My Thoughts: The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen

The Rest of the Story
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: June 4th 2019
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780062933621
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy / Own

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Emma Saylor doesn’t remember a lot about her mother, who died when she was ten. But she does remember the stories her mom told her about the big lake that went on forever, with cold, clear water and mossy trees at the edges.

Now it’s just Emma and her dad, and life is good, if a little predictable…until Emma is unexpectedly sent to spend the summer with her mother’s family—her grandmother and cousins she hasn’t seen since she was a little girl.

When Emma arrives at North Lake, she realizes there are actually two very different communities there. Her mother grew up in working class North Lake, while her dad spent summers in the wealthier Lake North resort. The more time Emma spends there, the more it starts to feel like she is divided into two people as well. To her father, she is Emma. But to her new family, she is Saylor, the name her mother always called her.

Then there’s Roo, the boy who was her very best friend when she was little. Roo holds the key to her family’s history, and slowly, he helps her put the pieces together about her past. It’s hard not to get caught up in the magic of North Lake—and Saylor finds herself falling under Roo’s spell as well.

For Saylor, it’s like a whole new world is opening up to her. But when it’s time to go back home, which side of her will win out? (Goodreads)

Summer just is not summer without a Sarah Dessen book in your hand, and the story for this season is her newest book, The Rest of the Story! I started reading this book while we were on vacation at the beach, (which was the perfect place to start the book), and I finished it on the drive home. This book was the perfect summer read, and is definitely a new favorite as well!

There are so many things that I really loved about this book, one being the characters! There were many great characters in this book, and two of my favorites were Emma, the main character, and Roo, a boy she meets in the book. There are a lot of interesting secondary characters as well, including a whole bunch of new family members that Emma didn’t even know she had. (I love these kinds of stories!)

Another thing that I really loved about the story was the storyline and setting. Like Sarah’s previous books, the storyline is fun, but also touches on some difficult issues as well. I was addicted to the story, and I flew through the pages faster than I expected to. I also love that the book was set at the lake, (which also had a beach), as I seem to be reading a lot of beach books lately, and definitely want more lake stories! This book was perfect.

And before I forget, I also want to add that I LOVE that Sarah adds little Easter eggs in her books that are throwbacks to some of her previous stories! I’ve ready all of Sarah’s books, and I’m always on the lookout for an egg, and this one was great! (I won’t mention it, so read the story to find it for yourself!) This totally makes me want to read all of my other favorite books of Sarah’s this summer, and I’m currently trying to figure out how to add them to my Summer TBR!

Overall; The Rest of the Story was the perfect summer read that was JUST what I needed to kick off my summer reading, and I’m thrilled at how much I enjoyed this book. It’s definitely a new favorite, and it has made me want to re-read ALL of my other favorites of Sarah’s. (I am definitely trying to figure out how to work those into my Summer TBR!) If you’re a fan of Sarah’s books, I know you will love The Rest of the Story. And if you’ve never read one Sarah’s books before, this would be a great book to start with!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Rest of the Story & Call It What You Want

The Rest of the Story
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: June 4th 2019
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062933621

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Emma Saylor doesn’t remember a lot about her mother, who died when she was ten. But she does remember the stories her mom told her about the big lake that went on forever, with cold, clear water and mossy trees at the edges.

Now it’s just Emma and her dad, and life is good, if a little predictable…until Emma is unexpectedly sent to spend the summer with her mother’s family—her grandmother and cousins she hasn’t seen since she was a little girl.

When Emma arrives at North Lake, she realizes there are actually two very different communities there. Her mother grew up in working class North Lake, while her dad spent summers in the wealthier Lake North resort. The more time Emma spends there, the more it starts to feel like she is divided into two people as well. To her father, she is Emma. But to her new family, she is Saylor, the name her mother always called her.

Then there’s Roo, the boy who was her very best friend when she was little. Roo holds the key to her family’s history, and slowly, he helps her put the pieces together about her past. It’s hard not to get caught up in the magic of North Lake—and Saylor finds herself falling under Roo’s spell as well.

For Saylor, it’s like a whole new world is opening up to her. But when it’s time to go back home, which side of her will win out? (Goodreads)

I am a HUGE Sarah Dessen fan, and I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for something new by her! I've read all of her books, some multiple times, and they never get old. I have been sitting on a review copy of this book for a while now, and it's finally almost time to start it. I CAN'T WAIT!!

