You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
exhaleartist 's review for:
What Happened to Goodbye
by Sarah Dessen
I had been dying to read this book for months. I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Sarah Dessen. I have read all of her books (I believe…). Most of which have ended up being some of my all-time favorite books. Her characters are always so unique and memorable, and her stories always capture the heart. All that being said, I was not a huge fan of her previous book, Along for the Ride. I am not sure why, but I just was not engaged by it. I still had high hopes when I heard about this book though. I mean, I have read and reread Just Listen and Dreamland so many times. Plus take into consideration This Lullaby, Lock & Key, The Truth About Forever, Keeping the Moon…it is hard not to be excited about a new Sarah Dessen book. This book did not make it to my top favorites of Dessen (those spots belong to Dreamland & Just Listen), but it did become another books that I absolutely love.
As always, the characters were absolutely brilliant. Mclean is a likable narrator who is easy to relate to and understand. The way she has reinvented herself with every move was an interesting touch. It made me wonder if I had the same chance, would I be able to do that myself? I think it took some courage, although it was also the way she hid from the world. As you can see, she is full of contradictions, just like any real person. Her father was also a favorite for me. He was funny, lovable, and sometimes just a little clueless. You could also understand how much he was still hurting from what had happened. Surprisingly, the romance was not a strong part of this book. Mclean and Dave had their moments, but nothing really comes to fruition until near the end. He is a Dessen boy, though. Another one that you cannot help but to fall in love with.
I loved the story. It is about so many different things, all of which tie together for a story on identity, family, and love. It is filled with quirky, lovable characters that will stay with you for a long time to come. It is an interesting journey to go on, but one that all of us make. As we venture(d) towards adulthood we all have to come to terms with ourselves and the people who complete our lives.
As I said this was not my absolute favorite book by Sarah Dessen, but it is a book to be added to my favorites list. It reassured my fangirlness that I still loved her stories and her writing. This is a book I would recommend for any fans of Sarah Dessen, and also for fans of books my authors like Deb Caletti or Morgan Matson. A lovely read well worth the time.
As always, the characters were absolutely brilliant. Mclean is a likable narrator who is easy to relate to and understand. The way she has reinvented herself with every move was an interesting touch. It made me wonder if I had the same chance, would I be able to do that myself? I think it took some courage, although it was also the way she hid from the world. As you can see, she is full of contradictions, just like any real person. Her father was also a favorite for me. He was funny, lovable, and sometimes just a little clueless. You could also understand how much he was still hurting from what had happened. Surprisingly, the romance was not a strong part of this book. Mclean and Dave had their moments, but nothing really comes to fruition until near the end. He is a Dessen boy, though. Another one that you cannot help but to fall in love with.
I loved the story. It is about so many different things, all of which tie together for a story on identity, family, and love. It is filled with quirky, lovable characters that will stay with you for a long time to come. It is an interesting journey to go on, but one that all of us make. As we venture(d) towards adulthood we all have to come to terms with ourselves and the people who complete our lives.
As I said this was not my absolute favorite book by Sarah Dessen, but it is a book to be added to my favorites list. It reassured my fangirlness that I still loved her stories and her writing. This is a book I would recommend for any fans of Sarah Dessen, and also for fans of books my authors like Deb Caletti or Morgan Matson. A lovely read well worth the time.