Thursday 15 January 2009

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: April 2006
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: paperback
Source: borrowed

Macy's summer stretches before her, carefully planned and outlined. She will spend her days sitting at the library information desk. She will spend her evenings studying for the SATs. Spare time will be used to help her obsessive mother prepare for the big opening of the townhouse section of her luxury development. But Macy's plans don't anticipate a surprising and chaotic job with Wish Catering, a motley crew of new friends, or ... Wes. Tattooed, artistic, anything-but-expected Wes. He doesn't fit Macy's life at all--so why does she feel so comfortable with him? So ... happy? What is it about him that makes her let down her guard and finally talk about how much she misses her father, who died before her eyes the year before?

This book made me fall in love with Sarah Dessen immediately. Though the plot is not unique and somewhat predictable, there's something in her writing style that intrigued me. My first impression of the story was that the emotions were really well described. From Macy's grief over her Dad's death to her Mum's fear of facing the fact that her husband was long gone; from Wes' feelings towards Macy to her disappointment when she thought he didn't feel the same way; it all touched my heart. What also amazed me was how Sarah managed to pull off pure sadness without a trace of depression.

I love all the characters. Excluding Macy's boyfriend Jason who was totally a jerk (like who else in this world would accuse his girlfriend of being clingy just because she signed her email with a simple "I love you"?), his father and the two girls at the library, everyone else was likable. Perhaps some didn't appear on many scenes nor say much, yet they suddenly shone at the right moment. My favorite one besides Wes and Macy must be Kristy. Even with those awful scars all over her body, she was always strong and confident, not to mention being really wise.

What made the book was the relationship of Wes and Macy. They came from different families but coincidently suffered the same pain - a loss of a loved one. I adore the way their mutual feelings grew. It was slow, simple and beautiful. Through work, hanging out and games, even childish Gotcha, they understood each other more and more. I couldn't but feel giggly whenever the Truth game was mentioned, and I'm sure you'll want to have a pencil that smells cinnamon after reading this.

Overall, this is a good book. Its meaningfulness will give you lots of emotions and deep thoughts.

Rating: 4.5/5

Did you know? The Truth About Forever took #2 spot in Teens Top Ten in 2005.

10 comments:

Melissa Walker said...

I loved this book too--it was the first of Sarah Dessen's that I read!

Nai said...

You're fraking AWESOME!! this site looks so pro. =D i have to go read the book now since you did such a cool review of it.

nadine said...

Nicely put. This was the fist one I read by Sarah Dessen and it was a great first.

Gabbi said...

I quite like how your site looks. Adding you to my blogroll.

Liviania said...

Sarah Dessen is a fabulous author!

Wow, your site looks beautiful!

Lenore Appelhans said...

Yes, your site looks amazing!

Barrie said...

I loved this book and was so sorry when it ended. Nice review. And thanks for visiting.

Adele said...

I love your site, Thao. I think I might need to learn your ways lol.

I actually just finished blogging about The Truth About Forever over at The Sarah Dessen Diarist. I really enjoy this book. It was the first SD book that I read as well, again the cover art got me! (What can I say, I'm shallow). Nice review.

Tasha said...

I've only read Dreamland, but this sounds good as well.

Unknown said...

I didn't really like this one too much. I liked the characters but I just wasn't a huge fan of the story itself.