Call It What You Want
by Brigid Kemmerer
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Publication Date: June 25th 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
ISBN: 9781681198095

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When his dad is caught embezzling funds from half the town, Rob goes from popular lacrosse player to social pariah. Even worse, his father’s failed suicide attempt leaves Rob and his mother responsible for his care.

Everyone thinks of Maegan as a typical overachiever, but she has a secret of her own after the pressure got to her last year. And when her sister comes home from college pregnant, keeping it from her parents might be more than she can handle.

When Rob and Maegan are paired together for a calculus project, they’re both reluctant to let anyone through the walls they’ve built. But when Maegan learns of Rob’s plan to fix the damage caused by his father, it could ruin more than their fragile new friendship...

This captivating, heartfelt novel asks the question: Is it okay to do something wrong for the right reasons? (Goodreads)

Brigid Kemmerer is another author that I really enjoy, and am super excited to read this new book by her as well! A review copy of this book landed on my doorstep a few weeks back, and I'm super excited to get started on it asap.
(And I also need to read A Curse So Dark And Lonely as well!)

That's all for me...

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

My Thoughts: Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Once and For All
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: June 6th 2017
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 358
ISBN: 9780425290330
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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As bubbly as champagne and delectable as wedding cake, Once and for All, Sarah Dessen's thirteenth novel, is set in the world of wedding planning, where crises are routine.

Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, has seen every sort of wedding: on the beach, at historic mansions, in fancy hotels and clubs. Perhaps that's why she's cynical about happily-ever-after endings, especially since her own first love ended tragically. When Louna meets charming, happy-go-lucky serial dater Ambrose, she holds him at arm's length. But Ambrose isn't about to be discouraged, now that he's met the one girl he really wants.

Sarah Dessen’s many, many fans will adore her latest, a richly satisfying, enormously entertaining story that has everything—humor, romance, and an ending both happy and imperfect, just like life itself. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Once and For All by Sarah Dessen was one of my most anticipated reads for 2017, and I’m thrilled to have finally read the book. Earlier this Summer I decided to start my very own Sarah Dessen Readathon, as a way to read all of Sarah’s previous books before starting this new one, as most of the books are connected in some small way, and there were a few of her books that I hadn’t yet read before. I enjoyed reading/rereading these books so much, and I’m thrilled that I have now read ALL of Sarah’s books! Once and For All was definitely a great addition to my much loved Sarah Dessen collection.

There are so many characters in this book to love, and like with a lot of Sarah’s previous main characters, I was able to relate to Louna in SO many ways. I really loved Louna, and her story was both sigh-inducing and heartbreaking as well. All she basically has for her family is her mom, who is awesome, and her mom’s best friend, William, who is practically her father figure. I loved them as well. But it was definitely Ambrose that stole the story for me. How could you not love Ambrose?! His incident with the tape dispenser was one of the most hilarious parts of the story, but there’s so much about him to love. Read the book and meet these characters for yourself, and I know you will love them as well.

I was super excited about the storyline of the book. I love a good wedding story, and with this being about wedding planners, I knew I would enjoy it. And I did! Yeah, the book was a little predictable, but maybe that’s just because I’ve read so many of Sarah’s books this year, I could see in advance where she was going with the story. But, that didn’t make me love it any less, as I was hooked as I turned the pages. This book made me laugh so many times, and had quite a few swoon-worthy moments, and even broke my heart in some places, but I loved it nonetheless. I can’t wait to read it again.

Overall; Once and For All is a most perfect summer read, and I’m so glad to have finally had a chance to read it. It definitely gave me all the feels. And, now that I’ve marked it off my TBR, I can officially say that I’ve read ALL of Sarah Dessen’s books! I’m really looking forward to rereading a few of them again soon.

Sarah Dessen Readathon • Saint Anything

Saint Anything
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Penguin Teen
Pages: 448
ISBN: 9780141361734
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?

Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.

The uber-popular Sarah Dessen explores her signature themes of family, self-discovery, and change in her twelfth novel, sure to delight her legions of fans. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Saint Anything was the final book on my list to read for my Sarah Dessen Readathon! I originally read Saint Anything back when the book first came out back in 2015, and I remember really enjoying the story when I read it. Yet, I feel like I enjoyed it even more the second time around, and that, my friends, is the best feeling ever!

