the three of them though. Spencer is gay but Lizzie has had a crush on him forever, and it comes out that they slept together. Cal likes a girl that he can't even get up the nerve to speak to, but there has been rumors flying around forever at school that he goes both ways and has been with both Lizzie and Spencer.
Knowing all of that, when Cal got his heart transplant and Lizzie passed away, that is when Cal started blaming himself for her death as well as being completely lost about who he is with one leg of their friendship gone, and him unable to play baseball anymore. The plus side is that he gets to see his workaholic parents more right after, but the downside is they all of the sudden try to be involved.
There are a few twists, one that I somehow didn't see coming, even when Cal started hearing Lizzie after she passed. I have read some stuff on cellular memory so I don't know why that didn't tip me off to the secret that his parents and the doctors kept from him. He has this huge amount of guilt and anger and that comes out against the ones closest to him. He still has Spencer, but they are both a little lost in their minds, and Cal doesn't take the time to really consider how Spencer could be feeling about Lizzie. They both feel like they didn't protect her enough, even after all of their promises to keep her safe.
Cal had a hard things butt he finally went to see a therapist and that was finally a catalyst in talking out all of the things in his head. From over coming his fear I'd driving, to the confusion between him and Spencer.
There was a sweet romance and I was glad that was thrown in and Cal got to have that piece of happiness in the midst of his grief.
I like where it ended with Cal.... a new relationship and a way to handle the bad that happened. A way to make piece and still remember Lizzie. A hope that though his life changed so much that he could still follow different dreams but be true to himself.
Bottom Line: Emotional story of friendship and finding yourself after loss.
I wanted to read this one because I liked the sound of their friendship, and the story of loss.... of one of his best friends and the sport that was such a huge part of his life are ripped from him. The promise of soul searching and figuring out his identity without what he had based so much of himself on.
I did like that it started in a place before his loss, and I got to see the depth of his friendship with Lizzie and Spencer. Lizzie had a rough family life and Cal and Spencer were her rocks, the people that she could call at 2am and they would help her without a doubt. There is a complicated history between the three of them though. Spencer is gay but Lizzie has had a crush on him forever, and it comes out that they slept together. Cal likes a girl that he can't even get up the nerve to speak to, but there has been rumors flying around forever at school that he goes both ways and has been with both Lizzie and Spencer.
Knowing all of that, when Cal got his heart transplant and Lizzie passed away, that is when Cal started blaming himself for her death as well as being completely lost about who he is with one leg of their friendship gone, and him unable to play baseball anymore. The plus side is that he gets to see his workaholic parents more right after, but the downside is they all of the sudden try to be involved.
There are a few twists, one that I somehow didn't see coming, even when Cal started hearing Lizzie after she passed. I have read some stuff on cellular memory so I don't know why that didn't tip me off to the secret that his parents and the doctors kept from him. He has this huge amount of guilt and anger and that comes out against the ones closest to him. He still has Spencer, but they are both a little lost in their minds, and Cal doesn't take the time to really consider how Spencer could be feeling about Lizzie. They both feel like they didn't protect her enough, even after all of their promises to keep her safe.
Cal had a hard things butt he finally went to see a therapist and that was finally a catalyst in talking out all of the things in his head. From over coming his fear I'd driving, to the confusion between him and Spencer.
There was a sweet romance and I was glad that was thrown in and Cal got to have that piece of happiness in the midst of his grief.
I like where it ended with Cal.... a new relationship and a way to handle the bad that happened. A way to make piece and still remember Lizzie. A hope that though his life changed so much that he could still follow different dreams but be true to himself.
Bottom Line: Emotional story of friendship and finding yourself after loss.
June 20, 2020
Прекрасна история за любовта, приятелството и трудностите в живота. Препоръчвам!
November 24, 2015
*eARC kindly provided by Flux via NetGalley*
This is a pretty spoilery one!
An emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking, journey told all in one boy's POV. A guy who has two best friends but is ripped away from one of them forever. A boy who has to come to terms, not just with Lizzie's death, but with the beat of her heart in his chest. I found his journey to be full of growth and acceptance. But I have to say, I was a wee bit disappointed with the romance. I would have liked it if the author had explored Cal’s sexuality, and I felt that his friendship with Spencer had been left unresolved. I think it would have felt more genuine, to me, if it had become something more than what it seemed. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book though and would recommend to people who like emotionally tragic but healing stories.
Rating: 3.5 Paw Prints!
This is a pretty spoilery one!
An emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking, journey told all in one boy's POV. A guy who has two best friends but is ripped away from one of them forever. A boy who has to come to terms, not just with Lizzie's death, but with the beat of her heart in his chest. I found his journey to be full of growth and acceptance. But I have to say, I was a wee bit disappointed with the romance. I would have liked it if the author had explored Cal’s sexuality, and I felt that his friendship with Spencer had been left unresolved. I think it would have felt more genuine, to me, if it had become something more than what it seemed. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book though and would recommend to people who like emotionally tragic but healing stories.
Rating: 3.5 Paw Prints!
September 9, 2019
Уф, сложно е.
Миналата зима прочетох "Времето отвътре" на Хелън Дънбар, за която имах огромни очаквания, въпреки факта, че отдавна не се впечатлявам от тийн литература и тя всъщност никак не ми допадна. Въпреки това се зарекох, че ще дам шанс и на "Парченца от нашия живот" (оригиналното заглавие What Remains ми допада много повече). Не съм кой знае колко впечатлен, но като че ли нещо успя да ме докосне по някое време и повиших оценката си. Първоначално ми изглеждаше като романче, в което главният герой изпитва силна вина за нещо, за което не е виновен и парадира с това, за да може да просъществува книгата, но постепенно долових по-голям потенциал.
Сюжетът е странен и много интересен. Съжалявам, естествено, че нещата между Кал и Спенсър не се развиха така, както очаквах и както ми се искаше, но какво да се прави.
Негативното ми мнение е, че авторката не притежава добри умения за създаването на отличаващи се персонажи и повече определено не бих посегнал към нейна книга.
Миналата зима прочетох "Времето отвътре" на Хелън Дънбар, за която имах огромни очаквания, въпреки факта, че отдавна не се впечатлявам от тийн литература и тя всъщност никак не ми допадна. Въпреки това се зарекох, че ще дам шанс и на "Парченца от нашия живот" (оригиналното заглавие What Remains ми допада много повече). Не съм кой знае колко впечатлен, но като че ли нещо успя да ме докосне по някое време и повиших оценката си. Първоначално ми изглеждаше като романче, в което главният герой изпитва силна вина за нещо, за което не е виновен и парадира с това, за да може да просъществува книгата, но постепенно долових по-голям потенциал.
Сюжетът е странен и много интересен. Съжалявам, естествено, че нещата между Кал и Спенсър не се развиха така, както очаквах и както ми се искаше, но какво да се прави.
Негативното ми мнение е, че авторката не притежава добри умения за създаването на отличаващи се персонажи и повече определено не бих посегнал към нейна книга.
March 11, 2018
I like be Dunbar’s writing. It knocks you on your butt with shock and honesty. Cal is struggling through a massive sea of pain and confusion after his life changes in an instant.
Cal’s vulnerability makes him such a poignant character that shook me, as a reader. This book really explores the complicated path of grief and how it’s cyclical and not just a straight arrow to relief.
It’s a beautiful book.
Cal’s vulnerability makes him such a poignant character that shook me, as a reader. This book really explores the complicated path of grief and how it’s cyclical and not just a straight arrow to relief.
It’s a beautiful book.
August 7, 2016
Ревю: https://bloodyrosered.wordpress.com/2...
Според мен човек трябва да е в определен момент от животът си или да е преживял нещо близо до случващото се за да може да оцени напълно книги като тази.
