Review: What Happened To Goodbye

What Happened To Goodbye

By Sarah Dessen

Summary: In the past two years, Mclean Sweet has moved four times. At each stop, she assumes a new persona, but it never quite works. Whether she's an effervescent cheerleader or an intense drama queen, nothing can permanently dispel the turmoil and rage at her mother since her parents' divorce. 

Sarah Dessen's novel about a teenager and her restaurant manager father captures the vulnerability that young people often experience after the dissolution of their family. A compelling story; strong characterization; and with a touch of romance.

Review: I have read almost all of Sarah Dessen’s books. I fell in love with every single one, with the characters, plot, and the writing. What Happened to Goodbye was no exception. From the very first page I was addicted to the story, Sarah Dessen has a way of doing that. No matter where you are or what you’re doing when you open a Sarah Dessen book you are automatically captivated.

            Mclean, the main character doesn’t really know who she is. Every time she moves she changes her personality and just leaves the previous place behind with no goodbyes. When she gets to Lakeview somehow she ends up just being just Mclean, herself and has to face her past. Mclean was an interesting character to read about she was real, just like all of Sarah Dessen’s characters, and she had her problems and issues that she’s forced to over come.

            The supporting characters were also very prominent in What Happened to Goodbye. All of them had there own personalities and quirks. Deb was hands down my favorite. She knew what she wanted but was still insecure. Deb was the new girl in Lakeview before Mclean was, so she wanted to make Mclean feel welcome on her first day of school. Of course Dave (the main guy character) was also a close runner. He’s a genius, literally. He was funny and just so much fun to read about. 

            What Happened To Goodbye is definitely up there with my favorite Sarah Dessen books. It doesn’t pass This Lullaby, and Truth About Forever but it comes pretty close. If you haven’t read any of her books I really recommend picking one up. Whether you want to start with What Happened To Goodbye or This Lullaby you will love all of Sarah’s books. 

--Danielle