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The Truth About Forever

by Sarah Dessen (Goodreads Author)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 89,182 ratings · 4,461 reviews

A long, hot summer...

That's what Macy has to look forward to while her boyfriend, Jason, is away at Brain Camp. Days will be spent at a boring job in the library, evenings will be filled with vocabulary drills for the SATs, and spare time will be passed with her mother, the two of them sharing a silent grief at the traumatic loss of Macy's father.

But sometimes unexpected t...more

Paperback, 374 pages

Published May 11th 2004 by Penguin Group Inc.

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May 24, 2012 Ariana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, romance, emotional, great-books, ya-contemporary, death-and-dying, sweet-romance

First thoughts:

I might need to change my rating system for this book to be given only 5 stars..
Also i need some time to sort out my feelings (between both overwhelming joy and sadness) and come up with a proper review, because i have lots of "wow"s in my mind right now, but i fear that it might not be enough to express how beautiful this book really is.
This story really touched a soft spot in my heart.

"It's all in the view. That's what I mean about forever, too. For any one of us our forever c

...more

80 likes · like · see review

Jul 10, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Wendy Darling by: a zillion wise and wonderful GoodReads friends

Shelves: favorite-ya, read-2011, realistic-fiction, young-adult

I never, ever would have read Sarah Dessen if it weren't for my GoodReads friends. I'm not much on chick lit and I only occasionally come across realistic YA fiction that I truly enjoy, so I was extremely wary of what lay behind those pretty book covers, even though most of the reviews were positively gushing.

I fell for this book really hard, really fast, however. I expected a light, hopefully somewhat amusing read but what I got instead was a quiet, deep story that I absolutely loved reading fr...more I never, ever would have read Sarah Dessen if it weren't for my GoodReads friends. I'm not much on chick lit and I only occasionally come across realistic YA fiction that I truly enjoy, so I was extremely wary of what lay behind those pretty book covers, even though most of the reviews were positively gushing.

I fell for this book really hard, really fast, however. I expected a light, hopefully somewhat amusing read but what I got instead was a quiet, deep story that I absolutely loved reading from beginning to end. I felt so much empathy for Macy, who struggles to be the perfect daughter but feels small and unimportant in so many aspects of her life. The author also wrote incredibly touching examples of how people process grief in different ways, especially in how Macy witnessed her father's death as well as the funny and bittersweet packages that continue to arrive for him. I also found Macy's relationships with her mom and her sister to be painfully familiar as well as believably awkward and flawed.

This isn't a doom and gloom Message Book, however; it's surprisingly sweet and warm and grounded in a way that so many of these types of books are not. I loved the way Macy's friendships with Kristy and Monica and Delia and Bert, as well as her more-than-friends relationship with Wes, are portrayed. (view spoiler) Their interactions when they're working or hanging out are somehow relaxed and fun and full of self-discovery all at the same time. I truly believe that it's important to have people in our lives who bring out different sides of us, and sometimes the very truest friends turn out to be the ones who see things in us that we didn't even know are there. I'm so glad that this book spends just as much time on Macy herself, her family, and her friends as it does as on figuring out which boy she really wants.

I will say that although I enjoyed the small triumphs leading up to the end when Macy finally takes the big step towards changing her life, I do wish that there was a little more time spent with the characters afterwards. After roughly 370 pages of buildup and a really adorable friendship between Macy and Wes, I felt a little disoriented and cheated when the story ended just a few pages after the really big and sweet scene I'd been waiting for. But overall, this book was very well-written and was truly a pleasure to read. It gave me more than I expected, it put a big smile on my face, and it made me feel wonderfully warm and happy...especially because I now have so many more Dessen books to look forward to.

Big thanks to my GoodReads buddies for giving *me* the push I needed to find such a great author!(less)

129 likes · like · see review

Apr 04, 2012 K.D. Oliveros rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to K.D. by: TFG 100 Favorite Books (2011 edition)

Shelves: romance, drama, ya, chick-lit, tfg-100, populist

I thank this book for giving me an important insight on what could be going on in the mind of a 16-year old girl in today's world.

You see, I am a father of a girl of that same age. The age of the Macy, the narrator-main protagonist of this book.

