Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

 

About the Book:

 

Image from Google

Rating: Great

Pages: 371

Released: 2007

Published by: Penguin Books

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Annabel has it all. But then she doesn't. Her best friend is spreading rumours about her, her family is slowly falling apart and she has no one to talk to about any of it. But then she meets music obsessed Owen who wants her to "Just Listen". But can he help her forget what happened and finally put a smile back on her face.

 

First Line:

"I taped the commercial back in April, before anything had happened, and promptly forgot about it."

 

Review:

Annabel's story really hit home for me. The breakdown of her friendship with Sophie is something I think we can all relate to. Who hasn't had a friendship break down? Or had a friend who hasn't turned out to be exactly who you thought they were? I know I have. I enjoyed Owen's character too. The misunderstood man who everyone thinks is so tough but who's really very sweet, couldn't fail but to capture my heart just as he did Annabel's. The arrival of Owen into Annabel's life also brought the valuable lesson of understanding. Concealed beneath the guise of the books title "Just Listen", is a much more profound message. Through the medium of music and the act of listening to music genres she would normally turn over - Annabel learnt that she could understand and appreciate the music better after she'd given it ago. This realisation helped her overcome her past hurt with ex- best friend Sophie and her boyfriend Will Cash, reunite her family, and to move forward with Owen. Another thought provoking and awe inspiring novel from Sarah Dessen.

 

Recommended Audience:

People who are a fan of contemporary.