BOOK BRIEF

The Rest of the Story

Sarah Dessen
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The Rest of the Story

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

Book Brief

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Sarah Dessen

The Rest of the Story

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

440

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Lake • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL660L

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Super Short Summary

In The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen, a young person named Emma Saylor reconnects with estranged family members at a lakeside community. As she navigates the divide between her parents' two worlds, Emma uncovers family secrets and finds a deeper understanding of her identity.

Reviews & Readership

4.3

39,060 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen is lauded for its engaging exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. Reviewers praise the relatable characters and vivid summer setting. However, some critics find its pacing uneven and secondary plots underdeveloped. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of character-driven stories that touch on emotional complexities.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Rest of the Story?

Readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven YA novels will find The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen captivating. Similar to The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Han, it explores themes of self-discovery, family, and first love, ideal for fans of contemporary young adult fiction.

4.3

39,060 ratings

76%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen explores the dynamics of family and identity, often drawing parallels to Dessen's own experiences of growing up in a tight-knit community.

The author, Sarah Dessen, is known for setting many of her novels in fictional places inspired by real North Carolina locations, providing a relatable and vivid backdrop for her stories.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The Rest of the Story marks Sarah Dessen's return to releasing standalone novels after exploring new ventures, reinforcing her status as a veteran in young adult fiction.

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Book Details
Pages

440

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Lake • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL660L

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