The Truth About Forever

by Sarah Dessen
The Truth About Forever cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Young Adult (YA)
Technical
  • ID: 5809
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141322926
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2008-05-01
  • Reviews: 3

Macy Queen appears to have it all together on the outside, but inside, she's struggling with the loss of her father and the distance from her perfect boyfriend. Her summer plans take an unexpected turn when she meets a group of quirky new friends and finds herself drawn to the artistic and charming Wes. As she spends more time with them, Macy begins to realize that life doesn't stop when someone disappears, and she starts to see the possibilities that lie ahead. Sarah Dessen's rich, atmospheric writing brings emotional depth and warmth to this coming-of-age story, making it a perfect summer read for teenage girls. Through her new friendships and a budding romance, Macy learns to wear her heart on her sleeve and embrace the imperfections of life. The Truth About Forever is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the journey of self-discovery, wrapped in a compelling narrative that will resonate with readers.

Reviews
The Page Walker · 2018-02-26
surprising 4.00

The book exceeded expectations, offering a fresh take on romance with engaging characters. The story is more nuanced than initially anticipated.

The reviewer initially expected a clichéd romance but was pleasantly surprised by the depth and originality of the story. They found the characters to be well-developed and the romance to be more complex and satisfying than typical young adult romances. The reviewer also appreciated the book's ability to tackle serious themes while maintaining an engaging and enjoyable narrative. Overall, they found the book to be a pleasant and unexpected delight.

Quick quotes

    Long story short, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

    I expected a tired romance plot with cliche characters that I've seen millions of times before.

    The story is more nuanced than I initially anticipated.

Literary Elephant · 2017-11-14
timeless 4.50

This book remains timeless, offering a story that resonates deeply. The characters and their journeys are portrayed with a maturity that enhances the reading experience.

The reviewer finds that this book never gets old, appreciating it for different reasons at different stages of their life. They highlight the story's depth and the way it grows with the reader. The characters are relatable and their development is well-crafted, making the book a rewarding read. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes and messages are universal, making it a book that can be enjoyed repeatedly.

Quick quotes

    This is a book that never gets old for me, apparently.

    I loved it for the story line when I was younger, and now that I'm wise enough to see the depth in it, I love it even more.

    The characters and their journeys are portrayed with a maturity that enhances the reading experience.

For Every Young Adult · 2010-08-05
swoonworthy 4.50

The natural chemistry between the main characters makes the romance feel authentic. The book balances drama and realism effectively.

The reviewer highlights the natural and believable chemistry between the main characters, which makes their romance feel authentic and engaging. They appreciate the balance of dramatic moments and realistic portrayals of relationships. The reviewer also notes that the book has more depth than typical young adult romances, making it a standout in the genre. Overall, they find the book to be a heartwarming and enjoyable read.

Quick quotes

    What makes this book so swoonworthy is that everything between Wes and Macy seems, well, natural.

    Sure, there's a few gloriously dramatic moments, but it's the quiet, realistic moments that really make this book special.

    There's more depth and substance here than you'd expect from a book that would generally be categorized as a young adult romance.

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