The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Published: May 11th, 2004

by: Speak

Genres: YA, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

Format: ebook

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 Stars

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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?

 

Review

The Truth About Forever hit me like a ton of bricks. Immediately after a few pages, Macy and I had so much in common. I felt like someone slapped me hard across the face. I wanted to stop reading altogether, simply because too many memories came rushing back and I didn’t want to deal with them while I was already feeling weighted down. I relived that Sunday morning of September 2nd, 2012 and I couldn’t get it out of my head. Suddenly Macy’s grief became my own. Losing her father suddenly of a heart attack is something I’m all too familiar with. I saw myself in Macy throughout this entire book.

Macy has made it her mission to smile through the pain, and pretend that everything is perfect in her life. She’s the dutiful daughter, and perfect girlfriend. Or so she thought. As her boyfriend Jason sets off to Brain Camp for the summer, Macy takes up his job at the library while he’s away. Even though she knows that she is not wanted at the library with two of her coworkers – also Jason’s close friends, she goes in everyday and sits while the two “perfect and smart” girls treat her as if she’s not good enough. They giggle and whisper behind her back, and just outright looks down on her. When she’s home helping her mother host a get-together, she meets some interesting people. And soon, Macy finds herself among these people, with a second job catering. She makes friends, starts hanging out with them and sharing things about herself that she’s never done before. All the while, she is hurting for her father, and her mother just can’t find it in herself to slow down with work and properly grieve for her husband. And suddenly, Jason wants to take a break from their relationship. All because she said “I Love You” in an email. 

My heart hurt for Macy. Her struggle was real, and her mother sure didn’t help matters. Always dictating Macy’s priorities, and not wanting her to hang out with her new friends. Her friendship with Wes was real and honest, and I loved them being together. They clearly felt what was happening between them, but avoided it like the plague. Wes is a very talented artist, with a record all because of a stupid decision he made years earlier. Of course, as soon as Macy’s mom overhears this, she grounds Macy and forbids her to see any of her friends. Her inability to face reality kind of pissed me off, but everyone has their way of dealing with the death of a loved one. I just don’t like the way she expected Macy to go along with her. Thank God for Caroline, Macy’s older sister. I really admired her for making her mother see the light. My only complaint about this book is the fact that Macy was irritating at the end when she lied when Wes asked her a “truth” question. I felt so bad for him because he was ready to lay it all out. It wrapped up nicely, but I wish that she had given Jason a piece of her mind when he showed up wanting to talk about everything. He’s all “lets make a list of what we want out of our relationship”. Why are all smart guys dumb when it comes to these type of things? God, he got on my nerves.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Sarah Dessen has definitely made me a fan, and I plan to read all of her books before the year is out. Another great summery read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction. It’s sad in a lot of ways, but it’s also very hopeful and sweet. Recommended! 

 

Also By This Author: The Moon and More | Keeping The Moon | Along for the Ride