Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby - Restarting July 5th 2020

[Amphitrite]

When Quinn Sullivan meets the recipient of her boyfriend’s donated heart, the two form an unexpected connection.

After Quinn loses her boyfriend, Trent, in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the pieces of her now-unrecognizable life. She hears back from some of them, but the person who received Trent’s heart has remained silent. The essence of a person, she has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent’s, then maybe she can have peace once and for all.

Risking everything in order to finally lay her memories to rest, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas—a guy whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into more, sparking an undeniable attraction. She doesn't want to give in to it—especially since he has no idea how they're connected—but their time together has made Quinn feel alive again. No matter how hard she’s falling for Colton, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she’s lost…and all that remains at stake.

[Marga]

Chapter 5 - (view spoiler)[Aww. OKAY. I am liking this one so far. It's so engaging. Can't stop reading. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9 - (view spoiler)[My CHEEKS HURT FROM GRINNING TOO MUCH. (hide spoiler)]

[Marga]

Chapter 20 - (view spoiler)[Okay wow. I didn't even noticed that I'm on Chapter 20 already. I just adore Colton. I can't help it. (hide spoiler)]

[Marga]

Ending - (view spoiler)[So I rated this 3 stars. It was really adorable but not something I'll remember in the long run, you know? I also loved, loved, loved Colton. haha (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ must be weird meeting the person who has your dead boyfriend's heart!

Oops! Bit of a crash! (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ the nurse was bound to think there was something wrong with Colton when he turned up at the hospital! (hide spoiler)]

[Marga]

Can't see your updates since I'm on the phone but are you liking it so far Sarah? ;)

[Sarah Elizabeth]

It's okay, I was surprised that it was (view spoiler)[his bus! (hide spoiler)]

[Marga]

Haha! Me, too! But I guess it's a way for him to see her again after all that.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ she is totally falling in love with him already. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ They have to know that moving on isn't easy for her. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

I'm finding this very average at the moment.

[Marga]

Yeah that's one way to put it, I guess. :/ Not really bad but kind of forgettable,yeah?

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Yeah, it's not exactly gripping. very put-down-able. think I'd get really bored if i wasn't reading other books at the same time.

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Marga wrote: "Ending - [spoilers removed]"

I agree, not very memorable.

[Amphitrite]

Just finished Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[I think this a very light, easy read so far. I'm enjoying the little things at the beginning of each chapter because while I know some of them others are new so I'm learning a bit about the heart. After finishing a heavy book I'm enjoying this one quite a bit since it's a much lighter book. Some parts are amusing (Such as Quinn's grandmother, she was a riot when she talked) but overall so far a nice read. (hide spoiler)]

[Amphitrite]

Finished this yesterday (view spoiler)[Yeah I agree, nothing something I'm going to remember really well a month from now but at the time it was a really fluffy and light read and I enjoyed it. I liked watching to see how things changed and I did managed to call a few of the things that happened but Colton going to the hospital wasn't one of them. I actually thought the same thing as Quinn and was about to get a little distressed and rate the book lower than I will once I finish my review simply because he died without her knowing. It would have been a bad decision but I thought the ending was really cute and I liked it. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Bri wrote: "Just finished Chapter 10 [spoilers removed]"

Quinn's grandmother was quite funny ☺

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting July 19th 2015. Happy Reading ☺

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[Mei]

Hi Rachel! Are we game for this? :)

[rachel, x]

Yes, absolutely! Sorry I'm late, just trying to wrap up Red Queen so I can start this.

[Mei]

That's okay, I'm still not finished with the book I'm reading right now. I'll start maybe tomorrow.

[rachel, x]

Same. I didn't get to start today sorry!

[Mei]

Started today.

Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[I love the start of this, very engaging. The writing is also beautiful. I like the mystery and curiosity of Quinn to find out the recipients, her boyfriend died after all. But the new heart owner is different; he's not Trent. I guess I'll never know the feeling unless I am in the situation. I hope Kirby manages to put me in such a situation I'll be able to empathize and understand her actions. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[I like the opening quotes of each chapter, elaborating the heart and how it affects the person who had been donated with it. It's interesting, I didn't know some of these. Kirby even went the effort of including researches :) (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[I'm already loving investing myself in this story, of the kayakking, of Shelter Cove, of Quinn's family and her grandma. All of it. I wonder when she'll tell Colton of what she knlws, though. (hide spoiler)]

[rachel, x]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 5: [spoilers removed]"

I like that too!

