What Happened to Goodbye Review

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

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.

Sarah Dessen never disapoints! This is one one of my favorites out of all the books she's written though. In the beginning, McLean has learned to distance herself from people, learns not to care. This is because of all the moving around her and her dad have done so many times, she doesn't see the point in getting to know people when she's just gonna move anyway...until her and her dad move into this new town and she finds getting to know people isn't so bad after all. Her dad starts his usual work on a restaurant in town, in bad need of a make-over, inside and out, including the menu. This time however, is slightly different. This restaurant seems to need more work and time than any other the other ones, and her dad seems to have found a love interest that's also keeping them from picking up and moving on, not just the restaurant. Slowly McLean gets to know Dave, and finds out there's a lot more to people, starts to see the importance of friendship. I like how McLean begins to come into her own at this new school, instead of trying to act like someone else. This book is so relate-able, and such an enjoyable, easy read. You see the world through McLean's eyes as she goes from actor to the real McLean.