Title: Just Listen
Author: Sarah Dessen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Review by: Chantelle, LCA Intern for Library HQ
Synopsis: When Annabel, the youngest of three beautiful sisters, has a bitter falling out with her best friend, (the popular and exciting Sophie) she suddenly finds herself isolated and friendless. But then she meets Owen, a loner, passionate about music and his weekly radio show, and painfully determined to always tell the truth. No feelings can be spared around this man. When they develop a friendship, Annabel is not only introduced to new music but is encouraged to listen to her own inner voice.Â
With Owen’s help, can she finally speak up about exactly what went wrong on a not so long ago night? The night when she lost so much but was too afraid to speak up?
Review: Annabel is a perfect example of the phrase, “don’t judge before you’ve walked a mile in someone else’s shoes”.
After attending a high school party with her best friend Sophie, things spiral out of control and suddenly the school thinks she’s a slut and her best friend refuses to talk to her. It seems as though the world has turned its collective back on her. Annabel feels isolated. She’s hurt more than anyone could know. So when Owen befriends her, he’s like a breath of fresh air for this teenager. Owen is isolated but he seems to handle the hermit life in his stride. With his painful penchant for always telling the truth, Annabel is forced to face the music. And right behind her, always there to back her up? Owen.Â
With him by her side, Annabel just may be able to work through a few sordid truths that’s sure to open the reader’s eyes.Â
Just Listen is a classic example of refraining from judging before you know all the facts. It has all the necessities that will surely have you screaming and laughing at the same time.Â
I would recommend this title to teens and young adults.Â
And if you enjoy this book, be sure to check out, This Lullaby by Sarah Deesen as well.
You can read this book on BorrowBox, paired conveniently with The Moon and More. Sarah Dessen’s The Rest of the Story is also available. If you would like to borrow a physical copy of any of Dessen’s work, you can do so on our library catalogue.
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