Books Like...

'This Lullaby' by Sarah Dessen follows the story of Remy, a cynical 18-year-old girl who is about to head off to college. Remy, who has seen her mother go through multiple failed marriages, has a strict rule of breaking up with boyfriends before things get too serious. However, when she meets Dexter, a messy and disorganized musician, her carefully constructed rules about love start to unravel. As their relationship develops over the summer, Remy begins to question her beliefs about love and relationships. The writing style in the book is described as engaging and realistic, with relatable characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers hooked until the end.

"Along for the Ride" by Sarah Dessen follows the story of Auden, a girl who has always been the perfect daughter, excelling in academics but missing out on a normal childhood. Spending the summer with her dad and his new family, Auden meets Eli, a fellow insomniac, who helps her rediscover the joys of teenage life. Through new friendships, experiences, and a budding romance, Auden learns to let go of her perfectionism and embrace the present moment. The book explores themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the impact of family dynamics on a teenager's life.

Dessen's writing style in "Along for the Ride" is described as emotional, realistic, and sweet, with a touch of humor. The author delves into the complexities of relationships, coming-of-age struggles, and parental influences without resorting to edgy or overly mature content. The story unfolds through Auden's journey of growth and transformation, guided by Eli and a cast of relatable characters, making it a heartwarming and engaging summer read.

'Quaking' by Kathryn Erskine follows the story of Matt, a teenage girl with a troubled past who finds herself living with a Quaker family. Through her interactions with the family and her experiences at a new school, Matt learns to respect the pacifist views of the Quakers and begins to adapt to her new environment. The novel delves into themes of peace, tolerance, and the struggles of fitting in, all while exploring the emotional journey of a young girl trying to find her true self amidst past hurts and hardships.

Erskine skillfully weaves a narrative filled with conflict, emotion, and a blend of sad, heartwarming, suspenseful, and funny moments. provides insights into the Quaker religion, portraying the challenges faced by pacifists in a violent world. Despite occasional slips into melodrama, Erskine effectively balances drama with lighthearted scenes, creating a well-paced story that engages readers with its interesting characters and thought-provoking themes.

'Clean' by Amy Reed is a novel that delves into the lives of five teenagers - Olivia, Jason, Christopher, Eva, and Kelly - who find themselves in a rehab center due to their various addictions. The story is told from multiple points of view, primarily focusing on Christopher and Kelly, as they navigate through rehab, confront their pasts, and strive for sobriety. The book incorporates chapters about group sessions, personal essays, and drug and alcohol questionnaires, providing a raw and realistic portrayal of the teenagers' journey towards recovery and self-discovery.

After by Amy Efaw is a compelling novel that delves into the tragic story of Devon Davenport, a talented fifteen-year-old soccer player and straight-A student who finds herself in denial about her unexpected pregnancy. The book follows Devon's journey as she gives birth and makes a fateful decision to dispose of the baby in a dumpster, leading to her arrest and trial for attempted murder. Through a mix of present and past narratives, the author, Amy Efaw, explores Devon's complex emotions, her strained relationship with her neglectful mother, and the psychological factors that contribute to such heartbreaking actions. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy, denial, and the consequences of one impulsive decision.

Macy, the protagonist of 'The Truth About Forever', is a high school student struggling to cope with the sudden death of her father. She finds herself in a controlled and perfect life until her boyfriend suggests taking a break for the summer, leading Macy to take a job with a chaotic catering company where she meets new friends who help her rediscover herself. Through the story, Macy learns to deal with her grief, navigate her relationships, and embrace imperfection, all while finding love and acceptance in unexpected places.

The plot of 'The Truth About Forever' revolves around Macy's journey of self-discovery and growth as she navigates the challenges of loss, relationships, and personal identity. The writing style is described as relatable, engaging, and endearing, with readers praising the book for its ability to address heavy topics such as grief and self-identity in a heartfelt and relatable manner.

Paperweight by Meg Haston is a dark and honest story that follows Stevie, a 17-year-old struggling with an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts. The book delves into Stevie's journey as she is checked into a treatment center by her father, with the looming anniversary of her brother's death adding urgency to her self-destructive plans. Through alternating narratives of her present-day struggles and past memories, the author provides a realistic portrayal of anorexia, bulimia, and self-hating depression. The writing style is described as authentic, with secrets being shared and a mystery element that builds suspense throughout the narrative.

The book is praised for its raw depiction of recovery, portraying it as a long and brutal road filled with ups and downs. It stands out for its honesty in showing that recovery from mental illness is not a linear process and cannot be magically fixed overnight. The character development, particularly in depicting Stevie's journey towards healing, forgiveness, and self-worth, resonates with readers who appreciate the depth and authenticity of the story.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen is a contemporary fiction novel that delves into the themes of friendship, family, and romance. The story follows the character Sydney as she navigates through the complexities of her life, finding solace in new friendships and coming to terms with her own growth. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of everyday life situations and the emotional depth in the character development. Dessen's writing style is described as raw, emotional, and relatable, capturing the essence of teenage confusion and the longing for connection.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful young adult novel that follows the story of Melinda Sordino, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after calling the police at a party. As the book progresses, it is revealed that Melinda was raped at the party and is unable to speak about the traumatic experience. Through her journey of self-discovery and healing, Melinda finds her voice and learns to speak up about her ordeal, ultimately empowering herself and others around her. The writing style of the book combines elements of darkness and humor, providing a raw and honest portrayal of teenage struggles.

Ruby Cooper is forced to live with her estranged sister, Cora, and Cora's husband, Jaime, after Ruby's mother abandons her. Ruby is transported from a dingy yellow house, a public school, and pot smoking friends to a million dollar house, a private school, and Nate, her new neighbor with a dark secret. Can Ruby find happiness in her life, learn from her mistakes, and help someone else in need? The story follows Ruby's journey of adapting to a new environment, forming new relationships, and discovering the true meaning of family.