(view spoiler)[I can just tell that this book isn't going to be for me. I just don't like this trope - person falls for the person that receives a loved one's organs. It just skeeves me out. I don't like it. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I'm trying to remember why I even requested this book when I knew I wasn't going to be able to appreciate it. (hide spoiler)]

[rachel, x]

Mei wrote: "Started today.

Chapter 1: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I love the writing too. It's poetic but not over the top and manages to capture that feeling of Quinn's grief. I don't think I would have responded to Quinn's letter if it had been me. I wouldn't want to meet the people grieving for the dead guy's heart beating in my chest - just personally. (hide spoiler)]

[rachel, x]

chapter 11 - (view spoiler)[This is a little too cheesy for my liking (the romance) and I don't like that their relationship is built on a lie. We all know it is going to come back and bite Quinn on the ass later in the book - that she didn't tell Colton about the heart transplant connection between them. (hide spoiler)]

[rachel, x]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 13: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I hope she tells him soon - it isn't good to lie about it! The kayaking day was adorable. I wouldn't have gone into that cave though. (hide spoiler)]

[rachel, x]

the end - (view spoiler)[Without the organ-transplant trope I would have loved this book so much more. It was still gorgeous though. I cried at the end. It annoyed me how quickly Colton accepted Quinn's lies but apart from that - loved it. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Chapter 23: (view spoiler)[I am SURPRISINGLY enjoying this! Emphasis on the word. Well, I think you know what I mean when I say the book's concept is cliche. I think we've all heard of it or watched it on a movie before. It's predictable. But the writing is so moving; I can feel Quinn's grief, guilt and emotions so raw. I understand it, I feel it and I sympathize with her. I like all the dates she and Colton went to, they are wonderful, unique and interesting and fun to read about. I felt Colton's views in life, and why he'd want to hide his condition. I saw the depth in his character, how much he enjoys the water. I feel so much for Colton, he likes Quinn now, but he still doesn't know the truth, and I think ny heart's gonna break if he'll be ragingly crying and screaming at her. Ugh, the anticipation! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[I love how the best friend in this book is Quinn's older sister. I like how Ryan is careful with her words, knowing which truth will just hurt her sister or which will make her realize things. I like how she wasn't judgmental or screaming at what she did. But I liked how she didn't tolerate her shortcomings in all of this. The characters have all been great, so far. (hide spoiler)]

Ending: (view spoiler)[Well, in overall, I liked the outcome of my presumption that this book will be a cliched ripoff of its concept. I love the writing and the characters, I think they're what made the book worthy to read. But I didn't like how this book ended. I didn't feel the cliche of it, but how it ended, so rush and lacking and just missing a lot, made only my theory proven truer. What about Quinn's parents' reaction to her dating the owner of Trent's heart? What about Trent's parents? I didn't know of their grief, I wish we got to see an elaborated side of them. We just saw her mom and got a glimpse and that's it. I wanted more. In anticipating of how Quinn will tell Colton the truth, Kirby did not let me down on the revelation part. I think the way she did it was the most perfect way for Quinn to confess, it was brilliant. However, dating the new heart owner in a transplant seemed like a bad idea. Albeit not an acceptable one. So I was expecting how in the world Kirby is going to convince me that it's otherwise. I didn't even buy Colton's take on all of this. It's just unbelievable, I needed more persuasion. He was quick to forget all those? I just can't wrap my mind around that. (hide spoiler)]

[Mei]

Rachel wrote: "I like that too!

[spoilers removed]"

Haha, you'll never believe me when I tell you this. I loved Kirby's Golden, so any book she writes, I'll read, even without reading the synopsis. I thought it'd be a good idea to read a new work, so I scheduled a buddy read with you. And then I read the synopsis, and it's too late. I can't just cancel out on you.

But this REALLY took me by surprise!

[Mei]

Rachel wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

Yeah, it was so sad reading about Colton's frustrations over that! I'd feel the guilt, too, if it were me. "Someone only died so I lived." What a hard to accept dilemma.

[Mei]

Rachel wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

I was actually internally screaming at Quinn throughout the book, "TELL HIM! TELL HIM!" As much as I thought the revelation was brilliant, I wish Kirby didn't take it much longer.

[rachel, x]

Mei wrote: "Chapter 23: [spoilers removed]

THIS IS EXACTLY HOW I FELT!

