Sarah Dessen book Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!




What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Penguin Group USA Inco
Pages: 416


Overview

Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents’ bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother’s new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

My Take

I was finally excited to get into this book. I love Sarah Dessen’s books! They always make me feel that the characters are real with a hint of geek and learning what life is all about.

McLean goes moves again as this time she used her real name instead of a new identity. She immediately makes friends with Riley, Heather, Dave who is her next door neighbor and Deb who seems to be a school outcast. Together they form a close social group but with their own dysfunctional aspects. Everyone’s life has turmoil somehow, but they come together to build a model for the city’s celebration.

McLean gets along well with her dad who works to save restaurants from going under as best as he could. She doesn’t get along with her mom which seems to be controlling and eventually confronts her mom on things. With making friends, dealing with her parents, McLean learns to make friends and fights the temptation to run away from relationships. All her friends give McLean a learning process be herself again but Dave plays that role more than the most characters in this book.

Dave is a cute boy next door who is smart. I like him. His parents are quite unique and strange, I think. It made the story interesting, just a bit. Of course there’s a hint of romance but the book doesn’t go in that direction that much. It’s geared more towards McLean’s self discovery process.

This book had me laugh a few times! It gives off a friendly, funny and self discovery vibes. The beginning was a little slow but as you pass each page, it’s a nice read.

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: B

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