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What Happened to Goodbye

Sarah Dessen

263 Pages
2011

What Happened to Goodbye

Penguin

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What Happened to Goodbye - Summary

What Happened to Goodbye follows McLean, a girl who reinvents herself with each move due to her father's work. After her parents' divorce, she struggles with her identity while navigating new relationships and confronting her past. Through unexpected friendships and romance, she learns important lessons about authenticity and self-discovery.

Key Themes

1

The Fluidity of Identity

McLean adopts new personas with each move, raising questions about whether we are a collection of experiences or have a constant core self. The story explores identity formation during teenage years and amid constant change.

2

The Weight of Family Secrets

The impact of family dynamics, particularly McLean's parents' failed marriage, demonstrates how unspoken truths affect individual growth and emphasizes the importance of open communication.

3

The Healing Power of Connection

Through unexpected friendships and romance, McLean discovers that vulnerability and trust are essential for healing and self-discovery, showing how human connections help rebuild after loss.

FAQ's

No, 'What Happened to Goodbye' is a standalone novel. However, like many of Sarah Dessen's books, it shares a similar coming-of-age theme and explores the lives of teenagers navigating love, loss, and self-discovery.

While 'What Happened to Goodbye' is categorized as Young Adult fiction, it deals with mature themes like divorce, infidelity, and identity crises. It's best suited for readers who are 14 years old and above.

Absolutely! Sarah Dessen's writing transcends age groups. Her relatable characters and insightful exploration of universal themes like family relationships, finding your place in the world, and the power of human connection resonate with readers of all ages.

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