Why I bought it? For those of you who have been following my book reviews you know that Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite YA authors. There's just something about her storytelling that sucks me in and won't let go, so I've been eagerly awaiting this book. It just came out in June, and I ran by the Barnes and Noble and picked it up.
Synopsis: Auden has grown up as a mini-adult. Always responsible. Always studious. When her parents divorced she started having trouble going to sleep. As a result she stays up into the wee hours of the morning. In the summer after her senior year she goes to stay with her father and step-mother in the small beach town where they live before going off to college. She finds a guy there who also can't sleep. He helps her start a quest to experience some of the things she missed in her childhood.
What I thought? As always it was well written. Dessen is a master of literary commercial YA. She makes the story fun and tells it in such a way that it is hard to put down, but there is a depth to what she tells that reaches in and grabs you--makes you think and feel. This one did not disappoint. I wouldn't say it was my favorite, but it was still very good. Also it was fun to revisit a few old friends and places. If you're not familiar with Dessen's writing she always has some sort of cameo of characters and places from earlier novels. It's not necessary to have read those novels to enjoy this book.
My Rating: ****1/2
Cleanness Score: 4 out of 10. There was a little language, but not much. I've found that her books have gotten cleaner as they've gone. Her earlier novels seems to have more language, etc. than the later ones. There is fighting/arguing/family discord and references to hooking up (you don't really have the descriptions of what specifically happens).
11 comments:
How did you find time to read with all that family so close by!!?? You amaze me. And a great review!
Awesome review.
I have never read anything by Dessen. I think I may need to. I've had others tell me that they really enjoy her books.
I recommend Dessen's works to a lot of reluctant readers, and they for the most part love her books and come back asking for more.
As a reader, I'm also a fan. I do get caught up sometimes in the familiarity and sameness that creeps in at times (it's not quite, "You've read one Sarah Dessen, you've read them all"), but it sort of borders there from time to time.
Lady sure can tell a story, though : )
Glam, it took me longer than it normally would, but it was hard to put down when I did pick it up.
A, I think you would really enjoy Dessen.
KLo, I know what you mean about the stories having a sameness. I noticed it more with this one than with the others, but I really enjoyed the interaction between the main characters. Dessen creates fun characters.
I really love her work!! and-I had insomia when I was younger, so it's always a plot line I'm into! I like that cover too-it looks fun--maybe I'll get this one for my beach vacation week coming up soon! I'll need a big floppy beach hat to go along with it!
Wonderfully informative review! Thank you!
U okay?! You've been gone--wanted to check on u--I hope ur not sick with the swine flu! :)
Thanks for checking on me. I'm doing ok, but the summer is out of control. I was thinking that I would have tons of extra time in the with the kids out of school, but the reality is that I have run kids to and from camps, chaperoned at some, and had visitors and gone to the pool, had more visitors and made visits. Still a few more weeks yet before things calm down.
thanks for the great insite!
LR!! I miss you! You doing okay?!
Sounds like a good one. I'll keep my eye out for it. :-)
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