I know I've probably said this in ALL of my reviews, but Sarah writes such awesome main characters. I'm always able to relate to them in some way or another, and that goes for the main character in this book as well. I knew exactly how Sydney felt as the story went along, and I actually related to her in more ways than one. Thank goodness she had really awesome friends, and even parents, though I wanted to scream at them more than a few times throughout the story. I love so many characters in this book. They are great friendships, and great romances, and so much more.

Now that I've read ALL of Sarah's books, I can look back and see how the books are connected, yet different in their own ways. I LOVE THIS. I love the settings and the storylines, and even the little cookies that she leaves for us throughout the books. I'm so glad that I decided to read all of these books over the past few weeks, not only because contemporaries are my favorite, but also because they all made an impact on me, all in different ways. I definitely see a reread of all of these books in the future.

Overall; Saint Anything was a great ending to my Sarah Dessen Readathon. While I'm thrilled that I can finally say that I've read ALL of Sarah's books, after having wanted to do so for so long, I am also so sad to be done with all the books! I still have Once and for All to read, but I'm saving it for a few more weeks, but I can't wait to dive into it as well. If you've made it this far with me, congrats to you! And if you're curious at all about Sarah's books, I implore you to definitely check them out. They are all SO worth the read.

Sarah Dessen Readathon - The Moon and More

The Moon and More
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: May 5th 2015

(first published June 4th 2013)

Publisher: Speak
Pages: 435
ISBN: 9780142425817
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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The perfect life?

At first glance, Emaline seems to have it all. A great boyfriend, a close-knot family, an idyllic beach town to call home. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Then she meets Theo, an ambitious young New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. He's sophisticated and exciting, and thinks Emaline is destined for bigger things.

Emaline wants the moon and more, but can she balance where she comes from with where she's going? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
This week for my Sarah Dessen Readathon I read The Moon and More, which is another book that I’ve read before, but also really enjoyed, and couldn’t wait to read again. I remember really enjoying this book the first time I read it, but I feel like I enjoyed it even more the second time around!

Like many of Sarah’s other novels, I really, really loved so many characters in this book. I always find myself forming these emotional attachments to them, and the main character in this story, Emaline, was no exception. I related to her in so many ways. And it wasn’t just her; I loved a lot of the secondary characters as well. She had a really awesome family, and I think I love that more than anything. The only thing about this book that differs from the others is that I didn’t care of either love interest in the story. That rarely happens, but it did in this book.

The thing I remember most from reading this book before was the ending. It was one that I didn’t see coming the first time I read it, but I ended up really loving it, and the decision that Emaline made for her future. I also absolutely love that this book was set during the summer, AND at the beach. I am usually not a fan of summertime at all, but I’m actually really enjoying it this year, and I think all of the summer books that I am reading definitely have something to do with that. And the beach setting has me super excited for my beach vacation coming soon. All of this makes the storyline and setting for this book even more special to me, and I totally find myself wanting to visit Colby!

Overall; I’ve read The Moon and More before, but I really forgot how much I enjoyed the book the first time, and I think I enjoyed it even more reading it for the second time. Next on my list is Saint Anything, another re-read for me, and the LAST book on my readathon list before I can finally start Once and For All!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: What Happened to Goodbye

What Happened to Goodbye
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: April 9th 2013 (first published 2011)
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 402
ISBN: 9780142423837
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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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.

Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
My Sarah Dessen Readathon pick for this week was What Happened to Goodbye, a book that I’ve had on my TBR for a while now, and hadn’t yet read. I was SO excited to finally read this book. I can’t believe I’ve had it in my collection for so long, and hadn’t yet read it, especially considering that it’s one of Sarah’s more recent novels. I’m glad to finally mark it off my TBR, and to say that I LOVED IT!!

As I said, this is one of the few books by Sarah that I had not yet read, so I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading it. The story, like all of Sarah’s stories, completely grabbed my attention, and wouldn’t let go. I really enjoyed the storyline for the book, even the basketball parts, which I am just recently becoming a fan of, but still don’t really understand. The ending came together perfectly, even though I totally didn’t want the story to end at all, but it wrapped up nicely, and I loved that.

