I’ve always wanted to read a Sarah Dessen book. So when I found this in my school library, I hopped on it.
Title: Just Listen
Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Number of Pages: 371
Published by: Penguin Group
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Summery: (from bookreads.com)When Annabel, the youngest of three beautiful sisters, has a bitter falling out with her best friend-the popular and exciting Sophie-she suddenly finds herself isolated and friendless. but then she meets Owen-a loner, passionate about music and his weekly radio show, and always determined to tell the truth. And when they develop a friendship, Annabel is not only introduced to new music but is encouraged to listen to her own inner voice. with Owen's help, can Annabel find the courage to speak out about what exactly happened the night her friendship with Sophie came to a screeching halt?
My Review:Sarah Dessen has a gift. She’s an amazing writer. Reading this book really was fun, even during the slower parts of the story. And you really can’t teach someone how to do that. It’s based on talent; which she happens to have a lot of.
Every one of her characters seemed so very real to me. Each having a very distinct voice. I fell in love with almost all of them. The only two characters I didn’t like were the ones you weren’t supposed to like; the ‘villains’ of the story, so to say. Sophie and Will were such unlikable characters. I came close to hating both of them, and for Dessen to make her audience feel such powerful emotions is amazing.
Every one of her characters seemed so very real to me. Each having a very distinct voice. I fell in love with almost all of them. The only two characters I didn’t like were the ones you weren’t supposed to like; the ‘villains’ of the story, so to say. Sophie and Will were such unlikable characters. I came close to hating both of them, and for Dessen to make her audience feel such powerful emotions is amazing.
As for Owen, Annabel’s love interest, I really didn’t like him in the beginning. He loves strange music and sits alone at lunch. It seemed odd to me. But as I got to know him, I realized how cool he actually is and how much more there is to him. And the same goes for Annabel. It’s hard to understand why she does the things she does, but as you get to know her, it makes sense.
Annabel’s family was actually very complicated. I’m glad they played such a big part of the story. It wasn’t just about Annabel and her problems. It was about how a family copes when trouble comes their way. Big issues were dealt with that aren’t normally brought up all in one story; death, anorexia, rape. It added a certain depth to the story that most YA books seem to lack.
This was definitely a character-driven book. I happened to love it, but if you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-paranormal story, this is not the book for you. But if you’re looking for something that makes you feel and fall in love with the characters, then I definitely recommend reading this.
seventh book of 2010
