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The Memory Keepers
They always loved it when they noticed those symbols and how they sparked memories of loved ones now gone. Sometimes it was a song, or sometimes it was a smell. Or simple words written on a page. Beautiful coincidences, they had always assumed.
Kelton only learned in the moment of his death that these symbols existed at all.
A flashing memory put him back in high school, on a stormy winter’s day, watching the girl he loved. “Maybe death is just a crossroad,” she had said. “Maybe, there isn’t an end. But a new beginning.”
Kelton had been lucky, rewarded with a second chance and a job of the most incredible importance. He was now sent on complicated tasks to leave symbols for people who’d lost a loved one. Those symbols weren’t coincidences after all.
They were the work of The Memory Keepers.
available at www dot ninawaddington dot com
Kelton only learned in the moment of his death that these symbols existed at all.
A flashing memory put him back in high school, on a stormy winter’s day, watching the girl he loved. “Maybe death is just a crossroad,” she had said. “Maybe, there isn’t an end. But a new beginning.”
Kelton had been lucky, rewarded with a second chance and a job of the most incredible importance. He was now sent on complicated tasks to leave symbols for people who’d lost a loved one. Those symbols weren’t coincidences after all.
They were the work of The Memory Keepers.
available at www dot ninawaddington dot com
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
394 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2017
2 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Nina Waddington
1 book14 followersIt's amazing how a cup of tea can feed my creative process. As I sip, I think about how all of this began. Memory Keepers has been a six year journey for me. It all started with a meteor shower. Out on the gorgeous white quartzite rocks of Killarney Provincial Park, in the dead of night in August, I saw a shooting star and I was flooded with amazingly, heartwarming feelings and memories of a little boy I knew who had died of cancer.
So then, I got talking to people. The more people I talked to, the more people shared stories of symbols they had that they linked to people who had passed away. It might have been a butterfly. Or a dime. Or a song. Or a taste. But overwhelmingly so, these symbols were very real for these people AND they made them feel happy. Because it made them remember.
My story was built from that little boy and from all those memories people had. Are these symbols coincidence? Maybe not.
But enough about that, and more about me. I live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with my two beautiful daughters. We enjoy friends and family, time together and a good meal. I love the outdoors, no matter where it is. I am connected to water, love to canoe, or snorkel through a coral reef. I can get lost staring at the sky. I am a teacher and a writer and love to get people to think and question. AND, I am ALWAYS up for a cup of tea. ~ nina
So then, I got talking to people. The more people I talked to, the more people shared stories of symbols they had that they linked to people who had passed away. It might have been a butterfly. Or a dime. Or a song. Or a taste. But overwhelmingly so, these symbols were very real for these people AND they made them feel happy. Because it made them remember.
My story was built from that little boy and from all those memories people had. Are these symbols coincidence? Maybe not.
But enough about that, and more about me. I live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada with my two beautiful daughters. We enjoy friends and family, time together and a good meal. I love the outdoors, no matter where it is. I am connected to water, love to canoe, or snorkel through a coral reef. I can get lost staring at the sky. I am a teacher and a writer and love to get people to think and question. AND, I am ALWAYS up for a cup of tea. ~ nina
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 12, 2021
The Memory Keepers is the stellar debut novel by Nina Waddington. This incredible story begins where some others only dare to end, with the death of a major character. But this story can only be made possible because of this tragic beginning. Because this story pushes the reader to not only question what happens after one dies, but also to wonder at the signs of loved ones lost, observed and experienced by those still living.
The author introduces characters with personalities and backgrounds that I not only connected with, but fell in love with. Some of these characters, though not in the book in its entirety, became so clear and familiar and memorable to me, I know I won't soon forget them.
The book intertwines the lives, stories, and memories of characters from various cultures and countries around the world, and each new location is painted with vivid brush strokes and the most glorious attention to detail. (I feel as if I've travelled the globe to locations I've only dreamed about visiting.)
What makes a good book, for me, is the depth and breadth of emotions the story evokes in me. This book made me feel everything. EVERYTHING. And I loved every word of it. Yes, there was sadness, and yes, I cried real tears. But I also laughed out loud, gasped in surprise, and sighed in delight so many times.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about The Memory Keepers. I recommend this book to everyone. All of you. And I know if you read it, you'll be so thankful that you did. I am.
5 Snowflake Stars
The author introduces characters with personalities and backgrounds that I not only connected with, but fell in love with. Some of these characters, though not in the book in its entirety, became so clear and familiar and memorable to me, I know I won't soon forget them.