My daughter is my only child. For the past 16 years, I have been trying to be a good father. But what is a good father? Since there is no school in good parenting, most of my styles come from what I thought were the good points my father showed me or wha...more

73 likes · like · see review

Jan 09, 2010 Adrienne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Adrienne by: Mahyar Alemipour

Shelves: library-loan

I hadn't even heard of Sarah Dessen until I came across this book on my frend Mahyars read shelf. I noticed the 5 stars and as we share a liking for certain types of books thought I'd investigate this author further. It didn't take much persuading, 1st person POV, heavy on the emotion, I was definately up for it. And I wasn't disappointed! Oh no this book has to be one of my all time favourites. I'm not going to give a re-tell of the story because other reviewers have done that,but what I will d...more I hadn't even heard of Sarah Dessen until I came across this book on my frend Mahyars read shelf. I noticed the 5 stars and as we share a liking for certain types of books thought I'd investigate this author further. It didn't take much persuading, 1st person POV, heavy on the emotion, I was definately up for it. And I wasn't disappointed! Oh no this book has to be one of my all time favourites. I'm not going to give a re-tell of the story because other reviewers have done that,but what I will do is try to tell you how this story made me feel......So here goes. Having lost a parent when I was about the same age as the heroine Macy I understand the emotions running through this story. I know how difficult it is for the remaining parent to try and be the person everyone knows and also grieve for their partner. To lose a partner is different to losing a parent. I also understand why Macy ended up with Jason (there is always a danger when we lose someone we love that the turmoil of our emotions attracts us to people who are in the long term not good for us (too safe or too wild or too contoling)) , and was so glad that he was out of the picture for most of the story. So when Macy decides to live dangerously and go to work for Wish I was overjoyed this was the next step for her, to escape the safe, and emotionally numb and sterile life that she had been living and start to find herself again.

I loved all of her new friends, Delia who plays opposite to her Mom, and Kristy who takes on the role of sibling /best freind, and best of all Wes who was emotionally far older than his years and balanced the emotionally retarded character of Jason. Whilst Monica and Bert have the role of younger siblings. So the guys from Wish become a kind of surrogate family (you notice the only father figure is Pete who never really plays an active part in story so is distant like Carolines (Macys sister) hubby. I think all of these things hilight the choices and decisions Macy had to face, in this, an improtant turning point in her life. I liked that an already emotive issue was not further complicated by sex, with Macy having to choose which path to take with regard to that. The only downside for me was, what would Macy have done had Caroline not told her mother about Wes (Wes and Macy form a close friendship and Macys mom disapproves to the point where she activly prevents Macy from seeing him) and his good character, had Macys mom continued to exert her control over Macy would Macy have been strong enough to disobey and go her own way? Having been under the emotional restrictions of a controlling parent I can say from my POV probably not, she would have got back with Jason and spent the rest of her life with an emotionally retarded man ruled by his ability to control people via a mindless set of lists. So thumbs up to Caroline, who orchestrated and manipulated her mother with no-one knowing, and in doing so set the wheels in motion for everyone to start the healing process and find themselves.

So, would I read anything by Sarah Dessen again? You bet! (less)

33 likes · like · see review

Oct 26, 2008 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, signed-books

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time and finally got around to getting a copy and sitting down and doing it. Believe it of not my first Sarah Dessen novel was Just Listen. Sarah who? I know I was hiding in a rock underneath six maybe seven feet of densely packed soil, anywho, after I read Just Listen I was an instant fan. I read some of her earlier work, which was a lot different that her recent novels, but still enjoyable. And everyone I talked to insisted that I had to read The...more I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time and finally got around to getting a copy and sitting down and doing it. Believe it of not my first Sarah Dessen novel was Just Listen. Sarah who? I know I was hiding in a rock underneath six maybe seven feet of densely packed soil, anywho, after I read Just Listen I was an instant fan. I read some of her earlier work, which was a lot different that her recent novels, but still enjoyable. And everyone I talked to insisted that I had to read The Truth About Forever, and I have. Finally.

Sarah didn’t disappoint. The Truth About Forever is on my top favorite list, following Just Listen and This Lullaby.

