The Truth About Forever

by Sarah Dessen

From the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of Once and for All
 
Expect the unexpected.
 
Macy’s got her whole summer carefully planned.
 
But her plans didn’t include a job at Wish Catering. And they certainly didn’t include Wes.
 
But Macy soon discovers that the things you expect least are sometimes the things you need most.
 
“Dessen gracefully balances comedy with tragedy and introduces a complex heroine worth getting to know.” —Publishers Weekly
 
Sarah Dessen is the winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her contributions to YA literature, as well as the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.
 
Books by Sarah Dessen:
That Summer
Someone Like You
Keeping the Moon
Dreamland
This Lullaby
The Truth About Forever 
Just Listen
Lock and Key
Along for the Ride
What Happened to Goodbye
The Moon and More
Saint Anything
Once and for All

• ISBN10: 0142406252
• ISBN13: 9780142406250
• Publish Date: 6 April 2006 (first published 11 May 2004)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
• Imprint: Penguin USA
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 400
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780142406250

Reviews

3.5 stars

[Sam@WLABB]

This is exactly what I expect when I read a Sarah Dessen book! I can depend on Dessen to deliver a heartwarming story, filled with an array of characters with the perfect balance of angst, swoon, humor, and sadness.

The MC, Macy's life, was upended when her father died suddenly. She stopped doing things and going to places she loved, because they reminded her of her father. Macy then assumed this new guise as the perfect daughter and perfect girlfriend. It all changed when Wish came into her life. The staff of Wish, also, upended her life, but in a most positive way. They taught her to embrace the chaos, that is part of life, and to ride the crests and troughs the ocean of life brings your way. With their help, she was healing, and beginning to live again. So many life lessons in this book, and they play out in a most enjoyable way.

I would be remiss, if I did not dedicate some time to Wes. Yes, Dessen gave us a most "extraordinary" bad boy. He is another member of the Wish crew, who is definitely a catalyst for the changes Macy experiences that summer. I loved the scenes between him and Macy. They were very fun, sweet, and heartfelt. I also loved Kristy. Kristy was dealt a tough hand, but she continued to make the best of her situation, and live her life to the fullest. Sometimes you need perspective like that to appreciate what you have.

It's all in there: love, loss, beginnings, endings, but what resonated with my the most, was this idea of living in the now. I feel like we lose sight of that with all our planning, photographing, looking behind, and looking ahead. Sometimes you need to be reminded that, “the truth about forever is that it is happening right now”.

[mary]

This has to be my favorite Dessen book. It is the one Dessen book I recommend everyone read when they want a light fluffy read for the summer.

As for Wes, he's my favorite Dessen guy. He's understanding, cute, funny, and by no means perfect. He makes mistakes, but that's what makes his realistic and that's why I like him! I loved their relationship; it felt extremely real and sweet. It was interesting to watch how Wes broke down Macy's walls and readers will love him for that.

[Jyc]

★★★★★ // i love reading about two people just naturally falling in love as they get to know each other in the most seemingly small—but big—ways. and ugh, i love this bustling group of imperfect but endearing people.

[Kait ✨]

My favourite Sarah Dessen book.