The book intertwines the lives, stories, and memories of characters from various cultures and countries around the world, and each new location is painted with vivid brush strokes and the most glorious attention to detail. (I feel as if I've travelled the globe to locations I've only dreamed about visiting.)
What makes a good book, for me, is the depth and breadth of emotions the story evokes in me. This book made me feel everything. EVERYTHING. And I loved every word of it. Yes, there was sadness, and yes, I cried real tears. But I also laughed out loud, gasped in surprise, and sighed in delight so many times.
I honestly cannot say enough good things about The Memory Keepers. I recommend this book to everyone. All of you. And I know if you read it, you'll be so thankful that you did. I am.
5 Snowflake Stars
May 15, 2020
The Memory Keepers is a fantastic read! Take it from someone who never reads books. This book was suggested to me when my Mom recently passed away and the world was in a pandemic. I decided to give reading a try. I am very glad that I read The Memory Keepers! This book takes you on a journey of people in the afterlife and it makes you feel like you are on that adventure with them. Reading this book during the loss of my Mom, has helped me through my own personal grieving journey. If you are missing a loved one, The Memory Keepers is definitely a book that you will want to read!
Thanks Nina Waddington for writing such an incredible book!
Thanks Nina Waddington for writing such an incredible book!
February 3, 2018
The Memory Keepers is a terrific book that you won’t want to put down! It follows a number of characters, highlighting their lives on earth as well as the journeys they embark on after death. I connected with the characters and experienced the emotions of hope, sorrow, longing, and love right along with them.
Having personally gone through a tragic loss, I found this novel brought me comfort. Comfort imagining the incredible utopias and new relationships found after death as well as comfort from the idea that symbols of loved ones are intentional and a reminder of the love shared with those we have lost.
Having personally gone through a tragic loss, I found this novel brought me comfort. Comfort imagining the incredible utopias and new relationships found after death as well as comfort from the idea that symbols of loved ones are intentional and a reminder of the love shared with those we have lost.
July 19, 2020
I usually hate reading books I have no prior knowledge of, but in this case, it was refreshing.
The premise of the book was following a group of people who have died, and to reach their ultimate Utopia, they have a series of tasks to complete. These tasks are to visit loved ones who have lost friends or family members and leave something for them to remember them by. A soccerball, a skateboard...
I enjoyed the idea that when things remind us of those we lost, its placed there on purpose. I also enjoyed learning about all the different characters and their past lives, and how they connected with the rest of the “memory keepers”.
I gave this a 5/5 review.
The premise of the book was following a group of people who have died, and to reach their ultimate Utopia, they have a series of tasks to complete. These tasks are to visit loved ones who have lost friends or family members and leave something for them to remember them by. A soccerball, a skateboard...
I enjoyed the idea that when things remind us of those we lost, its placed there on purpose. I also enjoyed learning about all the different characters and their past lives, and how they connected with the rest of the “memory keepers”.
I gave this a 5/5 review.
February 26, 2018
Nina's writing is visually perceivable. She takes us on a journey through the adventures and wonderments of the afterlife. While reading, I was engrossed in the character development and the revelations of the plot. As an adolescent it was a unique and intriguing read, that gave me insight and perspective of what may happen after we leave this world.
January 1, 2018
I adored this book, everything about it.
December 14, 2018
A great debut novel from Nina Waddington. This YA novel got me right in the feels. Each character's unique story made it difficult to put this book down, you just wanted to keep going. What really happens after we die? This story takes you on quite an adventure through the afterlife as we learn about the Memory Keepers and their tasks. Beautifully written.
January 7, 2024
I didn't want it to end.
October 4, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed The Memory Keepers!
August 9, 2021
Nina and I became friends on tiktok and she was lovely enough to share her novel with me. As someone who experienced loss this year, I found comfort in her narrative and the idea of how the afterlife connects our loved ones to us. Plus, supporting an indie author is always a win in my book!
February 8, 2018
I thought this book was amazing! Great storyline, loved all the characters. The vivid rich imagery makes you feel like you’re right there in the various utopias with the characters... I found it hard to put this book down... the characters’ friendships intricately intertwined and unravelled beautifully throughout the story. I would definitely read this book again... would love to see it made into a movie.
November 30, 2020
This book is both phenomenally written as well as gripping from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down. A fascinating take on what happens after death, and how the memories of our loved ones are really never gone. This book is about to become a best seller for sure.
