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dawn_todusks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Audiobook. Don't know how many times I've reread this book, but it was my first time with the audiobook, still enjoyed it as well
danoreading's review against another edition
4.0
Not my favorite Dessen, but I still came home from work at 5pm and had it finished by 11pm. Same story that Sarah Dessen always does, with an engaging main character and a somewhat vague male love interest. I liked the family interactions in this one more than the romance - perhaps because I can understand the volatile relationship of sisterhood :) I was very entertained by this one, and rank it third or fourth, behind Truth About Forever, Just Listen, and possibly This Lullaby.
She needs to write another one now :)
She needs to write another one now :)
sidekicka7x's review against another edition
5.0
Each book I read becomes my new favorite lol. Although I had a bit of a issue with how Ruby handled the Nate situation, this was a really great book.
anyoung9's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
deschatjes's review against another edition
4.0
#audiobook good YA about different ways of control and self protection in difficult family situations
aehark's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
kittynovaaaa's review against another edition
4.0
4.0
sarah dessen presents: abuse and families of choice
sarah dessen presents: abuse and families of choice
gabyijo's review against another edition
5.0
Title: Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sarah Dessen, one of the New York Times Best-Selling authors, usually write books about teenage problems and how the main characters react to it. One of her latest books is called 'Lock and Key'. 'Lock and Key' tells us about a teenage trauma of a girl named Ruby who is abandoned by her family members. She has to live with Cora, her married, older sister she has not seen in years. In the big house, she met Nate, the boy next door. Though they may seem different--Ruby is unfriendly while Nate is so nice to everyone--both Ruby and Nate experience their own problems and never trust anyone for help. In fact, they never really understand the meaning of trust. They simply believe that they can manage on their own well enough. That concept never changes for Ruby, until one day when Ruby is so stressed. She runs away from home and gets lost in the woods. She is then rescued by Nate that makes her realize that to save herself, she sometimes has to reach out to someone else.
This touching book is sure recommended for teenage girls. It contains romance scenes and the story revolves around the life of a typical teenage girl. In Ruby's point of view, Dessen expresses Ruby's inner feelings. Dessen always has a unique theme for every book she has written; and for this particular book, the theme is family.
As you explore with the awesome characters in the first half of the book, it tells us about how Ruby is doing and how she feels. She does not care what her mother has been doing. In fact, she never does. The second half tells more about Nate’s family and how he is being physically abused by his dad. Though Nate seems so strong, deep down inside he is hurting really bad. Ruby soon realizes that to help Nate, she should not leave Nate like what Nate’s ex-girlfriend has done to him.
Though the problems may look usual in real life--physical abuse, divorced parents and being left by family members-- however, the author can actually present it in a very distinct way that readers can see the problem in a different point of view. The author must know the characters' feelings and attitudes really well as she can express them in her own special way. Though the romance between Nate and Ruby is not obvious--compared to the romance between other characters in other Dessen's books--the author still makes the readers feel captivated to how they are with each other.
Dessen always have this amazing talent to create a character. Her characters are always humanly; they have problems, they have talents, and the best, they have flaws. Nate, though looking perfect, has his own flaws. When Ruby actually leaves Nate, Nate runs away from home and never comes back. Practically, Ruby is the only one who can rescue Nate. With all the support from others, Ruby succeeds.
The author can connect each part of the book from the beginning until the end. It never comes to mind that such minor details such as the appearance and interior of a room in an apartment can actually be a very important part of the book. Everything from the beginning part of the book until the end is related. But you won't realize it until you reach the part when the author reveals it.
The title 'Lock and Key' has its own meanings too. "It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks, not enough keys," said Ruby when she was looking for the lost Nate. Apart from that, the author has another reason to put that title: Ruby always put her mother's house key as a necklace and never lets go of it until she realizes that life goes on. She can't just stick to the past and sneak in to her old house every time she feels lost. She has to move on.
Overall, I think Dessen does a great job. She has the talent to write, to express the characters' thoughts and feelings and to make readers overwhelmed with what she can do. The author really has the guts to make an inspiring quote and a story you will never forget. It will never be a surprise if 'Lock and Key' can be one of the most favorite young adult books.
Author: Sarah Dessen
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sarah Dessen, one of the New York Times Best-Selling authors, usually write books about teenage problems and how the main characters react to it. One of her latest books is called 'Lock and Key'. 'Lock and Key' tells us about a teenage trauma of a girl named Ruby who is abandoned by her family members. She has to live with Cora, her married, older sister she has not seen in years. In the big house, she met Nate, the boy next door. Though they may seem different--Ruby is unfriendly while Nate is so nice to everyone--both Ruby and Nate experience their own problems and never trust anyone for help. In fact, they never really understand the meaning of trust. They simply believe that they can manage on their own well enough. That concept never changes for Ruby, until one day when Ruby is so stressed. She runs away from home and gets lost in the woods. She is then rescued by Nate that makes her realize that to save herself, she sometimes has to reach out to someone else.
This touching book is sure recommended for teenage girls. It contains romance scenes and the story revolves around the life of a typical teenage girl. In Ruby's point of view, Dessen expresses Ruby's inner feelings. Dessen always has a unique theme for every book she has written; and for this particular book, the theme is family.
As you explore with the awesome characters in the first half of the book, it tells us about how Ruby is doing and how she feels. She does not care what her mother has been doing. In fact, she never does. The second half tells more about Nate’s family and how he is being physically abused by his dad. Though Nate seems so strong, deep down inside he is hurting really bad. Ruby soon realizes that to help Nate, she should not leave Nate like what Nate’s ex-girlfriend has done to him.
Though the problems may look usual in real life--physical abuse, divorced parents and being left by family members-- however, the author can actually present it in a very distinct way that readers can see the problem in a different point of view. The author must know the characters' feelings and attitudes really well as she can express them in her own special way. Though the romance between Nate and Ruby is not obvious--compared to the romance between other characters in other Dessen's books--the author still makes the readers feel captivated to how they are with each other.
Dessen always have this amazing talent to create a character. Her characters are always humanly; they have problems, they have talents, and the best, they have flaws. Nate, though looking perfect, has his own flaws. When Ruby actually leaves Nate, Nate runs away from home and never comes back. Practically, Ruby is the only one who can rescue Nate. With all the support from others, Ruby succeeds.
The author can connect each part of the book from the beginning until the end. It never comes to mind that such minor details such as the appearance and interior of a room in an apartment can actually be a very important part of the book. Everything from the beginning part of the book until the end is related. But you won't realize it until you reach the part when the author reveals it.
The title 'Lock and Key' has its own meanings too. "It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks, not enough keys," said Ruby when she was looking for the lost Nate. Apart from that, the author has another reason to put that title: Ruby always put her mother's house key as a necklace and never lets go of it until she realizes that life goes on. She can't just stick to the past and sneak in to her old house every time she feels lost. She has to move on.
Overall, I think Dessen does a great job. She has the talent to write, to express the characters' thoughts and feelings and to make readers overwhelmed with what she can do. The author really has the guts to make an inspiring quote and a story you will never forget. It will never be a surprise if 'Lock and Key' can be one of the most favorite young adult books.
squidly18's review against another edition
I just wasn't compelled in any way. I didn't connect with any of the characters and I found it hard to motivate myself to read it.