Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ashleystahmer 's review for:
Once and for All
by Sarah Dessen
It was good, but not great. A long time fan of Dessen's, I was anxiously waiting for this book to come out. I loved the concept, as an avid watcher of wedding shows and the like. That part of the book was interesting, and I liked the small bits of the weddings that Louna helped with.
I just think that there was a lot going on in this story, sometimes too much going on. There was this sort of love triangle mentality, with Louna unable to move on from her old boyfriend but always considering the possibility of Ambrose. That was expected and generally followed the plot line I figured it would.
Then, though, were the flashbacks of her time with Ethan. Ugh.
On top of the romance plot line, there was the dating bet with Ambrose, the drama of her best friend's family/work balance, her mother's life, her pseudo-godfather's life . . . there was a lot going on. I think, for the most part, Dessen balanced it all well. The last few chapters, though, felt rushed and a little clunky.
While I know I'm complaining, overall, it was a good book. It was the perfect beach read, filling me with that nostalgia for high school and wanting to go on blind dates with nice (and sometimes, unfortunately, boring) boys. While not her best book, Dessen did not exactly disappoint, either.
I just think that there was a lot going on in this story, sometimes too much going on. There was this sort of love triangle mentality, with Louna unable to move on from her old boyfriend but always considering the possibility of Ambrose. That was expected and generally followed the plot line I figured it would.
Then, though, were the flashbacks of her time with Ethan. Ugh.
Spoiler
I wanted to love Ethan and Louna, wanted to feel like my heart was broken when he died, but it didn't happen. The flashbacks were cute, but I just felt like I was reading this watered down, sped up version of a love story. I feel like Dessen made their relationship this epic one night long-distance love so then it would be easier to accept that Louna could eventually move on. I don't know. I mean, I get it, but it just felt a little forced. The whole beach sex scene was unexpected and while I'm all about sex positivity, it felt, again, a little forced.On top of the romance plot line, there was the dating bet with Ambrose, the drama of her best friend's family/work balance, her mother's life, her pseudo-godfather's life . . . there was a lot going on. I think, for the most part, Dessen balanced it all well. The last few chapters, though, felt rushed and a little clunky.
Spoiler
Louna's entire relationship with Ben was a disappointment. He deserved better, or he should have just been a one-night date like the rest of the boys.While I know I'm complaining, overall, it was a good book. It was the perfect beach read, filling me with that nostalgia for high school and wanting to go on blind dates with nice (and sometimes, unfortunately, boring) boys. While not her best book, Dessen did not exactly disappoint, either.