November 27, 2017
fantastic premise, page turner
March 25, 2020
The Memory Keepers is a wonderful debut novel by Nina Waddington.
The book starts off where very few authors dare begin with: The Main Characters Death. This made the inciting incident incredibly exciting! I could not put the book down until I finished the very last page...
The characters were truly a driving force in this novel. The characters had deep, intertwining relationships and were incredibly different and intriguing to read about. The characters really did grow on me and I really and truly cared for each of them by the end of the book.
The world was beautifully created. The Utopias were an interesting and stellar take on the classic portal fantasy book which I loved. The world fits in so well with the characters and both completed each other nicely. With Nina Waddingtons fantastic writing style, I felt as if I was transported into the world along with Kelton.
This book was very fresh and new, something that I haven't seen yet which makes it stand out on the shelf. It was such a beautiful story!
The book starts off where very few authors dare begin with: The Main Characters Death. This made the inciting incident incredibly exciting! I could not put the book down until I finished the very last page...
The characters were truly a driving force in this novel. The characters had deep, intertwining relationships and were incredibly different and intriguing to read about. The characters really did grow on me and I really and truly cared for each of them by the end of the book.
The world was beautifully created. The Utopias were an interesting and stellar take on the classic portal fantasy book which I loved. The world fits in so well with the characters and both completed each other nicely. With Nina Waddingtons fantastic writing style, I felt as if I was transported into the world along with Kelton.
This book was very fresh and new, something that I haven't seen yet which makes it stand out on the shelf. It was such a beautiful story!
January 17, 2018
Nina Waddington’s Memory Keepers takes you on a journey of hope and longing. The storyline follows relationships that are so honest and unconditional they are able to transcend through the boundaries that separate them. The depth of the relationships formed had me feeling the raw emotions endured by the characters along with them. I appreciated the interconnected nature of the book. It is a high interest read that spans from young adult to adult readers. A must read! You won’t be disappointed!!
March 8, 2020
My daughter and I both enjoyed this book very much. Well written and an intersting perspective. The book is making its way through the family and I know I'll read it again.
April 3, 2021
In her book, "The Memory Keepers", Nina Waddington tackles a universal question: what happens after we die? It provides an interesting perspective on the concept of Utopia and offers comfort to those people who have experienced the loss of a loved one, without giving morbid details about how all the characters in her novel have died unexpectedly. I was thoroughly engaged reading this book, and love the fact that one is given choices in her fictional utopias (yes, plural).
The creation of the fictional ‘dendron’ as a record that stores one’s life story is brilliant. The author adeptly describes nature and all its beauty through symbols like this, as well as lush outdoor settings throughout her book.
I think this narrative would appeal to young adults and adults alike, even if many of the main characters are young. The bond of friendship, and ultimately love, that brings two people who are destined to be together, is a timeless and appealing theme.
During an unprecedented time like this where everything seems uncertain, my take-away from this book is hope, and hope is something we can ALL appreciate in our lives. To sum up, a soothing balm for the imagination; a wonderful read!
The creation of the fictional ‘dendron’ as a record that stores one’s life story is brilliant. The author adeptly describes nature and all its beauty through symbols like this, as well as lush outdoor settings throughout her book.
I think this narrative would appeal to young adults and adults alike, even if many of the main characters are young. The bond of friendship, and ultimately love, that brings two people who are destined to be together, is a timeless and appealing theme.
During an unprecedented time like this where everything seems uncertain, my take-away from this book is hope, and hope is something we can ALL appreciate in our lives. To sum up, a soothing balm for the imagination; a wonderful read!
October 19, 2021
📚 Book Review 📚
Title: The Memory Keepers
Author: Nina Waddington
Number of Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 11/10/2017
Rating: 📕📕📕📕📕(5 stars)
This is the author's debut novel. Thank you Nina for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for my honest review.
I want to start by saying this book has a beautiful cover with amazing shelf appeal.
This is unlike any book I have ever read before. In my mind this was a beautifully written novel. I've lost a few family members in my life and this book reminded me of all of the little symbols that reminded me of all of the wonderful memories I had with them. Nina depicted a wonderful story that everyone needs to read. I shed a few tears while reading this book. This is such a unique novel that will make you feel alot of things all at once, and make you remember all of the memories you had with your lost loved ones. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book today.
Title: The Memory Keepers
Author: Nina Waddington
Number of Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: 11/10/2017
Rating: 📕📕📕📕📕(5 stars)
This is the author's debut novel. Thank you Nina for sending me a copy of your book in exchange for my honest review.
