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Review: What happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

What happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Published by Razorbill
Source: Review copy


Another town. Another school. Another Mclean. Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's become a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends—in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know?

***
What happened to goodbye was all of the things I have come to expect from a good Sarah Dessen novel: characters you can relate to who are fab but it some way a little bit damaged by their past experiences, gorgeous boys and a nice pacey storyline that keeps you engaged throughout.

The novel revolves around the life of McClean Sweet. She has moved around the country following her father as he works consulting on restaurants sweeping in and improving them before moving on. During the time McClean has reinvented herself time and time again not hanging to anyone (or barely anything) as she has continued to move time and time again.

I really enjoyed McClean as a character as there was a lot more to her than you first realise. As the story goes on you start to get under her skin a bit more and find out exactly why she is like she is. I also loved the wider host of characters you also meet as the book goes along. I loved Dave and really enjoyed seeing how his relationship with McClean changed and developed as the story went on but I also really enjoyed Deb as a character and liked seeing how McClean's influence changed her whole life.

I loved the cameo appearances by characters from along for the ride. It was really subtle in the way it was done but I loved it nevertheless.

The storyline itself went along quite nicely in the usual Sarah Dessen fashion with several little twists and turns to keep me happily entertained as the story went on. Don't get me wrong it isn't break neck or earth shattering but one of those happy light and fluffy summer reads which is perfect for the up and coming summer months.

All in all a very enjoyable read and a welcome addition to my Sarah Dessen collection.

Comments

Annette Mills said…
A very good review. I thought this book was a really nice, enjoyable read. Nothing earth shattering, like you said, but definitely enjoyable.
Liz. R said…
One reason I love Sarah Dessen is because of her cameo appearances - I think she does them in every book, and I always think they're so cool! Glad you enjoyed this - thanks for the great review :).
Anonymous said…
I'm really sad that I had to take this book back to the library unread. It sounds like something I'd enjoy.
I'm going to start Just Listen soon but after I read That Summer and really wasn't impressed I'm a little put off Dessen, I'm hoping J will make me love her like everyone else seems to and if it does I'll be sure to add this one to my pile! :D
l0raah_ said…
Great review, I love Sarah Dessen books and this one is really good, too :)
Miss K said…
I agree that the inclusion of past characters and locations like the Last Chance diner adds so much to Dessen's novels.
Honestly, I wish the novel was about Deb or Opal...the two of them interested me more than McLean!