Macy is dreading her summer working at the library while her brainiac bf goes to brain camp. Where else would teenage adolescents spend their summer! Needless to say their relationship isn’t the best. Personally I think Jason has intimacy issues, but that is a whole other story. When the non-intimate Jason breaks up with Macy via email (how tacky right? I know?) for saying I love you, of all things! Macy finally has the push she needs to break out of her shell.

The shell she has been in since she saw her father die. She has this routine, I guess you would call it that but I say, the girl has no life! Anyway she ends up taking this catering job at night along with her responsibilities at the library. Who wouldn’t kill for a job at the library, hello first dibs on books! But Macy must not care much about first dibs on books because she hates her job at the library or maybe she just hates the two snobs she works with, either way she finds some kind of refuge working at the catering gig.

She also meets the handsome and mysterious Wes. Wes, the wonderful guy that he is, finally gets Macy to open up about the death of her dad and deal with it. Which makes him totally boyfriend material in my mind, but for Macy the answers aren’t so easy or maybe there just aren't that simple.
Even though the story was about dealing with grief which isn’t exactly the easiest or happiest of topics, the story was fun and thought provoking. The truth about forever is that it changes, forever can mean something one day and change the next. What you have to do is figure out what forever means for you today.
(less)

12 likes · like · see review

Dec 19, 2012 Kris (KC) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: new-adult-ya

3.5-4 Stars! What a sweet and lovely story! This was my first book by Miss Dessen, and will not likely be my last. The writing is engaging and effortless--and the way the author realistically tackles grief is encouraging.

Macy is a teen who strives for the impossible--perfection. Her father's sudden death has impaired her relationship with her mother, to whom she barely speaks. Her 'braniac', emotionless boyfriend who possesses the lifeless personality of a twig leaves her for summer camp...then...more

11 likes · like · see review

Jun 16, 2011 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I feel like this is going to be a huge love fest, but I will try to control myself.

I LOVE this book! Ooops, failed already. :) I loved the world, all the characters, themes, and messages. Truth be told I loved it all. I’m trying to come up with one criticism, but I just can’t.

The story revolves around Macy Queen, whose life has become routines, silence and “fine-just-fine” smiles, since the death of her father. Her life changes in a whirlwind of chaos, warmth, truths and meatballs after bumping...more

8 likes · like · see review

Nov 08, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews, trt-gold-star-award-winner

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Although the heroine of this novel, Macy, is only seventeen, it's a wonderful read for anyone who has ever experienced the lost of a love one; for anyone who's strived to be the "perfect" person that everyone can know and love; and for every mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend who has only wanted one thing from life--to be happy, loved, and accepted for who we really are.

The last year and a half has been hard on Macy. After witnessing her father's death aft...more Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

Although the heroine of this novel, Macy, is only seventeen, it's a wonderful read for anyone who has ever experienced the lost of a love one; for anyone who's strived to be the "perfect" person that everyone can know and love; and for every mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend who has only wanted one thing from life--to be happy, loved, and accepted for who we really are.

The last year and a half has been hard on Macy. After witnessing her father's death after a Christmastime morning run, she's strived to be the "fine just fine" girl--a perfect helper for her mother, a perfect balance to her older sister Caroline's wild days, and a perfect girlfriend to her genius boyfriend.

But when Jason heads off to Brain Camp for the summer and unexpectedly asks for a "break" in their relationship, Macy's world is thrown even more off-kilter. She'd already committed to taking Jason's place at the Library Information Desk for the summer, and she hates the job, and the Miss Perfection girls she gets snubbed by on a daily basis. Her evenings are spent dutifully studying for her SATs the following year, and even her weekends are filled with helping her mother with her business and ironing her clothes for the week.

Then, during a party her mother throws for prospective clients, Macy meets the staff members of Wish, a chaotic catering business. Delia, the very pregnant owner; Kristy, the scarred girl in the outrageous outfits; Monica, the Queen of the One Word Answer; Bert, who's convinced the end of the world is near; and Wes, a boy who spent time in reform school after his parent's divorce and then lost his mother to cancer.

