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Keep What Remains
It’s 1985, MTV and big hair are in full force and sixteen-year-old Megan is navigating her mediocre life inside the bubble her overprotective dad created for her. Just when she thinks her social life’s dead, her best friend Tessa—a coquettish risk-taker—moves to a new school, and Megan embarks on a journey with Tessa that changes everything for them. When Megan meets a boy named Jason, who’s a charming misfit, she’s pulled into his world capturing her heart and luring her away from her old, safe life. Diving headfirst into an all-encompassing new love, she soon gets caught up in the lies she’s told while experiencing emotions only first love brings. Tragedy strikes bringing Megan heartbreak and yet, a new beginning. Megan’s left to make the hardest decision she’s ever faced. Will she choose to go back to life before she met Jason or choose love over everything else.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2020
3 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Beamer
3 books71 followersCarrie Beamer grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where the sports and barbecue make the humidity in the summer and the frigid temps in the winter worth it. She fell in love with reading as a young girl when she picked up her first Beverly Cleary book and was pulled into the world of Ramona Quimby.
Her passion for writing young adult comes from a love of the mischief we all explored as teens. She believes no matter where you grew up or what era, you walked a fine line of keeping it all together or completely falling apart while navigating the ups and downs of school. Teen angst is a rite of passage that we all recover from at some point, and she loves to write about it.
She works for a local marketing firm by day and fills her nights with writing and reading into the wee hours. Her weekends are spent hanging out with her two sons and trying to tame a couple of obnoxious rescued dogs, and life couldn’t be better.
She has published three YA novels with Evernight Teen titled KEEP WHAT REMAINS and SIGNS WE DON'T SEE and GOING BACK FOR JOJO
Carrie Beamer creció en Kansas City, Missouri, donde los deportes y la barbacoa hacen que la humedad en el verano y las temperaturas frígidas en el invierno valgan la pena. Se enamoró de la lectura siendo una niña cuando tomó su primer libro de Beverly Cleary y se sumergió en el mundo de Ramona Quimby.
Su pasión por escribir para jóvenes adultos viene de un amor por las travesuras que todos exploramos como adolescentes. Cree que no importa de dónde seas o de qué época, siempre caminaste por una delgada línea entre mantenerlo todo junto o desmoronarte completamente mientras navegas por los altibajos de la escuela. La angustia adolescente es un rito de paso del cual todos nos recuperamos en algún momento, y le encanta escribir sobre ello.
Trabaja para una firma de marketing local y llena sus noches escribiendo y leyendo hasta altas horas de la madrugada. Sus fines de semana los pasa pasando tiempo con su familia y tratando de domesticar a un par de perros rescatados bastante traviesos, y la vida no podría ser mejor.
Her passion for writing young adult comes from a love of the mischief we all explored as teens. She believes no matter where you grew up or what era, you walked a fine line of keeping it all together or completely falling apart while navigating the ups and downs of school. Teen angst is a rite of passage that we all recover from at some point, and she loves to write about it.
She works for a local marketing firm by day and fills her nights with writing and reading into the wee hours. Her weekends are spent hanging out with her two sons and trying to tame a couple of obnoxious rescued dogs, and life couldn’t be better.
She has published three YA novels with Evernight Teen titled KEEP WHAT REMAINS and SIGNS WE DON'T SEE and GOING BACK FOR JOJO
Carrie Beamer creció en Kansas City, Missouri, donde los deportes y la barbacoa hacen que la humedad en el verano y las temperaturas frígidas en el invierno valgan la pena. Se enamoró de la lectura siendo una niña cuando tomó su primer libro de Beverly Cleary y se sumergió en el mundo de Ramona Quimby.
Su pasión por escribir para jóvenes adultos viene de un amor por las travesuras que todos exploramos como adolescentes. Cree que no importa de dónde seas o de qué época, siempre caminaste por una delgada línea entre mantenerlo todo junto o desmoronarte completamente mientras navegas por los altibajos de la escuela. La angustia adolescente es un rito de paso del cual todos nos recuperamos en algún momento, y le encanta escribir sobre ello.
Trabaja para una firma de marketing local y llena sus noches escribiendo y leyendo hasta altas horas de la madrugada. Sus fines de semana los pasa pasando tiempo con su familia y tratando de domesticar a un par de perros rescatados bastante traviesos, y la vida no podría ser mejor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
January 8, 2021
Absolutely beautiful and oh so heartbreaking.
Let me just say without giving anything away I could relate to so much of this story. I had many laughs as well as many tears. And at one point the story completely shocked me.
I really loved the characters. Teenagers, they were so incredibly naive and yet soooo real. The portrayal was raw and authentic.
Keep What Remains. What a phenomenal title for this book. So so fitting.
A huge thank you to Carrie for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
Let me just say without giving anything away I could relate to so much of this story. I had many laughs as well as many tears. And at one point the story completely shocked me.
I really loved the characters. Teenagers, they were so incredibly naive and yet soooo real. The portrayal was raw and authentic.
Keep What Remains. What a phenomenal title for this book. So so fitting.
A huge thank you to Carrie for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2021
this book DAMN!!
- i was completely not expecting to cry!! what i really loved about this book was how it handled love, grief, growing up, and more.
- megan goes through so many different stages in her life that end in so much heartbreak and to see her persevere was heartwarming.
