Just Listen

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen has to be a true classic.

Sarah Dessen is one of the greatest writers for real-life teen novels and this book, in my opinion, is her finest. She published this in 2007, and it is a true testament to her talent. The main plot in this story is told by a girl named Annabel, who has two older sisters. Her and her sisters appear to be perfect: all blonde, tall and did some modelling. But beneath the surface, they are all falling apart: Kirsten, her oldest sister is at college, majoring in film and sharing a flat with Whitney. The middle sister, Whitney, is suffering from an eating disorder as a result of her considerable modelling talent and trying to stop Kirsten from spilling the beans to their parents.

Annabel has problems rivalling her sisters': what was taken as infidelity with her best friend's boyfriend was actually not what it seemed. Her story is gradually revealed throughout the book. Annabel goes to notable lengths to prevent speaking about what happens to her : she avoids confrontation at any cost. We watch as Annabel manages to form an odd friendship with Owen, "the school's most notorious loner". He manages to help her learn to speak out about things, to be honest, and to discover that her life is not as bleak and friendless as it looks.

Dessen's use of music in this book plays a very important role -- Owen's obsession with music and his determination to "enlighten" Annabel in her music tastes helps them and their relationship throughout the novel. Dessen helps us see into the deepest depths of human beings as we experience Annabel's flaws, struggles, and slow steps towards healing and hope for the future.

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So, this is my first ever blog... I'm not quite sure what to say, but I think I'll start out with an explanation. Mostly I'm going to be reviewing books and music probably (since those are two of my favourite things ever) but also I will be talking about my life. Possibly also ranting. Since I don't do much of that usually.

A little about myself: my name is Emma, I am 17 years old, and I live somewhere in North America (no stalkers please :). I'm fairly tall (I consider myself to be) and I have blonde hair and bluish green eyes. That may sound fairly stereotyped, but I'm not. My hobbies include: playing field hockey, running, reading, watching (good) movies, baking, hanging out, and having fun. I will try not to neglect the blog, but I do go to high school and I am in grade 12, so it's kinda hectic. I'm really liking being a senior though :) grad sweats, being oldest, and all. Plus I do volunteer and so on, so yeah. This blog may not be updated as much as I'd like it to be. But let's not jinx it yet :)

Next year, I plan to go away to university. I'm going to major in psychology (BSc) and minor in music (hopefully, I'm not sure if I'm good enough). I've already been accepted in a couple of places, so at least I'm going somewhere :) Before that, this summer I plan to go and stay with some relatives in Alberta (and work) or go to Malaysia with my bestie :P

Anyways, thanks for tolerating my newness & I promise there will be more interesting stuff next time I post this!!

Emma