The Truth About Forever (by Sarah Dessen) Book Review

The Truth About Forever

Book Synopsis:

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 things can happen—things such as the catering job at Wish, with its fun-loving, chaotic crew. Or her sister’s project of renovating the neglected beach house, awakening long-buried memories. Things such as meeting Wes, a boy with a past, a taste for Truth-telling, and an amazing artistic talent, the kind of boy who could turn any girl’s world upside down. As Macy ventures out of her shell, she begins to question her sheltered life.

Is it really always better to be safe than sorry?

My Review:

Sarah Dessen’s The Truth About Forever is a book about a girl named Macy who is surrounded by control freaks until she finds Wish Catering where she meets Wes, who makes her realize what she really wanted to do with her life.

The portrayal of characters in "The Truth About Forever" by Sarah Dessen captivated me. There was clarity in the character presentation, making it easy for readers to follow along. An initial confusion arose during the "Gotcha Thing" scene between Wes and Bert, but as I continued reading, the narrative became clearer. What intrigued me was the unpredictability of the story - I found myself constantly guessing what the next chapter would hold, only to be met with unexpected twists.

The relatability of "The Truth About Forever" extends far beyond its pages and into the lives of its readers. This is especially true for those living in a modern Filipino home.

In these communities, residents are often faced with the same challenges as Macy - learning to accept life's imperfections and embrace the unpredictability that comes their way. Just like Macy, they too may have their plans disrupted and expectations shattered. But, it is through these experiences that they grow and learn to appreciate the beauty of uncertainty.

Moreover, the constant evolution within such villages mirrors the personal growth that Macy experiences throughout the book. The development of new amenities can be likened to the new experiences and opportunities that come Macy's way. These changes, though initially daunting, eventually contribute to the enrichment of her life.

Similarly, the formation of new relationships within the community reflects the new bonds that Macy forms in the story. These relationships not only provide comfort and support but also open her up to different perspectives, helping her gain a broader understanding of the world around her.

Indeed, the dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle offered by modern Filipino homes can significantly stimulate personal growth among its residents. Living in such an environment encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and ultimately, evolve just as Macy does.

Admittedly, the beginning of the book was a tad slow, which made it somewhat dull. However, the pace picked up in the middle, introducing several climaxes that compelled me to reach the end of the book as quickly as possible.

Another aspect of Dessen's writing that left me on edge was the cliffhanger involving Wes and Macy's romantic moments. The feeling of going to a beach can be compared to the cliffhanger involving Wes and Macy's romantic moments in Dessen's writing, just like the anticipation and longing for more that the reader experiences after the running moment, going to a beach house evokes a similar sense of excitement and anticipation. 

Both the fleeting nature of Wes and Macy's romance and the feeling of going to a beach house create a yearning for more, leaving one with a sense of wanting to immerse themselves further in the experience. Hence, if asked whether I'd like a sequel, my answer would be a resounding yes, just like how I would say yes to another vacation trip to a beach just after visiting one, or better retiring in a beach house!!

I believe that this book would resonate with teens and adults alike, particularly due to its exploration of the mother-daughter relationship. It offers valuable insights into the experiences a teenager may go through.

In conclusion, I would give "The Truth About Forever" a rating of 4 out of 5. It's a compelling read that offers both entertainment and valuable life lessons.