As an avid reader, it is difficult to pick just one favorite novelist. One of my favorite novelist is Sarah Dessen.
I have been reading Sarah Dessen novels since my junior year of high school. The first book I read was Someone Like You. I checked the book out from the library and I just could not put it down. I also read Keeping the Moon. One of the qualities that I like about Sarah Dessen’s novels is that she always keeps the readers’ interest by writing realistic storylines and dialogues. I also appreciate that she doesn’t preach or talk down to teens. Her books cover many topics that teens can relate today. For instance, she writes about Caitlin who finds herself in an abusive relationship in Dreamland. Also Dessen deals with teen pregnancy in Someone Like You.
I also enjoy Sarah Dessen’s vivid descriptions of setting in the plot. It makes me feel as if I am there in the middle of the action. I also enjoy her memorable characters. Since the novels tend to either take place in the beach town of Colby, North Carolina or the fictional town of Lakeview which is based on Chapel Hill, North Carolina; readers often see cameo appearance of characters from other books. For instance, in Lock and Key, there is a scene where readers see Kristy from The Truth About Forever in the mall.
I also appreciate the comic relief characters such as Boo and Stewart in Dreamland. Dreamland is different from Sarah’s other books. She writes about a young girl named Caitlin who falls into the clutches teen relationship violence. I found this story intense and depressing. However, Dessen provides comic relief through Boo and Stewart. Throughout the story, the readers’ attention is turned toward Caitlin finding out that her sister Cass who ran away and works on a fictionalized version of Jerry Springer or Steve Wilkos. I personally didn’t find this funny but it eased some of the intensity of the story. Oher memorable characters include the Wish Catering Crew from The Truth About Forever and Sumner from That Summer.
When I started college, reading for leisure became a luxury and I simply did not have time to read for fun. One summer, I started reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series and reading for leisure resumed. I began to search the internet for other books by Sarah Dessen. I decided to check out the books from the library and I even purchased a few books for my own personal library.
Now that I am in my late twenties I still read Sarah’s novels. Sometimes, I feel awkward standing in the young adult section at my local Borders, Barnes N Nobles, or Books A Million. I still enjoy Sarah Dessen’s novels and other similar authors. Sometimes, buying a new book is a luxury, but I always feel like I get my money’s worth when I read Sarah’s books. Therefore, it is worth the sacrifice and I consider it a special treat. As a writer, I hope to add novelist to my resume and write books for young adults.
Who is Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is the author of ten books including her recently published What Happen to Goodbye. Other books include Along for the Ride, Lock and Key, and Just Listen. Her books have been translated into twenty five languages and appeared on the ALA Best Books for Young Adults list. The movie, How to Deal was based on Dessen’s first two books That Summer and Someone Like You which starred Man wdy Moore. To learre about Sarah Dessen visit her website www.sarahdessen.com andher blog where shewrites about pop culure, the writing life, and herfamily.
