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Someone Like You

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Sarah Dessen

Someone Like You

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

281

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lakeview, Florida • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

820L

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Super Short Summary

In Sarah Dessen's 1998 young adult novel Someone Like You, 16-year-old Halley supports her best friend, Scarlett, through an unexpected pregnancy after Scarlett's boyfriend dies in a motorcycle accident and begins a complicated relationship with Macon, grappling with new feelings and decisions. This leads to a strained relationship with her mother as Halley defines her identity through her choices and mistakes. The novel contains references to underage drinking, drug use, a vehicle accident, and abusive behaviors.

Emotional

Romantic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

105,579 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sarah Dessen's Someone Like You is lauded for its realistic portrayal of teenage friendship and emotional depth. It offers relatable characters and tackles sensitive topics, resonating strongly with young adult readers. Some critics, however, find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a heartfelt narrative that balances moments of joy and sadness effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Someone Like You?

Fans of relatable and heartfelt young adult fiction will enjoy Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. Ideal for readers who appreciate the emotional depth found in works like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and the coming-of-age themes in Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Perfect for those seeking stories of friendship, love, and personal growth.

4.2

105,579 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Halley Cooke

A high school student who begins the story unsure of her identity and is influenced by her relationships, particularly with her best friend Scarlett and her first love, Macon. Throughout the narrative, she seeks personal growth and a sense of self-worth.

Halley's best friend, who is self-assured and confident, navigating the challenges of teen pregnancy after the loss of her boyfriend, Michael. She plays a crucial role in Halley's journey, providing support and perspective.

Halley's charismatic yet troubled first love, known for his wild reputation at school. His relationship with Halley introduces her to new experiences but also complicates her connections with others.

Halley’s mother, a therapist and author, who struggles to adapt as Halley seeks independence. Her attempts to guide Halley are met with resistance, leading to conflicts that mirror typical parent-child dynamics during adolescence.

Book Details
Pages

281

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lakeview, Florida • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

820L

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