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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.
mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
My Summer Challenge this year (well it is my first one), is to read all Sarah Dessen books. I will be reading one Sarah Dessen book every week and hope that by the end of Summer I will be up to date with them all. :)
A standard pattern I have noticed in the books (I have read 3 now) is that they all start of slow, pick up speed after 3 chapters and then it mostly a rollercoaster ride of emotions and awesomeness.
I really love that everything in the end revolves around Colby and the neighbouring towns/cities. There are also various characters that pop up that are also from other books. Now that I have read a few, I recognize characters and it makes me happy to see that they still get a chance to say hi. :)
Our main character this time is a girl who is troubled because of the divorce of her parents. She travels with her dad (who has to travel for her work) and she makes up personalities for every town, but with the new one she decides to go with her real name.
There is a lot of things that happen, we got romance, friendship, finding yourself, parents, work and so much more. It was truly amazing to read this one.
I loved Mclean, though her name was just weird, and I kept reading it as Mcclean. I love how she starts off unsure about things, wondering if she should make a new personality, but soon settling down, making new friends, finding someone she loves. Of course her life isn't easy (this is a Sarah Dessen book after all), her mom cheated on her dad and they divorced. Mclean never really forgave her mom and she has a lot of arguments and discussions with her mom.
I recognized a lot in Mclean, especially in her mom part and how her mom wanted constant contact, constant attention and would go in a rage mode if Mclean wasn't fast enough with replying or mailing or calling.
The ending to this book? Wonderful, I am so happy for Mclean, that this solution was possible.
I have bought the book since I really loved this one and it deserves to be in my collection.
I would recommend this book to everyone who needs a nice contemporary book.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
A standard pattern I have noticed in the books (I have read 3 now) is that they all start of slow, pick up speed after 3 chapters and then it mostly a rollercoaster ride of emotions and awesomeness.
I really love that everything in the end revolves around Colby and the neighbouring towns/cities. There are also various characters that pop up that are also from other books. Now that I have read a few, I recognize characters and it makes me happy to see that they still get a chance to say hi. :)
Our main character this time is a girl who is troubled because of the divorce of her parents. She travels with her dad (who has to travel for her work) and she makes up personalities for every town, but with the new one she decides to go with her real name.
There is a lot of things that happen, we got romance, friendship, finding yourself, parents, work and so much more. It was truly amazing to read this one.
I loved Mclean, though her name was just weird, and I kept reading it as Mcclean. I love how she starts off unsure about things, wondering if she should make a new personality, but soon settling down, making new friends, finding someone she loves. Of course her life isn't easy (this is a Sarah Dessen book after all), her mom cheated on her dad and they divorced. Mclean never really forgave her mom and she has a lot of arguments and discussions with her mom.
I recognized a lot in Mclean, especially in her mom part and how her mom wanted constant contact, constant attention and would go in a rage mode if Mclean wasn't fast enough with replying or mailing or calling.
The ending to this book? Wonderful, I am so happy for Mclean, that this solution was possible.
I have bought the book since I really loved this one and it deserves to be in my collection.
I would recommend this book to everyone who needs a nice contemporary book.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
byp's review against another edition
2.0
The name McLean sounds like a fast food burger, and in fact was one.
weyheyitsrachel's review against another edition
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.
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.