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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexual assault
This book had quite a slow start which is why I rated it at a 4. Once it got going, it was good. This book tackles a slew of tough topics, but does it in a very sensitive manner. I found the way it handled a lot of them and how it showed people actually getting help and healing a really positive outlook for young people to read. I liked the Owen/Annabel dynamic, but I felt that they lacked chemistry and would have been better as friends. Their banter was entertaining, but I didn't find them believable as a romantic couple. Overall, a good Dessen offering.
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
I was prepared to not say much about Just Listen, but after further reflection, there are some highlights in the book.
The plot is a solid meh, dealing with the usual Dessen highlights of an under-confident, ostracized teen girl dealing with a bullying former best friend, a situation that [b:Speak|439288|Speak|Laurie Halse Anderson|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1310121762s/439288.jpg|118521] handled much better, and of course, a mystery alt boy.
The few good parts deal with the importance of communication. There are sections that deal with the mystery boy, Owen, imparting wisdom learned from his anger management classes, and the advice given there is actually pretty solid. This guy is also (predicatably) music obsessed, and at least that part made me want to dive back into the music scene headfirst. Kudos for that, Dessen.
The plot is a solid meh, dealing with the usual Dessen highlights of an under-confident, ostracized teen girl dealing with a bullying former best friend, a situation that [b:Speak|439288|Speak|Laurie Halse Anderson|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1310121762s/439288.jpg|118521] handled much better, and of course, a mystery alt boy.
The few good parts deal with the importance of communication. There are sections that deal with the mystery boy, Owen, imparting wisdom learned from his anger management classes, and the advice given there is actually pretty solid. This guy is also (predicatably) music obsessed, and at least that part made me want to dive back into the music scene headfirst. Kudos for that, Dessen.
Beautiful, haunting portrayal of working through a traumatic experience with the help of an unlikely friend.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a fun and interesting read! I love how Sarah Dessen isn't afraid to address heavier issues such as rape/sexual assault, eating disorders, bullying, etc. I was definitely not expecting the book to be something like this. My favorite part about this book was the honesty. Dessen didn't skimp out on the character development and no one just suddenly become "fixed". She took a lot of time to make sure the growth was reasonable and made sense. The characters were so complex and wonderful. No one was just a stereotype, they all had their own specific personalities and character growth. Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend it.
emotional
hopeful
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes