Helpful Score: 5
Dessen does not disappoint! This story, like her others, really draws you into the lives of the characters so well, you can't help but root for the major players to make the right decisions. This book had many side plots going on that were serious, but approached with a realistic spin. It's hard to imagine a book dealing with depression, rape, anorexia, anger management and the social ladder of high school, could completely address those issues, but Just Listen is incredibly written. I recommended this book for readers of all ages. You will have a hard time putting it down!
Helpful Score: 4
This is the first Dessen book I read. I've now finished two others, The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby. This is a truly amazing book. I'm an avid reader, and a teen. I loved Owen and his views on music and life. Annabel was a great character in how she interacted with other characters and how what happened changed her. I'm not into books where the problem comes at the end, but this book is great at how you are introduced to the problem, but it's not clear. In all, I loved it.
Helpful Score: 3
I haven't read everything by Dessen, but this is my favorite so far...you really get entwined in the story and it's characters. It kind of reminded me of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Anyone who is a fan of that book will enjoy this story as well.
Helpful Score: 3
Book left me with tears. Amazing detailed plot. Speaks out to young teens. Get this book while it lasts. Recommended for girls over the age of twelve.
Helpful Score: 2
This was my first Sarah Dessen book ever read, and my favorite of all her books. I fell in love with it from the first page.
The book is about Annabel Green who from the outside has the perfect family. However, in reality her family is torn apart and suffering from many issues including an older sister suffering from anorexia. The book starts off at the beginning of a new school year where everything has changed for Annabel who has lost all her friends due to having been caught with her best friends boyfriend. She is basically ostracized at her school except for a boy who is known for his anger management problems. The two become close friends due to their lives as outcasts and as the truth of Annabel's story comes out, a loving relationship blossoms.
I believe I bought this book the same day it came out, unknowingly I just happened to pick it up. Then I never put it down. I went to school, I was in high school at the time, the next day exhausted from staying up all night reading. My copy has been reread so many times now that it is lovingly battered. However, I don't plan to take it off my bookshelf for a long while.
The book is about Annabel Green who from the outside has the perfect family. However, in reality her family is torn apart and suffering from many issues including an older sister suffering from anorexia. The book starts off at the beginning of a new school year where everything has changed for Annabel who has lost all her friends due to having been caught with her best friends boyfriend. She is basically ostracized at her school except for a boy who is known for his anger management problems. The two become close friends due to their lives as outcasts and as the truth of Annabel's story comes out, a loving relationship blossoms.
I believe I bought this book the same day it came out, unknowingly I just happened to pick it up. Then I never put it down. I went to school, I was in high school at the time, the next day exhausted from staying up all night reading. My copy has been reread so many times now that it is lovingly battered. However, I don't plan to take it off my bookshelf for a long while.
