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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A three or a four, I feel unclear, but because it IS Sarah Dessen I am grading on a Dessen curve, I know loyal fans will read the book no matter what.
It just simply wasn't as good as her others, and because I have such personal connotations to McLean's situation I was severely disappointed.
Long Review TK
It just simply wasn't as good as her others, and because I have such personal connotations to McLean's situation I was severely disappointed.
Long Review TK
mclean was like the most cardboard character ever
I always like anything Sarah Dessen writes, she's amazing! This book was slightly less amazing than some of her other ones, but still a great read. My review is going to sound way harsher than I intend it, I'm sure, because I hold her books to such high standards! Bottom line: definitely recommended, very entertaining.
The story is unique yet relatable, and most of the characters are entertaining. I think the only thing I didn't like about this one was the sheer number of characters she had to juggle. Other books of hers have had and handful of main characters that made it easier for her to really develop the idiosyncrasies that make book characters really lovable. Maybe it was just me, but this one felt a bit stretched too thin.
The plot was also a little thin compared with some of her other books. The idea was good, it was just missing a little bit in the middle. While the story was very interesting, the plot took too many shallow ups and downs. It was a little more realistic, but also harder to really hold on to that way.
One of my favorite things about Sarah Dessen's books are the "easter eggs" she puts in her books from earlier books she's written. It's fun to connect the stories while getting to meet all new characters each time.
Even though I'd wished for a little more, it still had me reading marathon-style, all in one day :)
The story is unique yet relatable, and most of the characters are entertaining. I think the only thing I didn't like about this one was the sheer number of characters she had to juggle. Other books of hers have had and handful of main characters that made it easier for her to really develop the idiosyncrasies that make book characters really lovable. Maybe it was just me, but this one felt a bit stretched too thin.
The plot was also a little thin compared with some of her other books. The idea was good, it was just missing a little bit in the middle. While the story was very interesting, the plot took too many shallow ups and downs. It was a little more realistic, but also harder to really hold on to that way.
One of my favorite things about Sarah Dessen's books are the "easter eggs" she puts in her books from earlier books she's written. It's fun to connect the stories while getting to meet all new characters each time.
Even though I'd wished for a little more, it still had me reading marathon-style, all in one day :)
After reading this, I definetely became a Sarah Dessen fan. I loved the way the novel was written and i loved the story in general. I think it would have been cooler as a series but then again, if it was a series the story would become increasingly worse. However the novel was great and I recommend this to anyone who likes to read.
After her parents divorce, Mclean and her dad move frequently for her dad's job. Each move causes Mclean to take on a new identity, but this most recent move finds her returning to her true self. As the school year progresses, and she makes friends, she feels more tied to this community and doesn't want to leave. Add to that the fact that her mother would like a better relationship with her, and Mclean has some soul searching to do. All of this comes to a head when she finds out her dad's next assignment.
I am a huge fan of Sarah Dessen, and this book does not disappoint from a fan standpoint. It holds true to her authentic teen life situation and character development. It's also great to see characters from other books making appearances in this one!
I am a huge fan of Sarah Dessen, and this book does not disappoint from a fan standpoint. It holds true to her authentic teen life situation and character development. It's also great to see characters from other books making appearances in this one!
say! what's this story all about?
What Happened to Goodbye is the story of a young girl (Mclean) who's dealing with the aftermath of her seemingly picture perfect, made-for-each-other parents' divorce. Having chosen to follow her dad around the country as he salvages restaurants form culinary disasters, Mclean decides to reinvent herself in each new town. A new name. A new persona. A new beginning free from the heartache and pain. Free from the questions about her parents well publicized break-up. Free from having to think or feel or just simply be. But when she arrives at Jackson High, she finds the past catching up with her. She's actually making friend. Actually being real with them. And she just.might. be ready to face herself.
the one where cutie tells you what she liked:
As per usual, Dessen is a master at creating characters with deep roots and complex emotional damage. Mclean is compelling, sweet, angry, self-involved, broken, fun, and, well, a classic Dessen protagonist. She's not only relatable but assessable. And while she is not my favorite Dessen protagonist, she is a solid contender for my top five. The love interest in this novel is adorkably wonderful, smart, funny, and yet strong. He too has his own issues that keep him interesting and heart-meltingly sweet. And Ms. Dessen's combines a cast of new and old characters to create a well rounded support group for Mclean.
