What Happened To Goodbye

Reader: Sabrina
Age: 17
Title: What Happened To Goodbye
Author: Sarah Dessen
Publisher: Viking
Pub Date: 5/10/11
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book had a great moral lesson. It showed that you can still be an independent woman with a little help from your friends and family. That no matter what the situation is, you don't have to go at it alone, but you can try.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Getting to know the hustle and bustle of the restaurant industry was intriguing to read about! Sarah's description and detail of the stress, the hard work, and the closeness of the workers helped put into effect/ perspective of how hard it was for Mclean (as well as the other characters) to see their favorite restaurant fall apart. By this sense of detail and description you (the reader) get a sense of what life might be behind the counter top.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: No
Comments: I'm not trying to be rude or anything, the book was amazing, but it seems like Sarah's in a semi-rut when it comes to her writing and plots. The characters and the plot did have depth, but it felt like they were all to similar to her previous books, which isn't bad. It's just getting a little old-I wish I could see her expand a bit with her writing.
Cover: The cover did tempt me to pick up the book- by just looking at the cover you KNEW that this was another Sarah Dessen book. The cover reflects the contents perfectly-Mclean standing on an suitcase with clothes popping out is both intriguing and metaphorical. Just by looking at the cover of the book you know that you're going to read a book about an independent girl trying to keep everything seamlessly together.
Age Range: 14-18
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal