If you are looking for a medium-sized book to get you into your summer reading list, this is the book for you. The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen is subtle about the relationships a girl has during her life. Seventeen year old Macy finds herself at crossroads when her brainy boyfriend asks to take a “break” from their relationship because she said “I love you”. Due to her mother’s hectic work schedule, Macy decides to find comfort at a local catering company called Wish. And poof! Macy transforms into someone who can express her feelings and desires to someone after years. She finds herself with the help of a quirky family complete with a pregnant Delia, monosyllabic Monica, obsessed-with-everything Bert, out-of-her-mind Kristy, and quiet-but-brilliant Wes. Overall, the book is good with a strong structure and hints of sarcasm to help you keep reading. I recommend this book to anyone who is always tongue-tied like me when it comes to expressing your feelings to parents, siblings, or friends. -Reviewed by Sayonika, grade 10.
Comments
This book was very well-written and I really enjoyed it. I liked that the book is realistic, and I laughed out loud constantly. The characters were very cute, and I liked how the author was able to show Macy's development and change throughout the story. I would rate the novel a 9 out of 10, and I would recommend it to teenage girls who enjoy romantic novels.
Reviewed by: Rebecca S., Grade: 9
Glendale Central Library
Macy’s boyfriend, Jason is going to a brain camp this summer who has been one of the most important people in her life since her father had died. Once he leaves, Macy doesn't know what she is going to do in the summer until she gets a job at a very fun and chaotic catering company, Wish. She meets Wes and has the time of her life that summer. Macy begins to slowly, but surely, come out of her shell but she questions her new fun-loving life and if she should really be having this much fun while her boyfriend is away.
The book, The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen, is a perfect book if you're reading for fun. It is a cute summer novel that is great for all ages. Not once did I ever lose interest in the book. The author did an excellent job of mixing comedy, romance, and tragedy in one book. I would recommend this book to people who are into fictional romantic comedies.
Reviewed by Elise B., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch
Dessen is very good in crafting her characters and their relationships with one another. I, myself, can completely relate to the awkward, detached relationship of Macy and her mother. I also like the fact that Dessen’s characters are filled with flaws of all kinds: Kristy with her scars and Monica with her boring and static character and Bert with his over-the-top intensity and Delia with her unorganized self. Dessen is also skilled in creating a real-life environment, meaning that the entire story is not entirely focused on a boy or her father’s passing or her failing relationship with her mother, but rather everything all at once. Dessen could have described Macy’s grief a little more, giving a more raw description rather than a careful selection of words. This is a story that teaches you that sometimes it is okay to have an unexpected surprise- or even a little chaos- just for you to remember that you should just let things be and go along with it.
Reviewed by Lilit, Grade 12
Grandview Library