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A review by ashley_nicole_bee
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
3.0
I chose this book because it was written by, what a librarian referred to as, one of the stereotypical, young-adult authors. In the end the book ending up having more depth than initially anticipated. I expected the novel to be an disgustingly sappy love story, but in the end wasn't. I actually really enjoyed the depth the plot carried.
I didn't love this book, but I must admit that I did like it. However, I did feel that the actual story significantly outweighed the overall quality by which it was written. In my opinion this book will appeal to teenage girls, but I must say that it would not stand up to in-depth, formal literary analysis. I would recommend this book to many high school aged females because I feel this audience would enjoy it. In addition, this audience would likely get the most from this book's message of acceptance and help prepare them for situations they very well may face. I do not think that I would share this book with an entire class because I don't think many teenage boys would enjoy it.
Warnings:
Drugs: Although there are no illegal drugs specifically mentioned, there is a good amount of smoking.
Sex: The premise of the story relies on a sexual assault.
R and R: The main character's sister suffers from bulimia and there is one graphic scene involving the effects this disease. The damaging effects of the modeling industry are brought to light.
Language: Moderate Use of Adult Language
Violence: Again the premise is a sexual assault.
I didn't love this book, but I must admit that I did like it. However, I did feel that the actual story significantly outweighed the overall quality by which it was written. In my opinion this book will appeal to teenage girls, but I must say that it would not stand up to in-depth, formal literary analysis. I would recommend this book to many high school aged females because I feel this audience would enjoy it. In addition, this audience would likely get the most from this book's message of acceptance and help prepare them for situations they very well may face. I do not think that I would share this book with an entire class because I don't think many teenage boys would enjoy it.
Warnings:
Drugs: Although there are no illegal drugs specifically mentioned, there is a good amount of smoking.
Sex: The premise of the story relies on a sexual assault.
R and R: The main character's sister suffers from bulimia and there is one graphic scene involving the effects this disease. The damaging effects of the modeling industry are brought to light.
Language: Moderate Use of Adult Language
Violence: Again the premise is a sexual assault.