Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by lumos_libros
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
4.0
Does Sarah Dessen still have the awesome stuff? Oh yeah. No doubt or question about it.
This time around we're gonna get to follow the story of a girl named Mclean. She comes from parents that go through a tabloid worthy divorce. Going against the norm Mclean decides to stay with her dad, and up to this point has been through four moves with him. Four different girls for each move. But this fourth move is going to be distinctly different because for the first time in long while she is going to be herself, if she can even figure out who that is exactly.
The premise intrigued me a lot. I grew up as a military kid that moved around and I always did contemplate starting with a new slate. Be a different person; maybe present myself differently because the impression of who I am isn't set. I never did because it's hard to be someone you're not, just as Mclean figures out.
I felt the chaos and love that goes into restaurants. I caught the excitement of watching a basketball game (I live in place where college basketball is followed like a religion, and she got the feel of it just right). I got mad at Mclean’s mom but then understood her. I got to see how to start something big even if it seems impossible. I learned even a small change, one moment can make the difference. But most importantly I know why it’s important to find a place to call home. To find the people who will be home for you.
I wasn't sure why some people were expressing that they didn't fall in love with Dave. Dave is so... unique and sweet in his own way. I think because the relationship arc is different for Mclean and Dave that people couldn't connect with him the same way they did with the other leading guys. But he is a great guy, no disputing that. My top character choice for this book is Deb. Deb is fantastic. She is more than meets the eye and she isn't ashamed to be herself. Gotta love a character like that.
Dessen fans will read the book but I urge people who haven't to try one of her books. She really is (in my opinion) the best young adult realistic author out today. She captures the female teenage voice and presents it in a way that is relatable to people. Though not my favorite book I still stayed up late at night to finish and rooted for Mclean to find her normal and fully embrace the people who get who the real her is.
Side note:While I was reading this, this song popped into my head. I was learning how to play it on the guitar and it feels like it fits the story. It's kind of the flip of what could have happen if Mclean had decided to keep running away from herself.
This time around we're gonna get to follow the story of a girl named Mclean. She comes from parents that go through a tabloid worthy divorce. Going against the norm Mclean decides to stay with her dad, and up to this point has been through four moves with him. Four different girls for each move. But this fourth move is going to be distinctly different because for the first time in long while she is going to be herself, if she can even figure out who that is exactly.
The premise intrigued me a lot. I grew up as a military kid that moved around and I always did contemplate starting with a new slate. Be a different person; maybe present myself differently because the impression of who I am isn't set. I never did because it's hard to be someone you're not, just as Mclean figures out.
I felt the chaos and love that goes into restaurants. I caught the excitement of watching a basketball game (I live in place where college basketball is followed like a religion, and she got the feel of it just right). I got mad at Mclean’s mom but then understood her. I got to see how to start something big even if it seems impossible. I learned even a small change, one moment can make the difference. But most importantly I know why it’s important to find a place to call home. To find the people who will be home for you.
I wasn't sure why some people were expressing that they didn't fall in love with Dave. Dave is so... unique and sweet in his own way. I think because the relationship arc is different for Mclean and Dave that people couldn't connect with him the same way they did with the other leading guys. But he is a great guy, no disputing that. My top character choice for this book is Deb. Deb is fantastic. She is more than meets the eye and she isn't ashamed to be herself. Gotta love a character like that.
Dessen fans will read the book but I urge people who haven't to try one of her books. She really is (in my opinion) the best young adult realistic author out today. She captures the female teenage voice and presents it in a way that is relatable to people. Though not my favorite book I still stayed up late at night to finish and rooted for Mclean to find her normal and fully embrace the people who get who the real her is.
Side note:While I was reading this, this song popped into my head. I was learning how to play it on the guitar and it feels like it fits the story. It's kind of the flip of what could have happen if Mclean had decided to keep running away from herself.