Reviews

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

weyheyitsrachel's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

5 stars for the nostalgia. I grew up reading Sarah Dessen's books and I love them so much. Not only is her writing fantastic, but they always make me feel good!
This book is one I remember "dnf-ing" before DNF was a thing (think circa 2012). Not sure why me as a 13/14 year old decided it wasn't for me because 25 year old me LOVED THIS.
Mclean is a senior in high school just trying to find her way amidst moving every few months due to her dad's job. The whole trying to fit in thing and reinventing yourself around new people really resonated with me. It made my heart ache but also made my heart so full when she finally found her people and could be 100% herself.
This book is so wholesome and the reason why the phrases "this is so YA" "the writing is so YA"  need to die. (Like how can writing be "YA????") Yes, this is a young adult novel but the characters in this story are so mature and (for the most part) act older than their years in terms of wisdom. Sarah Dessen writes beautifully! In short, I loved everything about this.
Overall, if you or your fellow young teens are looking for some wholesome contemporary romance books, Sarah Dessen's got you covered. 

curiousnico's review against another edition

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5.0

I feel that every time I read a book by sarah dessen, I go into it feeling as if this will be the one to disappoint me. I know it isn't really the best way to go into a book, especially when I've loved everything she's written, but I keep feeling as if its too much of a good thing. As if after reading x amount of books by her and loving them all, that there is bound to be one that will severely disappoint me. It was in that mindset that I started this book, and once more I was proven wrong. [b]IT WAS AMAZING[/b] as usual. The characters had their own special and unique personalities that made me feel as if they were people I knew, and had always known. relatable in a way that a lot of book characters aren't. I loved it. loved it.

morgybritt's review against another edition

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Well... It was good but not good as Just Listen. I have loved all her books don't get me wrong but there was just not very much romance in this one. I expect it from Sarah Dessen, her books are so adorable. Her characters are so well developed. I still loved it though!!!

yara_adorablebooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Sarah Dessen heeft een fantastische schrijfstijl. Het boek eindigde eigenlijk heel anders dan ik had verwacht, zeker leuk om te lezen.

adduhh's review against another edition

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1.0

I'm not going to give a very long review, because I read this book when it first came out, so I don't remember many specific details. This is my first review, so here goes nothing.

Side note: This was the first Sarah Dessen novel I had ever read, so I went in expecting a lot.

This is quite possibly the most boring book I have ever read. I've never been so bored while reading like this since The Grapes of Wrath. I have no idea why she insists on dragging out such a dry story, it makes no sense. There was no fun, no excitement, and the main boy was just kind of a downer. I felt as if Sarah Dessen was just writing this girls day to day life, instead of just telling us about the good parts, but wait...there weren't any.

I also have no clue how this is considered a romance. Barely anything romantic ever happened in this book. I believe they kissed for the first time at the end of the novel, correct me if I'm wrong. There were no flirty/cute moments. There were no moments that even indicated that the two main characters really liked each other, so I was actually surprised when they ended up together. I think the main characters needed more lovable, and flirty moments. I don't even know what to say, there was just no romance. This book should be considered one of those father daughter stories in my opinion. I felt more affection from the dad, then anybody else in the book.

Buying this was a total waste of money, and I can't seem to tell what all the hype over Sarah Dessen is about. I went out and bought Along for the Ride, and couldn't get past the first chapter. She is a dry writer, and her crazy attention to detail drives me nuts. I expected much more from the female Nicholas Sparks.

If you feel like reading a novel about some perplexed teenage girl's day to day life, this is for you. However I do recommend a large cup of coffee with it, 'cause you just might fall asleep. I know I did.

Sorry if this was a horrible review, like I mentioned above this was my first time writing one. Also this is not meant to offend anyone who actually enjoyed this book. Everyone has different tastes. All power to you if you liked it! :) If someone actually made it this far down thanks for reading!

fairyslut's review against another edition

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2.5

This was so ordinary and not in a bad way but like how? Ya know

holl3640's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

lolovesbooks3's review against another edition

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2.0

It was fine. I was just kind of bored. I and a hard time wanting to pick it up after the first half.

sweetpotatosamm's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-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

5.0

Nice coming of age author and book! My parents are not divorced but the pain of separation was depicted well for the targeted age group!