While this book is not on par romantically with The Truth About Forever or Just Listen, I did find the romance between Mclean and her geekly knight in dented armor realistic. If I were to compare the love story to another Dessen book I'd say it was more like Lock and Key, where the family issues and the growth of the protagonist play a major role in the story and the love story (while strong and interesting) takes a back seat. I hands down adored the Easter Eggs, which featured a cameo of one of my favorite couples, a visit or two from characters of old, and a few references that made me giggle.
the one where cutie tells you what she sorta didn't like:
If there is one complaint I have, it is that the book did seem a tad bit rushed in some areas. But only slightly so, and I was a little unsatisfied with the ending. While I understand it is important for teen girls to realize that life isn't all about romance and that young girls need to learn to find their way without leaning on a "man", I did think the ending was a bit awkward. Or maybe I just wanted more romance... Also, I felt the "fix" to Mclean's problems in the end were a tad unrealistic. I'd have to give away a ton of spoilers to further explain this... sooooo maybe that's something I shouldn't have brought up. *shrugs*
cutie gets real real:
I think however the thing that most tugged at me while reading this book was just how much I could relate to Mclean. When I was ten and my parents divorced was finalized, my father living on one side of the United States and I on the other, there were so many times I wished I could just break away from reality. Claim a new name. A new persona. A new life. One where I didn't have to face the reality of my parents' failed marriage and all the pain and heartache it brought me. At ten, I just didn't know how to deal with it, and so I simply didn't. Not until I was old enough to look myself in the mirror and finally face it head on. The way that Mclean deals with her own pain in the novel seems too out of control and unrealistic, but in all honesty, it matches almost perfectly my own longing to escape when I was a child.
in summation:
From the moment I opened this book to the turning of the last page, I enjoyed every single moment I spent with Mclean. It is definitely a book I would recommend to those looking for a great summer read.
What Happened to Goodbye is the story of a young girl (Mclean) who's dealing with the aftermath of her seemingly picture perfect, made-for-each-other parents' divorce. Having chosen to follow her dad around the country as he salvages restaurants form culinary disasters, Mclean decides to reinvent herself in each new town. A new name. A new persona. A new beginning free from the heartache and pain. Free from the questions about her parents well publicized break-up. Free from having to think or feel or just simply be. But when she arrives at Jackson High, she finds the past catching up with her. She's actually making friend. Actually being real with them. And she just.might. be ready to face herself.
the one where cutie tells you what she liked:
As per usual, Dessen is a master at creating characters with deep roots and complex emotional damage. Mclean is compelling, sweet, angry, self-involved, broken, fun, and, well, a classic Dessen protagonist. She's not only relatable but assessable. And while she is not my favorite Dessen protagonist, she is a solid contender for my top five. The love interest in this novel is adorkably wonderful, smart, funny, and yet strong. He too has his own issues that keep him interesting and heart-meltingly sweet. And Ms. Dessen's combines a cast of new and old characters to create a well rounded support group for Mclean.
While this book is not on par romantically with The Truth About Forever or Just Listen, I did find the romance between Mclean and her geekly knight in dented armor realistic. If I were to compare the love story to another Dessen book I'd say it was more like Lock and Key, where the family issues and the growth of the protagonist play a major role in the story and the love story (while strong and interesting) takes a back seat. I hands down adored the Easter Eggs, which featured a cameo of one of my favorite couples, a visit or two from characters of old, and a few references that made me giggle.
the one where cutie tells you what she sorta didn't like:
If there is one complaint I have, it is that the book did seem a tad bit rushed in some areas. But only slightly so, and I was a little unsatisfied with the ending. While I understand it is important for teen girls to realize that life isn't all about romance and that young girls need to learn to find their way without leaning on a "man", I did think the ending was a bit awkward. Or maybe I just wanted more romance... Also, I felt the "fix" to Mclean's problems in the end were a tad unrealistic. I'd have to give away a ton of spoilers to further explain this... sooooo maybe that's something I shouldn't have brought up. *shrugs*
cutie gets real real:
I think however the thing that most tugged at me while reading this book was just how much I could relate to Mclean. When I was ten and my parents divorced was finalized, my father living on one side of the United States and I on the other, there were so many times I wished I could just break away from reality. Claim a new name. A new persona. A new life. One where I didn't have to face the reality of my parents' failed marriage and all the pain and heartache it brought me. At ten, I just didn't know how to deal with it, and so I simply didn't. Not until I was old enough to look myself in the mirror and finally face it head on. The way that Mclean deals with her own pain in the novel seems too out of control and unrealistic, but in all honesty, it matches almost perfectly my own longing to escape when I was a child.
in summation:
From the moment I opened this book to the turning of the last page, I enjoyed every single moment I spent with Mclean. It is definitely a book I would recommend to those looking for a great summer read.
Actual Rating: 4.5
What Happened to Goodbye was my first Sarah Dessen story and I loved it.
What Happened to Goodbye follows the story of Mclean, whose parents are divorced and she is constantly moving around with her dad. Every time she moves, she is reinventing herself. Always trying to be someone different. But now, for the first time, she wants to stay in one place and just be herself, whomever that may be.....
What Happened to Goodbye is a great story about self discovery and friendship. I found the characters very easy to relate to. And the writing was great!
What Happened to Goodbye was my first Sarah Dessen story and I loved it.
What Happened to Goodbye follows the story of Mclean, whose parents are divorced and she is constantly moving around with her dad. Every time she moves, she is reinventing herself. Always trying to be someone different. But now, for the first time, she wants to stay in one place and just be herself, whomever that may be.....
What Happened to Goodbye is a great story about self discovery and friendship. I found the characters very easy to relate to. And the writing was great!