Book Review: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

"Music is a total constant. That's why we have such a strong visceral connection to it, you know? Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in your or the world, that one song says the same, just like that moment.”

Hello Readers!

This is a book review for Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

I have owned this book for nearly ten years and never picked it up, and I am so glad I picked it up now, as I relate to the main character so much, and I understand much of the different conflicts the character goes through now that I'm an adult.

First off, I am terrible at giving synopises for books without spoiling it, so here is the synopis from goodreads: 

Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything" — at least that the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf's  Department Store.

This year, she's the girl who has noghitng: no best friend because mean but exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic and no one to sit with at lucnh. Until she meets Owen Armstrong. 

Tall and dark, and music obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a committed to truth telling. With Owen's help, maybe Annabel can face what happen the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

Firstly, the writing is great; it is simple and easy to read and I didn't have any problems with it. At first, I was having trouble understanding what time it was; there are many flashbacks, but as I contiuned on reading, not only does it get easier in determining what is past and what is present, I also found the flashbacks helpful in understanding Annabel's character and her character devolpment. 

Secondly, I related to Annabel so much, I was rooting for her from the start. She's a very introverted character who has a problem with confrontation and holding things in to spare others' feelings. Owen is very different but he is not your stereotypical bad boy. He is very honest, but realistic. He comes from a normal family and has problems that many authors I dont think touch on when it comes to the 'bad-boy' trope. 

In conclusion, this is a fantastic book about growing up, family, friendship, and the simple act of just listening. 

**Trigger warning for depictions of rape/sexual assualt**

I gave Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, 5/5 stars