Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
[Helsinki] : Gummerus, 2010.
Description
How can you know someone you've never met? Justin Hitchcock is divorced, lonely and restless. He arrives in Dublin to give a lecture on art and meets an attractive doctor, who persuades him to donate blood. It's the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. When Joyce Conway leaves the hospital after a terrible accident, with her life and her marriage in pieces, she moves back in with her elderly father. All the while, a strong sense of déjà vu is overwhelming her and she can't figure out why.
User reviews
LibraryThing member ethel55
Justin Hitchcock is a guest professor at Trinity College in Dublin. He's afraid of needles, but is cajoled into giving blood during a drive by an attractive doctor in a vee-necked top. A month later, elsewhere in Dublin, Joyce (is there any other name for someone in Dublin?) takes a spill at home
At first, I thought I was in for a long, Marian Keyes style Irish family saga, but I perserverd and was rewarded with a completely wonderful and surprising read! I will never look at blood donation or Antiques Roadshow in quite the same way.
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that requires hospitalization. After her hospital stay, with her own marriage failing, she moves back in with dear, old dad and the real fun begins. First, Joyce begins having odd senses of deja vu and dreams of a family she's sure she doesn't know. Many coincidences follow, culminating in the eventual meeting of Justin and Joyce. The story really hums though, with the relationship portrayed between Joyce and her dad, it's priceless. The pair muddle along without their wife/mother Gracie, although she is never far from the action. Their's is a delightful story.At first, I thought I was in for a long, Marian Keyes style Irish family saga, but I perserverd and was rewarded with a completely wonderful and surprising read! I will never look at blood donation or Antiques Roadshow in quite the same way.
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LibraryThing member icedtea
I’ve not read anything by Cecelia Ahern prior to this book, but her name was on my radar because of the movie adaptation of her book PS, I love you.
I enjoyed the characters, Joyce's relationship with her father Henry, and the humour in this book. In particular, first-time air traveller Henry and
I enjoyed the characters, Joyce's relationship with her father Henry, and the humour in this book. In particular, first-time air traveller Henry and
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Joyce and Henry's gallivanting around London and Dublin were fun – favourite parts include the Viking bus, the airport, and The Antique Road Show taping. I’m not sure I was able to suspend disbelief and buy into to the central premise 100 per cent: having shared memories and knowledge through blood. Still, I thought it was a good read. I'd probably check out the author's other books in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
I had never read Cecilia Ahern's books before, but had just watched the movie made from her first novel, the best seller P.S. I Love You. I totally loved the fairy tale quality of it. A definite chick flick.
Thanks for the Memories was released by Harper Collins Canada earlier this year.
Justin
Back in England, Joyce Conway suffers a serious fall that results in a hospital stay. She needs a blood transfusion. Joyce starts having memories of things that have never happened to her. Hmm - see where this is going?
I enjoyed the characters of Joyce and her friends. They came across as realistic. I was not so taken with the character of Justin. Although he is the 'romantic' lead in the story, I just never really bought it. I found him to be rude and boorish and he just never redeemed himself in my eyes. But it is Joyce's father Henry who steals the show. He is a the only parent Joyce has left. He is elderly and set in his ways. He has never travelled much beyond his neighbourhood. His views on just about everything provide laughter but tears as well. This is the character I engaged with the most.
The dedication in the front of the books is to her grandparents and includes photographs. I could see her Grandfather Ahern as Henry
Thanks for the Memories was released by Harper Collins Canada earlier this year.
Justin
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Hitchcock has moved to England to be closer to his daughter, after he and her mother divorced. He travels to Ireland to work as a guest lecturer at Trinity College. It is there that he is persuaded to donate blood for the first time.Back in England, Joyce Conway suffers a serious fall that results in a hospital stay. She needs a blood transfusion. Joyce starts having memories of things that have never happened to her. Hmm - see where this is going?
I enjoyed the characters of Joyce and her friends. They came across as realistic. I was not so taken with the character of Justin. Although he is the 'romantic' lead in the story, I just never really bought it. I found him to be rude and boorish and he just never redeemed himself in my eyes. But it is Joyce's father Henry who steals the show. He is a the only parent Joyce has left. He is elderly and set in his ways. He has never travelled much beyond his neighbourhood. His views on just about everything provide laughter but tears as well. This is the character I engaged with the most.
