Monday 26 May 2014

Book Review: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.


Product details:
Publisher: Penguin.
Paperback, 374 pages.
Release date: May 11th 2004.
Rating:  4½ out of 5.
Ages: 12+
Source: Purchased.

A long, hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes, unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister's project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl's world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?


Let me take you on a journey back in time: way, way back to my reading life before I started blogging. Back then, my YA reading consisted pretty much of just Paranormal Romance. In fact, I was pretty new to YA when I first started blogging. I had read Twilight, Hush, Hush, and Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver. That was pretty much it. I hadn’t read any Contemporary YA per se, and didn’t really give it much thought at all. Then I read Anna and the French Kiss, and the rest, as they say, is history. Way back then (we’re still on our journey into the past here) I posted a blog asking for YA Contemp recommendations and one of the names that kept cropping up over and over again was Sarah Dessen, and in particular The Truth About Forever. That post was written way back in 2011 and I really don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get around to reading The Truth About Forever. I can’t offer up any excuses here apart from so many books so little time!  I am so glad though that I finally read this one, because The Truth About Forever is adorable with a capital A. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that this book is sa-woon-y.

Macy Queen lives a life of perfection. She’s the perfect student, the perfect daughter to her driven, successful mother, and the perfect girlfriend to her perfect(ly boring) boyfriend Jason who is away at “Brain Camp” for the summer. While Jason’s away, though, Macy won’t play; instead her days are spent working Jason’s boring library job, while are dedicated to studying for SAT’s, making sure her hair is perfectly straight and her clothes perfectly laundered. Macy relies on rules and routine to get her through her days. Everything is ‘just so’ in her life and that’s the way it has to be. Macy doesn’t talk about her feelings, not with Jason, and not with her mom. Since her dad’s death, feelings are too painful, and so, if anyone asks, Macy’s answer is always that everything is ‘just fine.’ The truth is, though, that everything is not just fine with Macy. She’s still hurting, still missing her dad every day. Macy hasn’t dealt with her grief. And, so, something has got to give.

And something does give in the form of Macy’s relationship which Jason decides needs a break when his girlfriend has the audacity to write in an email that she loves him. This guy may have brains to burn, but he’s missing a sensitivity chip, that’s for sure. Also, the ‘Mean Girls’ at the library are making Macy’s life hell, so when she lands an unexpected gig with a  chaotic catering company, she sees this as a welcome relief to the perfectly structured life that is really starting to get her down. At ‘Wish Catering’ Macy meets a group of people who show her what is to have fun, and to life. Fun loving Kristy teaches Macy to live for the moment, while sweet, sensitive Wes, who has also lost a parent, helps Macy to deal with her grief. But is Wes just a friend? Or is he something more than that? Macy knows that her fun new life with ‘Wish’ is a temporary thing; her mom is disapproving of her new crew for one thing, and then, there’s Jason, who’s back in touch, and ready to discuss their relationship. “Donneven,” as Monica would say.  Or maybe that deserves a “Bettaquit.”

Ah, this book is just adorable. I read The Moon and More last summer, and while I didn’t fall in love with that one, The Truth About Forever has made me a Dessen fan. The Truth About Forever is sweet, and funny, and very relatable. I like that Dessen deals with some tough subjects in this book, but the darkness here is always tempered with light. The character of Monica especially made me laugh, while the romance, well the romance in this book is to die for. Wes has to be one of THE boys of YA – I just loved that guy. And I loved that Dessen focused on the friendship he formed with Macy: and that their relationship was based on truths; the good, the bad and the almost-impossible-to-talk-about apart from someone who gets it too – that was a nice touch. I guess this book could have done with a little more swoon after all the anticipation, but I liked the slow-burn of ‘is it friendship or something more?’ that Wes and Macy had going on.

All in all The Truth About Forever is an adorable summer read, and I will most definitely be reading more Dessen this summer. Which book should I read next? I hear Along for the Ride is another great summer Dessen read.
 
 

19 comments :

  1. This was one my favorite books from Sarah Dessen, Just Listen was my other favorite but Someone Like You wasn't bad either. I agree with you, The Moon and More was a bit boring (actually a two stars read for me) but I'm planning to read her other books, too. :)
    Great review. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love Sarah Dessen's book. My favorite is Just Listen, but I also loved Lock and Key. I still need to read The Truth About Forever, but I'm saving that for a special moment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. TTaF is one of my fave Dessen novels, too! I read all of her books years ago and this one always stands out to me!


    Mands @ The Bookish Manicurist

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChristinaBookAddict27 May 2014 at 12:54

    Yay! I am so glad you got around to reading this one. It is one of my favorites and I think it is Dessen at her best. I'm so happy you liked it! You need to read Along for the Ride next, which I think is also a favorite of mine. Great review! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yeah, I didn't think The Moon and More was a great read but a lot of people told me that her earlier books are better - so I probably shouldn't have started with that one! I'll check out Just Listen and Someone Like You! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. The Truth About Forever is VERY cute! That's another vote for Just Listen. I'll have to add that one to my list!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's a new favourite of mine. I loved it from start to finish! :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'll definitely read Along for the Ride soon. It sounds like a great summer read!

    ReplyDelete
  9. my beach bag would have in it, my kindle so I would never run out of something to read, sun screen and water. I am looking forward to the next 'Ivy lane' short read.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jess Hearts Books2 June 2014 at 17:49

    I'm so glad you've fallen in love with Dessen! I've been a fan since I was 13 but have to admit that her books can be hit or miss. The Truth About Forever is definitely one of her best and I think that Along For The Ride would be a great follow up ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I feel like by now I should already read one of her books, but seriously I haven't. What's wrong with me? I need to read something by this woman. Something. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I still have yet to read an SD book and I don't know why because she sounds like an author I would love! This sounds like a perfect one to start with!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm really looking forward to reading Along for the Ride - I've had a lot of recommendations for that one!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I know! I was so late to the Dessen party! Lots of catching up to do!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I think this would be a good one to start with! From what I can gather, it's one of her best. And the romance is very, very cute!

    ReplyDelete
  16. lipbalm suncream moisturiser wipes and a bottle of water thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  17. A good sunscreen, chapstick, a cute water bottle, and of course whatever I am currently reading!

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is one of my favorites!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it!

If you are a book blogger and have taken the time to comment, I will make sure to come visit your blog and return the favour. :)

Please note: This blog is now an award free zone. Thanks to everyone who has awarded the blog in the past.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Related Posts with Thumbnails View My Stats