Just Listen

Annabel has just returned back to school after the lonliest summer of her life. Emerging reluctantly from her self-inflicted isolation, Annabel must face the spiteful rumours that her ex-best friend Sophie has been spreading about her.

In hiding away all summer, it seems that Annabel's silence has done nothing but fuel the gossip. But did Annabel really sleep with Sophie's boyfriend?

Perhaps the mysterious Owen Armstrong will help Annabel to face up to her past, her family problems and her own insecurities.

Written in a mature but readable style, "Just Listen" is a beautiful read. Dessen describes Annabel's life with such intricate detail that as the reader, you feel as though you are living it with her.

From the very first page I was compelled to keep reading, as events unfolded and clues were given as to what happened on that night that everything changed for Annabel.

At first, I had to guess at much of what was happening, due to the periodic switching between Annabel's past and present. but eventually everything tied together beautifully, in a wonderful book that was a joy to read.

This book is a great read for all teenagers. The story is realistic and deals with real-life issues though, so for that reason may not appeal to fantasy or sci-fi lovers.

All in all, an excellent read, and one which I would thoroughly recommend.