The Dessen Covers!

Okay guys. They're all out. And I want to know what you think because I'm very in love with a few of them and not at all impressed by others. For example, I LOVE the That Summer and Keeping the Moon covers, but I really don't like the The Truth About Forever or This Lullaby covers which are my favorite books by her. And the Just Listen one looks like a Judy Blume cover.

What do you think?

Just Listen - Sarah Dessen

Young Adult
Pages: 384
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: April 6, 2006

When Annabel, the youngest of three beautiful sisters, has a bitter falling out with her best friend—the popular and exciting Sophie—she suddenly finds herself isolated and friendless. but then she meets owen—a loner, passionate about music and his weekly radio show, and always determined to tell the truth. And when they develop a friendship, Annabel is not only introduced to new music but is encouraged to listen to her own inner voice. with owen's help, can Annabel find the courage to speak out about what exactly happened the night her friendship with Sophie came to a screeching halt?

Having read quite a few of her books lately I can say that, even though the plots are alike, it's just impossible not to like them. She has one of the most captivating writing styles I've seen in my short reading life. This is one of my favorite Dessen books so far because it involves so many parts of what my personal life has been. I worked in modeling, I worked in radio and I had an eating disorder and the book includes all 3 things. It is seriously amazing and it truly blows me away the way Dessen talks about any kind of issues as if, somehow, she has been through all of them and can describe them in detail. What an excellent writer she is.

The characters felt unbelievably real, the plot was marvelous and the cover is probably my favorite cover from any of her books. Had I known I'd love her books this much I would have picked them up long ago. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys realistic fiction.\

Goodreads / Amazon

Dreamland - Sarah Dessen

Young Adult
Pages: 256
Publisher: Speak
Release Date: May 11, 2004

Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else-her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?

This is really different from other books I've read by Dessen. I wasn't expecting it to be so dark. She uses her wonderful talent to a different kind of story and makes it marvelous. You can feel everything falling apart while you're reading. Sadly, it's the story of many women out there. A story told after it's to late. I felt frustrated and helpless reading this, knowing Caitlin's story could be anyone's. It's a book about teen issues.

The plot was steady, it keeps you hooked because you feel the inevitable coming. The characters, as always Dessen's, are incredibly real. Every single one of them. The Hardcover, I don't like at all, but the paperback is really beautiful. Could have a better cover though. If you like reading realistic dark stories, or if you've liked other books by Dessen, you should give this one a try.

Amazon / Goodreads
Indiebound

The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen

Young Adult
Pages: 384
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: May 11, 2004

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&150so 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 was wonderful. I'm starting to love her books! I had heard great things about this one and specially about "Wes" the main male character. And whoa! This surpassed my expectations. The story is so simple, and yet leaves you so much. She is a magical storyteller, she can turn otherwise plain stories into amazing books with her writing.
The characters were incredible. She always delivers characters so real like they could walk out of the book at any time. And to my surprise, I really liked Macy (I normally like bad girls). And please don't get me started on Wes. He's understanding, former bad boy, extraordinary and most of all, extremely gorgeous.
The cover is really appealing, probably my favorite Dessen cover. After reading it, of course I wonder why they wont pick more fitting covers instead of just pretty ones, but it works anyway. If you like teen romance and gorgeous boys, this is definitely a book for you.

Goodreads / Amazon

News 4 Yabookaholics! (5)

N4Y Features recent news from the Young Adult book world!
Join the gossip and start spreading news -and joy- to the yabookaholics of the world.


The Cinderella Society has a cover!

* Read the first two chapters of Hush, Hush!

* Read four chapters of As You Wish here

Sarah Dessen's books will now also come on a beautiful Book set.

AND........ New Moon's second trailer was released! It's amazing! See it here (Yahoo Movie's HD)


You can now find on my sidebar easy links to this feature from #1!
Please, if there is any juicy news you'd like to add, email me at: crystalreviews[at]gmail.com

Along for the Ride - Sarah Dessen

Young Adult
Pages: 383
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: June 16, 2009

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

Oh, this book was so sweet! Probably shocking, but its the first I've read from Sarah Dessen. She's a wonderful writer. I don't think I have enough compliments for her writing. It was just delightful. The story was really pretty, so much more than a love story. It has a message, you can learn from it and that is always a pro.

What impressed me the most though, was the feeling I got as if it was a true story. Wow. Auden's character is incredibly real. I just felt like I was with her all the time. All the characters seem so alive and I could actually see the place, the beach. I liked the cover, even if I thought it was cheesy at first, well no, actually I still do. I'm guessing that's not Auden because of the pink dress. Anyway, if you enjoy cute love stories and teen summers you'll definitely love this book.

Goodreads / Amazon