Hey guys. I wanted to start an author's spotlight and thought I'd use one of my favorite teen fiction authors, Sarah Dessen, to get the ball rolling. A friend of mine has also written a "Why Every Girl Should Read At LEAST One Sarah Dessen Novel post here. I hope you enjoy.
No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain something greater...The love we have for each other is bigger than these small differences. And that's the key. It's like a big pie chart, and the love in a relationship has to be the biggest piece. Love can make up for a lot."
Sarah Dessen has been one of my favorite go-to authors for Teen Fiction since I picked up a copy of This Lullaby in high school. I liked how was the cover looked and the book jacket seemed interesting. I’d gotten into books when I was in middle school and had been reading either YA fantasy books (of the Tamora Pierce variety) or classics (like Shakespeare or The Complete Sherlock Holmes - which gave me a love for great prose but I’ll admit there was a lot I didn’t understand at the time) but it wasn't until I got to high school that I started reading realistic teen fiction. This Lullaby was (is) amazing! And since I read it, I've bought all of Dessen's releases. Some were better than others but overall, I've never regretted purchasing or reading a Sarah Dessen novel. Dessen is a gem in the YA Teen Fiction genre because she delves into substantial and real themes, doesn't over-dramatize the way other YA novels do, and approaches love in a way that is organic and real.- Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby
When I was in high school saw Remy, the main character of This Lullaby, as a kindred spirit. She was seemingly pessimistic, her social skills were sorely lacking (she was generally mean without meaning to be), and she didn’t believe in love. At the time this was published, I felt like she was different from most teen fiction MC’s who would meet a guy, instantly feel drawn in, and fall in love only to have some outside force interfere before the couple finds a way to overcome the force. This Lullaby broke away from that formula. Instead, it featured a girl who had seem relationships end badly and who was weary of them. In the novel she was approached by a sweet musician named Dexter who becomes interested in her and she avoids him like the plague, turning him down every chance she gets. Then on one of her worst nights, Remy has no one to turn to and Dexter is there see her vulnerability and ease her pain. This is how their relationship starts and they are so opposite one another - Remy being a bit controlling and serious versus Dexter’s laid-back, unplanned, goofiness, that watching the two interact is interesting and seeing the growth of their relationship is compelling. What I loved most though, is that Dessen doesn’t come up with a huge outside force to pit against the lovers because sometimes all that stands in the way of our own happiness is ourselves. So if you enjoy good writing, real and interesting characters, and a respect and love for themes about growing up, please pick up a (if not THIS) Sarah Dessen novel.
Dessen is also one of my favorite Teen Fiction authors because each of her books focus on a theme that is weighty and important without over-dramaticizing it, exposing teens to important topics without them feeling threatened or overwhelmed by the material. Dessen's books explore themes like identity, not letting your past rule you, love, family and friendship dynamics, insecurity, body image, anorexia, rape, abandonment, psychical and emotional abuse, and incarceration to name a few. And while all of Dessen's books do have romantic elements (that have a romance enthusiast like me gushing), romantic relationships are not the point and therefore are not in the forefront of most of her novels. Instead, Dessen focuses on growing up, telling stories of the bittersweet life lessons of adolescence. Because use of this attention to her characters and worthwhile themes, Dessen's novels are moving and resonate with their readers.
Currently, Dessen has thirteen published Teen Fiction titles. They include:
Someone Like You (1998) - The world is a terrible place not to have a best friend. Scarlett was always the strong one. Halley was always content to follow in her wake. Then Scarlett’s boyfriend died, and Scarlett learned that she was pregnant. Now Halley has to find the strength to take the lead and help Scarlett get through it. Because true friendship is a promise you keep forevermore.
Dreamland (2000) - Love can be a very dangerous thing. After her sister left, Caitlin felt lost. Then she met Rogerson. When she’s with him, nothing seems real. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?
This Lullaby (2002) - When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?
How to Deal (2003) - Rule #1: There are no rules. Just when you think you've got everything figured out for yourself, things get turned upside down. Families change. Lives end. New lives begin. And love sneaks up on you when you least expect it. The trick is finding that one person you can always count on, that one person who will throw out the rules and help you figure out how to deal with it all. (Combined copy of Someone Like You and This Summer)
The Truth About Forever (2004) - 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 question her sheltered life.
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 question her sheltered life.
Just Listen (2006) - Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything" — at least that's the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf's Department Store. This year, she's the girl who has nothing: 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 lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong.
Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.
Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen's help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.
Lock and Key (2008) - Ruby, where is your mother?
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.
Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.
That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future; it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?
Along for the Ride (2009) - It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.
A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.
A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.
What Happened to Goodbye (2010) - Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.
The Moon and More (2013) - Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.
Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.
Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?
Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?
Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo's sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.
Emaline's mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he's convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?
Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she's going?
Saint Anything (2015) - Peyton, Sydney's charismatic older brother, has always been the star of the family, receiving the lion's share of their parents' attention and—lately—concern. When Peyton's increasingly reckless behavior culminates in an accident, a drunk driving conviction, and a jail sentence, Sydney is cast adrift, searching for her place in the family and the world. When everyone else is so worried about Peyton, is she the only one concerned about the victim of the accident?
Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.
Enter the Chathams, a warm, chaotic family who run a pizza parlor, play bluegrass on weekends, and pitch in to care for their mother, who has multiple sclerosis. Here Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance. And here she meets Mac, gentle, watchful, and protective, who makes Sydney feel seen, really seen, for the first time.
My favorite Sarah Dessen novels are This Lullaby, Just Listen, Lock and Key, and Saint Anything. These books are filled with female characters who are strong-willed and independent. Maybe because I have a personal preference for female characters who struggle with breaking down emotional barriers within themselves, these books really spoke to me. Remy and Ruby are both strong characters who push people away and struggle to control their lives by being alone. They find that they don’t have deep connections with people because they push everyone away and must overcome this in order to find happiness. Both Macy and Peyton are dealing with family troubles and are having trouble finding where they fit or belong because it. Both of these characters are relatively sensitive but believable - not too strong but understandably weakened by the circumstances in their lives. To me, these four characters are what made these stories great and if you prefer strong female characters or characters that become stronger despite being beaten down, these books are what I’d recommend to start with if you’ve never read a Sarah Dessen novel.
My least favorite book by far was The Moon and More. I couldn’t get into the book in the beginning for some reason, and when I got to the middle and thought I knew what was going to happen (was looking forward to it really), we took a sharp turn off course and the book left me feeling unsatisfied. Also as a disclaimer, I have not yet read any of the books published before This Lullaby.
Sarah Dessen has been a staple in my teen fiction suggestions to others. I made all of my friends read her novels in high school and have stolen phrases like “zip sodas” which I use in daily life. I have also spent more than one afternoon talking to a friend about whether or not we have caught all of the cameos Dessen sprinkles throughout her novels. Her books have given me much enjoyment and at this point have become books that are nostalgically linked to my adolescence. So please, if I’ve done a bad job of convincing you to pick up a Sarah Dessen book, please for the love of God, do it anyways!
