Approx. Reading Level: Grade 9/ SSS1
One book I loved when I was in high school was The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. The author writes from the perspective of a teenage girl, Macy Queen. She’s seventeen, and I wasn’t much younger when I read it for the first time, so I could relate to the language Dessen used and the way the main character thought. Macy thinks and worries about family issues, boys, and school. Most teenage girls across the globe are constantly worrying about everything, whatever that may be in ourlives. So Dessen doesn’t have much trouble connecting her readers emotionally to the story, but not only does she tap into young female feelings well, she also exposes us to serious personal and family problems affecting girls all over the world. In other books, Dessen covers divorce, a runaway sister, a mother who leaves, relationship abuse, and drugs. The death of Macy’s father is the backdrop for this one. It’s a novel set during one long summer in which Macy finally comes to fully express her grief over the tragic event and attempts to move on by rediscovering who she is and who she should spend her time with. Although it deals with potentially troubling issues, the book is not all serious. There are plenty of humorous moments, loveable, unique characters, and a budding romance that is a major part of the plot. Overall, it’s a light, fairly quick read – perfect for when on holiday from school.
Original by Stephanie E. of Indiana University