During this particular summer, Macy comes to realize that being the perfect daughter, sister, and girlfriend doesn't stop the world from being a crazy place. It doesn't insulate you from hurt. In fact, being spontaneous, creating new friends, looking outside the shell of a perfect existence, is the only way to realize the truth about forever--it can be two seconds long, or a hundred years. The moment you're living now is your forever, and Macy finally learns how to reach out and grab the moment.

I really loved this book! Although touted as a YA read, I think any woman would enjoy it. It's sad, humorous, and compelling, a definitely wonderful read. (less)

7 likes · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Sloan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sarah-dessen, young-adult, read-in-2009, romance, favorites, titles-i-love, best-endings, books-i-own, comfort-reads, read-in-2013, read-twice-or-more

The last couple of months I have been trying to read my way through all of Sarah Dessen's books. This was the last one on my list to read and it turned out to be my favorite.

Dessen seems to like to use to same basic formula for her books (girl with troubles + meets new boy = happy ending). Even though this may be a bit predictable, I still seem to always enjoy her books immensely. Dessen has a way with getting you very attached to her characters and this book was no different. It's not just the...more

9 likes · like · see review

May 16, 2013 Laura Newcombe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, i-own, in-my-bookshelf, memorable-covers, parents-die-divorce-or-disappear, tween-years, pass-the-tissues, nommy-nommy-boys, inspirations-what-you-are-to-me, books-that-shaped-me, best-titles, author-crush

It's my favorite book in the whole wide world forever and ever. Reviewing it would kill the magic. Just read it, please, that's all I can say. Now, now, now!

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2011 Isamlq rated it 4 of 5 stars

sa-woon..!

I am definitely a fan of Wes and Macy's! If Dessen keeps leaving me with this oh happy, happy feeling then I am well on my way to adding her to my list of favorite YA contemporary authors. What is it with these authors and their formulae? The very fact that there is a pattern followed should put me off. I mean, there can only be just so many ways to tell the same story, right? But, see, I am not put off, because with each book they offer up I find myself drawn in: There's John Green w...more

17 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2011 Flannery rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kcls, young-adult-teen, read-in-2011, reviewed-2011

In typical Sarah Dessen "one girl, one mysterious and awesome boy, one summer" style, this book charts Macy Queen's summer as she and her family attempt to go through the grieving process after losing their father and she tries to figure out what makes her happy. On a whim, Macy starts working at a catering company and she meets a great cast of supporting characters there, including Wes--a sculpted, former juvenile delinquent who is also endearing, hot,a runner, an artist and DING DING DING, you...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jul 15, 2011 Jo rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: boy-crush, ya, e

“For any one of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You can never know for sure, so you’d better make every second count.”

High Points.
Not a wizard/mind-reader/necromancer/vampire/werewolf/Cornish Piskie (I feel there is lack of Cornish Piskies in YA novels....maybe I'll remedy that soon)/zombie in sight. HURRAH. Outstanding supporting cast. Food (seriously, I put on about five stone just reading this book). Best friends. Good grief and real emotions. Being the perso...more

21 likes · like · see review

May 23, 2011 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, 2009, contemporary, 2011, romance, ya, tfg-100

Original post One More Page

I've been trying to think of the best way to review this book, because I feel like the first review I wrote for The Truth About Forever did not do it any justice. The thing is, I don't know how to write a proper review for this book without squealing or "sa-woon"-ing so much. Because believe me, I know I did that so many times when I was rereading this book.

But let me try again. Sarah Dessen's The Truth About Forever is one of my favorite books of all time. It's not...more

22 likes · like · see review

Nov 23, 2012 Inge *Studying for Exams* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chicklit, all-time-favourites, difficult-topics, diseases, douchebag-alert, emotional, friendship-never-eeeends, love-the-romance, realistic-fiction, smiles-a-plenty, sounds-delicious, young-adult

The thing about The Truth About Forever is that in the course of the book, there’s not a lot going on. There aren’t a lot of events that will stick with you. But it shows that even the smallest things can have a massive amount on you. In a very negative way, like in Thirteen Reasons Why , where the main character commits suicide, but also in a positive way, like in this book. And even though not a lot happens, overall, you will remember this book.