- i really loved reading about someone who was still growing and learning about who she was. i really loved the family dynamics in this book and it broke my heart a 100 times.
- i was completely not expecting to cry!! what i really loved about this book was how it handled love, grief, growing up, and more.
- megan goes through so many different stages in her life that end in so much heartbreak and to see her persevere was heartwarming.
- i really loved reading about someone who was still growing and learning about who she was. i really loved the family dynamics in this book and it broke my heart a 100 times.
November 10, 2020
The 80’s setting made me so happy. As an 80’s baby, I was taken back to the fashion, movies, language, hairstyles...and it was so much fun!
I also loved the characters. They were just teenagers being young and dumb (at times), but that made it feel so real and accurate. I laughed with them, and I cried with them. I wanted to hug Megan and Tessa multiple times during the novel.
I saw one of the twists coming, but NOT the other, and that just hit me hard. I thought it was going in a completely different direction and then BAM! It just gutted me.
Great book, Carrie!!
I also loved the characters. They were just teenagers being young and dumb (at times), but that made it feel so real and accurate. I laughed with them, and I cried with them. I wanted to hug Megan and Tessa multiple times during the novel.
I saw one of the twists coming, but NOT the other, and that just hit me hard. I thought it was going in a completely different direction and then BAM! It just gutted me.
Great book, Carrie!!
July 21, 2020
Umm, this was not what I expected (in a good way) This story deals with a lot of 'no no' topics in young adult fiction.
I really like the shifting perspective of Megan. By the end of the book, there is a ton of character development and if you know anything, characters make or break a story. The reader really gets to get in her head and see why she is doing what she is. I applaud her for standing firm in her convictions even when it might be easier to cave to the demands of others.
I felt so bad for Megan. She was having a really rough year. I could not imagine having to deal with everything that she went through and taking care of a baby sibling on top of everything else.
One thing I guess that fell flat was Megan and Jason's relationship. I did not feel like I knew Jason at all and due to that, could not see them together.
Overall, this is an incredibly important story for the YA genre, with only a very small handful of authors talking about the topics mentioned.
Almost forgot to mention that the ending melted me.
Rating: 4/5
Language: a lot
Romance: there is one scene that I skipped, teen pregnancy
Spiritual: Megan starts coming to know her grandma's faith in Christ as the novel progresses
Violence: car accident, deaths
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
I really like the shifting perspective of Megan. By the end of the book, there is a ton of character development and if you know anything, characters make or break a story. The reader really gets to get in her head and see why she is doing what she is. I applaud her for standing firm in her convictions even when it might be easier to cave to the demands of others.
I felt so bad for Megan. She was having a really rough year. I could not imagine having to deal with everything that she went through and taking care of a baby sibling on top of everything else.
One thing I guess that fell flat was Megan and Jason's relationship. I did not feel like I knew Jason at all and due to that, could not see them together.
Overall, this is an incredibly important story for the YA genre, with only a very small handful of authors talking about the topics mentioned.
Almost forgot to mention that the ending melted me.
Rating: 4/5
Language: a lot
Romance: there is one scene that I skipped, teen pregnancy
Spiritual: Megan starts coming to know her grandma's faith in Christ as the novel progresses
Violence: car accident, deaths
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
November 22, 2020
Even though I was a teen in the 90s versus the 80s, this book was super relatable. The questionable decisions you make when you’re 15 or 16 and you’re in love. How desperate it all feels. The lengths you’ll go to in order to be with that person and the people you’ll lie to and hurt in the process.
This book was so completely relatable and it took me back to the country roads of Kansas and my high school years when I could have been the main character Megan and could have made the same life changing decisions.
Excellent debut.
I cannot wait to see what Carrie Beamer comes up with next.
This book was so completely relatable and it took me back to the country roads of Kansas and my high school years when I could have been the main character Megan and could have made the same life changing decisions.
Excellent debut.
I cannot wait to see what Carrie Beamer comes up with next.
March 23, 2021
Keep what remains, brought me to tears, ripped my heart apart and shattered me to pieces. Very few authors have an ability to transform their writing into something so emotional. It felt like I was in this story, going through everything with the characters. I feel drained, heartbroken, and I’m out of tears because I cried big ugly crocodile tears through the whole entire book! I’m so incredibly amazed at the talent Carrie has touching the hearts of the reader and making you really connect with her characters.
Megan lives with her dad and older sister. Her mom left and has nothing to do with any of them. They struggle financially, and emotionally, and try to make it sharing the burden as a family. The girls help raise their baby brother and try their best to deal with an over the top strict father, who expects to much from them.
Megs life line is her best friend Tessa and her Grandmother. Enters in the mix Jason who she falls in love with but has to sneak around with because of her dads no boys rule.
We follow Megan as she finds love, and experiences some life altering tragedies. This was a coming of age story of first loves, mistakes, friendship, family, heartbreak, and so much more. I laughed with Megan, I cried with her, and then for her. I felt her heart break, her sorrow, her hope. She went through so much and she did it beautifully.
After reading the book the Title “ Keep What Remains” could not be more perfect.
December 4, 2021
4.5 stars
Carrie Beamer's Keep What Remains is an emotional coming-of-age novel about love, family, and difficult choices.
It’s 1985. Megan is trying to be a good daughter but she’s also a teenager, craving something big, something exciting, something like she’s seen in the movies.
