The Truth About Forever

by Sarah Dessen
The Truth About Forever cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Young Adult (YA)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Bookshop
Format • £8.54
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5809
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780141322926
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2008-05-01
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4

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 new friends and the artistic, charming Wes. As Macy spends more time with them, she begins to realize that it's okay to wear her heart on her sleeve and that life doesn't stop when someone disappears. Sarah Dessen's rich, warm, and atmospheric writing makes this a compelling and emotionally deep read, perfect for teenage girls navigating their own journeys of love and loss. Through her new friendships and a budding romance with Wes, Macy learns to embrace her emotions and find joy in the present. The Truth About Forever is a story about healing, self-discovery, and the importance of allowing oneself to feel and grow. With its engaging narrative and relatable characters, this novel is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartfelt and uplifting summer read.

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.

Beauty and the Bean Boots · 2017-07-22
favorite 5.00

This book is a favorite and highly recommended to all readers, regardless of their usual preferences. It's a standout in contemporary literature.

The reviewer considers this book one of their all-time favorites and recommends it to everyone, even those who typically don't enjoy contemporary literature. The story is engaging and well-crafted, with characters that resonate deeply. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to connect with a wide audience and its timeless appeal. It's a book that leaves a lasting impact and is worth reading multiple times.

Quick quotes

    The Truth About Forever is one of my all-time favorite books.

    I recommend to anyone, even people who aren't typically fans of contemporary.

    It's a standout in contemporary literature.

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.

Appears in Lists