The dedication in the front of the books is to her grandparents and includes photographs. I could see her Grandfather Ahern as Henry
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LibraryThing member calexis
For those of you who haven't had a chance to read a Cecelia Ahern book, well you're missing out for sure. Her books take you away into another world, despite the fact that her locations are pretty much set in reality. But the things that happen to these ordinary people are magical and it makes you
Although the mysteries are never really explained, that's part of its wonder. It doesn't really matter how his blood connects his memories to her. It's the fact that it does. And the fact that they both respond to it and each other that really matters. Definitely pick up this book if you haven't done so already. I recommend Cecelia Ahern to any reader who believes in magic and love and everything in between.
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believe that magic is really present in the world.Although the mysteries are never really explained, that's part of its wonder. It doesn't really matter how his blood connects his memories to her. It's the fact that it does. And the fact that they both respond to it and each other that really matters. Definitely pick up this book if you haven't done so already. I recommend Cecelia Ahern to any reader who believes in magic and love and everything in between.
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LibraryThing member bearette24
I'm not sure why I keep reading Cecilia Ahern. Her writing is simplistic, verging on sophomoric, but her plots have an undeniable sitcom-like energy (probably attributable to the Christina Applegate show she co-created). In this story, a blood donor and recipient predictably come together, with
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some amusement along the way. I might read her next book, but with some reservations. Show Less
LibraryThing member nbmars
Thanks for the Memories is another "Sleepless in Seattle" type of story, but set in Dublin, so it has an Irish flavor to it. Joyce Conway falls down the stairs and loses the baby she is carrying. This is the final blow for her marriage to Conor, since the possibility of a child was all that was
There is another way in which Joyce’s life changes. While she was in the hospital, she needed a transfusion of blood. At the same time, Justin Hitchcock, a divorced American who is guest lecturing in Dublin on art and architecture, is talked into donating blood, and his blood goes to Joyce.
As Joyce recovers from her accident, she finds that she suddenly has acquired knowledge and memories that aren’t her own and can’t be explained. Since the story of Joyce and Justin are told in parallel, the reader can see that the two lives are now entangled; Joyce even gets achy after Justin works out at the gym.
Some of the transferring that goes on from Justin’s life to Joyce’s is just plain silly. It seemed to me to be an interesting idea that was just taken way too far. On the positive side, Joyce’s dad is absolutely delightful, and the relationship he has with his daughter is endearing.
Evaluation: If you can overlook the excesses of the Justin and Joyce story and focus on the other parts of the book, it’s quite a rewarding read. I enjoyed it in spite of itself!
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holding it together. It also means that, after her hospitalization, she cannot bring herself to go back to her house where she had a nursery set up. She moves in with her dad, a very likeable old Irish guy who pretends to be a bit more addled than he actually is.There is another way in which Joyce’s life changes. While she was in the hospital, she needed a transfusion of blood. At the same time, Justin Hitchcock, a divorced American who is guest lecturing in Dublin on art and architecture, is talked into donating blood, and his blood goes to Joyce.
As Joyce recovers from her accident, she finds that she suddenly has acquired knowledge and memories that aren’t her own and can’t be explained. Since the story of Joyce and Justin are told in parallel, the reader can see that the two lives are now entangled; Joyce even gets achy after Justin works out at the gym.
Some of the transferring that goes on from Justin’s life to Joyce’s is just plain silly. It seemed to me to be an interesting idea that was just taken way too far. On the positive side, Joyce’s dad is absolutely delightful, and the relationship he has with his daughter is endearing.
Evaluation: If you can overlook the excesses of the Justin and Joyce story and focus on the other parts of the book, it’s quite a rewarding read. I enjoyed it in spite of itself!
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LibraryThing member lesleymc
Loved this book. An interesting way of telling a love story. However for me the relationship between the heroine and her father was what really gripped me. I found the interaction between the herione and her father brilliant. I could hardly put this book down and subsequently was reading through
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the night and when her father was causing problems at the airport and the subsequent rotating door incident I could not stop myself laughing out loud, much to my husband's annoyance. I fully intend to read more of Cecelia Ahern's novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member tandah
A guilty pleasure read, really enjoyed the father daughter relationship but found Justin to be a selfish sook.
LibraryThing member Ilithyia
Cecelia Ahern always writes very touching novels, usually about someone trying to overcome some sort of loss, and this newest one is no different.
Joyce's life has been falling apart since the accident that caused her to miscarry.
Justin has moved from Chicago all the way to London to be near his
Joyce begins to remember things she's never done and people she's never met. Together they will help each other heal.
A little bit of a cross between Return to Me (where David Duchovany falls for the woman who got his dead wife's heart) and Sleepless in Seattle (because they just miss each other a number of times in the book), but it has a satisfying ending and is a touching story.
