Today's Book: Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Summary: (from sarahdessen.com)
Halley and Scarlett have been best friends for years, sharing secrets, clothes, and crushes. People know Scarlett as the popular, flamboyant one; Halley's just her quiet sidekick. Then, at the beginning of their junior year, the balance shifts. First, Scarlett's boyfriend Michael is killed in a freak accident; soon afterward, she learns that she is carrying his baby. For the first time, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break--because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever. Sarah Dessen's poignant, funny voice has earned her raves and legions of teenaged fans.

My Opinion:
Someone Like You was not a great read for me. I think I was expecting to love this, since everyone else does. I could not relate to any of the characters, and I got mad at them –mostly at Halley- at some points. This doesn’t mean that Sarah didn’t write a good book, quite the opposite. Sarah tells the story of two best friends going through the most traumatic experiences of their lives, two best friends who are always there for each other.
Not having gone through the same experiences myself, I cannot understand what Halley must have gone through, helping Scarlett with her pregnancy, and dealing with Macon.
Maybe someone closer to these situations will find this to be a rewarding book.

Why was I mad at Halley, you may be wondering. I felt like she couldn’t stand up for herself, like she lacked her own voice. Where she didn’t say anything, there was Scarlett, and sometimes her mother, to fill in the gaps. I felt like she took everything that came her way, and did little or nothing to defend herself. But then again, I constantly compared her to myself, saying “If I were in her shoes...”. Of course I wouldn’t just stand there in front of my mother listening to her blaming me for something I hadn’t done. I guess that’s my latin heritage right there, we’re more outspoken.
I also knew I’d been right about Macon all along.
The only character that won my sympathy was Scarlett, who, in spite of being all hormonal, I found to be the most down to earth. You learn from the beginning she’s mommy material all the way through.

Overall, this was not one of my favourite reads this year, it all was a bit too predictable, I swear I could have told you the ending just after reading the 1st part; but I’ll give Sarah another try; this was my first Sarah Dessen novel after all.
Maybe I’ll love the next one.

But you know what, I liked this book, what I didn’t like were the characters. Does that make sense to you?

Monkey Rating: 3 Monkeys

Monkeyshines:
*How long did it take Ella to read the book?
- Ten/Eleven days. 1st, cause the storyline wasn’t appealing to me, and 2nd cause I was sick, and my head wasn’t cooperating when I had to read.

*Did she like or relate to any of the characters?
- No.

*What was her favourite line/part of the book?
- “I will never learn, until you let me.” Halley. (reading this I was like ‘Really? Good for you girl! Finally!’)

*Was this a good read for Ella? Did she get stuck at some point?
- It wasn’t a great read, but she’s glad she went on and finished it. Things turned out just like she’d thought they would.

*Author's Website?
http://www.sarahdessen.com/

Statistics:
• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141302690
• ISBN-13: 978-0141302690
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

Get It!
*From Amazon
*From Barnes & Noble

xo,