Monday, June 15, 2015

Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby

Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby
Source: Library
Pages: 304
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 21st 2015
Series: Standalone
Verdict: Buy

SummaryWhen 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.

Review: First things first, let's talk about this cover. It's transitioning from the human heart to the symbolic heart, and it's artsy, creative, and just completely wonderful. 

Now, onto the actual content of this book. This book tackles so many things, and executes them in a manner that is both eloquent and raw. The honesty (and is some cases, lack of) that is this book creates a bond between the reader and the character. I really felt with Quinn. When she felt happy, I felt happy. When she was in a slump, I found myself in a slump, because I didn't want Quinn to be in a slump. When she was feeling guilty, I could feel with her. When she began falling in love, I got the feels too. And the list goes on...

The topic of Things We Know by Heart is sensitive and unique. I have never read a book about finding who organ donors' organs have been transplanted into. In the beginning, it seems like Quinn is a bit obsessed with finding out where her boyfriend's heart went, but I think it's one of her coping methods. The heart she loved now belongs to somebody else, and Quinn just wants to identify that huge component of her life with a face. She never expects to develop feelings for that person, though. Lies by omission take place as both Quinn and Colton want to avoid the biggest obstacles in their lives. 

I can understand why they can't tell each other their sides of their stories, though. They both went through terrible times, and then they meet each other. Neither knows the whole truth, and it's nice to believe that you're getting a fresh start. Of course, nothing is ever as it seems. 

Their blossoming relationship was fantastic. There was a carefree quality that made me want to do everything they did. The water and those scenic views were breathtaking, and I wanted to be transported if only to float on the water and see the lights. The writing is truly magical.

Books that bring on the feels are honestly the best kind of books, because it allows readers to relate and understand. I've got to say that I am officially a Jessi Kirby fan. I fell in love with all the characters. The writing was serious, yet surprisingly hilarious. It could go from somber to ridiculous in a few sentences, and for me, that was one of the book's defining qualities. Sometimes, all a sad moment needs is a good laugh... or two.

Things We Know by Heart is a stunning book, and it's so worth a read, or two, three, four... I'll have to read all of the other books that Jessi Kirby has written now, because if they're even half as good as this one, they'll be amazing. And something I know by heart is that if you read this book, you won't regret it.

Really enjoyed

2 comments:

  1. Oh! I passed up on this one because it didn't seem like a *me* read. I LOVED Kirby's novel Golden! Which I recommend ;) This one seems like a really great contemporary novels that gets the emotions going! I don't know if I could handle it right now but I'm glad to see that Kirby stuns yet again. Excellent review, Grace! :)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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    1. Yes, this is definitely a contemporary novel with lots and lots of feels so if you read this, make sure you're ready for emotion overload! :)

      And ooh, I'll have to read that! I just saw the synopsis, and it looks so good! I like how it references to Robert Frost. I love his poems! Can't wait to read this one and more of her work!

      Thanks so much, Alyssa!

      -Grace :)

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