Someone Like You

Scarlett and Halley have been friends for years and Scarlett has always been the stronger one. But when Scarlett’s boyfriend dies in an accident, she needs Halley to lean on. Soon she finds herself pregnant and Halley finds herself the strong one in the relationship for the first time.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book. I felt like they were revealed slowly over time instead of in one blast. Halley could have been one of those girls that stayed in the shadow of her extrovert best friend, but I liked how she held her own ground. They were more of a team than ‘Scarlett and her friend.’ I disliked Macon, whom Halley begins to date. He did a few nice things, but overall, he was not a good guy. I was proud of Halley for having the courage to stand up to him when he pressured her to do something she wasn’t ready for. Cameron was a superb addition to the group of friends. He didn’t get a lot of ‘screen time’ but he was a real treat, especially for Scarlett. Another fabulous extra character was Steve, Scarlett’s mom’s boyfriend. I loved how he slowly reveal his personality without putting all his crazy out there all at once.

Though the focus of the story was meant to be the relationship between Halley and Scarlett, I especially enjoyed the relationship between Halley and her mom (and I wasn’t particularly fond of her character either). I felt this was the part where Dessen’s writing really shined. Halley had come to a point in her life where she had to decide what kind of person she was going to become and where her mother fit in. Having lived through such a relationship, it is not an easy thing to do and I thought theirs was a realistic portrayal of a mom and daughter forging a new relationship.

‘Teen girl gets pregnant’ isn’t especially unique, but the other characters make it much more complex and entertaining than it could have been. The dialogue didn’t stand out to me, though that could also be a considered a good thing. It wasn’t bad or great, just seemed standard issue.

For a book about teen pregnancy, there was very little actual sex. It was talked about in detail and there was teen pressure to have it, but nothing I would call too graphic. The dialogue was classic teen talk, with just the right amount of slang. I liked the way the 2 girls talked to each other, like you would talk to someone you’d known forever.

Though the cover isn’t too embarassing for a YA book, it had little to do with ths story itself and doesn’t reveal much about the plot or characters.

Reader reviewed by Ruthie

This book was actually recommended to me by a fellow classmate. She told me it was just a cute, girly book that I just had to read. After reading, I totally agreed with her. this book was realistically filled with drama and sheer juiciness. It's a book any girl can relate to and anyone can enjoy. The characters are crisp, the ending was perfect. My only issue was the cover which had nothing to do with the story yet, that's just a pet peeve of mine. I expect I'll be reading more Sarah Dessen books in the future.

Reader reviewed by BooksObsession

Halley and Scarlett have been best friends for years, always there for each other. So when Scarlett finds out that she's pregnant just two months after her boyfriend's death, Halley must step up to the plate and be the friend Scarlett has always been to her. Halley and her mom, a therapist, have been close best friends for life - until the summer before Junior year, when Halley begins to change. She befriends the popular, loudmouth Ginny Tabor, and starts dating irresponsible, rebel Macon, whom her parents don't approve of. As Halley starts getting in trouble at school and home, she must turn to Scarlett for support. Together, the two girls experience a school year they will never forget.

Sarah Dessen has always been one of my favorite authors because I feel like I can always relate to the characters and I like her realistic approach of writing. Plus, a cute romance seems to always be included.. ;) So I didn't hesitate to get this book for myself; even looking at the adorable cover makes me want to read it!

By the first few pages, I liked the novel already. I was able to really dig down into Halley's character and walk around in her shoes. However, unlike Dessen's other books, I couldn't actually relate to the main character. While she constantly made wrong decisions, I just wanted to scream at her and throw the book at the wall. Even by the end of the book, I don't feel like she changed that much. I think I'd like the book a lot better if I liked Halley's character more. Scarlett on the other hand, well, let's just say: I would kill to be her bestfriend. I loved her character!

The story had an overall good, realistic plot that covered many aspects in life that teenagers face at one point or the other. Such as grieving over the death of a loved one, branching out from your parents for a sense of independence, teenage pregnancy, and how to end a bad relationship.

There were, however, certain parts in the book that I got completely absorbed in. With my nose practically pushed up against the page, whenever someone tried to talk to me, I'd rudely shush them and tell them to wait until I was done with the chapter. (Yes, I can be rude when I read!)

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would probably read it again.  

