Summary of Things I Can't Forget, by Miranda Kenneally

Dive into the chaotic world of 'Things I Can't Forget' where Bailey navigates teenage angst, redemption, and romance in this wild high school drama.

Welcome to the world of Things I Can't Forget, where high school drama meets the hot mess of teenage life-because who doesn't love a good dose of angst wrapped in romance? In this third installment of the Hundred Oaks series, we dive headfirst into the chaos of adolescent emotions and-spoiler alert-some seriously questionable decision-making.

Our protagonist, Bailey, has a past that might just rival the plot twists of your favorite soap opera. After a life-changing summer camp experience gone horribly wrong-no, we're not talking about the typical "I slept in too late" regret-Bailey's dealing with some serious guilt over a traumatic event. And what better way to cope with trauma than by joining her school's soccer team? (Just kidding, not really). Spoilers: if you're hoping for a tale of serene self-discovery, you might want to buckle up.

The cast of characters is a delightful mix of stereotypes. There's the ever-so-sweet love interest, Sam, who somehow manages to be both dreamy and painfully oblivious. He's not entirely useless, though-his encouraging pep talks have the charm of a badly dubbed motivational speaker. Then we have Bailey's friends, who are a veritable medley of cheerleaders and drama queens, because, let's be real, high school wouldn't be complete without a few besties ready to create a scene.

Throughout the book-and I do mean throughout-the theme of redemption slaps you across the face like a wet sponge. Bailey's on a quest for forgiveness-not just from others, but from herself. And in this process, she uncovers the not-so-pleasant truth that sometimes, moving on means making some tough choices (gasp!). It's like a rite of passage, or as Bailey might put it, "I'm just trying not to drown in my emotional baggage."

As we meander through Bailey's tumultuous life, from soccer practices to heart-to-heart talks, prepare for those cringe-worthy moments that only teenagers can produce. You know, like when the main character has an epiphany in the middle of a game, or someone makes a heartfelt speech in a tense situation. Classic.

To wrap this chaotic journey up, I won't ruin the ending for you (you're welcome). But let's just say that Bailey's journey to redemption comes with a few surprises that you definitely won't see coming-the kind that rival a cliffhanger from your favorite reality show.

In conclusion, Things I Can't Forget is a cocktail of self-discovery, romantic escapades, and teenage drama that will have you chuckling and shaking your head in equal measure. If you ever needed proof that navigating life as a teenager is like trying to juggle flaming swords blindfolded, this book is it. So grab your self-help books, and maybe a therapist, because this read is a wild ride of teenage woes!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.