Customer Reviews
I found a new YA author that I love! 
2008-08-22
This is the first of Sarah Dessen's that I've read, and I'll definitely be reading more of her books in the future. I REALLY liked the style of the book, the way she wrote these characters, and the story here. I mean, this woman knows how to write teens in a way that many authors do not. Every word was just so completely real. It hasn't been too long since my teen years (I'm 24) and I can easily imagine how my friends and I would have felt and behaved in a situation similar to the one in the book, and what I imagine is pretty darn close to the way Halley and Scarlett were. I'm not going to lie to you people - the ending to this one totally made me cry. I have a love/hate relationship with books making me cry - on the one hand, it means that I got emotionally involved and really felt for the characters, which means it was probably a really good book; on the other hand, I don't much enjoy crying, especially if it's about something sad. I'm not going to spoil the ending, but let's just say that in this case, it was a worthy cry, and not one I felt resentment about. Go read this book, especially if you are a YA fan - it's a very good one.
Wasn't too impressed 
2008-08-04
I wasn't happy when I started reading this book becuase I figured out that this book is the same as the movie How to Deal with Mandy Moore in it. Character names and all. I thought that this book was a waste of money.
Someone Like You 
2008-06-23
After reading The Truth About Forever, I backtracked to Sarah Dessen's second published novel, Someone Like You. Thinking back on this, I probably should have at least waited a day before plowing into more Dessen books, because I couldn't help making comparisons and switching so quickly between first person books can be disorienting. Of course, that didn't stop me in the least.
Someone Like You is very much an early novel, filled with firsts for Halley and her best friend, Scarlett. First relationships, first sexual encounters, first parties...right down to first pregnancies. This legion of firsts quickly pile up as an obstacle course for Halley and Scarlett's friendship, testing it to its limits as lifelong best friends switch roles and navigate through high school life with a baby on the way. Scarlett is the bold one, and Halley is the shy one, both suffering through reversals of very unexpected proportions, and while their circumstances shove them into different roles they are still very much pressing on each other and depending on each other at the same time. Halley is going through her first relationship with bad boy Macon, the best friend of Scarlett's unborn baby's deceased father (that, is quite a mouthful), and feeling the pressures of giving in to his relentless need for sex. Scarlett, with enough experience behind her to know better, stands as Halley's obvious moral compass, much to everyone's distress. When things start to come apart, the baby is on its way, and friendship is certainly the one thing that is going to keep them both on their feet.
This isn't as well done as The Truth About Forever, with a rushed ending only the miracle of birth can supply. Halley and Macon's relationship is left teetering on a cliff of will they/won't they, leaving it up to the readers as to where Halley stands on the issue. The book is mainly Scarlett and Halley, as it should be, and their new addition to the party. Which is just fine, just not as satisfying as it could have been in the end.
Perfect book for you 2008-05-22
Have you ever had a friend who cared so much about you and would do anything for you? Well that's what the relationship between the main character (Halley) and her best friend (Scarlett).
Halley and Scarlett have been best friends since Elementary School, and now they are teenagers struggling through high school. With Halley getting a new boyfriend and the death of Scarlett's boyfriend there is a lot of drama surrounding the town of Lakeview. But there is quite a surprise that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This realistic-fiction book will take you for a full roller coaster ride.
I thought this book was good. It wasn't a book that you knew what was going to happen. It wasn't too wordy where your tongue would get twisted; there were enough words for you to visualize and not overwhelm you. I would recommend this book for young adults. It has situations that teens deal with today and I think they would make a good connection with the book. I also liked that the book was a good length, it wasn't too short or too long. It was just right.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was the summary on the back of the book. It gave away too much information, which ended up ruining the big surprise of the book. So if you were to read the book, which I highly recommend, then don't read the back of the book you will enjoy it more.
Overall I thought Sarah Dessen did a good job writing the book. So if you're a teeny bopper looking for a good book to read then read Someone Like You!
Another Hit 
2008-05-15
Love this book. Sarah Dessen is one talented writer. The story is captivating, truthful, and realistic. Funny, sad, and all together great!
Sappy and Simple-minded 
2008-04-28
Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Though their friendship may be tested by the strain, like a true friendship, it will endure.
L-O-V-E 2008-04-16
Just one more book that I've added to my "Favorite Book Ever" list!
I did cry at the end, as I usually do with any good book. =]
impressed 2008-04-14
A good friend of mine suggested that I buy this book for my thirteen year old daughter. I am so glad I did! She loves to read, but it's hard to find books that she really likes. Once she started reading this one, she didn't want to put it down. She was done with it in a week. Very nice message for teenage girls.
Someone Like You 2008-04-14
This book is so great. It deals with so many trials of teen life. It shows teens how fast everything can change and how one little mistake can change everything. Very well written and engaging.
Sarah Dessen is A Genius!! 2008-04-08
*sigh* Sarah Dessen is just about one of the greatest fiction authors today. Her books are just so amazing and real... and this one, Someone Like You, was no exception.
15 year old Halley has been best friends with Scarlett Thomas ever since she moved into the neighborhood during elementary school. And since then, they have been inseparable. Halley also used to be really close to her therapist mother. But the summer before Halley's junior year, things begin to change. She begins to break away and rebel against her mother. Scarlett's boyfriend dies suddenly in a motorcycle accident, and she discovers she is carrying his baby. And to top it all off, Halley begins her first serious relationship that could prove even more difficult than she thought it would be.
What I loved about this book (and every other Dessen novel, for that matter) is how she captures the reality of a teenage girl and how difficult it can be! And the relationships portrayed here were just amazing. I was completely sucked into this book and I could not put it down.
For Dessen fans, you will be excited to read this one and add it to your collection. For those who haven't read anything by her, pick this one up! You won't regret it!