Reader reviewed by Holly

 Halley and Scarlett have been best friends since they were four. When they are sixteen a terrible tragety happen to Micheal, Scarlett's boyfriend she is broken and really need s Halley and for halley that is strange since halley has always needed Scarlett not the other way around. Not too long after Scarlett realizes she is pregnant with Micheals baby and that turns the friends' worlds upside down.  This is a beautiful books about friendship, loss, and love. It is complete with hilarious moments about Scarletts pregnancy to heartbreaking moments. And it truly supports the fact that true friends are there for each other through thick and thin.

Reader reviewed by Kelsey

Halley and Scarlett have been best friends forever, sharing everything like sisters. After Scarlett's boyfriend dies in an accident, she finds out that she's carrying his child. She doesn't know what to do, but Halley helps her through it. Through it all, Halley learns how to overcome her fears and accomplish anything. I loved this book, it shows how true friendship should be. This is recommended for seventh and upper.

Reader reviewed by Megannx3

Halley is the main character in this book. The author takes us threw her crazy life. She is the quiet girl in school thats never really had a boyfriend, but she's a long way from being ugly. While her bestfriend Scarlett is a girl that not is afraid to let loose. Halley's parents are crazy strict. However, Scarlett lives with her mom who is a wild woman. lol. Halley's BFF Scarelett gets pregnant, but the surprisingly sad thing is that Scarlett's boyfriend is killed in a motorcycle accident. This book is about how Halley and Scarlet stick together through Scarlett's pregnancy and this new boy that is falling for Halley. I'll admit it, I want the kind of relationship Halley has with Macon in this story<3
GO READ THIS BOOK.

Reader reviewed by Amanda Marasco

Scarlett always took care of Halley but when Scarlett's boyfriend, Michael dies and she finds out she is pregnant, Halley is the one that has to take care of her. Halley starts to go out with Macon, who is pressuring her into having sex. But should she? After what Scarlett is going through?

This book took my breath away! It was great reading about the pressures of sex and the responsibilities of being a best friend. I loved how Scarlett and Halley stayed bestfriends and were always there for each other.

You need to read this book! If not today, then tomorrow!

Reader reviewed by Amanda

As much as I enjoy the works of Sarah Dessen and as much as Someone Like You has been praised, I believe this story has yet to be finished. The ending is really a mystery to us all.


Halley Cooke is the 16-year-old resident of Lakeview, main character of the story. She has returned from Sisterhood Camp to heal the wounds of her best friend and neighbor, Scarlett Thomas, whose boyfriend of the summer, Michael Sherwood, has died in a motorcycle accident. This is a hard time for them both seeing as Michael was a good friend and the only boy Scarlett loved. Within weeks of Michael’s death, Scarlett learns she is pregnant with Michael’s child. Marion, Scarlett’s mother, forces Scarlett into the idea of abortion, but with the help of Halley and Macon Faulkner, Michael’s friend, the idea and task itself are aborted. Marion thrives on the topic of adoption for months proceeding the incident, but eventually gives up. Throughout, Halley helps Scarlett make the correct decisions and supports her.


The other part of Someone Like You is about love. Halley falls in love with Macon. They go out for quite a few months, but Macon doesn’t feel their relationship is furthering itself. Halley is afraid of making the wrong decision, having an accident, or Macon not being the ONE. She doesn’t want to end up like Scarlett, having a child on mistake through sex. Halley loves her, Halley loves Macon, but she doesn’t want to be pressured.


This is a truly touching and realistic story. There are lessons, yes, but you will enjoy the story and learn them as well. Someone Like You accurately describes pregnancy, teens at school, peer pressures, and that you must take responsibility for your actions.


My favorite part of the story was when Scarlett had the baby and everyone supported her. All her peers from school gathered to see the birth. It didn’t matter who they were.


I recommend Someone Like You for girls ages 13 and up. If you are interested in the story, see the movie, How to Deal, a combination with That Summer.

Reader reviewed by Sarah

I read the book Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. It was about a girl named Hallie and she finds out that her best is pregent but the baby's father died in a car crash. Scarlett har friend wants to keep the baby but the mother doesn't want her to make a mistake like she did when she was six-teen. Hallie gos through sex pressure with her boyfriend Macon. To find out what happens to botth girls read this book.