Like with Sarah’s other novels, there are SO many characters to love in this book. I always seem to relate to the main characters in one way or another, and Mclean was no exception. I totally got her, and what she was going through, and how she felt. I’ve been there, girl. The friends she met as the story went along are the ones you always want to have in life, and I really couldn’t get enough of them. Admittedly, at the end of Sarah’s books, I usually find myself wanting to know more about these secondary characters, and asking WHY don’t they get their own stories?? Haha!

I love the cameo appearances we get to see from characters that we’ve met in previous books! While some are named by name, others are just by descriptions, and I love that I know exactly who they are just by how they are described. That’s how well I’ve gotten to know all of these characters over the course of this readathon!

Overall; What Happened to Goodbye is definitely another favorite by Sarah, as if you couldn’t tell by this super gushy review. I’m thrilled to have finally read the book, and I imagine I’ll be reading it again in the near future. Next on my list is The Moon in More, which I read a few years ago, but am really looking forward to re-reading again!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: first published June 16th 2009
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 399
ISBN: 9780142415566
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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Up all night.

Nights have always been Auden's time, her chance to escape everything that's going on around her.

Then she meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, and he becomes her nocturnal tour guide.

Now, with an endless supply of summer nights between them, almost anything can happen... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Along for the Ride is the next book on my list for my Sarah Dessen Readathon, and I was excited to read it again! I originally read the book a while back, way back in 2009 actually, so most of the details were blurry in my mind. I was really looking forward to rereading the book though, as I remember really enjoying it the first time I read it. And, of course, I did once again.

There are so many characters to like in this book, including the main character, Auden. I was definitely able to relate to her in more ways than one. Her parents were both kind of flakey in their own ways, but she had really cool step-mom. I completely forgot how selfish and annoying the dad was in this book. He was definitely my least favorite person. I really loved the friends she met in Colby. They were all awesome, including Eli!

I love that this book, like most of Sarah's books, was set during the summer. I'm not usually a big fan of summer, or of the heat, at least, but I've read a LOT of summer themed books lately, and they have me super excited for summer to finally arrive. The book was also set at the beach, and I definitely feel the beach calling me now.  The storyline was really light-hearted, and made for a really fun read.

Overall; now that I've reread Along for the Ride, I totally remember why I loved it so much. I'm so glad that I took the time to reread it again, and I definitely plan to reread it again in the future! The next book on my readathon list is What Happened to Goodbye, which I have NOT yet read before, and I'm really looking forward to finally doing so!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: Lock and Key

Lock and Key
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: first published April 22nd 2008
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 448
ISBN: 9780142414729
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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Unlock your heart and the rest will follow.

Ruby is used to taking care of herself.

But now that she's living with her sister, she's got her own room, she's going to a good school, and her future looks bright.

Plus there's an adorable boy next door.

Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Lock and Key is the next book on my list for my Sarah Dessen Readathon, and I couldn't wait to read this book again!! This book was actually the second book I ever read by Sarah Dessen, and I remember reading it way back in 2009. I only remembered bits and pieces from the story, but reading it again was like reading it for the first time. This was yet another really great book by Sarah!

One thing I've notice as I read these books for my readathon is that Sarah Dessen makes really awesome main characters. I've yet to 'meet' one that I didn't like, and I'm always able to relate to them in some way or another. Ruby in Lock and Key was no exception. I related to her in so many ways, so I totally knew where she was coming from and how she was feeling throughout the story. I love her family members; well, her sister and her husband, anyway, who were both really cool, and only wanted the best for Ruby. Her mom, on the other hand, was a real flake. The friends she meets at her new school were pretty awesome as well.

The storyline for the book was, like most of Sarah's books, lighthearted, yet full of emotion. I love that there are issues in the stories that people will be able to relate to, as I know I sure do a lot of the time. And, of course, there are the Easter eggs hidden in the story; be it in the description of a character we've met before, or a place from another story. I LOVE that these are included, and I definitely appreciate them so much more now that I'm actually reading the books in order.

Overall; Lock and Key is another great read from Sarah Dessen! I really enjoyed re-reading the story, especially since I didn't really remember much from when I read it way back when. My brain was happy for the refresher! Now I'm moving on to the next book on my list, Along for the Ride, which is another re-read for me, but I'm excited to get back into the story again!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: Just Listen

Just Listen
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: first published April 6th 2006
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780142410974
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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To find the truth, you've got to be willing to hear it.

