I seriously enjoyed this reread! Like, a lot! I'd forgotten how quiet and low-key Annabel is as a character, and there definitely was a heavy bit of backstory at the beginning, but I definitely fell in love with this reread. I love that Dessen always heavily focuses on family and creates these beautiful metaphors that weave behind the story line.I remember reading about Sarah's inspiration behind JUST LISTEN and looked it up just to make sure I was remembering right. For those of you who don't know, this is the moment that inspired the book:
"I was doing a speaking engagement at a school, and as I sat waiting, I started to flip though a yearbook that was on the table in front of me. In the back, there were all these senior pages, where people had pictures of their friends and families, and there was one shot of these three beautiful blonde girls, sitting by a pool in front of a big, gorgeous house. My first thought was, "Their lives must be perfect," followed by how ridiculous it was for me to assume that. I began to think about how quick we are to judge just based on appearances, and the book built from there." (Source)
From Annabel's glass house to the picture she finds of her and her sisters to the theme of assumptions based on outside appearances, this book definitely captures that moment.
Of course we can't forget to talk about the Dessen boy: Owen. Owen isn't swoony-worthy from the start, but he definitely owns that title toward the end, don't you think? The car wash scene had me SOLD!
Speaking of the car wash scene, did anyone catch what Sarah tweeted this month?!
I need to try this some time!
Anyway, here's how I picture Owen: (photo cred: emeliehallback.tumblr.com)
And this is how I'd picture Annabel: (picture credit source)
For those of you who've read Sarah Dessen before, didn't you just LOVE the Dexter/Remy cameo scene? I love me some Dexter <3 nbsp="" p="">
One of my favorite quotes from the book:
So, what did you think? Did you like it? If you didn't read JUST LISTEN, what Sarah Dessen book did you read and did you enjoy it? :)
March's read: THIS LULLABY (Ahhh I love this one. I mean, Dexter!)
Until next time,
6 comments:
Yep, I really really enjoyed. I didn't have great expectations in the book. I'd heard other people they enjoyed with Sarah Dessen's books, but I thought I was going to be one of them. Luclily, I was wrong. From the very first page, I felt I was going to love the book and the book was well-written and deep. I basically read in 3 days although I'm a slow reader and the book for me was quite thick. I love the whole story and Owen, he is a great guy.
I didn't do a reread of this one, but I think I linked my review in the original post that kicked off this month. I enjoyed JUST LISTEN, but it wasn't my favorite Dessen. Though I thought Owen was sweet, he didn't hit the swoon-worthy scale for me. I thought the message behind this story about judging appearances was spot on. Definitely something we can all relate to. Loved seeing that tid-bit from Dessen about how she came up with the story idea.
Yay for This Lullaby! I might have to do a reread of this one ;)
I recruited one of my best friends to re-read with me and it was such a great experience! Just Listen is a great story. I liked that Annabel's world didn't revolve around Owen or their relationship. So refreshing when so many YA books do the opposite. I'm excited for the read of the challenge.
I did like this book, though I agree, it wasn't amazing. Everything was quite nice but I was just really bugged by Owen. He just came off a bit condescending when talking about music. Overall though, I thought it was pretty good.
I have to tell you that I am so glad I joined this challenge. I have read every Sarah Dessen book - some multiple times - but it's been years since I've picked up some of her older books, and time has dulled the memory of some of the books' more complex aspects. I was shocked to re-discover Whitney's eating disorder and then shocked at myself for forgetting it. I also love the slow-growing romance between Owen and Annabel - and the car washing scene!! I was so ready for more Dessen after I finished "Just Listen" that I started "The Truth About Forever," another one I could only remember a few details about - like the heart in hand sculptures, but even their significance has currently escaped me. I can't wait to dive into "This Lullaby," which is definitely another Dessen favorite, and I love the Dexter/Remy cameo in "Just Listen." "Hate Spinnerbait!"
I missed this wrap up post for some reason (bad challenge reader). I think your thoughts are bang on! And I missed that tweet from her! Too awesome. Definitely love the cameo and look forward to seeing Dex and Remy this month! Like Emma, I've also got my BFF reading along with me. We got into Dessen together and it seems fitting that we reread her together. Can't wait to dive into This Lullaby!
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