Joyce's life has been falling apart since the accident that caused her to miscarry.
Justin has moved from Chicago all the way to London to be near his
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daughter after his ex-wife remarries. When Justin donates blood for the first time, and unknowingly saves Joyce's life - they form a bond that neither one of them understand.Joyce begins to remember things she's never done and people she's never met. Together they will help each other heal.
A little bit of a cross between Return to Me (where David Duchovany falls for the woman who got his dead wife's heart) and Sleepless in Seattle (because they just miss each other a number of times in the book), but it has a satisfying ending and is a touching story.
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LibraryThing member VirginiaGill
What a delight! Ahern's P.S. I Love You is one of my favorite books, Thanks for the Memories is the first of her books since that have captured me the same way. I enjoyed every page and will definitely be recommending it to friends. A great read that poses lots of interesting questions. Would make
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a fun book club read. Show Less
LibraryThing member jcelrod
Thanks for the Memories kept me mostly entertained while reading but overall, it felt quite contrived a lot of the time. The suddenness with which Joyce began experiencing the 'side-effects' of her blood transfusion felt incredibly jarring and I couldn't shake the feeling that Justin was a mostly
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unlikeable character. Not one of Ahern's best, unfortunately. Show Less
LibraryThing member birdsam0610
After my recent spate of unfinished reads, I was really unsure what to read. I wanted to read something that I would definitely like. I enjoyed both The Gift and P.S. I Love You so I thought I’d give this book a go.
This book tells the story of Joyce, who recently had a miscarriage and Justin, who
What was interesting about this book was the two viewpoints- Joyce in first person and Justin in third person. But I think the best thing was the supporting characters- Joyce’s father, Justin’s daughter and Joyce’s friends- they were engaging, quirky and interesting.
The ending is interesting- not what I’d thought it would be- but the epilogue was a bit predictable. The writing is accessible (you won’t need a dictionary) and the storyline passable (although I really hope nobody is deterred from donating blood in the thought that they’ll pass on their memories).
My copy had a Q & A with the author in the back in which she discusses her books being explained as ‘modern fables/fairytales’. I would certainly agree with this! It’s not preachy, but also this didn’t engage my entire brain. If you haven’t read Cecelia Ahern before, I would recommend P.S. I Love You for a weepy chick lit or The Gift for a better example of a modern fable.
This book tells the story of Joyce, who recently had a miscarriage and Justin, who
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recently gave blood. Can you guess the ending yet? Joyce and Justin keep meeting seemingly randomly as Justin becomes obsessed with who he gave blood to. Joyce is reliving memories that definitely don’t belong to her as well as suddenly having a taste for architecture and meat… Will they ever meet up?What was interesting about this book was the two viewpoints- Joyce in first person and Justin in third person. But I think the best thing was the supporting characters- Joyce’s father, Justin’s daughter and Joyce’s friends- they were engaging, quirky and interesting.
The ending is interesting- not what I’d thought it would be- but the epilogue was a bit predictable. The writing is accessible (you won’t need a dictionary) and the storyline passable (although I really hope nobody is deterred from donating blood in the thought that they’ll pass on their memories).
My copy had a Q & A with the author in the back in which she discusses her books being explained as ‘modern fables/fairytales’. I would certainly agree with this! It’s not preachy, but also this didn’t engage my entire brain. If you haven’t read Cecelia Ahern before, I would recommend P.S. I Love You for a weepy chick lit or The Gift for a better example of a modern fable.
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LibraryThing member WillowOne
This book is about a woman who receives a blood transfusion and starts having memories & characteristics of the person who donated blood.
This was a wonderful book! I have only read one Cecilia Ahern book that I wasn't thoroughly in love with and this wasn't it. I literally did not want to put the
This was a wonderful book! I have only read one Cecilia Ahern book that I wasn't thoroughly in love with and this wasn't it. I literally did not want to put the
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book down. I kept giving my husband updates on the progress in the book. He became interested and would ask me detailed questions. We both think it would make a wonderfully touching and funny movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryjomac
Kept me reading. Not my favorite of her books but still good.
LibraryThing member TheLostEntwife
In 2000, a movie was released with Minnie Driver and David Duchovny starring in it titled Return to Me. As a read Thanks for the Memories, I kept thinking I was reading the text version of that movie (even though there were some differences, it was very similar).
This book is based on the theory
I was in desperate need of something "chick lit" and this book gave me just that. It was a feel good story, despite the sorrow that started it out, and it made me laugh out loud and enjoy reading again.
