Book Review: The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen

Rating:

Genre: Young Adult > Contemporary | Romance

a long, hot summer…

That’s what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy’s father.

But sometimes unexpected things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister’s project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl’s world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to wonder, Is it really better to be safe than sorry?

Literary Awards: Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Urban Fantasy (2004),South Carolina Book Award for Young Adult Book Award (2007), ALA Teens’ Top Ten (2005), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2006)

*****

It saddens me to say that I did not enjoy The Truth About Forever. The sa-woon factor tugged a little smile from me, but the giggle was not there. Sigh. My first Sarah Dessen book is an epic fail. =(

Macy is not my type of a female lead. Timid, depressing, hopeless. Oh yes, i know her dad died. Still, i would’ve liked it if Dessen portrayed Macy a little stronger, a subtle fighter in her own way. Her character was built up way too slow. Wes is likeable enough. I mean i would like him as a best friend, but for a boyfriend? Erm, not really. Wes’ character is a lot more interesting than Macy’s, but it was not enough for me to go gaga over him.

The story interchangeably tells Macy’s grief (and guilt) over her father’s death and her growing affection for Wes. The plot was simple; there was nothing new there, thus my boredom in reading it.

I’m not saying that Macy is not allowed to mourn (no matter how long it would be). What I’m saying is that Macy is not the girl I will look up to if ever I will grieve on something (or someone). Why? Because the resolve to move on despite the heartache is hard to find in her.

What is The Truth About Forever? It only means forever is different for each person. Therefore, you cannot compare yours to others, and you cannot deny them theirs. And THAT is the only thing i liked about this novel.