Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Penguin Group
Publication Date: May 10, 2011
Source: Library
Summary: Who is the real McLean?
Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.
Combing Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.
Review: Most of Dessen's books are pretty good reads for me. They have some things that I don't like but overall they're really good. But this one was amazing.
When I started reading What Happened to Goodbye I knew it was going to be good. I hadn't been to Dessen land in over a week (Sarah Dessne binge) and I was eager to go back more. The premise of this one was really interesting to me and Dessen pulled it off quite well. Mclean was broken. She reinvented herself every new place they went, until here. This time we got to see the "real" Mclean. And I was glad. I liked watching her day to day life. Seeing her interact with an incredibly sweet girl, make some awesome new friends, and start a nice little romance with the next door neighbor.
And still Mclean struggles. She was the driving force in this book and one of my favorite characters in all of Dessen's books. She was just so relateable.
I just want to mention this really quick: Dave. What a sweet, talented, brainic boy. How adorable was he? Dave had me smiling every time he talked, or whenever we saw him.
Two of my favorite things that Dessen does is: incorporate previous characters in to her stories and have awesome work places. If that last one makes any sense. How cool is a "restaurant consultant" and a "model town builder." Those were so much fun to read about. And then the cameos. Those are priceless. One character from a previous book got his happy ending in a slightly ironic way, I think. And one was mentioned with a few laughs from me.
I'm not even going to apologize for going on and on about this book. Just read it and be wowed by a cute, heartwarming story with real issues.
Rating:
6 comments:
I love Sarah Dessen. She write about such real issues happening with teenagers and her characters are amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed this one!
I really enjoyed What Happened to Goodbye, too! Like you, it had been a while since I'd last indulged in a Dessen book (except for me, it had been a few years, haha), so I think that made the book all the more enjoyable. Great review! :)
Oh, yay! Sarah Dessen is an author I love recommending to my students because she really seems to get teens. Another one added to my list.
Mary @ Book Swarm
I love Sarah Dessen! Our library actually has this book, I just haven't checked it out yet. Maybe I should do that! Awesome review!
I haven't read this one yet. I think I'm saving it. I'm afraid to read it because I love Sarah Dessen and after I read this one, I'm (we) are going to have to wait a while to read more from her. I love how other characters are in this book (please, don't tell me who) Ahhh! Torture!
I got given this for my birthday, and I can't wait to read it! It sounds amazing, and it's being pushed up my TBR list after this brilliant review! :)
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