Според мен човек трябва да е в определен момент от животът си или да е преживял нещо близо до случващото се за да може да оцени напълно книги като тази.
August 7, 2016
actual 4.5 stars.
Това е една невероятна книга! Обичам я.
Това е една невероятна книга! Обичам я.
December 16, 2017
Замисляща и емоционално наситена, моят тип тийн история!
September 30, 2016
The book What Remains is a story that is exciting, sad, and heartbreaking. The main character, Calvin (or Cal) Ryan, is a junior in high school. He has a promising career in baseball, and he could do anything he dreams of doing, even though his mom says sports are a hobby and not a good career. The book mainly follows Cal, but his two best friends, Lizzie and Spencer are also very important characters to the story. Spencer and Cal have spent their whole life taking care of Lizzie to make sure she's alive and doing well. They have had so many disgusting and untrue rumors spread about them but they don't listen; they'll always stick together, but one day a tragic car accident happens, and with it, Calvin's’ promising baseball career and one of his best friends are gone forever.
There could be many different themes you could see in this book. I think the one theme that shows most is that friends are very important and can be as good or even better than family. Spencer and Lizzie were very important to Cal; they were like family to him. This shows when he wakes up in the hospital. He is shocked to see that both of his parents are there. He even says to himself "I can't imagine what could have happened that would possibly drag them away from their jobs when nothing else ever has, including my junior high graduation and my Little League championship ceremony" (45). This quote shows that his mom and dad were not around for his important moments in life, and he wondered what suddenly made them come see him together. Another example would be how much Spencer and Cal helped Lizzie to stay alive. Lizzie and her mom didn't have the best relationship so Spencer and Cal cared for her. Cal even says "I mean, her mom was a nasty drunk who was never there when Lizzie needed her" (218). All three friends care about each other so much, they have become their own family when their real ones weren't there for them.
The style of this story is narrative. What Remains follows Cal Ryan and his story about losing two of the most important things in his life. A little part of the story occurs before the crash, and in the quote "For the moment, my questions and fears, my doubts and jealousy, fade and all I can think is this, this, this. This is right" (34) Cal is saying that being with his friends and having a good time is so important, more than anything. The narrative style of this book is very effective for What Remains. It was very important to add what Cal was thinking to the story. Otherwise, readers wouldn't know how he felt or how hard this was on him. "I curl the edges of the business card in my hand, wishing I hadn't promised Spencer that I'd go through with meeting Dr. Reynolds" (140). Cal was very scared to go see a counselor and this quote shows how nervous he was to go and talk about personal thoughts to a stranger, but Spencer cared about him and his well being so he made him promise to go. Dunbar did a great job of making you feel like you can relate to the characters of the story, and that's a great thing when you're reading a book like this.
I really liked the book What Remains. Some of my favorite things are how likable most of the characters are, unless they are supposed to be portrayed as bad, and how quickly I learned to like them. The chapters in the book are short, and I really like how they don't go on forever, but long chapters wouldn't matter because the book was so enjoyable to read. One thing I would change is how fast the story got started. There was hardly any time to introduce names because an exciting event happened within the first and second chapters. What Remains is unlike any other book I have read, mostly because I stick to mysteries and fantasy type books.
There could be many different themes you could see in this book. I think the one theme that shows most is that friends are very important and can be as good or even better than family. Spencer and Lizzie were very important to Cal; they were like family to him. This shows when he wakes up in the hospital. He is shocked to see that both of his parents are there. He even says to himself "I can't imagine what could have happened that would possibly drag them away from their jobs when nothing else ever has, including my junior high graduation and my Little League championship ceremony" (45). This quote shows that his mom and dad were not around for his important moments in life, and he wondered what suddenly made them come see him together. Another example would be how much Spencer and Cal helped Lizzie to stay alive. Lizzie and her mom didn't have the best relationship so Spencer and Cal cared for her. Cal even says "I mean, her mom was a nasty drunk who was never there when Lizzie needed her" (218). All three friends care about each other so much, they have become their own family when their real ones weren't there for them.