Chapter 24: [spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[For some reason, I just wasn't a fan of Ryan. She was a great sister - there's no doubt in that - but she just rubbed me the wrong way. I loved Quinn's grandmother though! (hide spoiler)]

Ending: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Agreed, again. Very cliched. I didn't buy Colton's reaction either. As if he'd change his opinion over something so fundamental to his being that quickly... over a girl. I know that's a little harsh of me, but they've know each other less than a month or so, eh? That isn't enough time to "fall in love" and make decisions like that, especially since she lied SO MUCH to him, even when he came out and admitted the his condition to her. (hide spoiler)]

[rachel, x]

Mei wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I like that too!

[spoilers removed]"

Haha, you'll never believe me when I tell you this. I loved Kirby's Golden, so any book she writes, I'll read, even without reading the synops..."

Oops! I feel a little bad now. I wouldn't have minded if you cancelled on me if you didn't want to read it anymore but I'm glad you didn't. This book took me b surprise too. :)

[rachel, x]

Mei wrote: I was actually internally screaming at Quinn throughout the book, "TELL HIM! TELL HIM!" As much as I thought the revelation was brilliant, I wish Kirby didn't ta..."

I just HATE relationships that are built on lies. There is always a massive fight or break up for awhile once they find out the secret and that just leads to needless drama. It just isn't fair to the other person to be lied to, ever. They deserve to know, especially in this case with Quinn's secret.

Mei wrote: Yeah, it was so sad reading about Colton's frustrations over that! I'd feel the guilt, too, if it were me. "Someone only died so I lived." What a hard to accept ..."

Exactly! The guilt would be incredible. Poor Colton!

[Abi]

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Reading from March 11th 2016

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[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date Changed. Restarting February 9th 2017. Happy Reading ☺

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[Victoria]

Up to chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ Scientifically, I don't really believe in the entire concept of this book, so I know I'm going to struggle. But at the same time, I love the idea of her having this instant connection with him because she feels like she knows Colton already. I could easily get mad, but I could just as easily let myself fall in love with their inevitable love (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Up to chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ I love that she has a family that's so present, that's so rare in YA. Especially that Gran, she seems fantastic! And her parents are so sweet together, it's a good way to deal with facing death (hide spoiler)]

[☆☆Hannah☆☆]

I hope you are enjoying this. I will be reading it later in the week. I'm behind on my reading and I have books that have to go back to the library first.

[Victoria]

That's all good, whenever you're ready! I'm really enjoying it so far :)

Up to chapter 18 (view spoiler)[ There's so many moments where she could easily tell him everything, and while I understand why she won't, it's extremely frustrating knowing how everything will inevitably fall apart. He's keeping secrets from her too, sure, but that secret won't really affect her? She can get over that, he can't get over her secret (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Up to chapter 23 (view spoiler)[ I'm really falling in love with their love, it's so lovely to see her recovering. It's hard to get over something like that, and she's finally doing it, and I love it. Also, he's really into her, not even in an in love way, just a having a crush way, and that's really sweet! (hide spoiler)]

[Victoria]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ I'm pretty happy with how that ended! He could have been a bit more mad, he got over it pretty fast, but I sort of understand why. Life is too short to hold grudges, you know? And he realises that. It was also really good to see her getting over Trent, especially that moment when she broke down over not knowing how many days it had been (hide spoiler)]

[☆☆Hannah☆☆]

I'm up to Chapter 8.


(view spoiler)[I will begin by saying that I like her grandma. I think she is awesome. I know that some people didn't like that she wanted to see him. However, I think it's natural to be curious about something like that. Unless you go through it I guess it's hard to know what you would do. (hide spoiler)]

[☆☆Hannah☆☆]

I'm up to Chapter 15.


(view spoiler)[Big surprise that she is falling for him. Although, I really do like him. Hopefully when he finds out he will handle it well. (hide spoiler)]

[☆☆Hannah☆☆]

I'm up to Chapter 23.

(view spoiler)[I'm glad that her family is holding up well. It's good that Trent's mother is too. I also like how supportive her family is of her and Colton. (hide spoiler)]

[☆☆Hannah☆☆]

I'm finished.


(view spoiler)[Colton did have a right to be upset. I'm just glad it didn't take him long to get over it. I'm also glad that her dad is going to be okay. (hide spoiler)]