JaReview: The Truth About Forever

In the beginning there was this hot boy name Wes.

Tall, dark and handsome. Do you need any more than that?

Alright. Fine.

There’s actually a girl name Macy too (but we mainly care about Wes).

I’ve heard several sources recommend Sarah Dessen. And her story, The Truth about Forever, was #4 on Persnickety Snark’s Top 100 YA books. So why did it take me so long to actually pick up a Dessen book? The only excuse I can think of is that I was ignorant and oh-so oblivious. In a nutshell Sarah Dessen is a smashingly awesome writer. Just brilliant really.

The Truth revolves around Macy, a teenager who’s recently lost her father. Add to that her stick-in-the-mud boyfriend (and trust me, he makes Hermione Granger seem like an irresponsible party girl) has just left for summer Brain Camp. Macy finds herself at a crossroad in her life, only I don't believe she’s aware of it. She’s got her entire future (or at least the summer) planned out. Studying for the SAT’s and maintaining the image of a picture perfect daughter and girlfriend. However, when she meets Wish Catering, run by a lovable but scatterbrained Delia and a crew of other assorted characters (including the previously mentioned Wes), she finds that maybe there’s more to life than just studying.

Do you get the picture? Now can I gush about Wes?

It’s been a while since a “love connection” has reduced me to a squealing schoolgirl, but what can I say. Dessen’s definitely got a way with words. I absolutely loved the fact that Macy and Wes didn’t just fall into a relationship. It was not your average "love-pow" YA romance. It was not a love connection based on his otherworldly beauty, the way she smelled or some other inexplicable force that just draws them together. Furthermore, this amazingly romantic and squeal-worthy book would rate an almost non-existent on the PDA factor.

But how can that be you might ask? How in the world does an author create a relationship with off-the-charts chemistry and there isn’t any scandalous (or innocent) action to be had?

It’s because the sparks aren’t coming from raging hormones or superficial lust. Well…obviously there’s the “whoa he’s pretty hot” reaction. But, more importantly, it’s a slow build up of dialogue, sharing and connection. Dessen slowly pulls you up to the precipice, inch by inch with every secret, buried fear and experience, before she flings you off the edge. And before you know it, you’re jumping up and down, screaming “Kiss her, kiss her!” in a public park and people staring at you.

It’s way too easy to simply write a character as tall, dark and handsome. And what can I say, usually I go for it because I’m shallow. But the hook, it’s when they have that “sparkling” (and I’m not just talking about glittering in sun) personality to go with it. Wes had a troubled past and could have played up the whole tortured artist card. Instead he is to the core incredibly stable and has as much integrity as he’s got devastating good looks. Which is to say, he’s got it in spades.

And of course there is the forbidden love factor. Sure it’s not the standard “he’s a vampire and I’m just a wimpy mortal girl” or “He might be my brother.” But there are extenuating circumstances that add just enough angst, trauma and, more importantly, interest to the storyline.

All in all, it’s been forever since I’ve read a really good swoon worthy couple that doesn't rely on immediate danger or death defying situations to bring them together or maintain the relationship. There is no doubt that The Truth about Forever delivered and Sarah Dessen totally lived up to the hype.