Just Listen Review :)

Just Listen is one of my new favorite books. It was a refreshing taste of story verses the usual vampire, wizard tale. It really opened my eyes up to new perspectives because it had a different view on the love scene that I usually would. It actually helped me make a decision and help myself get a clear concept of what was going on with my life. Of course I had asked other people's opinions but they were always the same. When I read this it helped me see a different view on things. Also, it threw in different elements to make the storyline interesting. It was completely unpredictable. First, there were social problems, then boys got thrown into it, next came flashbacks, after that came meeting someone unexpectedly, then eating disorders played in, it was all happening at unpredicted times.
This book teaches a few lessons like; there is always a bright side to every dark situation. Whitney became anorexic, but that caused her to move home, learn new things, and establish a new bond with her sisters that she never had before. When Emily went through the same thing Annabel did with Will and Sophie, she spoke up and helped Annabel to, too. That was a major turning point with Annabel. If Emily never experienced what Annabel did, then Annabel wouldn't have gotten the chance to speak up and finally clear her conscious of her dilemma. Then, Annabel and Owen had a major fight, but because of that they grew closer in the time they weren't talking. My mom always said: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. This book really helped me learn different aspects of the varying situations, and to look at the problem from multiple angles.
I feel that this novel really did live up to its expectations for me because I had no expectations for this book. I thought it was going to be some boring same-old-same-old love story where the girls a guy and they get together then break up. No, it was absolutely captivating, and wonderful. It sucked me in the moment I started reading it. I think that every teenage girl who is looking for answers and reading my review should go and pick up Just Listen because it helpled me learn alot. Plus, it's real. It may not be a biography on somebody but he story line in this book can happen to anyone. It helps you get a fresh perspective and advice. So, since you finished reading this, what are you waiting for? Pick up that book and happy reading! :)

Novel Review for "Just Listen"

"Just Listen" is a book that almost every teenager can relate to. A teenage girl goes through everyday struggles of friendship, family, and boys. I really enjoyed reading this book. Sarah Dessen did a wonderful job understanding how present-day teens think. It made me realize that every person has their problems, even if things seem fine on the outside. Things you say can deeply affect others. I think that this book is excellent for teens who are still trying to figure out what kind of person they want to become. This book is an intriguing page-turner that made me think about the choices I will have to make in the future.

This book is also a story of young love. This aspect of the book made me think about judging others. One quote that will stick with me from this book is: "Don't think or judge; just listen". The two main characters, Annabel and Owen, are a very unexpected couple. Gossip spreads like wildfire throughout the school. Annabel and Owen become known as "Beauty and the Beast". The teenage couple learn so much about each other in a very short amount of time. If Annabel had judged Owen and walked away from his many offers of help in her times of need, they would have never been together. The author did a great job developing this love story, it wasn't cheesy and unconvincing; it was real.

I feel that the books ending went too quickly. I was slightly scatter-brained throughout the last few pages of the book. I expected Owen and Annabel to officially become a couple. I did enjoy this book; however, I feel that the ending was disappointing. This was the only part of the novel in which my expectations fell short. Annabel's life somewhat falls apart, then she picks up the pieces and puts them together. In some aspects of the book I feel Annabel's reaction was not realistic. Overall, the good outweighed the bad and I would still recommend this book to anyone.

I never thought I could learn so much for a book. I learned not to judge anybody. Everybody is guilty of stereotyping others. It has become human to look at others and judge them by appearances. This book was easy to relate to. It was a modern read about situations most people face everyday. I think that this book can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. This book inspired me too think differently. I learned to not think, not judge; just listen.

Thanks for reading!

Conflict and Point of View in Just Listen

In the novel "Just Listen", Annabel Greene and her family face many problems in their daily lives. Annabel is caught in a problem that she cannot control. Annabel and her best friend Sophie are in a social battle. Sophie is constantly calling Annabel hurtful names and trying to cause physical fights. The Greene family is having many problems: Whitney's eating disorder, Grace always wanting perfection, and Annabel's secret modeling problems.

"Just Listen" is narrated through Annabel's point of view. The first person point of view helps readers clearly understand the setting and plot. Annabel is a well-educated teenage girl, she lives in a very stereotypical world. The point of view also helps readers realize how much Annabel changes throughout the novel. I feel that the book is very easy to read, understand, and enjoy through the point of view Sarah Dessen chose.

Setting & Point of View in "Just Listen"

I read the book enititled, Just Listen, and it was one of the best books I have read in a while. It was a real story, not just some vampire fantasy. It was a book that really gets you thinking, and is unpredictable. Everything that could go wrong in this girl's life does. She starts out her school year as a no one, gets called multiple names, and has no friends. Her family is dealing with multiple upsetting problems, like her sister, who turns to anorexia, while the mother is dealing with a great loss of her mother. Unexpected twists and turns show there is always a bright side to every dark situation.
There are two literary elements that stand out to me in this book and one of them is the setting. Annabel (the main character) lives in this lusty glass house. From an outsiders view, they could see most of the house, like the kitchen, dining room, living room (but no the bathrooms' or bedrooms'). Annabel always says "It looks like a perfect family enjoying a nice dinner on the outside, but on the inside, you see the family that is quiet with problems, covering them up to protect eachother." The cars pass by, and always look. Annabel always notices this. They always see the happy family when Annabel feels sorry. She feels sorry because, to the people on the outside, it is just an illusion. If we didn't have this glass house in this story, then, this point couldn't be put across. What you see isn't always what you get.
The next literary element that stood out to me is the point of view. We have multiple different personalities in this book. The characters in the book have prominent traits. Kirsten (the eldest sister) is the loud, talkative, bold girl verses Whitney (the middle sister) who is reserved, cross, and misunderstood. Then we have Annabel. Annabel covers and bottles everything up. She tries to keep things from people to avoid making them unhappy. So, she is quiet and goes with the flow. It is crucial that it was from her point of view because we get a taste of what her life is like and how many things she is botteling up. Quiet Annabel gives us all the information about her and everyone else's life that we find out different fascinating clues that engage us in reading further. She keeps you guessing on what is happening next, and the different problems that are occuring.