The style of this story is narrative. What Remains follows Cal Ryan and his story about losing two of the most important things in his life. A little part of the story occurs before the crash, and in the quote "For the moment, my questions and fears, my doubts and jealousy, fade and all I can think is this, this, this. This is right" (34) Cal is saying that being with his friends and having a good time is so important, more than anything. The narrative style of this book is very effective for What Remains. It was very important to add what Cal was thinking to the story. Otherwise, readers wouldn't know how he felt or how hard this was on him. "I curl the edges of the business card in my hand, wishing I hadn't promised Spencer that I'd go through with meeting Dr. Reynolds" (140). Cal was very scared to go see a counselor and this quote shows how nervous he was to go and talk about personal thoughts to a stranger, but Spencer cared about him and his well being so he made him promise to go. Dunbar did a great job of making you feel like you can relate to the characters of the story, and that's a great thing when you're reading a book like this.
I really liked the book What Remains. Some of my favorite things are how likable most of the characters are, unless they are supposed to be portrayed as bad, and how quickly I learned to like them. The chapters in the book are short, and I really like how they don't go on forever, but long chapters wouldn't matter because the book was so enjoyable to read. One thing I would change is how fast the story got started. There was hardly any time to introduce names because an exciting event happened within the first and second chapters. What Remains is unlike any other book I have read, mostly because I stick to mysteries and fantasy type books.
May 26, 2015
Reviewed on my blog http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.co.uk
I really enjoyed What Remains. I didn't really know what I was expecting but the journey the characters went on was fantastic and I wanted more of their story.
The Story
I haven't read a story about a heart transplant before and the effects it has on the recipient. But I found the concept really interesting and it really felt like the author has researched it really well. But this story is also about true friendship and Grief. I loved the friendship between, Lizzie, Spencer and Cal. I really wanted more of their friendship prior to the events that happen in the book. The Story is a realistic contemporary and it deals with issues that are very real and the topics the author covered where done very well. Overall the story was fantastic.
The Characters
I have to applaud Helene Dunbar on making me love a story told from a male protagonist. I have this problem where I can never relate to male protagonists and hate reading them. However in What Remains the story is told from Cal's POV and I really loved it. I loved Cal, he is a bit like me where everything needs to be planned and he doesn't like Surprises. The whole ordeal with having to have a heart transplant and the reason behind it and the donar behind the heart is all very emotional. And I went on that journey with Cal. Spencer is just fantastic he is the one with common sense in the group, the listener and I really loved him. Lizze broke my heart so much, I really felt for her. She is quirky and tough but has no fight in her for her future, she is resigned to it and it just made me so sad as I understand her reasoning's.
Overall I really rate this book. It's got great characters who I fricking fell in love with , a story that is realistic, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion's. You will be smile, laugh and cry but that makes a great story.
I really enjoyed What Remains. I didn't really know what I was expecting but the journey the characters went on was fantastic and I wanted more of their story.
The Story
I haven't read a story about a heart transplant before and the effects it has on the recipient. But I found the concept really interesting and it really felt like the author has researched it really well. But this story is also about true friendship and Grief. I loved the friendship between, Lizzie, Spencer and Cal. I really wanted more of their friendship prior to the events that happen in the book. The Story is a realistic contemporary and it deals with issues that are very real and the topics the author covered where done very well. Overall the story was fantastic.
The Characters
I have to applaud Helene Dunbar on making me love a story told from a male protagonist. I have this problem where I can never relate to male protagonists and hate reading them. However in What Remains the story is told from Cal's POV and I really loved it. I loved Cal, he is a bit like me where everything needs to be planned and he doesn't like Surprises. The whole ordeal with having to have a heart transplant and the reason behind it and the donar behind the heart is all very emotional. And I went on that journey with Cal. Spencer is just fantastic he is the one with common sense in the group, the listener and I really loved him. Lizze broke my heart so much, I really felt for her. She is quirky and tough but has no fight in her for her future, she is resigned to it and it just made me so sad as I understand her reasoning's.
