Just Listen

by Sarah Dessen
Just Listen cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Young Adult (YA)
Technical
  • ID: 5807
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141929132
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2007-07-05
  • Reviews: 3

Annabel, a seemingly perfect teenager with model looks and a great social life, finds her world crumbling as her best friend Sophie spreads rumors about her and her family begins to fall apart. As she retreats into a lonely summer filled with secrets and silence, she meets a passionate musician who refuses to let her hide. He challenges her to confront her past and find the courage to reveal what truly happened the night her friendship with Sophie ended. This captivating and emotionally charged story explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery, making it a compelling read for older teens.

Reviews
Eustea Reads · 2021-07-27
great 4.50

The book deals with heavy topics in a relatable and powerful way. It is a standout in contemporary YA literature.

The reviewer found Just Listen to be a powerful exploration of heavy topics within the contemporary YA genre. They appreciate how Dessen manages to tackle complex issues while keeping the story relatable and engaging. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys resonate with the reader, making the book a standout in the genre. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes of family, self-discovery, and the power of truth are handled with sensitivity and depth.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Just Listen manages to deal with a lot of heavy topics in one contemporary YA book.

    I think Dessen has written a relatable and powerful story that resonates with the reader.

    The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are compelling and engaging.

Drizzle & Hurricane Books · 2017-10-27
good 4.00

The book is enjoyable despite its predictability. The author's writing style makes it a pleasant read.

The reviewer enjoyed Just Listen, noting that while Sarah Dessen's books can be predictable, her writing style makes them enjoyable to read. They appreciate the way Dessen handles complex themes and creates relatable characters, even if the plot can sometimes be anticipated. The book's exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery is handled with care, making it a satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    I've read Just Listen by Sarah Dessen and I really liked it, but I feel that her books are quite predictable, but I still enjoy reading them!

    Dessen's writing style makes her books enjoyable to read, even if the plot can be anticipated.

    The book's exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery is handled with care, making it a satisfying read.

Girl in the Pages · Cristina · 2015-06-16
excellent 5.00

This book is highly recommended for its varied and impactful themes. The characters and their journeys are compelling and relatable.

Cristina places this book at the top of her list of YA contemporaries, praising its ability to tackle a wide range of themes in a way that feels both authentic and powerful. She highlights the characters, particularly Annabel, as being well-developed and relatable, making the reader invested in their journeys. The book's exploration of family dynamics, self-discovery, and the power of truth is handled with sensitivity and depth, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Just Listen is at the top of my list of YA contemporaries that I would recommend to anyone, because the themes are so varied and yet so impactful.

    The characters are so well-developed and relatable, making the reader invested in their journeys.

    Dessen's writing is both sensitive and powerful, tackling heavy topics with a light touch.

Appears in Lists