If you are looking for a good summer beach read, I'd highly recommend this book. Cecelia Ahern lives up to the hype of her previous books and really delivers with this story.
This book is based on the theory
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that the blood being pumped from one person's heart and then used for the purpose of blood infusions is enough to impart knowledge, feelings, likes and dislikes and memories. Pretty far-fetched, but it makes for a pretty, feel-good, emotional story.. which was what I was in the mood for or this review wouldn't be nearly as positive as it's going to be.I was in desperate need of something "chick lit" and this book gave me just that. It was a feel good story, despite the sorrow that started it out, and it made me laugh out loud and enjoy reading again.
If you are looking for a good summer beach read, I'd highly recommend this book. Cecelia Ahern lives up to the hype of her previous books and really delivers with this story.
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LibraryThing member njmom3
Fun and at times funny book. Easy casual read.
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
I'm still torn about this one, while interesting the entire hinge of the plot (blood donation giving someone another's memories) is a little bit too much for me. I think it's possible to handwave your way thruogh this as a plot with a major organ but blood? Fails my eyebrow test. The romance
Honestly, I preferred some of her other stories. This just wasn't my book. It's a lightweight chick-lit book that will divide her fans.
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between the two characters is quite cute. Some of the moments with Joyce and her father are cringeworthly close to the bone. Honestly, I preferred some of her other stories. This just wasn't my book. It's a lightweight chick-lit book that will divide her fans.
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LibraryThing member KC9333
Strong start that lost its way
LibraryThing member EmScape
This adorable book, by the author of P.S. I Love You explores the relationship of two people connected by blood, but not in the way you might think. Justin is an architecture and art critic, guest lecturing in Dublin and talked into giving blood by a woman he wants a date with. Joyce receives a
It was very difficult to put this down once I picked it up. The constant suspense of "are they going to meet now? How about now?" is a definite page-turner. Also, this is much funnier than the other books I've read by Ahern, P.S. I Love You being more sad and The Book of Tomorrow more of a YA/paranormal mystery. Joyce's father is an absolute gem. However, I wanted there to be more from this book towards the end, with Joyce and Justin really getting to know each other and integrating into each other's lives. As it is [SPOILER] the book pretty much ends when they meet. Kinda disappointing, but still worth reading.
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blood transfusion after she loses her baby and begins having memories and knowledge of art, architecture, and Justin's life. They are coincidentally drawn together, going through a series of near misses before finally meeting. If you think that paragraph gives away the entire book, you're wrong. It's the feelings and emotion of these two characters that really make up the book, much more than just the plot. The science behind this sort of connection is also interesting; I did some research and there really is some evidence that people having received blood or other organ transplants sometimes begin to crave foods they never liked before and, while not going so far as this book does, have some familiarity of people and places the donor was close to. It was very difficult to put this down once I picked it up. The constant suspense of "are they going to meet now? How about now?" is a definite page-turner. Also, this is much funnier than the other books I've read by Ahern, P.S. I Love You being more sad and The Book of Tomorrow more of a YA/paranormal mystery. Joyce's father is an absolute gem. However, I wanted there to be more from this book towards the end, with Joyce and Justin really getting to know each other and integrating into each other's lives. As it is [SPOILER] the book pretty much ends when they meet. Kinda disappointing, but still worth reading.
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LibraryThing member auntieknickers
Cecelia Ahern's intelligent romance novels have taken a turn toward "woo-woo" with the last few books, and this one continues that trend.
Justin Hitchcock, a Chicago art critic and professor, has moved to London to be near his daughter, who's studying ballet. This also puts him near his ex-wife and
Meanwhile, Joyce Conway has fallen downstairs, lost her long-awaited baby, and received a blood transfusion in a Dublin hospital. When she awakens, she discovers a new knowledge of art and architecture. On the way home from the hospital, she suddenly feels she must have a haircut; Justin, on the way to the airport, gets the same urge. They meet briefly at the hairdresser's and feel an instantaneous connection. Each keeps thinking about the other (Joyce's marriage, tenuous in the first place, seems completely pointless without the baby so divorce proceedings are begun) as Joyce recovers and Justin attempts to start dating the doctor who got him to give blood. There are several more almost-encounters. Joyce not only knows more about art and architecture than she ever dreamed existed, but she has developed different tastes and has "memories" of events that seem to be seen through someone else's eyes.
It's not too difficult to figure out how this will all end, but the romance and humor along the way are quite enjoyable. The character of Joyce's widowed father is especially dear. This was a useful corrective to some of the heavier, gloomier works I've been reading lately. If you like this kind of book, this is the kind of book you will like.
