Behind the Stacks: Author's Spotlight: Sarah Desson Part 1

I'm going to kick the literary aspect of my blog off by spotlighting one of my all time favorite authors. Her books have literally changed my life and if you are a girl anywhere from ages 11-21 I think her books will do the same to you too. Even people who fall outside this group may have their lives touched through one of these books.

Each novel Dessen tackles another issue or sets of issues. Her main character is a girl usually between the ages of 16 and 19 whose life is altered in some way when a boy steps on the scene. Dessen's novels usually follow the same formula: girl's life is missing something, girl meets boy, girls life improves, girl and boy have a falling out/ misunderstanding, girl's life gets worse, girl reconciles with boy and everything turns out okay. Despite the repetitive formulas, her stories remain original through the help of creative subplots, well developed characters and witty dialogue. Here I am going to take a closer look at some of her novels.

The Outliers

These books are outliers, they deviate from the normal formula.I also refer to them as "bad boy" books because the boys that the girls encounter in these books do change their lives...but for the worst. So be prepared to not have a happily ever after when you start to read these.

Dreamland

I am starting with Dreamland because (in my opinion which I'm sure is shared) it is the saddest of her books. The book features 16 year old Caitlin whose older sister has just run away from home to be on a reality show (maybe I could do a post on it?) Caitlin's whole life is further turned upside down when she meets  bad boy and drug dealer Rogerson. Rogerson introduces drugs into Caitlin's world and soon after that the abuse starts. Rogerson hits Caitlin for breaking "the Rules" like not being on time or talking to another guy or talking back to him. Caitlin is always walking on eggshells around him because she is petrified of setting off his temper. She sleeps with him, and remarks that the sex is the only time when she feels safe. One night Caitlin's mother witnesses Rogerson beating up Caitlin. The cops are called and Rogerson is arrested. Caitlin is sent to Evergreen Rest Care Facility to recover from Rogerson's abuse and as a result of her drug use. The book ends with her returning home where her family, friends and sister are waiting for her.
Why I Recommend This Book: This book was one of the most tragic and powerful books I ever read. For me, this book had a particular impact because Rogerson reminds me of one my ex boyfriends (also a drug dealer) Our relationship was not as dramatic as Caitlin's and Rogerson's but he was very controlling (he was 19 and I was 15) My dad finally threatened to send him to jail if he didn't leave me alone. I haven't seen him since. 
Read This Book If: 

• You are in or ever have been in an abusive relationship
• You are starting to hang out with the "wrong crowd"
• You feel invisible
• You use or experiment with drugs
• You are concerned about a friend who is in an abusive relationship
• You don't value yourself

Someone Like You

This novel also tackles a number of issues from death to teen pregnancy to unhealthy relationships. The book focuses on Halley(the main character) and her relationship with her best friend Scarlett. Scarlett's boyfriend (Michael) dies in a car crash at the beginning of the novel, leaving Scarlett alone and pregnant. It is Halley's responsibility to be there for her friend while Scarlett copes with her boyfriend's death as well  morning sickness and the nasty rumors that begin to circulate. The book also deals with Halley and her relationship with Michael's best friend Macon who leads a wild lifestyle that concerns Hayley's parents. Macon has many characteristics similar to Rogerson. Although he never hits Halley he constantly tries to pressure Halley into having sex with him. After he gets them into a car accident that lands Halley in the hospital, Halley breaks things off with him. The book concludes on a positive note with Scarlett having given birth to her baby, named Grace Halley.

Why I Recommend This Book: I find Halley to be one of Dessen's more courageous characters. She leaves Macon because she knows that it is best for her. It also addresses the often asked question "When should I  have sex?" and answers it loudly and clearly "Wait. Wait until you're ready and not a minute before" It also expresses a very realistic look at teen pregnancy.

 Read This Book If:              

•       You have lost a boyfriend, girlfriend or friend or even an acquaintance in a shocking and tragic way  (It was a real comfort to me when my friend's brother died) 
•    You and your parents fight over everything- how long you spend on the phone, how late you stay out and most of all the people you hang out with
• You are pregnant or you know somebody who is pregnant
• You are wondering if this is the right time to have sex
• You are considering abortion

Btw: I am reviewing all of Dessen's books except That Summer because...well I didn't like it and I don't recommend it. That's about it. 

And that kicks off my literary reviews. Leave a comment, let me know what you think and stay tuned for my next post!