#ReadADessen: The Truth About Forever + GIVEAWAY!

Synopsis: In The Truth About Forever, when asked how she is coping with her father's death, invariably seventeen year old Macy Queen's answer is "fine," when nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, she is drowning in grief while maintaining a flawless façade of good grades and unblemished behavior. Though she feels lost when her boyfriend heads to "Brain Camp" for the summer, she finds herself a job with the quirky Wish Catering crew, and meets "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, whose chaotic lifestyle is in direct opposition to her own.

As the two share their stories over the summer, Macy realizes she can no longer keep her feelings on ice. Though it feels like her future ended with her dad's death, Macy's learns that forever is all about beginnings.

*Thank you to Penguin for sending me a finished copy of 

The Truth About Forever!*

The Truth About Forever is the first Sarah Dessen book I have ever read (I knoooow - where have I been) and I must say, Sarah Dessen has a wonderful writing style. What I love the most about her writing style is the fact that she paints a vivid picture. The detail in everything is so intricate and planned out, that I couldn't help but get lost in it. There is a lot about this book, and others I presume, that is incredibly relatable and realistic - she writes about a lot of important issues and does so really well. While The Truth About Forever deals heavily with loss and the grief that comes after, friendship plays a large part in the story. It is through the establishment of these friendships that our main character is able to break free from her controlled life and find herself. Although romance is part of the plot line, it is such a slow progression from the day Macy and Wes meet, to the day they become friends, to the day they realize they're wonderful together. This is a story of self realization, the overcoming of loss, and the determination to save what you believe in.

The characters in this book were so much fun to read about. While Macy was quite the character to read about, I especially loved the Wish Catering crew and felt that each member added a different dynamic to the story. After the passing of her father, Macy is reclusive and afraid to break away from her shell. She's studious, organized, and not one for surprises. However, the most beautiful parts of the story were when Macy found herself in a sticky situation, because it brought her out of her comfort zone and into the welcoming arms of the Wish Catering crew. Here we find Kristy, Monica, Bert, Delia, and Wes. Kristy is the best friend you hope to find, Monica is the one who is always there, Bert is comedic relief, Delia is kind hearted, and Wes is obviously sa-woon. I thought the friendships between all the characters were light-hearted, supportive, and real. The relationship between Wes and Macy is soooo sweet - I loved that we were able to really watch the relationship blossom and overcome its obstacles.

Now, I'd like to share with all of you my top three favorite quotes from The Truth About Forever:

1. "There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”
2. “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.”
3. “The choices you make now, the people you surround yourself with, they all have the potential to affect your life, even who you are, forever.”

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one (1) set of Sarah Dessen’s books in paperback (ARV: $132.00).

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:00 AM Eastern Time on April 17, 2017 and 12:00 AM on May 29, 2017.  Open to residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older. Winners will be selected at random on or about June 1, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

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