Justin Hitchcock, a Chicago art critic and professor, has moved to London to be near his daughter, who's studying ballet. This also puts him near his ex-wife and
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her new man. Two years after his divorce, he's still not completely over it. On a guest lecture trip to Dublin, he stumbles into a blood donation lecture and, although he's afraid of needles, does donate a pint. He wonders who will get his blood, and rather feels the recipient will owe him unending gratitude.Meanwhile, Joyce Conway has fallen downstairs, lost her long-awaited baby, and received a blood transfusion in a Dublin hospital. When she awakens, she discovers a new knowledge of art and architecture. On the way home from the hospital, she suddenly feels she must have a haircut; Justin, on the way to the airport, gets the same urge. They meet briefly at the hairdresser's and feel an instantaneous connection. Each keeps thinking about the other (Joyce's marriage, tenuous in the first place, seems completely pointless without the baby so divorce proceedings are begun) as Joyce recovers and Justin attempts to start dating the doctor who got him to give blood. There are several more almost-encounters. Joyce not only knows more about art and architecture than she ever dreamed existed, but she has developed different tastes and has "memories" of events that seem to be seen through someone else's eyes.
It's not too difficult to figure out how this will all end, but the romance and humor along the way are quite enjoyable. The character of Joyce's widowed father is especially dear. This was a useful corrective to some of the heavier, gloomier works I've been reading lately. If you like this kind of book, this is the kind of book you will like.
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LibraryThing member TnTexas
Warning: Don't read this book while eating or drinking anything! I did once and regretted it when I started laughing so hard I almost choked!
Having said that .... This was a fun book. The near-misses may have been wearing a bit thin by the end, the ending might have been a bit abrupt, and yes, you
Having said that .... This was a fun book. The near-misses may have been wearing a bit thin by the end, the ending might have been a bit abrupt, and yes, you
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have to suspend belief and just go with the premise since blood transfusions don't really work like this (thankfully!). But once you do that, you're treated not only to a light, fun, romantic comedy that has you laughing out loud in places but also a sweet, sentimental story of a daughter's relationship with her widowed father. Show Less
LibraryThing member Marlene-NL
At first I thought the story a bit weird and the father a bit too annoying but boy did I laugh and a book that makes me laugh is a funny one. lol
The part at the airport was hilarious with the father trying to get the luggage. I was in bed but was laughing like a crazy woman. and there were more
Yes I will definitely read more by this author.
The part at the airport was hilarious with the father trying to get the luggage. I was in bed but was laughing like a crazy woman. and there were more
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moments.Yes I will definitely read more by this author.
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LibraryThing member CarolBurnett
This book is about courage and is inspirational. How this woman survived the war and how she lived her life after id incredible. Well worth reading
LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne
There are good moments in this book, but they don't make up for a ridiculous basis for the plot or for a book that stops rather than ends.
LibraryThing member okjlsaz
This was such a unique story line. An American professor named Justin, who is now teaching in England & Ireland to be near his daughter Bea, is roped into donating blood, even though he is petrified of needles, because he is attracted to the blood bank representative name Sarah.
Meanwhile an Irish
Things start getting strange from this point on. Justin & Joyce have a strange obsession to get a hair cut at the same time and end up in the same hair salon. Then they start bumping into each other in other places without actually making contact. Joyce starts having memories of another person's family and knowing things that she never knew before about architecture, art, and even speaking foreign languages.
You'll have to read the book to learn how everything turns out. It is quite an interesting tale that I'm sure will keep you glued to the pages until you find out how it ends!
Meanwhile an Irish
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real estate agent named Joyce has had a terrible accident falling down her stairs to try to answer a phone call. She is pregnant and the fall causes her to lose her baby. She ends up needing a blood transfusion. She & her husband had been drifting apart & the loss of the baby convinced her to call it quits on their marriage.Things start getting strange from this point on. Justin & Joyce have a strange obsession to get a hair cut at the same time and end up in the same hair salon. Then they start bumping into each other in other places without actually making contact. Joyce starts having memories of another person's family and knowing things that she never knew before about architecture, art, and even speaking foreign languages.
You'll have to read the book to learn how everything turns out. It is quite an interesting tale that I'm sure will keep you glued to the pages until you find out how it ends!
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Subjects
Awards
British Book Award (Shortlist — shortlist — 2009)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008-04
Physical description
491 p.; 18 cm
ISBN
9789512081837