Review: What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Title: Whatever Happened to Goodbye
Author: Sarah Dessen
Format: Nook
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Source: Personal Copy
Published: May 2011
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

From Goodreads: 

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.

Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.

What Happened to Goodbye was my first experience with a Sarah Dessen novel, and it's safe to say I'm a fan! 


McLean's parents had a very public divorce, and she's now living with her Dad as they travel around "fixing" failing restaurants. In each new location, Mclean picks a new name and with that new name a new persona. Up until now, it's worked well for her. But this time, before she can correct a teacher on her first day at school everyone is calling her by her real name. 


Throw in a cute but mysterious neighbor, a quirky friend who is far more than what she seems, and a few restaurant employees that Mclean (and her dad) begin to care for and you have a great book about a young girl finding herself. 


I really loved Mclean and the rest of the characters in this book. I loved how real they felt, how normal they were. Mclean's relationship with her Mom is a great storyline that makes you connect with everyone in the story. 

Sarah Dessen had a way of making you connect with not only the main characters, but the friends and family as well. My particular favorite was Deb, who started out as the annoying loner at school but quickly proves there is far more to her than what appears. 

What Happened to Goodbye was an excellent book that I couldn't put down! It was full of realistic characters and a plotline. I can't wait to read another Dessen novel, and I give this book 4 hearts. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