Last word first: A perfectly satisfying read. I loved every page. Would Joe like this book? Nope. Poor Joe. I haven’t had any good recommendations for him lately.
Recommended by: More people than I can count.
Description: Macy's summer stretches before her, carefully planned and outlined. She will spend her days sitting at the library information desk. She will spend her evenings studying for the SATs. Spare time will be used to help her obsessive mother prepare for the big opening of the townhouse section of her luxury development. But Macy's plans don't anticipate a surprising and chaotic job with Wish Catering, a motley crew of new friends, or ... Wes. Tattooed, artistic, anything-but-expected Wes. He doesn't fit Macy's life at all--so why does she feel so comfortable with him? So ... happy? What is it about him that makes her let down her guard and finally talk about how much she misses her father, who died before her eyes the year before? (from Sarah Dessen’s website)
My thoughts: Perhaps it’s stubborn of me, but when too many people tell me I’ll like something, I tend to rebel. Maybe that’s why it took me so long to read something by Sarah Dessen. To all of you who recommended the author, I’m sorry. You were right, and I was obstinate. The Truth About Forever is fantastic. It’s funny and sweet and romantic and touching and all those good things rolled into one.
There is definitely a strong romance component to the story, but for me, the biggest part of the book was watching Macy come alive again after her father’s death, and seeing her family start to heal. Macy and her mother have basically come to an implicit agreement not to have any feelings or problems, to the point where they don’t even have a real relationship. Macy has essentially lost both her parents with her father’s death, and it broke my heart.
I don’t really have too much to say about this book, other than I really enjoyed it. If you enjoy a light, feel-good romance with more going on than just smouldering eyes and heaving bosoms (there are actually none of those here) this might be the book for you.
About Sarah Dessen: "I was always a big reader, mostly because my parents were. I used to get frustrated with my mom because she bought me books for Christmas when what I really wanted were the gift my friends got, things like sweaters and jewelry. But I did love to read. When I was eight or nine my parents gave me an old manual typewriter and a little desk in the corner of our den, and I'd sit there and type up my stories. I was the kind of kid that people always sighed over and said, "She has such a wild imagination," which usually meant "I wish Sarah would try to stick to the truth." From the bio on Sarah Dessen's website. There's more!
My question to you: Which Dessen should I read next?
6 comments:
I would recommend This Lullaby next, although all her books are great!
A couple of weeks ago I read Someone Like You, and it wasn't a very good read for me. And reading this review makes me a bit reluctant about picking a Dessen novel one more time. The storyline here is very similar to SLY, I'll have to read it to compare.
I hear Along For The Ride is good :o)
And great new blog look!
xo, Ella
I've picked up this book twice but I keep putting it down. I think I'll read it now. And I love the new look!
Great review! I was the same way with Sarah Dessen! I just couldn't believe that her books would be that good. Boy was I wrong. My first read was Just Listen and I loved it. I've got this book sitting on my shelves, so I an see that I'm going to have to start it soon :-D
I recently purchased this but still haven't gotten around to it. I love your review - you just bumped it up the list. BTW, love the new look around here. :D
my favorite book of hers is dreamland. i just absolutely love it but i love ALL of her books. lots of love!!
Post a Comment