Things We Know by Heart - by Jessi Kirby (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this unforgettable novel that's perfect for fans of Jenny Han, Quinn Sullivan falls for the recipient of her boyfriend's donated heart. Printz Award winner John Corey Whaley calls it "not just a love story, but one with a ferocious pulse."

After Quinn's boyfriend, Trent, dies in an accident their junior year, she reaches out to the recipients of his donated organs in hopes of picking up the fragments of her now-unrecognizable life. But whoever received Trent's heart has chosen to remain silent. The essence of a person, Quinn has always believed, is in the heart. If she finds Trent's, then in a way, she will still have a piece of him.

Risking everything to get closure once and for all, Quinn goes outside the system to track down nineteen-year-old Colton Thomas, whose life has been forever changed by this priceless gift. But what starts as an accidental run-in quickly develops into something 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 the time Quinn spends with Colton makes her feel alive again. No matter how hard she's falling for Colton, though, each beat of his heart reminds her of all she's lost . . . and all that remains at stake.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, this unique and emotional story about an unexpected bond between two strangers will leave no heart untouched.

Review Quotes

"Above all else, Things We Know By Heart explores the possibility of finding human connection through tragic loss. Couple that with Kirby's gift for detail and writing relatable characters and you get a not just a love story, but one with a ferocious pulse." -- John Corey Whaley, Printz Award-winning author of Where Things Come Back

"This is hands down Jessi Kirby's best book to date. It's stunning and breathtaking, at turns heartbreaking and healing." -- Sarah Ockler, author of Twenty Boy Summer

"The love story will hook readers--especially those who enjoyed John Green's The Fault in our Stars. This memorable romance will ring true with teens." -- School Library Journal

"Well-rounded characters and the romantic tension of unrevealed secrets." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Kirby's story is, at its core, a sweet, budding romance, set against the backdrop of family. [A] story of letting go and moving forward." -- Publishers Weekly

"[A] sweet romance that grows organically." -- Unshelved.com

"Kirby's writing is lush and emotional...[A] satisfying romance. Like Ockler's similarly themed and similarly enjoyable Twenty Boy Summer, this brings all the poignancy and sentiment that a genre fan could wish." -- BCCB

"Kirby weaves a sweet romance in the same spirit as Susanne Colasanti and Lauren Barnholdt." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)