When she's modeling, Annabel is the picture of perfection.

But her real life is far from perfect.

Fortunately, she's got Owen. He's intense, music-obsessed, and dedicated to always telling the truth.

And most of all, he's determined to make Annabel happy... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The next book on my list for my Sarah Dessen Readathon is Just Listen, which happens to be one of my most favorite Sarah Dessen books! I first read Just Listen back in 2015, and unlike some of the other books I've re-read where I couldn't really remember much, I remembered almost everything from Just Listen. Seriously, this book is a favorite of mine for a reason. It has a great storyline, which is both lighthearted and extremely emotional as well, and it some pretty awesome, very memorable characters.

As I mentioned above, there's really so much to love about this book, including the characters. I love Annabel, the main character. She's often looked at as 'the girl who has it all', but in reality she's so far from that. And she's been through something that no person should ever have to go through. She has a pretty great family as well, even if they do, like most families, have issues of their own to work through. I especially love the relationship that she has with her sisters. I also love Owen, and his love for music, and his great family as well! I meant it, so many great characters in this story.

The storyline for the book is lighthearted for the most part, but also deals with some really serious issues as well. Along with great characters, this is another trend I see in Sarah's books. And I love that while the book is a fun read, it also deals with the tough stuff. I find myself relating to so much throughout Sarah's stories, and I know other people will as well, and I'm so glad that these books around in our world.

Another thing I really like about Sarah's books from reading them in order is the little Easter eggs that she leaves in each story. It may just be a location, (school, mall, etc) that we know from one of her previous books, or even people that we've met from the previous books! I didn't really notice this the first time I read the books, as I read them out of order, or haven't yet read a particular book to know the characters, but it's so interesting to see. In this book we get to see a few people we met from a previous book, and I loved seeing them again!

Overall; I really, really loved re-reading Just Listen. It's definitely a book that is worth the re-read, and I actually plan to re-read it again soon! It's so good. Next on my list for this readathon is Lock and Key, which I read in 2009, but don't remember much about, so I'm really excited to dive back into it!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: The Truth About Forever

The Truth About Forever
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: first published May 11th 2004
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 374
ISBN: 9780142406250
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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A long, hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes, unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to question her sheltered life.

Is it really always better to be safe than sorry? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The next book on my list for my Sarah Dessen Readathon is The Truth About Forever!! I read this book for the very first time last year, and it's definitely one of my most favorite books that I've read by Sarah, so far. Even though I read this just last year, I coudn't wait to dive back into the story again. That's how much I love it! I think I love it even more reading it for the second time!

There are SO many characters to love in this story; Macy, the main character, her sister Caroline, Wes and the WHOLE WISH CREW. I loved them all. When you have a group of such likable characters, it really makes the book that much more special, and I think that's why this is one of my faves.

The storyline for the book was fun and lighthearted, but was also about overcoming grief and loss. And even though I've read this book before, I was completely addicted to the storyline once again, and I flew through the pages in just a few hours time. I've been asked a few times lately what book would I recommend to readers that are new to Sarah's books, and I think The Truth About Forever is a great place to start, if you don't want to start from the very beginning. I love this book!

Overall; I can't even begin to tell you how much I love The Truth About Forever. It's definitely one of my favorites, and I highly recommend you checking it out if you haven't already done so. Next on my list is Just Listen, which happens to be another favorite of mine, and I can't wait to dive into it again as well!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: This Lullaby

This Lullaby
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: first published May 27th 2002
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780142501559
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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She's got it all figured out.

Or does she? When it comes to relationships, Remy's got a whole set of rules.

Never get too serious. Never let him break your heart. And never, ever date a musician.

But then Remy meets Dexter, and the rules don't seem to apply anymore.

Could it be that she's starting to understand what all those love songs are about? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
This Lullaby is the next book on the list for my Sarah Dessen Readathon, and I’m super excited to read this book again. This Lullaby was the first book that I ever read by Sarah, and I read it many, many years ago, so a lot of the details from the book are super fuzzy in my mind. I'm excited to have the opportunity to read the story again!

As I mentioned above, I read This Lullaby a while back, in 2009 actually, and it was the first book I read by Sarah. I expected the story to come flashing back in my mind as I started reading the book, but it didn’t. That was totally ok with me, however, as it felt like I was getting a chance to read the story like it was a new-to-me read, and I liked that. Some details I did remember, like Dexter, who is hard to forget, but a lot I had forgotten. (Easily done, considering how many books I read in a year!)

Remy was an interesting main character to follow, and I definitely found her to be really relatable. People in the story saw her as a b-tch in the beginning of the story, but she proves as the story goes along that she’s anything but that. I appreciate her need for independence and such. I get it, Remy. Dexter, Remy’s love interest in the story, was definitely the highlight of the book for me, as a lot of Sarah’s leading males are. He made me sigh more than a few times throughout the book; he was just so, so sweet. Why aren’t more guys like Dexter? There are many more interesting secondary characters in the story, including Remy’s family and friends. I love the friendship she had with them all, especially with her friends.

The storyline for the book was, like most of Sarah’s books, relatable and completely engrossing. There’s just something about Sarah’s books that are so comforting to me, I can start a story and become completely engrossed. That’s exactly what happened with This Lullaby. It was set in the summer as well, which I loved, since summer is quickly approaching. Altogether, the characters, setting and storyline made for a really great read.

Overall; I really, really enjoyed re-reading This Lullaby, especially as I read it so long ago, and it felt like reading the book again for the first time. I really enjoyed the book, and I’m not excited to move on to The Truth About Forever, which I actually read last year for the readalong that Penguin Teen hosted, and it ended up being one of my most favorite books by her. I’m super excited to dive into it again!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: Dreamland

Dreamland
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: September 1st 2000 (first published)
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 250
ISBN: 9780142401750
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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Love can be a very dangerous thing.

After her sister left, Caitlin felt lost.

Then she met Rogerson.

When she's with him, nothing seems real.

But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Dreamland is the fourth book in my list to read for my Sarah Dessen Readathon, and it's one of the few books by Sarah that I've not yet read. To be honest, I've actually started to read this book in the past, and have promptly put it aside. For a reason. I know it deals with abuse, and books dealing with abuse tend to make me very angry. But, I wanted to read the book for this readathon, so I decided to dive in. I'm glad I did, as I can now finally mark it off the list of books I've read by Sarah.

I've read a lot of books lately where I've really been able to connect and relate to the main character, and this book was no exception. I totally get where Caitlyn was coming from regarding her parents and her sister, and I totally get why she did some of the things that she did. Been there, done that. And while I've never experienced firsthand the abuse that Caitlyn went through in the story, I do know someone close who has, so I instantly picked up on the signs from Rogerson. Maybe it's the overprotective parent in me as well, but I just know to watch for these things. It made me SO mad that no one around Caitlyn could see it. Seriously, I wanted to shout at everyone to OPEN THEIR EYES and see what is going on with this girl! Argh. This made me SO angry for her.

I knew going into Dreamland that the storyline for the book would be a lot darker than I am used to by Sarah. I totally prepared for this. I'm really astonished at how much darker it was. And though the storyline made me so angry, I'm also glad that books like this exist in the world, so that maybe someone reading the book is experiencing the same thing as Caitlyn will be able to relate. I wanted SO badly for Caitlyn to just talk to SOMEONE, to tell them what she was going through. There are people out there to help! No one should have to go what she went through.

Sigh.

Overall; Dreamland was a hard book to read, but I'm so glad I finally did. I'm totally going to have both of my girls read it asap. Now I'm moving on to the next book on my list, This Lullaby, which I have read before, but I am super excited to read again!! :)

Sarah Dessen Readathon: Keeping The Moon

Keeping the Moon
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: September 1st 1999
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 228
ISBN: 9780142401767
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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Never underestimate the power of friendship.

When Colie goes to spend the summer at the beach, she doesn't expect much.

But Colie didn't count on meeting Morgan and Isabel.

Through them, she learns what true friendship is all about, and finally starts to realize her potential.

And that just might open the door to her first chance at love... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Keeping the Moon is the third book I've read for my Sarah Dessen Readathon! I have to admit, this readathon is seriously the best thing ever, as the more books I read of Sarah's, the more I look forward to the next book, and that makes me even more excited for Once and For All, Sarah's newest book which is due to release in June!

