Caitlyn from the Napanee Branch reviews Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, 2006 YA novel that has it all: a relatable protagonist, a swoon-worthy love interest, and some serious soul-searching.

"On the outside, Annabel Greene has it all – the house, the family, the friends, the clothes – but on the inside, nothing is as it appears. Annabel is returning to school for her senior year, still reeling from a traumatic experience at the start of summer, her middle sister is commanding all her parents’ worry and attention, her oldest sister is miles away in New York City, her former best friend hates her, and she and her childhood best friend haven’t spoken in years. Enter Owen Armstrong. The rumour mill calls him the Angriest Boy in School and a juvenile delinquent. He never goes anywhere without his music, and he’s the last person in the world Annabel would have been seen with just a few months before. But after a public dressing-down from her former best friend, Owen Armstrong becomes the one person Annabel can talk to – the one person who will just listen, because he’s dedicated to telling the truth, and expects it from everyone else. But as they bond over musical debates and their friendship starts to grow into something more, Annabelle’s past catches up with her, and she’s faced with telling the truth, once and for all, for better or for worse, if only she can find the courage to say it."

 It is a wonderful thing when a reader can truly feel connected to a character, and when a person can look at that character and grow, just from reading about them. 

"This is one of my favourite Sarah Dessen novels," says Caitlyn. "It has everything fans have come to expect from her: an introspective, relatable heroine with real issues, a swoon-worthy, personality-driven hero, and some serious soul-searching. It is a wonderful thing when a reader can truly feel connected to a character, and when a person can look at that character and grow, just from reading about them. That’s what Sarah Dessen brings to the young adult table – strong heroines and journeys that are never easy, but which bring them out into the world and into themselves, being who they’re meant to be, in the end."

"I would suggest this book to anyone looking for great writing, relatable and engaging characters, and themes surrounding family, love, and true friendships," she concludes. "If you’ve read and loved any of Sarah Dessen’s other novels, this is certainly one to add to your list."