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daphx00's review against another edition
3.0
The latest arrival in my Sarah Dessen collection looked very promising. I'm starting to get used to the new covers, and this one is quite pretty, if I'm honest. However, I didn't like the inside as much as I was expecting.
McLean is a difficult character to relate to. She has moved around a lot, trying to start over every single time, and she has had to deal with a difficult family situation on top of that, so I guess that is what made her a bit distant. Because that was what she was. I couldn't relate to her, she felt so far away. While I can understand this being part of her situation, which made her into the McLean we see in this book, I never had this problem with any other Sarah Dessen protagonist before. And I don't like it.
The first 125 pages or so were very difficult to get into. Honestly, I was on the verge of putting the book away and DNF'ing it, but somehow I managed to push through and read it. After the first third of the book, the story picked up a bit, but it still didn't blow my mind. The storyline was predictable and that bothered me.
I think my main problem is that I've read so many Sarah Dessen books I loved, that one I don't love immediately feels like a disappointment. I know I'm not supposed to compare this book to her other novels, but I can't help myself. I really feel like she can write a better story than this one.
While that all sounds really negative, I actually enjoyed myself while I was reading this book. In terms of the other books, it feels a bit off because I didn't love it, but it won't keep me from reading any more SD books. I just hope she won't bring me any more characters like McLean, because I didn't like her so much.. But I'm sure other contemporary fans will enjoy this book :)
Find this and other reviews on Loving Books.
McLean is a difficult character to relate to. She has moved around a lot, trying to start over every single time, and she has had to deal with a difficult family situation on top of that, so I guess that is what made her a bit distant. Because that was what she was. I couldn't relate to her, she felt so far away. While I can understand this being part of her situation, which made her into the McLean we see in this book, I never had this problem with any other Sarah Dessen protagonist before. And I don't like it.
The first 125 pages or so were very difficult to get into. Honestly, I was on the verge of putting the book away and DNF'ing it, but somehow I managed to push through and read it. After the first third of the book, the story picked up a bit, but it still didn't blow my mind. The storyline was predictable and that bothered me.
I think my main problem is that I've read so many Sarah Dessen books I loved, that one I don't love immediately feels like a disappointment. I know I'm not supposed to compare this book to her other novels, but I can't help myself. I really feel like she can write a better story than this one.
While that all sounds really negative, I actually enjoyed myself while I was reading this book. In terms of the other books, it feels a bit off because I didn't love it, but it won't keep me from reading any more SD books. I just hope she won't bring me any more characters like McLean, because I didn't like her so much.. But I'm sure other contemporary fans will enjoy this book :)
Find this and other reviews on Loving Books.
the_illustrating_reader's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
Not my favorite Sarah Dessen, but it was cute.
the_reading_goblin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
charadelle's review against another edition
4.0
I haven’t read a Sarah Dessen book since 8th. It was relaxing going through a lower level book. Easy to follow, story line similar to one I’d watch a movie off of. With her name being McLean I can understand why she wanted to make a new personality and name each time she moved.
briarsreviews's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I read a book by Sarah Dessen a long time ago and didn't like it. I stepped back but knew I wanted to give her another chance. A lot of my friends love her, so I felt so odd not enjoying her. Well, turns out I just didn't have the right book!
What Happened to Goodbye really connected with me. McLean moves around a lot. After her parents divorced, she went to live with her Dad and his job moves them around. She's always pretending to be someone else. Now, at this new school, she is letting herself be her... And she's making new friends, all while trying to figure out the complicated relationship she has with her Mom and how to be a teenager in this weird world.
This book felt like a peek into the life of a teenager going through some rough times. It was such a nice, relaxing read for me that didn't have high stakes. I feel like that's why other reviewers aren't as happy with this book, but it felt like such a nice read. I also really related to wanting to be someone else and struggling with relationships...
Regardless, loved it! SO much.
Four out of five stars.
What Happened to Goodbye really connected with me. McLean moves around a lot. After her parents divorced, she went to live with her Dad and his job moves them around. She's always pretending to be someone else. Now, at this new school, she is letting herself be her... And she's making new friends, all while trying to figure out the complicated relationship she has with her Mom and how to be a teenager in this weird world.
This book felt like a peek into the life of a teenager going through some rough times. It was such a nice, relaxing read for me that didn't have high stakes. I feel like that's why other reviewers aren't as happy with this book, but it felt like such a nice read. I also really related to wanting to be someone else and struggling with relationships...
Regardless, loved it! SO much.
Four out of five stars.
butterfly_bombshell's review against another edition
5.0
Sarah Dessen has done it again! I absolutely loved this book!
reader4evr's review against another edition
4.0
I purchased this book forever ago and I'm glad that I finally got around to reading it.
I don't know if I can't think of one right now but I don't remember ever reading another Sarah Dessen book were the dad is the solo parent that is in the picture...kind of refreshing and a different take on things. I liked Mclean and I felt bad for her too. I can't imagine having to move as much as she did but hey, that actually happens to kids/teens all the time. I really liked all of the other characters as well especially Deb. Dave was different from all of the other boys in her books because he was super super smart but likeable at the same time.
Some of the book was predictable but overall I enjoyed her book. I did think this was going to be more of romance like her others but it really wasn't super heavy which I think will appeal to girls that love SD but also others that don't like lovey dovey stories. I will probably be reading her books until she stops writing them and I can't wait for the next one.
I don't know if I can't think of one right now but I don't remember ever reading another Sarah Dessen book were the dad is the solo parent that is in the picture...kind of refreshing and a different take on things. I liked Mclean and I felt bad for her too. I can't imagine having to move as much as she did but hey, that actually happens to kids/teens all the time. I really liked all of the other characters as well especially Deb. Dave was different from all of the other boys in her books because he was super super smart but likeable at the same time.
Some of the book was predictable but overall I enjoyed her book. I did think this was going to be more of romance like her others but it really wasn't super heavy which I think will appeal to girls that love SD but also others that don't like lovey dovey stories. I will probably be reading her books until she stops writing them and I can't wait for the next one.
thesimplereader's review against another edition
2.0
Eh. Good book, but nothing amazingly memorable.