this was - when i used to read a lot of sarah dessen - my favorite sarah dessen book. to the best of my recollection. (even the best of my recollection is not a very good recollection.)

anyway. that's why it seemed a good place to start on the Massive Sarah Dessen-Centered Reread Bonanza of 2018. which was supposed to happen in 2017. but life, you know? i do not keep my promises.

this was exactly what i wanted, and also a lot more than i'd bargained for??? i am the worst ever, so i'd forgotten that sarah dessen delivers a hell of a lot more than sweet, fluffy love stories. (although, sometimes that.)

this book covers eating disorders, rape, victim-shaming, the sh*ttiness of high school, a dash of bullying, a nearly-book-boyfriend-a-ble love interest, family drama, sisterhood, music, a sprinkle of anxiety, and character development like the world has NEVER SEEN.

your fave could never.

so even though it wasn't perfect (long, v dramatic, semi-flat characters, fairly f*cking repetitive)........it was pretty damn good.

bottom line: DESSEN REREAD OFF TO A GOOD START. (but not a perfect one.)