Dessen, Sarah. Just Listen.
Speak. 2006.
ISBN 9780142410973
$8.99. Paperback. 400 pages
Readers Annotation
Annabel Greene seems to have a perfect life. She models and is popular at school, until her friendship with the vindictive Sophie ends bitterly.
Plot Summary
Annabel Greene, the youngest of three sisters seems to have it all – a wonderful family life, and a career as a local model. Yet, she has secrets that she can’t tell anyone. Her middle sister suffers from anorexia, her mother has had bouts of depression, and she doesn’t want to model anymore. Caught in a toxic relationship, her best friend, Sophie blames Annabel for attempting to sleep with her philandering boyfriend. What Sophie doesn’t know is that her boyfriend, Will tried to rape Annabel at a party. Now ostracized by nearly everyone on campus, Annabel accepts that she will never be able to tell the truth about what happened that night. Although ostracized by many of her classmates, Annabel develops a budding relationship with the tall loner Owen. Owen, a local DJ, draws closer to Annabel through music and discussions about his issues with anger management. Through her relationship with Owen, Annabel learns to listen to herself, and to speak her truth.
Critical Evaluation
Beautifully realized with honest characters this book is a classic young adult novel. Dessen’s portrayal of Annabel, a fragile frightened teen, is so realistic that many young women will believe she exists. It is rare to find a literary character that is so realistic. Young women will think (as I did), that if this can happen to Annabel – it can happen to anyone. Annabel’s vindictive best friend Sophie is over-the-top. From the first meeting with Annabel and Clarke, she oozes a troublesome meaness that never changes. Sophie never grows up or changes until the very end. Annabel’s friendship with Owen is disconcerting at times. Although Owen is the same age as Annabel he seems much older and wiser. Their budding relationship is sweet and it is the only time Owen seems equal to Annabel.
The parallel story about Annabel’s family is also very honest. Annabel’s family is fragile. Her episodically depressed mother, and a severely anorexic sister contribute to her self-imposed silence. How can Annabel tell her family about her own experience when they are so entwined with metal illness? When Annabel finally does tell her family, she finds that they will listen and help her. This book is definitely a two-hankie read, but well worth it.
Information about the author
Sarah Dessen was born in 1970. She has lived most of her life in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She currently has nine novels in print. She has a wonderful biography that you can read at http://www.sarahdessen.com/bio-press. This novel has won many accolades, including:
- A Booksense Top Ten Pic
- An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- A New York Times Best Seller
Contemporary Fiction.
Curriculum ties
This book could be use for discussion about mental health issues like: depression and anorexia. It could also be instrumental in discussions about rape, or attempted rape.
Challenge Issues
None.
Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this book. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could read the book and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have read the book. You can find some reviews on amazon.com hhttp://www.amazon.com/Just-Listen-Sarah-Dessen/dp/0142410977/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258220278&sr=1-1
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss Annabel's is ostracized for something she didn’t do.
2. Talk about how Owen helps Annabel overcome her inability to tell what happened to her.
3. Talk about how Annabel copes with her sister Whitney's struggle with anorexia.
Reading Level/Age
Young adult. 14+.
Why I included this title
This book is included on the 2007 ALA Best Books Young Adults.
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