"Yeah. Don't think, or judge. Just listen."
"And then what?"
"And then," he said,"you can make up your mind. Fair enough, right?"

tw: eating disorder, sexual assault

After hearing and reading so much about Sarah Dessen, I finally jumped on the train. And I wasn't disappointed. This is a story of how easily and fast can fall apart. and how hard it can be to bring ourselves back on our feet.

I loved every character (except Sophie ngl). I found that they each a proper backstory. They each brought something to each other whether it was comfort, confidence, a smile, anything. I related so much with Annabel as I, too, am prone to keep every feeling sealed inside until bursting seems like the only solution. I liked Owen too. I thought he was a refreshing character, and his passion for music was inspiring to me. I loved how supportive Annabel's family was.

I loved how the characters aren't defined by their illness or the traumatic experiences they survived. This book tackles a big issue, and while I am not a survivor of sexual assault, I thought Dessen did a good job showing one side of how it could be lived. I loved the agency how of the characters in that part, and that it didn't feel forced.

I'm definitely going to keep an eye on her other books.