Just Listen Review

Title:  Just Listen

Author: Sarah Dessen

Publication Date:  2006

Summary of the book:

I’m Annabel,

I’m the girl who has it all.

Model looks, confidence, a great social life. I’m one of the lucky ones aren’t I?

My ‘best friend’ is spreading rumours about me. My family is slowly falling apart. It’s turning into a long, lonely summer, full of secrets and silence.

But I’ve met this guy who won’t let me hide away. He’s one of those intense types, obsessed with music; he’s determined to make me listen. And he’s determined to make me smile. But can he help me forget what happened the night everything changed?

Thoughts: This book is amazing. It’s definitely one of my favourites.  I think the reason why I like this story so much is because I could relate to the protagonist; Annabel, (like Annabel I don’t like confrontations either!) The great thing about this book is that all the characters make mistakes which make the story more realistic, one of my pet peeves is when a character in a story is perfect. I also really liked reading about Owen (the boy who befriends Annabel) and the other characters such as Kirsten, Whitney and even Mallory.

The storyline is really great, we (or at least I was) easily drawn into the trap that Annabel had a perfect life after all she has a modelling job, a social life and is part of the ‘popular crowd’ what didn’t she have? But in this story it shows that her life is anything but perfect despite what others might think. One of my complaints about this story is that like other Sarah Dessen characters Annabel is quiet and somewhat reserved.

All I can say is that I’m really glad I read this book; it seems crazy to think that I had some reservations about buying this book! This is definitely one of my favourite Sarah Dessen books and I would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for something new to read.

Reviews:

“A compelling story and beautifully written,” -Time Out.

“Unputdownable,” –Mizz.

“A poignant coming of age story.” –The Big Issue.

Film Adaptation: There is currently no film adaptation of this book but I can only hope that one day there will be one,  so if there is going to be a film adaptation make sure you read the book first, after all the books are always better than the film.

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If I stay Book Review

Title:  If I Stay.

Author: Gayle Forman

Publication Date:  2009

Summary of the book:

The last thing Mia remembers is music.

After the accident she can still hear it. And she can see her damaged body being taken from the wreck of her parents- car even though she can’t feel a thing.

All she can do is watch as doctors rush to save her life, as her friends and relatives gather outside her room as the boy she loves struggles to be near her.

As the next twenty-four hours unfold. Mia must come to terms with what happened before the crash- and what could come after her. And she knows she must make the most difficult choice of all.

If she stays. (Blurb)

Mia is a budding cellist, who dreams of one day going to Juilliard. But after the accident everything changes and she is forced to make the biggest decision yet, will she stay with her friends and Adam or will she go?

 Thoughts: Most people compare this book to ‘The Lovely Bones’ which I haven’t read. I liked this book but one of the main problems I had with this book was that I found was that it was too short! It is told through flashbacks so we get an insight of what Mia’s life was like before the accident. I really liked this (although I was disappointed when I reached the end of the story & my Kindle said it was only 80% of the way through!) It ends with a cliffhanger, so if you really enjoy this book I'd strongly encourage you to buy the sequel in advance. Although I enjoyed this book I'll be honest and say that I don't think I'll be reading it again on account of the fact that I couldn't really connect with the characters (but that could just be me), perhaps one day I'll read it again and my opinion will change, you never know. 

Reviews:

 "This sensitively written story of the power of love and loss presses all the right buttons . . . the intensity of feelings and tragic suddenness with which life changes will strike a chord with teenagers and the young at heart. Read it, as they say, and weep" (Daily Mail)

"This is a wonderful, beautiful book; so gripping, so wise and oh, so heart-breakingly painful" (Carmen Reid)

"It reminded me very much of The Lovely Bones. I found it uplifting and satisfying" (Anne Cassidy)

Film Adaptation:

There is a film adaptation of the novel (it only recently came out) and it stars Chloe Grace Mortez as Mia Hall, although I haven’t seen the movie it looks good and the trailer inspired me to read the book! (:

Chloe Grace Mortez	Mia Hall
Jamie Blackley	Adam
Liana Liberto	Kim
Joshua Leonard	Denny Hall
Mireille Enos	Kat Hall

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