'Just Listen' by Sarah Dessen is a young adult novel that follows the story of Annabel, a teenage girl dealing with struggles that many teenagers can relate to, such as misunderstandings with friends and family drama. The book explores themes of friendship, love, honesty, and self-discovery. Annabel finds solace in an unexpected friendship with Owen, a school outcast, who helps her find her voice and face her fears. The plot unfolds with a mix of family dynamics, societal pressures, and personal growth, all set in a realistic and relatable high school setting.

The narrative style of 'Just Listen' captivates readers right from the start, with a mix of drama, romance, and real-life issues faced by teenagers today. The story delves into heavy themes like sexual assault, anorexia, depression, and peer pressure, while also highlighting the importance of speaking up and being true to oneself. Through Annabel's journey of self-discovery and finding her inner strength, the book delivers a powerful message about the impact of listening, honesty, and support in overcoming challenges.

Characters:

The characters in Just Listen are multi-dimensional, particularly Annabel and Owen, who navigate personal struggles and contribute to themes of honesty and growth.

Writing/Prose:

Sarah Dessen's writing is engaging and relatable, balancing humor with the exploration of serious themes, creating an immersive experience for readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative chronicles Annabel Greene's journey from perceived perfection to the harsh realities of social isolation, trauma, and self-discovery.

Setting:

The setting is a modern high school and suburban background that influences the characters' dynamics and experiences.

Pacing:

The novel begins with a slower pace, transitioning into a more engaging rhythm that enhances character development and narrative tension.

On the rows of screens hanging over the ellipticals at the gym. On the monitor they have at the post office that’s supposed to distract you from how long you’ve been waiting in line. And now here, on ...

Notes:

The book Just Listen by Sarah Dessen deals with serious themes such as rape, eating disorders, and family dynamics.

Annabel Greene, the protagonist, is a model who appears to have a perfect life, but struggles with deep personal issues.

The story highlights the importance of honesty and communication in relationships.

Owen Armstrong, a key character, teaches Annabel about truthfulness and helps her find her voice.

The novel portrays realistic teenage experiences and emphasizes the impact of peer pressure and judgment.

Dessen's writing captures the struggles of adolescence, making it relatable to young adult readers.

Music plays a pivotal role in the story, offering a way for the characters to connect and heal.

The book explores the complexities of friendship, particularly how quickly they can deteriorate due to misunderstandings.

There is a strong focus on Annabel's relationship with her sisters, adding depth to the family dynamic.

The narrative includes flashbacks to reveal Annabel's past, keeping readers engaged with her journey of self-discovery.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of sexual assault, eating disorders, and mental health issues, making it important for sensitive readers to proceed with caution.

Has Romance?

The book contains a medium level of romance as it explores the budding relationship between Annabel and Owen amid various personal struggles.

From The Publisher:

From the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Once and for All

To find the truth you've got to be willing to hear it.

When she's modeling, Annabel is the picture of perfection.

But her real life is far from perfect.

Fortunately, she's got Owen. He's intense, music-obsessed, and dedicated to always telling the truth.

And most of all, he's determined to make Annabel happy. . .

"This is young adult fiction at its best." -School Library Journal

Sarah Dessen is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her contributions to YA literature, as well as the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.

Books by Sarah Dessen:

That Summer

Someone Like You

Keeping the Moon

Dreamland

This Lullaby

The Truth About Forever

Just Listen

Lock and Key

Along for the Ride

What Happened to Goodbye

The Moon and More

Saint Anything

Once and for All

Ratings (21)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (4)

Reader Stats (36):

Read It (23)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (4)

What can you read after
Just Listen?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Sarah Dessen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels for teens, which have received numerous awards and rave reviews, and have sold millions of copies worldwide. She is the recipient of the 2017 Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association. …

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