Ratings116
Average rating4
I've now read 4 Sarah Dessen books and I think I can confidently, that eventually I will read all of them. Insta-read author here. I'm not sure if I'll love any as much as Just Listen, but you know what? This book was honestly spectacular.
It has a fantastic message about allowing yourself not to be perfect, to try new things, live for yourself, and about people grieving differently. Absolutely fantastic and I wish I had read this book as a teen. Sometimes it is nice to be reassured that the world doesn't rest on your shoulders.
I loved the characters, even the side characters which is something I think Sarah Dessen does really well with her books – bring life into all the characters. I will say that as much as I liked Wes, this personality is a bit... bland? He feels more like the cliche bad boy outside, but good guy inside, instead of an actual character.
What keeps this from being a five star is that the book felt really anti-climatic. There is some build up and things happen (of course), but everything is just sort of... handled. I don't need Macy yelling at her mom, but I could have done with a more impactful, emotional scene between the two of them showing that things were going to change.
It is cute, sweet, has quirky characters, and is definitely worth the read.