In the beginning, we meet sixteen-year-old Macy,...more The thing about The Truth About Forever is that in the course of the book, there’s not a lot going on. There aren’t a lot of events that will stick with you. But it shows that even the smallest things can have a massive amount on you. In a very negative way, like in Thirteen Reasons Why , where the main character commits suicide, but also in a positive way, like in this book. And even though not a lot happens, overall, you will remember this book.

In the beginning, we meet sixteen-year-old Macy, who is dealing with her father’s death and the fact that her perfect boyfriend doesn’t want to be her boyfriend anymore, but she’s still doing his job at the library. Then she ends up at a catering company and meets a bunch of new people. There is Delia, the owner of Wish Catering, the mother figure of the bunch and very very pregnant; Kristy, always the center of attention, either because of the scars on her face, the obvious way she dresses or her bubbliness; Kristy’s sister Monica, a zombie; Delia’s nephew Bert, an eccentric guy who’s convinced the world is going to end; and Bert’s older brother Wes, the artistic, mysterious guy. Together, they make Macy’s summer that much brighter and convince her to live life to its fullest.

I liked Macy and Wes. While Wes was not the most exciting love interest I’ve read about, I think he was perfect for Macy. Macy doesn’t need a very outgoing guy, she needs someone to push her to keep running and to make her feel better about herself. She has wasted a year and a half feeling inferior to Jason. Their Truth game was really cute and it’s a great way to get to know someone really well really fast. I also liked the other characters.

All except Monica. Even after finishing the book, I still don’t understand the point of Monica’s existence. All she said was ‘Donneven’ and ‘Bettaquit’ and it didn’t make any sense. I snorted every time Kristy mentioned something about Monica being too full of emotions. The only time she was useful, at the very end to convince Macy to go after Wes, could have easily been done by any of the other characters. She was a useless filler.

I would have liked to see more memories of the father. He seemed like a very happy man who enjoyed everything about life, and it would have been nice to get to know him better. The mom wasn’t that interesting and I didn’t really like her that much (but you’re supposed to dislike her).

The Truth About Forever is a cute story which will make you smile despite everything. Read it if you’re in the mood for a book that doesn’t require a lot of energy. Nothing happens, but then again, everything happens.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

May 31, 2012 Amy (Turn the Page) rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m a little hesitant to write a less than glowing review, given how beloved Dessen’s novels are, but I just don’t think this is an author for me. That’s not to say Dessen isn’t a good writer – I finished The Truth About Forever in about 4 hours and was compelled to keep reading through to the end. I just found the whole story pretty underwhelming.

I should point out contemporary fiction is not something I read a lot of, mainly because I don’t usually find it that interesting – unless it is very...more I’m a little hesitant to write a less than glowing review, given how beloved Dessen’s novels are, but I just don’t think this is an author for me. That’s not to say Dessen isn’t a good writer – I finished The Truth About Forever in about 4 hours and was compelled to keep reading through to the end. I just found the whole story pretty underwhelming.

I should point out contemporary fiction is not something I read a lot of, mainly because I don’t usually find it that interesting – unless it is very hard-hitting and gritty – so perhaps I’m not the best person to judge these particular books. I would define Dessen’s novels as a light summer read with more weight than most. To be fair – I think she tackles subjects like grief well, while at the same time not allowing the story to become depressing – a difficult balance to maintain.

Unfortunately, I found the characters pretty forgettable, especially Macy. I know she was numb as a way to coping with her father’s death but I have to admit I found her very dull as a consequence and found her justification of Jason’s behaviour frustrating. I did like Kristy and Bert but for a book of this length I would have liked to have explored the other characters in a lot more depth. Wes was nice enough, but didn’t leave much of an impression and I never felt any sort of spark or chemistry between him and Macy. Their relationship just sort of… happened. This is a very character driven book with very little plot – and sadly I just didn’t connect with Macy.

Ultimately, Dessen’s writing just doesn’t have enough impact for me. If an author is tackling a difficult subject – like the loss of a parent – I prefer a raw, powerful novel. The Truth About Forever was just too sedate for me – and though I was intrigued to see Macy finally confront the loss of her father and assert herself – it was a long time coming and in the end, somewhat anti-climatic. While I doubt I will be picking up any of Dessen’s other books anytime soon – I would certainly recommend her. Dessen is a talented writer, whose stories often contain an important message for teenagers – and there aren’t any other YA books quite like hers. Definitely worth a read.(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2008 Waffle...♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teenagers :D

Recommended to Waffle...♥ by: Mi Queso! (Willa)

Shelves: favorites, romance, inspirational, young-adult, eighth-grade

I just LOVED this book! I really love the metaphors and the similie's... so great! Oh and your gonna blow when you hear this! The main characters LOVE waffles! See, see what did I tell you Queso... EVERYBODY love's waffles!

