The Shield
Summer Reading Preview: "Just Listen" by Sarah DessenWednesday, March 10, 2010 By Kate Gibson
As Annabel Greene readies herself for the first day of school, she sees it again—that stupid department store commercial she filmed months ago, showing clothing for every occasion that Kopf’s Department Store had to offer for girls like her, girls who had everything. Perfect grades, perfect friends, perfect family. At least back when she modeled for that ad campaign, those things were true. After a summer of drama and secrets, Annabel finds herself isolated from her peers and forced to eat lunch in solitude while avoiding the leers and dirty names aimed in her direction. She finds little solace in her modeling work, once a glorious pastime but now an arduous chore only upheld to please her mother. Annabel’s family already has enough to worry about while helping Whitney, Annabel’s strikingly beautiful model sister, recover from an eating disorder. Then there is that tall, muscular boy who never puts his iPod down, or talks for that matter. Owen Armstrong keeps to himself, especially after being suspended from school for punching another student in the face. But when Annabel’s emotional distress causes her to get sick at school, Owen is close by to help. Soon he is giving her rides in his car, trying to “enlighten” her about good music and sharing stories about his anger management classes. He introduces her to his philosophy of pure honesty and Annabel tries to follow it her best. But while she keeps her darkest secret buried inside, how can she really be honest? I started reading this book already convinced that I would hate it; teenage love stories from the popular girl’s perspective are a dime a dozen. I will admit that I was completely wrong. This novel is a fresh take on the Teen Literature genre. It combines familiar elements of teen romance with the serious issues of anorexia nervosa, depression and more with great tact. Throughout the glamorous life of a fashion model, the main character still endures falling outs with friends and a stressful family life that give teen girls a way to connect with the story. While some minor characters seem forced (Owen’s sister Mallory dresses in all pink and describes herself as “obsessed” with Annabel’s commercial and fashion multiple times) they serve as good comic relief on occasion. “New York Times” best-selling author Sarah Dessen shows her eloquence in conveying relatable experiences to young adults everywhere in this novel. Annabel learns the hard way that you never know how someone feels unless you ask, and even then, it won’t do any good unless you “just listen.” |