Well, it's not a must. The appeal of Sarah Dessen's novels varies from person to person. Some find them deeply engaging and relatable, while others might not connect with the themes or writing style. It's really up to your individual taste in books.
I'm not sure about the exact word count for all of Sarah Dessen's novels as it can vary greatly from one book to another. Some of her novels might be around 50,000 - 80,000 words, but this is just a rough estimate.
One of the best is 'Just Listen'. It's a story that really delves into the character's insecurities and how she overcomes them through some unexpected friendships and self - discovery. The characters are well - developed and the plot is engaging, making it a very memorable read.
Well, one of the frequently recurring characters in Sarah Dessen novels is the mother figure. Often, these mothers play important roles, either being very involved in the main character's life or having a more distant relationship that the character has to navigate. Also, there are those quirky neighbors or side characters in the small - town settings that she likes to write about. They add flavor to the story and often provide some comic relief or important advice at crucial moments.
The recurring characters like the best friends contribute to the theme of friendship. They show the importance of having someone to rely on. For example, when the main character is going through a tough time, the best friend is there to offer support, highlighting the value of true friendship in facing life's challenges.
One popular theme is coming - of - age. Her characters often experience significant growth and self - discovery during adolescence. Another is love, in all its forms, from first crushes to more mature relationships.
One book similar to Sarah Dessen novels is 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell. It has the same kind of young adult focus, exploring first love and the challenges of growing up. Another is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It deals with deep emotions and relationships like Dessen's books often do. And 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han also shares similarities as it delves into the world of teenage love and family dynamics.
There's also 'Along for the Ride'. This novel is about a girl who is trying to break out of her shell during a summer at the beach. It's full of self - discovery and some really sweet romantic moments.
Sure. 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han is similar. It's about a girl's coming - of - age experience during summers, much like Dessen's exploration of youth. 'Second Chance Summer' by Morgan Matson also fits. It focuses on family, friendship, and love during a difficult time. And 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green has that same kind of deep exploration of relationships and growing up.