When her charismatic, bold best friend Tessa moves to a different school, she opens Megan’s world up. It’s not long before Megan meets Jason—not quite a bad boy, but a bit of a rebel—and they both quickly fall in love with one another.
With Megan’s dad being immensely overprotective, she’s forced to lie about Jason and their relationship. And when unexpected tragedy strikes, followed by a shocking surprise, Megan must decide whether to do what she feels is right or follow her dad’s rules and expectations. It’s one of the toughest choices she’ll ever have to make.
This was a really good book—sad in places but hopeful in others. You can bet I was a sucker for the 80s setting, but I really felt the characters’ emotions were genuine. I remember the weight of what felt like all-encompassing love when you were a teenager, the thought that no one but you ever felt this way before.
Carrie is one of the authors I’ve met on Bookstagram since I joined and she’s absolutely terrific. I’ve really enjoyed both of her books, this and Signs We Don’t See . Thanks to Carrie and Evernight Teen for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Carrie Beamer's Keep What Remains is an emotional coming-of-age novel about love, family, and difficult choices.
It’s 1985. Megan is trying to be a good daughter but she’s also a teenager, craving something big, something exciting, something like she’s seen in the movies.
When her charismatic, bold best friend Tessa moves to a different school, she opens Megan’s world up. It’s not long before Megan meets Jason—not quite a bad boy, but a bit of a rebel—and they both quickly fall in love with one another.
With Megan’s dad being immensely overprotective, she’s forced to lie about Jason and their relationship. And when unexpected tragedy strikes, followed by a shocking surprise, Megan must decide whether to do what she feels is right or follow her dad’s rules and expectations. It’s one of the toughest choices she’ll ever have to make.
This was a really good book—sad in places but hopeful in others. You can bet I was a sucker for the 80s setting, but I really felt the characters’ emotions were genuine. I remember the weight of what felt like all-encompassing love when you were a teenager, the thought that no one but you ever felt this way before.
Carrie is one of the authors I’ve met on Bookstagram since I joined and she’s absolutely terrific. I’ve really enjoyed both of her books, this and Signs We Don’t See . Thanks to Carrie and Evernight Teen for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
September 11, 2020
I finished this charming book last night! I was a bit hesitant to start it at first because of some of the themes, but as I read more I found I enjoyed it! As with any debut novel, there were parts I liked (Megan and Jason’s story, 80s vibe) and parts I didn’t (language and sexual themes).
If I had to characterize Keep What Remains in one sentence it would be: The Secret Life of an American Teenager meets Sarah Dessen. In the beginning of the novel, we meet Megan, a fifteen year old rebel who yearns for the freedom she can’t have because of her overprotective father. She meets Jason, a bad boy with a heart of gold who literally takes her breath away.
From there we begin to see Megan and Jason’s relationship bloom and how they keep it a secret from Megan’s father. Near the end of the book tragedy strikes and Megan is left with an impossible choice, will she give up everything and go back to her old life, or choose sunshine and new life?
Overall, this book taught me one thing: Sometimes life throws us curveballs. What matters is what we choose to do with them. Sometimes, we just have to let everything go and keep what remains.
If I had to characterize Keep What Remains in one sentence it would be: The Secret Life of an American Teenager meets Sarah Dessen. In the beginning of the novel, we meet Megan, a fifteen year old rebel who yearns for the freedom she can’t have because of her overprotective father. She meets Jason, a bad boy with a heart of gold who literally takes her breath away.
From there we begin to see Megan and Jason’s relationship bloom and how they keep it a secret from Megan’s father. Near the end of the book tragedy strikes and Megan is left with an impossible choice, will she give up everything and go back to her old life, or choose sunshine and new life?
Overall, this book taught me one thing: Sometimes life throws us curveballs. What matters is what we choose to do with them. Sometimes, we just have to let everything go and keep what remains.
May 24, 2020
Plain and simple, Carrie Beamer knows what the reader wants and delivers. The main character, Meg, makes this story easy to get invested in. She's real and authentic, practical without being boring, responsible yet reckless in love, which makes her journey believable and leaving the reader yearning for more. During the course of this book, you understand Meg's choices and why she makes them. You understand why a once prudent girl with much responsibility at home would throw caution to the wind when it comes to her first love. She finds herself in a heavy predicament almost as soon as this sweet love story takes off, and as much as it breaks the heart, it's sobering and real.
In my opinion, Keep What Remains is an impressive debut novel. It's the best coming of age story I've read in a very, very long time.
Be prepared to get transported back in time to your teenage years!!
In my opinion, Keep What Remains is an impressive debut novel. It's the best coming of age story I've read in a very, very long time.
Be prepared to get transported back in time to your teenage years!!
January 27, 2021
First, let me just say thank you so much Carrie for this gifted copy! I appreciate it more than you know. Review time! This book was seriously every emotion wrapped up into 1 book. It was the perfect blend of heart warming, funny, and gut wrenching. The endless 80s references had me laughing throughout the book. While I wasn’t a teen in the 80s, I love everything 80s, so this was right up my alley.
Sixteen year old Megan is trying to get through the prime of her teen years with her overprotective dad, very little social life, and a best friend that no longer goes to the same school as her. Until Megan meets a charming yet “bad boy type” named Jason that completely steals her heart. She seems to be head over heels but the lies she’s told has her head spinning instead. Tragedy suddenly strikes leaving Megan to make decisions she thought she would never make.
