This Lullaby
by Sarah Dessen
Penguin Group
2002
New York
ISBN: 0670035300
Plot Summary:
Remy and her gang of girlfriends are aiming for a summer of fun before they disband for college. Remy's plans include breaking up with her boyfriend, planning her mom's (fourth!) wedding, and moving on with that cool, aloof demeanor that doesn't let emotions get in the way. One day some random dude named Dexter crashes (literally) into her life, and from then on he's popping up everywhere: at the strip mall where she works, singing in the band at her mom's wedding, always when she least expects it. After awhile she figures she might as well succumb to his relentless charms....and then the unusual happens--Remy might be in danger of falling in love.
Critical Evaluation:
An engaging book that follows four very different best girl friends through a summer of fun, nonsense,and heartache. Dessen gives Remy a guardedness that is both wise and naive, enabling the reader to have just enough wiggle-room to root for Dexter when he comes barging into Remy's well-ordered life. By writing Dexter as a love-interest both irresistible and full of foibles, handsome and a total slob, trustworthy and fly-by-night, she creates a love that is dreamy and rooted to reality. But that's the trick--Remy has to learn to leave her firmly-planted-feet-on-the-ground if she ever wants to soar.
Reader's Annotation:
Remy's got the next few years of her life all figured out--and there's zero space in her life plan for a shiftless slacker rock musician the likes of Dexter. But he keeps turning up, he won't take no for an answer to his constant date proposals, his dog's really cute, and he sees right past that protective sarcasm shield of hers.
Genre:
Romance/ YA fiction
Author Info:
Sarah Dessen is one of the most popular young adult authors working today. She has written nearly a dozen novels, many of which have topped number one on the New York Times bestsellers' list. Every one of Dessen's books has been heralded as a "Best Book for Young Adults" on authors4teens.com.
Booktalking Ideas:
*Is Remy as tough as she performs?
*How does her mother's career as romance writer affect her own (and Remy's) love lives?
*How can Remy's brother's diametrical transformation be explained?
*What is the future for Remy and Dexter?
Challenges:
Remy and her friends indulge in drinking and infrequent sexual encounters, yet these situations are primarily only hinted at, never heavily indulged. Thus it is arguable as to whether any of the book's scenes render This Lullaby questionable, and Dessen's reigning prominence in YA Romance necessitate and justify her inclusion in any YA collection.
Why Include?:
As stated above, Dessens' ubiquity make her required reading for anyone interested in YA fiction, particularly romance.
