This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

 

About the Book:

 

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Rating: Great

Pages: 345

Released: 2002

Published by: Penguin Books

 

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

Having been abandoned by her father before she was born and having a mother that's about to embark on marriage number five, Remy firmly believes that all men just let you down. So why should she waste time on them? But then Dexter comes crashing into her life and Remy struggles to find reasons to keep him at arms length?

First Line:

"The name of the song is 'This Lullaby'."

Review:

This Lullaby taught me a valuable lesson. The undeniable message in this novel is to not give up on love. A fact I think many of us have indulged in. Let's face it, it's easier to give up and close yourself off then it is to take that gut wrenching leap of faith when it comes to love. And that's exactly what Remy has done. After witnessing her mother's four marriages break down she couldn't help but give up on love. But then Dexter walks into her life and makes her question all she thought she knew. Dexter is the complete opposite of Remy. His easy going and fun loving personality makes him an easy character to like. He has this firm believe that love is real and that everyone will find it. He is also very in touch with himself  - knowing his flaws and embracing them with fervour. His whole attitude is one of: this is me take me or leave me. Which is rather refreshing to read. I loved Remy and Dexter together they are complete opposites but they somehow work which makes them fun to read about. A charming read with a very important message to not give up on love.   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who is a fan of contemporary novels and/or a fan of Sarah Dessen's work.

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.