MINI-REVIEWS #142 & #143: The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Title: The Truth About Forever

Author: Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Penguin Group

Release Date: May 11, 2004

Pages: 374, Paperback
Source: Audiobook, Library

Summary from Goodreads:

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 wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?

I can definitely see the appeal of Sarah Dessen books! She is a great contemporary writer and knows how to weave stories that involve more than just a cute romance. Her stories, as well as her characters, have incredible depth and they evolve in such a way that makes you feel good by the end. I am definitely a fan! 

The Truth About Forever was my first Sarah Dessen experience. And it was a fantastic one! I loved the book and I felt like it had a certain flare that makes it stand out in the contemporary genre. 

The game of Truth played between Macy and West is exactly what i'm talking about. It was adorable and a refreshing way for two people to connect. Dessen connected the game to the story beautifully and made it a steady element throughout. I really enjoyed this. And I loved their romance to pieces. The build-up was slow and the execution was sweet and believable. They were wonderful together.

And all the little details that surrounded Macy and Wes were wonderful additions to the story. The secondary characters were great, even the ones that I was less than charmed by. They each added a little something to the story. Even Jason and his peculiarities. And the catering job was a fun and amusing tidbit. 

Suffice it to say, I was completely bewitched by The Truth About Forever. So I immediately picked up This Lullaby. 

Title: This Lullaby

Author: Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Release Date: May 27, 2002

Pages: 345, Hardcover
Source: Audiobook, Library

Summary from Goodreads:

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

Well this book was certainly unconventional! And in stark contrast to The Truth About Forever. But I enjoyed the change of pace with this one.

Remy is not your typical YA protagonist. She doesn't believe in love or happy endings. She doesn't get attached. She's very logical when it comes to relationships. Actually, she's kind of a heartless b when it comes down to things. But all things considered, I don't blame her. It's hard to believe in something when you've seen it fail so many times. And I did like that she was a blunt, don't mess with me kind of girl. It was refreshing and a bit amusing watching her lay into Dexter. 

Gosh I just loved Dexter. Yes he was a mess but he was a hot mess. And hilarious. This is a guy who came rocketing through her a girl's bedroom window because she didn't say goodbye. Just something about him was so endearing. I loved watching him get under Remy's skin.

And the friendships in the story was great. Particularly the soda-throwing shenanighans. These girls had each others backs through thick and thin. It was a nice.

Again, this is not your typical romance story but it was a lot of fun. This Lullaby shows the depth of Sarah Dessen's talent. I can definitely understand all of the hype surrounding her work and I will gladly recommend her books to other contemporary fans.