Lucky you! Another book review for this week! That’s right friends, today I am sharing my 5th book read in 2021! YAY! As I write this I am finishing up my 6th book (and it is a good one!) so I am feeling really great about smashing that goal of reading 24 books in 2021! For my 5th book I went back to my favorite YA author, Sarah Dessen. Dessen is an author that I have read a number of books from and this one, The Rest Of The Story, might have moved up to my favorite of hers!!
Book 5 Read In 2021
The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
Emma Saylor doesn’t remember a lot about her mother, who died when she was ten. But she does remember the stories her mom told her about the big lake that went on forever, with cold, clear water and mossy trees at the edges. Now it’s just Emma and her dad, and life is good, if a little predictable…until Emma is unexpectedly sent to spend the summer with her mother’s family—her grandmother and cousins she hasn’t seen since she was a little girl.
When Emma arrives at North Lake, she realizes there are actually two very different communities there. Her mother grew up in working class North Lake, while her dad spent summers in the wealthier Lake North resort. The more time Emma spends there, the more it starts to feel like she is divided into two people as well. To her father, she is Emma. But to her new family, she is Saylor, the name her mother always called her.
Then there’s Roo, the boy who was her very best friend when she was little. Roo holds the key to her family’s history, and slowly, he helps her put the pieces together about her past. It’s hard not to get caught up in the magic of North Lake—and Saylor finds herself falling under Roo’s spell as well.
For Saylor, it’s like a whole new world is opening up to her. But when it’s time to go back home, which side of her will win out?
My Review of The Rest of the Story
The Rest Of The Story was so quintessential Sarah Dessen. If you like her books, I am sure you will enjoy this one. This was a super quick read for me because I had a hard time putting it down. Let’s be honest here, a lot of YA novels can be pretty predictable – boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy – boy breaks girl’s heart. Well, Dessen does something so different in this book. She brings reality to the teenage world.
Not every teenage love story is a fairytale. Life isn’t easy for everyone. Your past will shape who you become. Dessen shares a powerful story about a girl who needs to learn the rest of her story to find out where she belongs. A true becoming of age story with struggles that many teens are dealing with – drugs/alcohol, death, divorce, friendship challenges, and love interests.
The reason I have always enjoyed Dessen’s writing is because she allows me to relate to these characters – even though I am in my 30s. I was there…I know that feeling and more importantly, I am able to see how my kids will soon be in these situations. No matter who you are I truly believe you will find yourself in her characters shoes. I really appreciate Dessen showcasing an untraditional family. She also added in a very important LGBTQIA+ message that we need to see recognized more in YA literature.
I would consider this a book that is perfect for that weekend getaway. A book that will help you escape, smile and turn those pages. So if you are a Sarah Dessen fan, YA novel lover or you just need a book for the weekend I suggest you pick up The Rest Of The Story. I think you will enjoy it.
2021 READING GOAL CONTINUES
Book 5 in the books!! Keeping that reading momentum going! Off to a super start for 2021! I have found that setting a goal of reading at least 50 pages a day is really helping me this year. I am always looking for new books to add to my reading list so please share some books you have really enjoyed recently. Make sure you check out my 2021 Reading List and Goal too. Maybe you can add some of my books to your list this year!
Previous Book Reviews of Sarah Dessen:
Once and For All By Sarah Dessen
Saint Anything By Sarah Dessen
Along For The Ride By Sarah Dessen
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