Some of Sarah's books I've read before, and some I haven't. Keeping the Moon is one that I've already read, but I can't really remember much about it. Bits and pieces, yes, but not much more. I was super excited to read it again to refresh my book-filled brain, and once I started reading the book, all the memories of reading it before came flooding back. I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS!!

I really enjoyed both the characters and the storyline for the book. Colie, the main character, was very relatable in so many ways. I totally get her, and I loved watching her come out of her shell, with the help of her aunt Mira, and her new friends, Morgan and Isabel. I also really loved Norman, AND Cat Norman as well. LOL!

Overall; I really enjoyed rereading Keeping the Moon! It brought back a lot of memories for me from reading it before, and I really enjoyed diving back into the story. Now it's time to move on the Sarah's next novel, Dreamland, which is a new-to-me book, and I'm really curious to get started on it ASAP. :)

Sarah Dessen Readathon: Someone Like You

Someone Like You
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: May 1st 1998
Publisher: Speak
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780142401774
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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The world is a terrible place not to have a best friend.

Scarlett was always the strong one.

Halley was always content to follow in her wake.

Then Scarlett’s boyfriend died, and Scarlett learned that she was pregnant.

Now Halley has to find the strength to take the lead and help Scarlett get through it.

Because true friendship is a promise you keep forever. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Someone Like You is the second book I've read for my Sarah Dessen Readathon, and as it is one of the few books by Sarah that I had not yet read, I was really excited to finally read it. In case you don't know already, I recently started this readathon so that I could read ALL of Sarah's books in order from oldest to newest, in anticipation of her newest release, Once and For All, which is due to release this coming June!

The main character in Someone Like You, Halley was a really sweet girl, but some of the decisions she made throughout the book were completely frustrating. I do realize that this is part of the growing process, and we've ALL been there at one point or another, but it's still hard to read. I absolutely love Halley's relationship with her best friend, Scarlett, whom a good bit of the story revolves around. That strong bond that they have is the kind that everyone wishes for. It was so special, and I really loved it.

The storyline for the book was one that many people will find completely relatable, as it includes things like peer pressure, and a lot of other issues that people face every day. But it's also a story about growing and finding yourself, even when you don't know where you belong. I love that there are books like this in the world, and I hope that people are able to relate to them the way I did.

Overall; I'm thrilled that I finally had time to read Someone Like You! It was an enjoyable read, and now I'm excited to move on to Keeping the Moon, which will be a reread for me!

Sarah Dessen Readathon: That Summer

That Summer
by Sarah Dessen
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Publication Date: January 1st 1996
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 208
ISBN: 9780670061105
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Own

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For fifteen-year-old Haven, life is changing too quickly. She's nearly six feet tall, her father is getting remarried, and her sister—the always perfect Ashley—is planning a wedding of her own. Haven wishes things could just go back to the way they were. Then an old boyfriend of Ashley's reenters the picture, and through him, Haven sees the past for what it really was, and comes to grips with the future. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
With Sarah Dessen's newest book, Once and For All, due to release in just a little over two months, I'm challenging myself to a Sarah Dessen Readathon! My plan is to read ALL of Sarah's books, in order from oldest to newest, over the next few weeks. If I can keep up, I'll be able to read all the books just in time before the newest is released. I'm super excited about this, as I adore Sarah's books, and I'd love the chance to read them all. Some will be rereads, and a few I haven't read before, so I'm excited to get started on those! I plan to make a blog post to share a few thoughts on the books as I read them.

The first book on my list to read was That Summer, Sarah's very first book. I was really excited to finally start this book, as I've had it on my TBR, and on my bookshelf, for way too long. This is one of the few books that I had not yet read by Sarah.

I have to admit, That Summer is definitely not my most favorite book by Sarah, but the story was still really interesting, as were the characters. I remember being the main character Haven's age and having so much happen at once, so I was definitely able to relate to her through that. (Although she did handle things a lot better than I did at that age. *smirk*.)

I figured out where the storyline was going pretty early on in the story. I saw it coming, even though I was also expecting something different. But, the book read very much like a Dessen novel, and I enjoyed that part. The only thing that I missed in this book compared to her more recent books was definitely the romance. Call me a sucker, but I can't resist the romance. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book!

Overall; That Summer was an interesting read, and I'm so glad I finally made time to read it. Now I'm super excited to move on to the next book, Someone Like You, which is another new-to-me book, and I can't wait to finally read it as well!