Oh to be 16 again and feel like you’re in love for the very first time. Carrie, this was so good! I blew through it so fast, not wanting it to end. Although it was such a touching, heartfelt ending that I just wanted to give my book a hug. A SOLID ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5!
Sixteen year old Megan is trying to get through the prime of her teen years with her overprotective dad, very little social life, and a best friend that no longer goes to the same school as her. Until Megan meets a charming yet “bad boy type” named Jason that completely steals her heart. She seems to be head over heels but the lies she’s told has her head spinning instead. Tragedy suddenly strikes leaving Megan to make decisions she thought she would never make.
Oh to be 16 again and feel like you’re in love for the very first time. Carrie, this was so good! I blew through it so fast, not wanting it to end. Although it was such a touching, heartfelt ending that I just wanted to give my book a hug. A SOLID ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5!
March 2, 2021
Wow! I might have been born in the 90’s, but for a book based in the 80’s, I found this read so relatable and nostalgic.
What a time to be 16 and in love, head over heels for a boy and the lengths you would go to back then. I loved the two main besties, Megan and Tessa. They were smoking cigarettes, raiding their parents liquor cabinets and sneaking around with boys, but it all felt so real. I was laughing and crying right there with them.
I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this read after the first two chapters, which are short by the way, but I quickly realized how wrong I was and how much I was invested in the lives of Megan and Tessa. I also saw one of the twists coming, but not the others and they really hit me in the gut.
This book was quick and beautiful written. Thanks so much for the gifted copy, Carrie! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. 💖
What a time to be 16 and in love, head over heels for a boy and the lengths you would go to back then. I loved the two main besties, Megan and Tessa. They were smoking cigarettes, raiding their parents liquor cabinets and sneaking around with boys, but it all felt so real. I was laughing and crying right there with them.
I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this read after the first two chapters, which are short by the way, but I quickly realized how wrong I was and how much I was invested in the lives of Megan and Tessa. I also saw one of the twists coming, but not the others and they really hit me in the gut.
This book was quick and beautiful written. Thanks so much for the gifted copy, Carrie! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. 💖
May 30, 2021
Can I get a 2nd book please? I'm so sad to leave Megan and her amazing chosen family behind.
I loved the 80s pieces to this books from having to wait by the phone to the movie/magazine references to the fashion (a line about being happy about the shoulder pads had me laughing out loud).
The teen angst and the teen relationships were so well written and enjoyable. I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the 80s pieces to this books from having to wait by the phone to the movie/magazine references to the fashion (a line about being happy about the shoulder pads had me laughing out loud).
The teen angst and the teen relationships were so well written and enjoyable. I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2021
Keep What Remains is a beautifully written coming of age love story. I did not expect anything that happened in this book. If you love an easy to read love story with all the emotions in it, read Keep What Remains By Carrie Beamer.
January 9, 2021
The lovely and incredibly talented Carrie Beamer sent me a copy of her book to review & I have to tell you all what a fun read this was!
Wow! This book was such a great read! I wasn’t an 80s kid (born in 91) but I love the 80s regardless & I don’t think I’ve read very much that takes place in this time period. Now I’d like to read more because it’s honestly such a great decade. Such a different time.
Even without growing up in the 80s, this book really brought me back to life as a teenager, and all those crazy feelings, first love, friends, high school, sneaking out. It’s such a special time in life and reading about it from Megan’s point of view was great. I loved watching her character grow and change throughout the book!
Overall this story was very well written, with romance, friendship, twists & turns and unexpected changes. The cast of characters was terrific - especially her best friend, Tessa. I feel like we all had a Tessa in our lives as teenagers!
It had me going through a lot of different emotions which I love & I got so attached to the characters. I’ll definitely miss them all.
Can’t wait to read what Carrie comes out with next! Definitely check her out!
Wow! This book was such a great read! I wasn’t an 80s kid (born in 91) but I love the 80s regardless & I don’t think I’ve read very much that takes place in this time period. Now I’d like to read more because it’s honestly such a great decade. Such a different time.
Even without growing up in the 80s, this book really brought me back to life as a teenager, and all those crazy feelings, first love, friends, high school, sneaking out. It’s such a special time in life and reading about it from Megan’s point of view was great. I loved watching her character grow and change throughout the book!
Overall this story was very well written, with romance, friendship, twists & turns and unexpected changes. The cast of characters was terrific - especially her best friend, Tessa. I feel like we all had a Tessa in our lives as teenagers!
It had me going through a lot of different emotions which I love & I got so attached to the characters. I’ll definitely miss them all.
Can’t wait to read what Carrie comes out with next! Definitely check her out!
March 2, 2021
This book filled me with nostalgia. My teen years were in the early 2000s, but I was born in 89 and so many things in this story were so relatable.
The music, big hair, fun language, radios and talking on the phone attached to the wall. No cellphones, no internet, but board games and riding bikes with friends, this brought back so many memories. Best friends, young love, trying to also date best friends so you can secretly double date.