Excerpt:"Now, see," Wes said, nodding at my plate, "this is going to blow your mind."
I looked at him. "It's a waffle, not the second coming."
"Dont be so sure. You haven't tasted it yet."
I spread some butter on my waffle, then doused it with syrup before cutting off a smal...more

17 likes · like · see review

Jul 22, 2010 Tori rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2008, own, favorites, realistic-fiction, 2009, for-school

I LOVE this book. I've read it twice and it never gets old. Macy is still grieving her father, and thinks that being perfect will prevent her from getting hurt again. But after joining a crazy catering service, she learns chaos is okay. Unfortunately her mother doesn't. I love all the characters in this book too. Monica is just awesome. Kristy, even though she has scars is determined to have everyone see her differently. Bert is hilarious most of the time, and Wes is just so Wes. I think all the...more

9 likes · like · see review

Aug 16, 2010 Annalisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Annalisa by: Jillian -always aspiring-

Shelves: young-adult, romance, chick-lit, contemporary

Surprisingly, I liked this book. I'm not a fan of chick lit, but this was well written and I could see much of myself in Macy's drive for perfection, minus the emotional baggage that pushes most people to be so anal retentive (I'm just weird). And as much as I couldn't stand her mother, I could see a lot of my own mother pulling me back when she knew I was about to graduate. I could see their relationship and Macy's duty to be the good daughter and the good student and the good girlfriend and do...more

9 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Martha added it · review of another edition

The Truth About Forever really illustrates how short each one of our "forevers" can be. It expresses how life is too short to not do what is right for you; while also showing the idea that it is far, far too long to be miserable.
This book is wonderful.

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 06, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, hilarious, tear-jerker

Excerpt: "You should have seen your face," she said, her breath hot in my ear. "Sa-woooon."

I think this was the first book I read of Sarah Dessen and that made me love her forever. Enough said.

16 likes · like · see review

Nov 04, 2012 Maru rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone.

Shelves: favorites, reviewed, characters-i-love, ya-contemporary

Rating: 5 STARS

If I was suddenly thrown into a dystopian society where every person is only allowed to own ONE book, 'The Truth About Forever' would be a serious contender to be the one I choose. I love everything about the book. I love the characters, I love the dialogue, I love every scene, but above all, I love what it leaves me everytime I finish it.

Sarah Dessen does it again, that special ability of hers to turn simple plots into thought-provoking, deep, and meaningful stories. Everything...more

4 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, realistic-fiction, young-adult, chic-lit, books-with-a-message, favorites, lol, really-liked, ya-romance, review

All of Sarah Dessen's books that I've read have a girl in a difficult situation meeting a guy and falling in love, all the while learning things about themselves. Well, I've read like four of her books that are like that, and it never gets old.

Sarah Dessen is a genius. That's all I can say. The way she writes, the way she explains things, the way she tells us the story, it's just mesmerizing. I especially loved the way she told us readers about Wes and Macy's past, with a game of Truth. I though...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 06, 2010 Cienne Olaes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, favorites

When I saw Tina’s reviews of Sarah Dessen’s books in Goodreads, I figured this could be what I’ve been looking forward to read. It was recommended that I add in my list, the title, “The Truth About Forever.” It was five stars in her rating, so I said “why not?”

Amazing the timing was, I started reading this on my father’s birthday, to which I celebrate it by reminiscing good old memories. Every memory that Macy was sharing felt so nostalgic, one that I could relate even if it may not be too simi...more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 12, 2011 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 0-faves, 16-chick-lit, 27-contemporary-ya

Re-read 2011

Okay so, I just had to do a re-read and oh my God do I love this book! Definitely my favorite by Dessen!