Overall I really rate this book. It's got great characters who I fricking fell in love with , a story that is realistic, and takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion's. You will be smile, laugh and cry but that makes a great story.
April 5, 2015
Thank you to NetGalley and Flux books for the advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cal, Spencer, and Lizzie have always been friends. The three juniors have their own interests (baseball, drama, and art) but look out for and support one another. Lizzie’s home life isn’t that great, with an apathetic mom and her creeper boyfriends, so Cal and Spencer are always available for late night rescues. After taking their SATs, the trio set out on a weekend getaway with Cal at the wheel. A distracted driver crashes into Cal’s car, throwing an unbuckled Lizzie from the backseat and damaging Cal’s heart.
Cal wakes up days later to discover he’s had a heart transplant and that Lizzie died from the accident. The weeks that follow are hard for Cal as he adjusts to medication that is supposed to prevent his body from rejecting the heart and is forced to limit his physical activity---aka, give up what he loves most: baseball. However, nothing compares to the guilt he feels for losing Lizzie.
"But I guess, what remains after someone you love dies aren’t things you can reach out and touch. When you love someone, that love changes you for better or worse. So in a way, maybe they’re never truly gone."
This was a poignant story that had its heartwarming moments and believable characters. Spencer in particular was my favorite. he was a great friend to Cal, encouraging him to seek therapy after the accident and helping him get over his fear of driving. The plot touches on cellular memory, the theory that transplant receivers sometimes remember tastes/feelings/thoughts from their donor. I thought this was an interesting concept and it was well done within the context of the story.
Cal, Spencer, and Lizzie have always been friends. The three juniors have their own interests (baseball, drama, and art) but look out for and support one another. Lizzie’s home life isn’t that great, with an apathetic mom and her creeper boyfriends, so Cal and Spencer are always available for late night rescues. After taking their SATs, the trio set out on a weekend getaway with Cal at the wheel. A distracted driver crashes into Cal’s car, throwing an unbuckled Lizzie from the backseat and damaging Cal’s heart.
Cal wakes up days later to discover he’s had a heart transplant and that Lizzie died from the accident. The weeks that follow are hard for Cal as he adjusts to medication that is supposed to prevent his body from rejecting the heart and is forced to limit his physical activity---aka, give up what he loves most: baseball. However, nothing compares to the guilt he feels for losing Lizzie.
"But I guess, what remains after someone you love dies aren’t things you can reach out and touch. When you love someone, that love changes you for better or worse. So in a way, maybe they’re never truly gone."
This was a poignant story that had its heartwarming moments and believable characters. Spencer in particular was my favorite. he was a great friend to Cal, encouraging him to seek therapy after the accident and helping him get over his fear of driving. The plot touches on cellular memory, the theory that transplant receivers sometimes remember tastes/feelings/thoughts from their donor. I thought this was an interesting concept and it was well done within the context of the story.
April 6, 2015
Helene Dunbar is so good at writing different relationships! In her previous novel, "These Gentle Wounds", she was terrific at sibling relationships, and in this one she has a lovely portrayal of friendship between two boys and a girl, and also a sweet, quiet romance developing.
I thought the story was slow moving to start with (I like this if it pays off in the end), and the story truly grew on me. The latter half of it flew by, in a good way, convincing me that this book is a gem.
The characters are realistic and relatable, including the adults, and the story is down to earth and both heartwarming and heartwrenching. Good to see strong and healthy relationships and interactions between friends, parents and children, coaches and therapists throughout the book.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley.
I thought the story was slow moving to start with (I like this if it pays off in the end), and the story truly grew on me. The latter half of it flew by, in a good way, convincing me that this book is a gem.
The characters are realistic and relatable, including the adults, and the story is down to earth and both heartwarming and heartwrenching. Good to see strong and healthy relationships and interactions between friends, parents and children, coaches and therapists throughout the book.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley.