Meg and Tessa are best friends, and their friendship was so lovely, for being 16, they truly cared for each other. Meg’s dad is a single dad and very strict; Tessas parents allow her a bit more freedom; so these two sneak around with boyfriends, drinking and smoking behind their parents back. They all came from different backgrounds but care about each other deeply. The young love blossoming between Meg and Jason was really sweet and even though he felt pushy at times, he also could be thoughtful Tragedy strikes and things change for the girls.
This was such a heartbreaking story but so well written and just felt like it hit close to home for so many different reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @clbeamer for a gifted copy. 80s and 90s babies, you should definitely read this and reminisce on your teenage years. ❤️
#bookstagram #books #keepwhatremains
The music, big hair, fun language, radios and talking on the phone attached to the wall. No cellphones, no internet, but board games and riding bikes with friends, this brought back so many memories. Best friends, young love, trying to also date best friends so you can secretly double date.
Meg and Tessa are best friends, and their friendship was so lovely, for being 16, they truly cared for each other. Meg’s dad is a single dad and very strict; Tessas parents allow her a bit more freedom; so these two sneak around with boyfriends, drinking and smoking behind their parents back. They all came from different backgrounds but care about each other deeply. The young love blossoming between Meg and Jason was really sweet and even though he felt pushy at times, he also could be thoughtful Tragedy strikes and things change for the girls.
This was such a heartbreaking story but so well written and just felt like it hit close to home for so many different reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @clbeamer for a gifted copy. 80s and 90s babies, you should definitely read this and reminisce on your teenage years. ❤️
#bookstagram #books #keepwhatremains
February 11, 2021
Y’all I was SUCKED IN to this book. I kept abandoning my to-do list to turn its pages.
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80s setting? Check. Young love? Check. I felt that pang of high school desire deep in my chest and the blossoming of a relationship like it was my own. The palpable desperation to spend every waking moment with each other. The jolts of electricity from the ring of a home phone, the brush of fingertips against your own. I think there’s something relatively universal and nostalgic about those first relationships, and Carrie Beamer hit the nail on the head with this book.
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But it’s not all talking in whispers on the phone, glitter, and hearts in notebooks; Keep What Remains is beautiful but gut-wrenching. I cried. I didn’t see a plot twist coming, and I’m usually pretty good at that. This book packs a punch, to the heart and to the soul. I wish I could have had more time with the characters, but I’ll keep what remains of them in my mind because they haven’t left since January.
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I read this with fellow KC Lit Ladies and adored it. Carrie is a local KC author! Thank you to Carrie Beamer and Evernight Teen for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
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80s setting? Check. Young love? Check. I felt that pang of high school desire deep in my chest and the blossoming of a relationship like it was my own. The palpable desperation to spend every waking moment with each other. The jolts of electricity from the ring of a home phone, the brush of fingertips against your own. I think there’s something relatively universal and nostalgic about those first relationships, and Carrie Beamer hit the nail on the head with this book.
.
But it’s not all talking in whispers on the phone, glitter, and hearts in notebooks; Keep What Remains is beautiful but gut-wrenching. I cried. I didn’t see a plot twist coming, and I’m usually pretty good at that. This book packs a punch, to the heart and to the soul. I wish I could have had more time with the characters, but I’ll keep what remains of them in my mind because they haven’t left since January.
.
I read this with fellow KC Lit Ladies and adored it. Carrie is a local KC author! Thank you to Carrie Beamer and Evernight Teen for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2021
I love this community for so many reasons, but connecting with authors is one of my favorites! Carrie is so lovely and I am very grateful to her for sending me a copy of her YA book Keep What Remains!
I was born in 1982 and I love all things ‘80s! Nostalgia is my middle name! I tore through this book in a day. Lots of emotions packed into one little package, not unlike a hormonal teenager😂 I loved the all the relationships in this book, particularly Megan and her best friend, Tessa. I could see myself in a few of the characters and I could definitely relate to falling in love fast and hard.
This is such a heartwarming book with a lot of depth. An excellent snapshot into the life of a teenage girl in the 80s. Can’t wait to read your next one Carrie!
I was born in 1982 and I love all things ‘80s! Nostalgia is my middle name! I tore through this book in a day. Lots of emotions packed into one little package, not unlike a hormonal teenager😂 I loved the all the relationships in this book, particularly Megan and her best friend, Tessa. I could see myself in a few of the characters and I could definitely relate to falling in love fast and hard.
This is such a heartwarming book with a lot of depth. An excellent snapshot into the life of a teenage girl in the 80s. Can’t wait to read your next one Carrie!
January 30, 2021
This book is beautiful. It will take you on a journey and it will break your heart. I highly recommend this book!
June 4, 2021
Okay, wow.
I delved into this book thinking it was a lil cute romance, and I was in no way ready for the emotions that it slammed me with. I was so sure that I knew where the book was going until chapter 17. As soon as I finished that chapter, I had no idea where this book was going anymore and it was all so unexpected, but that was what made it so incredible. The not knowing what was going to happen next kept me flipping the pages, eyes glued to every single word as I submerged myself into Megan’s life and story. Keep What Remains was a heartbreakingly beautiful book, and the title starts to make so much more sense now that I’ve completed it. The final sentence, “I was thinking about calling her Sunshine.” TORE my heart apart, and I promise you, I sat there with a smile on my crying face. Read this book, you won’t regret it.