I want to start by saying this book has a beautiful cover with amazing shelf appeal.
This is unlike any book I have ever read before. In my mind this was a beautifully written novel. I've lost a few family members in my life and this book reminded me of all of the little symbols that reminded me of all of the wonderful memories I had with them. Nina depicted a wonderful story that everyone needs to read. I shed a few tears while reading this book. This is such a unique novel that will make you feel alot of things all at once, and make you remember all of the memories you had with your lost loved ones. Please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book today.
January 4, 2022
What an incredible read! It’s hard to believe this is Nina Waddington’s first novel, I wish there were more novels by her, they would definitely be on my list! Her writing is easy to follow, in-depth and is hard to put down! This novel focuses on death and forces you to think about what happens after a loved one moves on and gives you comfort in the signs of them that are left for you. This book was definitely an emotional read at some points but in a great way that makes you think of your loved ones and really connect with the characters. I had a hard time putting this one down and when it came down to the last few chapters. I didn’t want to finish it because I didn’t want it to end! Huge thank you to my friend for gifting this book to me as it has become one of my favourite books and I can’t wait to recommend it to others!
February 26, 2018
Each chapter kept me wanting to continue that character’s story, to then be quickly immersed in the next character’s journey. Nina's utopias are intriguing and makes one reflect on what may be after we leave life as we know it. I will now be more aware of those moments when lost loved ones are remembered and what triggers the memory. Bravo Nina!
July 4, 2018
The Memory Keepers is a powerful tale about death and the journey afterward. It begins with a tragic end, constantly leaving you questioning where the story will go. The story is told from multiple perspectives, showing how we are all connected. It is a book that I couldn’t put down, as it made me reflect on my experiences with loss. A truly spectacular debut!
July 5, 2018
This was one of the most beautiful books that I have ever read! Not only is Nina a great teacher, but an outstanding author. I could not put this book down, and I was completely captured by each of the characters. Lovely prose, great plot, and characters that you will totally fall in love with. You need to read this book! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 6, 2021
A great read with a fresh premise and a style that felt like a warm blanket when reading.
My takeaway was to let go of the regret, remorse, and fear that so often drive our thoughts and actions. Stay true to your own heart and if it feels like the universe is trying to tell you something, listen.
My takeaway was to let go of the regret, remorse, and fear that so often drive our thoughts and actions. Stay true to your own heart and if it feels like the universe is trying to tell you something, listen.
May 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I love to read, and did not want to put it down. I finished it in a couple of days. This book draws you in and makes you think of what a difference little things can do.
November 24, 2020
Cant say enough about this book! Great concept and beautifully written! Couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend this book to anyone! Hoping for a sequel!! Thanks Nina!
February 19, 2021
A great YA novel. Lovely imagery, gentle characters.
July 1, 2025
I have read this book 3 times and will read many more. Such a unique idea and so carefully etched out ti make you want more!
November 16, 2021
A wonderful book
Nobody truly knows what happens when we die, but The Memory Keepers is a brilliantly written book that offers the reader a truly interesting story that goes far enough that when you’re finished, you may just pause and think… “what if”?
Nobody truly knows what happens when we die, but The Memory Keepers is a brilliantly written book that offers the reader a truly interesting story that goes far enough that when you’re finished, you may just pause and think… “what if”?
August 23, 2021
The book began unconventionally, with the death of the main character. This bold introduction drew me right in.
The book follows a group of people who died, and they had tasks to complete in order to reach their final Utopia. These entailed paying visits to loved ones who have lost friends or family members and leaving a memento.
I liked the thought that items that remind us of loved ones who have passed away are placed there on purpose. I really liked learning about the various individuals and their prior lives, as well as how they interacted with the other "memory keepers."
I couldn't put the book down until I'd read it all the way through and would absolutely recommend this to anyone grieving or who has experienced loss.
The book follows a group of people who died, and they had tasks to complete in order to reach their final Utopia. These entailed paying visits to loved ones who have lost friends or family members and leaving a memento.
I liked the thought that items that remind us of loved ones who have passed away are placed there on purpose. I really liked learning about the various individuals and their prior lives, as well as how they interacted with the other "memory keepers."
I couldn't put the book down until I'd read it all the way through and would absolutely recommend this to anyone grieving or who has experienced loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2021
Great read! Most of us have had things happen that make us wonder if there was a helping hand or something or someone that just played a strange part in our lives.
Nina had my attention all the way. Enjoyed this book very much.
Nina had my attention all the way. Enjoyed this book very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews