What Happened to Goodbye
The captivating characters and heartfelt conversations within this book grabbed my attention rather quickly. This story is about a teenage girl, Mclean Sweet, who changes her personality every time she moves, which is very often. Along with the fact that her parents had a bitter divorce and her dad is unstable, she never gives anybody a chance to be her close friend or develop a real relationship with her. Mclean's dad likes to escape his problems and avoid what's truly bothering him; in that way, he is very much like his daughter. Although Mclean knows the separation between her parents wasn't only her mother's fault, she takes the easy way out and cuts off her mom and her mom's new life entirely.
Once her dad lands a job at Luna Bleu, they move once again. However, this time, the people at her new school are interesting and understand her. Most importantly, her new friends care about her and she can be herself around them. Mclean finally lets loose and doesn't put on an act or change her name; she stays exactly who she should have been the whole time, just Mclean.
As she matures and learns to value the people that love her, Mclean also realizes that just because her dad is upset with the situation doesn't mean she should feel guilty about still needing her mom. She shouldn't have ever had to grow up so fast and skip the fun that is being a teenager. The message that I got from reading this book was that it doesn't matter whether your house is brown or purple; if your family is there, you'll always belong.
I would rate this book a 7 out of 10, because the characters were intriguing and the message was significant. Recommenation-wise, I'd say you should read it if you like realistic fiction or books about what life is really about. Don't read it if you like blood or murder, it's not anything close to that. If you enjoy books that teach you a lesson, surely read What Happened to Goodbye.
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ReplyDeleteSarah Dessen’s writing style allows you to feel as though you are in the book with the characters; seeing what they see, and experiencing everything that they go through. Her characters are also unique, in good ways and bad. They are very easy to connect with, however some of their stories are a bit far fetched. For instance, the main character’s mom cheats on her dad with his Idol and role model. Not that this isn’t believable, it’s just not something you would likely encounter.
ReplyDeleteMclean, the main character, is very interesting. I love the section of the story where she explains all of her past personalities, the drama queen, the popular, etc. For the first time in years she is just good old Mclean.
One particular part of the book that I enjoyed was when Mclean's dad argued the case of pickles over bread rolls. I liked that the deliveryman was pro pickle, while the neighbors preferred the roles.
So far the book is good. It is captivating and relatable, like if a friend was telling you an anecdote. The plot is not thrilling and I don’t find myself gripping the pages with suspense, but it moves at a steady moderate pace, perfect for light reading. It is the type of book that leaves you feeling refreshed after reading it instead of feeling swamped by unanswered questions (if that makes any sense).
I really liked the hidden meaning within her past personalities, too! The bread rolls versus pickles debate was a bit random, but it was interestingly written, so I gave the author kudos for keeping me intrigued. I also agree that the book is not challenging, and that it is a very nice story for light reading. I don't think it is an easy book, but rather that it has a good balance of light conversation and questionable characters. I hope you're enjoying the story! :)
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying the story so far! I am around half way through the book and events just keep piling up, keeping me intrigued. Through this part, you get more of an inside look at each characters backgrounds and feelings. Dave, the kid genius, just wants to be normal. Mclean is frustrated with her mother because she doesn't take responsibility and has moved on so easily, and so on.
ReplyDeleteIn this section my favorite part was the basketball game. Sarah Dessen does a fantastic job showing the tension between the family, and poor Dave awkwardly standing by. One character that amuses me, and also annoys me is Lindsay Baker, Opal's nemesis and city councilwoman. She has a very put together, fake personality and is very intense.
The book is continually getting better. Can't wait to read more! :)
Oh I forgot to mention that the authors writing seems to progressively get better with the book. she uses more imagery and metaphorical statements as well as things like sarcasm and a mocking take on some characters. Her writing is moving and detailed, very good.
ReplyDeleteIsabelle,
ReplyDeleteThe relationship between Mclean and her mother is interesting, but at times, I felt like it was too dramatic. Her mother still loved her, so shouldn't Mclean have forgiven her? Dave is one of my favorite characters, and I completely agree about the basketball scene! It was humorous while also kind-of ironic. I also agree that Sarah Dessen's way of writing sarcastically and emotionally makes it a great book to read. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
I whole-heartedly agree with your opinion of the situation between Mclean and her mother. They make things way more complicated than they need to be. For one thing her mother could take a hint and give her some actual space, and like you said Mclean could lighten up and actually give her mom another chance.
ReplyDeleteDave is also one of my favorite characters. My favorite thing about him is his ability to make Mclean, Mclean! She never feels the need to be someone different around him. I really liked the part where he leaves the thyme on her doorstep.
My favorite character is probably Opal. She is spirited, kind, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. I really hope that her and Mclean's dad somehow end up together!
One funny thing about the book is that every time Mclean goes to Fraiser Bakery, I get a desire to walk to Starbucks! Sarah Dessen describes it so well I feel as though I am actually there.
Can't wait to read more!
I agree, Mclean's relationship with her mom seems more complicated than it needs to be. Mclean is most likely trying to defend her dad, but is offending her mom instead.
ReplyDeleteAs for Dave, he is very unique. He is not a part of the norm, and I think that's why Mclean feels comfortable with him. He doesn't have a particular "group" or stereotype that he fits into, he is just Dave.
Opal is freely independent, which I think is her best quality. She is outgoing and speaks her mind in any and all situations. Her personality has some sort of spark, and that's what makes her special, what makes her stand out.
Although this book is not as good as some others written by Sarah Dessen, I like that it is realistic and also engaging.
I'm glad you are enjoying it so much!
Now that I have finished I just want to say that my favorite part of the whole story was when Dave set up the people in the model to show all of the moments Mclean and him had spent together!
ReplyDeleteFinal Review-
ReplyDeleteWhat Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen is a heart-warming tale of family, friendship, and discovering your true identity. Mclean, the main character, struggles with who she really is. Every time her father and her move, she changes her look, personality, and first name. Everything is different when she moves to Lakeview. The people she meets there finally make her feel like she belongs.
The madness begins when her parents experience an awful divorce, causing a rift between Mclean and her mom. She has to learn not to play the blame game, and instead to forgive and forget. Through the obstacles Mclean faces through during book, she matures and transforms to discover the truth about not only the divorce, but also her various personalities.
Sarah Dessen writes the book with an imaginative yet realistic perspective. Her descriptions and imagery make you feel like you are in Lakeview watching Mclean and her friends the whole time. She is able to perfectly describe the tension between Mclean and her mom, and the freeing personality of Dave. She also wraps everything up at the end without leaving you feeling lost, or the book unfinished. Sarah Dessen is really able to bring the story to life.
I would rate this book an 8 out of 10. It is perfect for fun reading. You aren't forced to brood over the events of the story, but instead just lightly take in the character's experiences. I marked it down, simply because certain aspects are a little unbelievable; like the divorce. However, overall the book is creative and highly enjoyable with a touching end. A word of warning, I have the feeling that it would not be the best read for guys.Other than that the book is a quick and easy read that I highly recommend for all ages 10 and up!