I delved into this book thinking it was a lil cute romance, and I was in no way ready for the emotions that it slammed me with. I was so sure that I knew where the book was going until chapter 17. As soon as I finished that chapter, I had no idea where this book was going anymore and it was all so unexpected, but that was what made it so incredible. The not knowing what was going to happen next kept me flipping the pages, eyes glued to every single word as I submerged myself into Megan’s life and story. Keep What Remains was a heartbreakingly beautiful book, and the title starts to make so much more sense now that I’ve completed it. The final sentence, “I was thinking about calling her Sunshine.” TORE my heart apart, and I promise you, I sat there with a smile on my crying face. Read this book, you won’t regret it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
Keep What Remains Is a coming of age novel about teenage love, grief and family.
It’s 1985 and Megan Shine wants more in life. Megan wants love but her overprotective father doesn’t allow her to date. She meets a boy and a secret romance begins.
If someone asked me what this book reminded me of I’d say The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Full of teen drama!
This novel made me miss being a teenager. Back when we made a ton of dumb mistakes.
While I wasn’t born in the 80s I still enjoyed all the 80s references.
Keep What Remains was heart warming, fun but also heartbreaking. I truly did enjoy this one and it was such a quick read. I haven’t finished a book in a day in such a long time! I just blew through it. I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Carrie for gifting me a copy, all thoughts are my own!
It’s 1985 and Megan Shine wants more in life. Megan wants love but her overprotective father doesn’t allow her to date. She meets a boy and a secret romance begins.
If someone asked me what this book reminded me of I’d say The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Full of teen drama!
This novel made me miss being a teenager. Back when we made a ton of dumb mistakes.
While I wasn’t born in the 80s I still enjoyed all the 80s references.
Keep What Remains was heart warming, fun but also heartbreaking. I truly did enjoy this one and it was such a quick read. I haven’t finished a book in a day in such a long time! I just blew through it. I highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Carrie for gifting me a copy, all thoughts are my own!
March 8, 2021
I adored this bittersweet love story! A bit of a tearjerker with '80s nostalgia, this one hit my YA sweet spot. On a personal level, it was an all too familiar story of the exciting butterflies of first love and the difficult lessons, crisis and tragedies that sometimes shape adolescence. For me, Keep What Remains had all the vibes of curling up on the couch with a warm fuzzy blanket and a photo album from the past. Such a wonderful debut!
July 18, 2020
Beamer does well to capture the essence of growing up in the 80s. The characters feel like friends and family by the end. This story is a true lesson in empathy within an overall entertaining storyline.
June 1, 2021
Recap: Meet 15 yo Megan Shine. She’s having the “fuckiest year ever”. Her love & social life is blooming since meeting new kids from her bestie Tessa’s new school.
She meets & falls fast and hard with her first love, Jason, who makes her swoon and sneak away to be with him.
It’s a challenge hiding their relationships from her overprotective father. Will Megan risk it all in the name of love? After a series of heartaches, hurdles and difficult times, all a girl really needs is a ray of Sunshine ☀️
SweetTea ☕️: I’m fresh off the high of finishing this book and overflowing with emotion. It made me remember the past and reflect on the future ....
So, why did I love this teen novel so muchi? The beautiful, dreamy cover? Megan’s love of Prince ☔️? Or, that it was set in the 80s and gave me ALL the vibes (80s baby over here 👈🏾 !)
It was a combination; the total package. I loved this teenage story. Maggie & Tessa’s friendship was unbreakable; Maggie & Jason were so magnetic. I loved how this story broke my heart and pieced it back together. It showed you can get through any dark time with the love and support of family and friends.
I love when an author transports me to a place in time, making me fondly reminisce about my own 90s teen years. It was so nostalgic with the movie, music and fashion references. And using pay phones totally took me back. 📞
The characters were so lovable and relatable. I saw myself in grumpy, judgy, emotional Chelsea; stubborn, hardworking Dad & hopelessly in love & loyal Megan.
Thanks so much @clbeamer for sharing this beautiful story with me & the inspiration behind it. This is a relatable, enjoyable and oh so real must-read for teenagers! I’ve passed it along to my 14 yo daughter so we can dissect some heavy topics together 🧡
Takeaway message: When life comes at you fast & hard sometimes all you can do is move forward & keep what remains. 💜
⚠️teen reader audience, but can be enjoyed by all!
She meets & falls fast and hard with her first love, Jason, who makes her swoon and sneak away to be with him.
It’s a challenge hiding their relationships from her overprotective father. Will Megan risk it all in the name of love? After a series of heartaches, hurdles and difficult times, all a girl really needs is a ray of Sunshine ☀️
SweetTea ☕️: I’m fresh off the high of finishing this book and overflowing with emotion. It made me remember the past and reflect on the future ....
So, why did I love this teen novel so muchi? The beautiful, dreamy cover? Megan’s love of Prince ☔️? Or, that it was set in the 80s and gave me ALL the vibes (80s baby over here 👈🏾 !)
It was a combination; the total package. I loved this teenage story. Maggie & Tessa’s friendship was unbreakable; Maggie & Jason were so magnetic. I loved how this story broke my heart and pieced it back together. It showed you can get through any dark time with the love and support of family and friends.