March 1, 2015
Again pleasantly surprised. I wasn't going to pick this one up because I'm not big on baseball books, but I couldn't stop thinking of how interesting the heart transplant thing could be! I loved this one, especially the tension between Cal and Spencer after Lizzie's death. The friendship between Cal, Spencer, and Lizzie was unique and awesome. The ending tied up well and the closure was perfect after all of the emotions the reader experiences throughout the story.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title!
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title!
May 12, 2015
I loved this book. The character I can relate the most to is Lizzie. I had an alcoholic in my life growing up. I am glad that Spencer and Cal were there for Lizzie to help her when she needed it. Cal has been through loss in his life. I am glad that Cal is talking to Ally. I think she will be good for him. This book is well written. This book makes you wonder what will happen next. Give this book a try. I know I'm glad I did.
May 21, 2015
Lovely, poetic writing tell a heart-wrenching story of loss and renewal. I love that the author took her time exploring all of the depths of the characters and the complexity of their feelings around a very complex situation and for each other. This was one of those books where I really had no idea where it was going to go next but felt like I was in very capable hands the whole time as the story unfolded.
August 12, 2015
As usual, Helene Dunbar's storytelling leaves me breathless. This surprisingly twisty tale is achingly sad, but it lifted me up first here, then again, before finally pulling me out of the dark completely. Believable characters, humor, and a heart laid bare puts What Remains with my top picks for contemporary YA fiction.
July 25, 2015
Helene Dunbar has written a beautiful and poignant love story with a literally "heart-wrenching" twist. Her deft touch graces every page. Her characters are engaging and vibrant. The story is an emotional roller coaster, and it made me cry. It's a rich and captivating novel.
September 10, 2016
A very beautifully written story that can teach you how to love, to let go of things, be grateful for what you have and live life to the fullest! Loved every single bit of this book! ♡
May 19, 2017
"But I guess what remains after someone you love dies aren't the things you can reach out and touch. When you love someone, that love changes you for better or worse. So in a way, maybe they're never truly gone."
Wow, it was only towards the end of this story that Dunbar's prose really swept me away. I do truly enjoy her writing, but I can't say this one was quite as good as her first book, These Gentle Wounds, which was incredible.
I think my favourite thing about this book was being inside of Cal's head. He was a fantastic character and I loved his journey so much. Beautifully written, Dunbar explores the so much in such a short time. Spencer, Lizzie and Ally were wonderful supporting characters. I had no idea when I started this read it was Helene's book, nor did I know what it was about...I like to be surprised. So when I finished this book and realized it was a Dunbar book I knew why I was left feeling complete. She really knows how to take you through a story and leave you feeling complete on the other side. I can't wait to see what she writes next :D
"Maybe everyone learns this lesson in a different way, maybe all friendships need to be tested and changed so you know that they stil mean something."
"Aside from Lizze, no one close to me has ever died. Given how big a piece of me she took with her, I can't imagine how someone could survive losing so many people."
Wow, it was only towards the end of this story that Dunbar's prose really swept me away. I do truly enjoy her writing, but I can't say this one was quite as good as her first book, These Gentle Wounds, which was incredible.
I think my favourite thing about this book was being inside of Cal's head. He was a fantastic character and I loved his journey so much. Beautifully written, Dunbar explores the so much in such a short time. Spencer, Lizzie and Ally were wonderful supporting characters. I had no idea when I started this read it was Helene's book, nor did I know what it was about...I like to be surprised. So when I finished this book and realized it was a Dunbar book I knew why I was left feeling complete. She really knows how to take you through a story and leave you feeling complete on the other side. I can't wait to see what she writes next :D
"Maybe everyone learns this lesson in a different way, maybe all friendships need to be tested and changed so you know that they stil mean something."
"Aside from Lizze, no one close to me has ever died. Given how big a piece of me she took with her, I can't imagine how someone could survive losing so many people."
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