60 pages • 2 hours read
Just Listen
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Lakeview, North Carolina • 2000s
2006
YA
14-18 years
750L
Super Short Summary
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen is a contemporary YA coming-of-age novel about 16-year-old model Annabel Greene, who faces social isolation at school after a traumatic event ends her friendship with Sophie. As her family struggles with her sister Whitney's eating disorder, Annabel meets Owen, a music-loving classmate who teaches her to be honest. With Owen's support, Annabel finds the courage to confront her past and reveal the truth. This book addresses sensitive topics such as eating disorders and sexual assault.
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
250,218 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen explores themes of redemption and self-discovery, resonating particularly with young adult readers. Positive feedback highlights Dessen's relatable characters and emotional depth. However, some critics feel the plot can be predictable and the resolution overly tidy. Overall, it's a compelling read for those seeking a thoughtful coming-of-age story.
Who Should Read Just Listen?
Readers who enjoy Just Listen by Sarah Dessen are typically teens and young adults who appreciate contemporary realistic fiction. They are drawn to emotional depth, complex characters, and themes of personal growth. Comparable books include Deb Caletti's Honey, Baby, Sweetheart and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak.
250,218 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Lakeview, North Carolina • 2000s
2006
YA
14-18 years
750L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.