I love when an author transports me to a place in time, making me fondly reminisce about my own 90s teen years. It was so nostalgic with the movie, music and fashion references. And using pay phones totally took me back. 📞
The characters were so lovable and relatable. I saw myself in grumpy, judgy, emotional Chelsea; stubborn, hardworking Dad & hopelessly in love & loyal Megan.
Thanks so much @clbeamer for sharing this beautiful story with me & the inspiration behind it. This is a relatable, enjoyable and oh so real must-read for teenagers! I’ve passed it along to my 14 yo daughter so we can dissect some heavy topics together 🧡
Takeaway message: When life comes at you fast & hard sometimes all you can do is move forward & keep what remains. 💜
⚠️teen reader audience, but can be enjoyed by all!
June 7, 2020
Great first book by new author. Captures the time period. Totally identifiable characters. Loved it!
June 8, 2020
This was a great coming-of-age story set in the ‘80s. Takes you back to the days of first love and all the excitement and heartbreak those days brought. Excellent book.
June 25, 2020
Excellent book! Took me right back to the 80’s. This is the kind of book you hug when you’re done because it was so good! I’m looking forward to her next book!
March 10, 2022
I loved the nostalgia of this one. I expected one of the twists but not the other at all and man, what a blow. I loved how this ended.
March 2, 2021
You don’t need a Delorian to go 🎶back in time🎶, you just need Carrie Beamer’s ‘Keep What Remains.’
This short but satisfying YA, contemporary romance follows Megan, a teenager coming of age in the middle of the 1980s. Her dad is overbearing, her mom has wiped her hands of motherhood, her grandma is the one we all wanted, her older sister is a bossy phone hog, and her little brother is a toddler tornado. When she meets a guy, she, needless to say, faces some challenges to find time to be with him while she splits pseudo-motherhood with her sister and grandmother and her father is watching her like a hawk.
This book felt like a time capsule. I was born in the 80s and grew up in the 90s but I could so relate. Things were VERY different then from now and Beamer does a fantastic job in displaying that at every level. I got nostalgic for long, slow, internet free, simple days and dragging the phone cord out as long as possible to talk on the phone about the newest world-ending drama. Being a teen is hard and Megan gets a TOUGH run of it. Her best friend, Tessa, is rebelling and their friendship is changing as they grow up. Their friendship and pastimes were so spot on and felt realistic as it went through trials and growing pains. Megan’s whirlwind and instalove romance with Jason was so very teenage true. Reading her perspective brought back memories of how intense everything felt back then. He’s sweet but struggling and they are both naive and in over their head. It’s definitely a hell of a first love.
Megan is a very relatable and real character. She’s likable and doing her best as she wades through typical teenage woes and really have to grow up too fast. Her familial, friend, and romantic relationships were enjoyable. And this 1985 read is just a real ride to take.
Possible triggers: There are some really heavy topics in this that should be noted for trigger warnings: character death, drug-use/alcoholism, and accidental pregnancy (the last of which really threw me with an anxiety spike something vicious).
I’d definitely recommend this for any one who is up for an emotional romance, family drama, coming of age story. And if you love the 80s? You’re going to love this.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book for an honest, unbiased review.
This short but satisfying YA, contemporary romance follows Megan, a teenager coming of age in the middle of the 1980s. Her dad is overbearing, her mom has wiped her hands of motherhood, her grandma is the one we all wanted, her older sister is a bossy phone hog, and her little brother is a toddler tornado. When she meets a guy, she, needless to say, faces some challenges to find time to be with him while she splits pseudo-motherhood with her sister and grandmother and her father is watching her like a hawk.
This book felt like a time capsule. I was born in the 80s and grew up in the 90s but I could so relate. Things were VERY different then from now and Beamer does a fantastic job in displaying that at every level. I got nostalgic for long, slow, internet free, simple days and dragging the phone cord out as long as possible to talk on the phone about the newest world-ending drama. Being a teen is hard and Megan gets a TOUGH run of it. Her best friend, Tessa, is rebelling and their friendship is changing as they grow up. Their friendship and pastimes were so spot on and felt realistic as it went through trials and growing pains. Megan’s whirlwind and instalove romance with Jason was so very teenage true. Reading her perspective brought back memories of how intense everything felt back then. He’s sweet but struggling and they are both naive and in over their head. It’s definitely a hell of a first love.
Megan is a very relatable and real character. She’s likable and doing her best as she wades through typical teenage woes and really have to grow up too fast. Her familial, friend, and romantic relationships were enjoyable. And this 1985 read is just a real ride to take.
Possible triggers: There are some really heavy topics in this that should be noted for trigger warnings: character death, drug-use/alcoholism, and accidental pregnancy (the last of which really threw me with an anxiety spike something vicious).
I’d definitely recommend this for any one who is up for an emotional romance, family drama, coming of age story. And if you love the 80s? You’re going to love this.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book for an honest, unbiased review.
August 15, 2021
Starting high school is a milestone in one's life, but the experience is not exactly what Megan Shine was expecting. In the wake of her parents' separation, she and her older sister Chelsea are living with their dad and toddler brother, together shouldering the burden their intentionally absent mother has left behind. When Megan's best friend Tessa introduces her to the seductive Jason, a boy from Tessa’s new school, Megan learns the allure that comes from a forbidden first love. An unfortunate oversight changes Megan's life in a moment, forcing her family to readjust their priorities and the trajectory of their future.
This coming of age story is well suited to young adult readers who enjoy realistic tales that confront some of the many challenges adolescents face. From sex and drugs to alcohol and complicated family dynamics, this story investigates important teen moments through Megan's eyes. While not every person will share all of Megan's experiences, these situations are nonetheless accessible. By observing these moments from the outside, adolescents can begin to navigate their own lives with greater ease.
Set beginning in 1986, references to this time are frequent and nostalgic. From iconic hairstyles to landline phones and pop culture, anyone having grown up in this decade will appreciate the myriad details included. The story reads easily, following a clear plot and incorporating realistic teen thoughts and dialogue. Megan herself is a model student, a responsible daughter, and a fierce friend, but she makes decisions that go against her father’s wishes and are not always wise. Every family is different, but teen readers will better understand some of the various stereotypical family dynamics through this story.
This book has the feel of a Harlequin novel for teens, incorporating tragedy, friendship, and rich romance into the narrative. Though not as overt as an adult story of its type, sex is described in more detail than most young adult books and there is no shortage of references to drug and alcohol use by minors. Surrounding that is a profound story of life and love and the promise of a rainbow appearing after a thunderstorm. Young adult readers who enjoy realistic stories that are not afraid to investigate weighty realities will fall for both the characters and plot of this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
This coming of age story is well suited to young adult readers who enjoy realistic tales that confront some of the many challenges adolescents face. From sex and drugs to alcohol and complicated family dynamics, this story investigates important teen moments through Megan's eyes. While not every person will share all of Megan's experiences, these situations are nonetheless accessible. By observing these moments from the outside, adolescents can begin to navigate their own lives with greater ease.
Set beginning in 1986, references to this time are frequent and nostalgic. From iconic hairstyles to landline phones and pop culture, anyone having grown up in this decade will appreciate the myriad details included. The story reads easily, following a clear plot and incorporating realistic teen thoughts and dialogue. Megan herself is a model student, a responsible daughter, and a fierce friend, but she makes decisions that go against her father’s wishes and are not always wise. Every family is different, but teen readers will better understand some of the various stereotypical family dynamics through this story.
This book has the feel of a Harlequin novel for teens, incorporating tragedy, friendship, and rich romance into the narrative. Though not as overt as an adult story of its type, sex is described in more detail than most young adult books and there is no shortage of references to drug and alcohol use by minors. Surrounding that is a profound story of life and love and the promise of a rainbow appearing after a thunderstorm. Young adult readers who enjoy realistic stories that are not afraid to investigate weighty realities will fall for both the characters and plot of this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.
February 17, 2021
Keep What Remains is a touching coming of age story about first love. An added bonus? This story takes place in 1985. Be still my 80s loving heart!
In many ways, Megan is a typical fifteen year old. She’s in a hurry to grow up, obsessed with big hair and Prince, and feels stifled by her overprotective dad. But since her mom walked away from the family, Megan can’t help but feel a little lost. Thankfully she has a decent relationship with her older sister, Chelsea and a lifelong best friend in Tessa, her bolder other half.
Then Tessa introduces Megan to Jason. Although he doesn’t come from the best family, she finds herself drawn to him. Despite the warnings, Megan and Jason begin to date, falling for each other quickly. What follows is a surprisingly sweet love story that unfolds in unexpected ways.
I enjoyed this book. Sure, Megan makes some stupid decisions, but what teenager hasn’t? In fact, what teenager from THE 80s hasn’t?! (Hello, acid wash jeans?! Anyone? Bueller?) Not only is this a story about teenage love, it’s also a story about the importance of friendship. I have some friends that go back with me as far as the 80s, too. It’s fun to have someone you can reminisce with about those days that truly were, the time of your life.
Even if you’re not a fan of the 80s, (or just weren’t alive) I’d still recommend this book to anyone who wants to revisit those exciting firsts that unknowingly path the way to our future.
Thanks so much to Carrie Beamer for gifting a copy of her book to me for review!
P.S. Can 80s books count as historical fiction yet or even period pieces? Asking for a friend.
In many ways, Megan is a typical fifteen year old. She’s in a hurry to grow up, obsessed with big hair and Prince, and feels stifled by her overprotective dad. But since her mom walked away from the family, Megan can’t help but feel a little lost. Thankfully she has a decent relationship with her older sister, Chelsea and a lifelong best friend in Tessa, her bolder other half.
Then Tessa introduces Megan to Jason. Although he doesn’t come from the best family, she finds herself drawn to him. Despite the warnings, Megan and Jason begin to date, falling for each other quickly. What follows is a surprisingly sweet love story that unfolds in unexpected ways.
I enjoyed this book. Sure, Megan makes some stupid decisions, but what teenager hasn’t? In fact, what teenager from THE 80s hasn’t?! (Hello, acid wash jeans?! Anyone? Bueller?) Not only is this a story about teenage love, it’s also a story about the importance of friendship. I have some friends that go back with me as far as the 80s, too. It’s fun to have someone you can reminisce with about those days that truly were, the time of your life.
Even if you’re not a fan of the 80s, (or just weren’t alive) I’d still recommend this book to anyone who wants to revisit those exciting firsts that unknowingly path the way to our future.
Thanks so much to Carrie Beamer for gifting a copy of her book to me for review!
P.S. Can 80s books count as historical fiction yet or even period pieces? Asking for a friend.
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