For me, The Truth About Forever just has it all. An emotional and heartwarming story, a main character whom I could easily relate to and whom I absolutely adore, loveable secondary characters and a male love interest who’s just simply to die for.

I don’t know how she does it but Dessen’s characters always feel so real to me and in my opinion TTAF has the best secondary characters of...more Re-read 2011

Okay so, I just had to do a re-read and oh my God do I love this book! Definitely my favorite by Dessen!

For me, The Truth About Forever just has it all. An emotional and heartwarming story, a main character whom I could easily relate to and whom I absolutely adore, loveable secondary characters and a male love interest who’s just simply to die for.

I don’t know how she does it but Dessen’s characters always feel so real to me and in my opinion TTAF has the best secondary characters of all her books. I just love them all: Bert, Kristy, Monica, Delia, Caroline and how they all played their own significant little role in changing Macy’s live.

This book made me laugh (view spoiler), it made me tear up, it made me want to hug it to my chest and it made me swoon. God, I’m head over heels in love with Wes. He’s truly extraordinary.

Just like the first time around I’m at loss for words and just can’t seem to come up with a decent explanation as to why I loved this book so much so I’m going to end my review with some of my favorite quotes and let them speak for themselves.

“Some things don’t last forever, but some things do. Like a good song, or a good book, or a good memory you can take out and unfold in your darkest times, pressing down on the corners and peering in close, hoping you still recognize the person you see there."

It's not that I believe everything happens for a reason. It's just that...I just think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It's how life is."

"It's all in the view. That's what I mean about forever, too. For any one of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You never know for sure, so you'd better make every second count."

"What you have to decide... is how you want your life to be. If your forever was ending tomorrow, would this be how you'd want to have spent it? Listen, the truth is, nothing is guaranteed. You know that more than anybody. So dont be afraid. Be alive."(less)

12 likes · like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Alisha Adcock rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Maybe some people wouldn't give this book five stars, maybe I'm on a high after just-this-second finishing it, but I really think this book is truly inspiring. I'm definitely not usually one for writing reviews but I just had to write this one, and for once I know exactly what to say. The way Sarah Dessen writes is really welcoming and this book just felt like comfort food to me the whole way through. I guess this is just my type of book really. Macy, is a lost and misunderstood main character;...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Alex rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, own, i-couldn-t-put-it-down, all-time-favorites

This book is amazing. Even reading it for the second or third time I really enjoyed it. I love Sarah Dessen's writing style and how all the characters are relatable. I also love how every single one of her characters are flawed. None of them are perfect and their flaws make them who they are. All of Dessen's characters are perfect in their own way.

The plot of this book is kind of similar to her other books, but I really don't mind because I think Sarah Dessen does it so well. The character grow...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Nicolle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2000s, romance, young-adult, books-i-own, favorites, re-read

Just read this for the seconds time, though I admit that this time around I generally skipped to the bits with Wes! I just love the style of writing that Sarah Dessen has and her deep characters who have flaws and in this case, are stuck in a safe cycle of routine, and dare not deviate. I don't know death in my life, but my feelings for Macy were so understanding, though at times I was purely frustrated. Just WAKE UP and realise what is right in front of you!! (i.e. WES!).

A must read for anyone...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 03, 2008 Ying rated it 5 of 5 stars

I truly loved this book. Packed with action most of the time, I had to fight myself from just flipping the pages to the end and find out what happens. This book is great and I really loved the pairings in the story. This book really makes you imagine and dream because of the characters and their distinctive traits. There are also some hilarious bits in this story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance and feel that this is a great teen novel. Read it!!!!

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 13, 2009 Scotti Leeann added it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

5 likes · like · see review

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Truth {Game}	473	353	18 minutes ago
I heart Wes	18	46	Apr 30, 2013 07:56am
The hole in the driveway metaphor...	11	103	Apr 06, 2013 04:15am
Best one....	8	67	Apr 04, 2013 03:13pm
Word Game!!!	32	90	Mar 14, 2013 04:43am
What's The Name o...: YA chick lit from around 2000-2009 maybe? [s]	7	82	Feb 27, 2013 03:38pm

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Quotes from The Truth About Forever

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” — 21,319 people liked it

“It's just that...I just think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It's how life is.” — 3,760 people liked it

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