Plot Summary

What Happened to Goodbye

Sarah Dessen
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What Happened to Goodbye

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011

Book Brief

Sarah Dessen

What Happened to Goodbye

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

402

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lakeview • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

760L

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Super Short Summary

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen follows Mclean Sweet, a seventeen-year-old navigating life after her parents' divorce, living with her father as they move frequently due to his job fixing struggling restaurants. Each move leads Mclean to adopt different personas, but when they settle in Lakeview, her father suggests she be herself. As she struggles to find her identity and socialize, Mclean faces challenges at school and home, eventually deciding to confront her true feelings and desires.

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

90,266 ratings

69%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sarah Dessen's What Happened to Goodbye explores themes of identity and self-discovery. Reviewers praise its relatable protagonist and emotional depth, emphasizing the strong character development. However, some find the plot predictable and pacing slow. Overall, it's a heartwarming read for fans of coming-of-age stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Happened to Goodbye?

A reader who enjoys What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen is typically a fan of contemporary young adult fiction exploring themes of identity, family dynamics, and personal growth. Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska or Morgan Matson's Since You've Been Gone will likely appreciate Dessen's nuanced, character-driven storytelling.

4.2

90,266 ratings

69%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

402

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lakeview • Contemporary

Publication Year

2011

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

760L

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