What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
"Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out."- summary from Amazon

Dessen is such a wonderful writer and this new novel is just so good. I absolutely loved it and found it hard to put down, much like her other books. McLean is a fantastic main character and I thought it was really interesting how she reinvented herself in the other towns. We only get to hear about them though rather than see them- all the action occurs in Lakeview where she begins to become just herself again rather than some character.

Dave is a really fun love interest, though I don't know if he'll be as memorable as some of Dessen's other love interests. I loved reading the scenes between him and McLean- they were funny, insightful, and real.

The backdrop of the restaurant was interesting too, as well as McLean's dad's consulting job. All of that was cool to read about, and Dessen got some great characters out of the restaurant workers too. We also got a small trip back to Colby, where Along for the Ride took place, and there's an appearance by a character from that book, which was fun to see.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I know Dessen fans will as well. Her books just flow so well and I liken them to Meg Cabot's books- when you read them, you fall into this really cool familiarity and it's just a fun time. I can't wait for her next book.

FTC: Received ARC from publisher. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.