Standalone Sunday is a weekly feature created by Megan at Bookslayer Reads which aims to showcase standalone books which you loved or would recommend.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
To find the truth, you’ve got to be willing to hear it.
When she’s modelling, Annabel is the picture of perfection.
But her real life is far from perfect.
Fortunately, she’s got Owen. He’s intense, music-obsessed, and dedicated to always telling the truth.
And most of all, he’s determined to make Annabel happy…
I consider Sarah Dessen to be one of the queens of the YA contemporary genre. Hers were the first contemporary stories I read and actually Just Listen is my favourite of all her books so far, I still have a few of her newer releases to get around to. I have read and re-read this book countless times, so many times the copy I own is slightly threadbare in places.
Just Listen is a light story in places, with a cute romance developing between Owen and Annabel, but there are also deeper issues that play a large part in the plot and the character development. No matter how many times I read this book it’s always going to be a favourite of mine.
“Because the truth sometimes hurts,” I said.
“Yeah,” he said. “So do lies, though.”
What did you think of Just Listen? Have you read it yet or is it still on your to-read list? Let me know in the comments and let me know if you took part in this week’s Standalone Sunday as well.
Reading Every Night 
Won’t be a surprise if I say I haven’t read this or ever plan on trying it hahahah I do recognize the author though and I’m glad to hear you liked it! 😛
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No not really a surprise, but Sarah Dessen is a popular YA contemporary author so I’m not surprised you’ve at least heard of her! 😀
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Just seeing this pop up on your blog makes me want to reread this novel again and again. Like you, Just Listen is also my favourite book of hers thus far (and also my first!) and while there’s definitely a sense of nostalgia there somewhere, I also think that it’s just got that perfect balance of family, friends, romance, and self-development. It’s just so charming, and I love that you picked this to feature. ❤
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I really need to re-read this book again. It’s been so long since I last picked it up but I have such fond memories of the story I know I need to pick it up again sooner rather than later.
Yes there’s plenty to love about this book, so many strong relationships but a great story as well. When it comes to Sarah Dessen books I don’t think there’s any other I could have picked for this feature! 😀 ❤
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I seriously need to get to a Sarah dessen book! I have been meaning to get to her work for ages now and I just never did 👀👀
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Oh yes Lauren I would definitely recommend picking up any Sarah Dessen book the second you have a chance. In my opinion Just Listen is the best but all her releases are amazing! 😀
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I definitely keep meaning to and I’ve had them on my tbr for ages now!
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Hopefully you’ll be able to get around to them soon then! 😀
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I’m so glad you are featuring this book, Beth. I need to order new books soon and that one is already on the list – I am SO impatient to get to it 😀 ❤
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When it comes to Sarah Dessen books I needed to feature this one before any other because it’s my all-time favourite! 😀 I really hope you manage to get around to it soon Marie, it’s such an amazing read and I’m sure you’ll love it as well! 😀 ❤
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I loved The Truth About Forever. Someone Like You was okay.
Maybe this will be my next Sarah Dessen read! (or is there any other Sarah Dessen book you think I should read first?) ☺️
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The Truth About Forever is probably my second favourite Sarah Dessen book, as for your next read I’d definitely recommend Just Listen because it’s my number one favourite release by her. I can’t think of any other you should read before it! 😀
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I like that this book isn’t just romance, because I get so bored otherwise, haha!
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No not just romance. There’s a lot of individual character development for Annabel I loved reading, her journey in this book is wonderful. 🙂
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Definitely one of my top Dessen reads, but I sort of love them all.
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I love them all too, well all the ones I’ve read, but Just Listen is my favourite by her. 🙂
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Ooh, Just Listen sounds super interesting! Books with modeling characters are always interesting to read about because you never know how it’ll end up like. Thanks for sharing! 😀 ❤
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It really is a great book, the first Sarah Dessen release I picked up and it’s still my favourite to this day. I loved Annabel’s character and hopefully if you pick this book up you’ll love it as well May.
That’s all right! 😀 ❤
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I actually really enjoy this book! I think Owen and Annabelle are super cute, and I love Sarah Dessen’s character development. And how she touches on real issues, which is super important. And the whole family dynamic.
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Same here, Just Listen is probably my favourite Sarah Dessen release so far! I love Annabel and Owen, and their relationship because the fit so well together. Yes I love how she tackles real issues, but still creates a heartwarming story as well. 🙂
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