a long, hot summer...
 
The Truth About Forever follows Sarah Dessen’s formula of one girl, one boy, and one summer. Add the formula of a girl with difficulties falling in love with a guy while finding herself, and you have another classic Dessen story. But really, it never gets old. 2012 was definitely my Sarah Dessen year, as this book was already my fifth of hers. I love every single one of her books on different levels, but now I can say that The Truth About Forever is my favorite among them. 

I totally adore Macy. I can definitely relate to how she strives to be this perfect girl and daughter. There’s just something about what she feels about her father’s death and how people perceive her—it’s relatable. I liked how she learned to confine in her mother, made new friends, and developed a relationship while, at the same time, rediscovering herself. 

And then there's the boy. Sa-woon! That is how they describe Wes, the guy who is definitely swoon-worthy. (Just like every other Dessen boy) He is at the top of my YA book crushes. He’s just so artistic and lovable. He sees something in old/broken things as he creates art with things that other people consider as trash. (I wish I could have one of his artworks. Awww.) 

And then the are the friends... As I have mentioned in a previous Dessen book review, I like how she gives life to every character she writes. Each one has their own personality and brings something to the story. In this one, you’ll see how different the supporting characters are, and how you can’t help but remember each one of them because of those differences. They’re definitely the most memorable supporting characters in a Dessen book.

I just love this book. It talked about fear, grief, family, friendship, and love. This is undeniably one of my favorite YA books. I’m thinking of reading it again right now.

• Skip to the Good Part- He Is We
• "I never thought I'd find the hands to hold my heart. Whattya know? Let's skip to the good part. " "I do and a kiss and forever starts" 
• This is My Now - Jordin Sparks
• "This is my now and I am breathing in the moment. As I look around, I can't believe the  love I see."
• What Hurts the Most - Cascada
• "What hurts the most was being so close. And having so much to say, and watching you walk away."

I was trying to write my book review for The Truth About Forever when I was suddenly sidetracked to creating my book trailer first. I absolutely loved this novel by Sarah Dessen. Macy + Wes = <3 and the whole story. Hope you enjoy watching this one. (Book review to follow).
 

Here goes my book trailer:

Along for the Ride is my third Sarah Dessen novel (I’ve read This Lullaby and Lock & Key, which I have yet to write a review.).  And upon reading it, I became an absolute Dessen fan.  She is definitely one of my favorite YA authors to date and along for the ride my favorite amongst her novel I have read so far.

Auden is the loner type who acts like an all-grown-up girl focusing intensely on her studies.  She’s never really had a normal childhood. She didn’t have much of a social life and she rarely sleeps at night.

What made Auden's journey so endearing to read is the way she slowly learned to make friends, have fun, and finally let loose. I especially loved those Auden-Eli nights.  Their interactions felt natural as they are comfortable around each other.  I liked how their relationship progressed over time and how they helped each other grow. 

The thing I really like about Sarah Dessen’s novel is the way the different relationships in her story develop. I enjoyed how Auden gradually became friends with her co-workers and with Eli and how her relationship with her father, her stepmom, and her mother grew. These were all thoughtfully written.

Reading this novel made me wanna dive into the rest of Dessen's novels. Along for the Ride has earned a spot on my favorite YA books list, definitely 5 stars.

• Brighter at Night - Ash Koley
• "What do we do when the sun comes down? When all that we do. We do when it's brighter at night."
• Gift of a Friend - Demi Lovato
• "You'll change inside when you realize. The world comes to life and everything's bright... when you have a friend by your side."
• Two Worlds Collide - Demi Lovato
• "You have your dreams, I have mine. You have your fears, I was fine. Showed me what I couldn't find. When two different worlds collide."