Just Listen by Sarah Dessen: A teen novel with wider reach

Synopsis from the back of the book: Annabel Greene is the girl who has everything. At least, that's what she portrays in her modeling shoots. But Annabel's life is far from perfect. Her friendship with Sophie ended bitterly, and her older sister's eating disorder is weighing down the entire family. Isolated and ostracized at school and at home, Annabel retreats into silent acceptance. Then she meets Owen- intense, music-obsessed, and determined to always tell the truth. And with his guidance, Annabel learns to just listen to herself and gains the courage to speak honestly . But will she be able to tell everyone what really happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends?

This book completely surprised me. I had a preconceived notion that as a young adult novel it would include the normal teenager stuff: petty arguments, empty promises, and irrational emotions. Dessen offers so much more in this book.

The Characters: Annabel's character is a mystery throughout the entire novel, but she still has so much depth and quiet strength that you fall in love with her. Annabel's family is what separates this book from the mundane young adult novels of its' genre. They create the most unique, interesting, and complicated relationships in the story. Owen is also such a great character. His honesty is admirable and he adds a gratuitous romance to the story, which I actually really enjoyed because it added a distraction from the sadness that dwells around Annabel's family.

The Plot: I do not want to give too much away, but the plot is complex and is surprisingly profound for the length of the book and the accompanying synopsis. I loved the story the entire way through and couldn't put the book down.

If you are interested in reading this book, check out Dessen's other novels at her website. http://sarahdessen.com/
I suggest reading This Lullaby first, then this book. She just released a new book called Lock and Key which seems to be just as promising.