What's In It? The Concerned Parent's Guide to Young Adult Literature
  • Home
  • About the Reviews
    • Why "What's In It"?
    • How to Read the Reviews
    • Sexual and Vulgar Content Keys
  • The Reviews
    • Table of Contents
    • A-E >
      • A
      • B
      • C
      • D
      • E
    • F-J >
      • F
      • G
      • H
      • I
      • J
    • K-O >
      • K
      • L
      • M
      • N
      • O
    • P-T >
      • P-Q
      • R
      • S
      • T
    • U-Z >
      • U
      • V
      • W
      • X-Y
      • Z
  • Other Review Resources
  • Past Gems of the Moment
  • Young Adult Classics
  • The Nosy Parent Blog
  • How You Can Help
  • Cheri's Corner
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
  • Disclaimer

The "J" Reviews--See the content keys for an explanation of the numbers.

Picture
Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen
*A Booksense Top Ten Pic, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, A New York Times Bestseller, A YALSA Teen’s Top Ten*
Core themes:  the emotional trauma and other consequences resulting from rape; eating disorders; the importance of finding the courage and strength to speak out when necessary, even when it's difficult; the value of honesty and genuine listening; how things are often not what they appear on the surface 
Drugs/alcohol:  teens drink beer at a party; supporting character drinks beer and wine
Religion/occult: none
Romance/sexuality:  1 
Violence/abuse:  main character is almost raped by a male schoolmate (graphic)
Vulgarities:  1, 2, 3, 7 (occasional)
Literary artistry:  *  *  *  *  *
Comments:  I can see why Sarah Dessen has become synonymous with young adult literature.  She has her finger on the pulse of contemporary teen culture and can write for her audience in a way that both supports and mentors them--but more as an older friend, not as a distant adult.  Just Listen is the first book of hers that I have read, so I don't know how it compares with her many other novels; however, I was impressed by the quality and depth of the story.  It was complex enough to explore her difficult themes in a meaningful way, but it wasn't heavy enough to wear me out or bore me.  Although there were a few spots that seemed to falter from a literary perspective--confusing here, awkwardly worded there--overall it is a strong novel that is worth reading, especially for girls who have experienced sexual violence of any kind.

I would suggest this book to younger teens / older teens / all teens /no teens.  

Author's Official Website:  http://sarahdessen.com/
Reviewer:  Cheri Blomquist

Proudly powered by Weebly