“There are some things in this world you rely on, like a sure bet. And when they let you down, shifting from where you’ve carefully placed them, it shakes your faith, right where you stand.”
– Sarah Dessen, Someone Like You
Synopsis: When Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she’s carrying his baby, she’s devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it’ll never break–because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever.
Someone Like You is Dessen’s sophomore novel after That Summer. From the accounts of Dessen herself and many of her fans, this is one of her most popular books. It delves into “tough stuff”, is a frank portrayal and discussion of abortion , (arguably) emotionally abusive relationships, teen sex and teen pregnancy long before Teen Mom made it “cool”.
Halley and her best friend, Scarlett’s, lives are changed the summer after Scarlett’s boyfriend dies in a motorcycle accident. Michael’s death sets of a chain of events that bond Scarlett and Halley stronger than ever; while a new boyfriend encourages Halley’s independence and break from her usually tight knit family.
Much like That Summer, Someone Like You also deals with missed perceptions. Halley thinks she knows how Elizabeth Gunderson the popular cheerleader is, she thinks she know what she is getting into with Macon Faulkner, even more so she thinks she knows who her mother is.
Despite the bright beachy covers this isn’t a light hearted novel. What I think truly sticks with readers of Dessen and fans of this book is the rock solid friendship between Halley and Scarlett.
Connections :
Someone Like You possible takes place in the same town, “Lakeview” as That Summer
Someone Like You is about perceptions and illusions
What is The Summer Of Sarah Dessen ?
- June 27th: That Summer
- July 4th: Someone Like You
- July 11th: Dreamland
- July 18th: Keeping The Moon
- July 25th: This Lullaby
- August 1st: The Truth About Forever
- August 8th : Just Listen
- August 22nd: Along For The Ride
- If These Books Were Judged By Their Covers: The Evolution of Sarah Dessen Covers
1/2 of the blogging duo at Books and Sensibility, I have been blogging about and reviewing books since 2011. I read any and every genre, here on the blog I mostly review Fantasy, Adult Fiction, and Young Adult with a focus on audiobooks.