Review Detail

This Lullaby is a thoughtful coming-of-age novel that blends romance, humor, and personal growth in a way that feels real and easy to connect with. The story follows Remy, a girl who has built her life around the idea that lasting love does not exist. After watching her mother go through several failed marriages, she has decided that temporary relationships are safer than real commitment. That mindset is challenged when she meets Dexter, a messy, unpredictable musician who is almost the complete opposite of everything she thinks she wants.

Remy is one of the strongest parts of the novel. She is confident on the surface, but her confidence hides a lot of fear and vulnerability. What makes her interesting is that she is not written as a perfect or overly soft character. She is sharp, guarded, and a little difficult, but those traits make sense because of her background. Sarah Dessen does a great job of showing how Remy’s experiences have shaped the way she sees the world. Instead of making her feel one-dimensional, the story slowly reveals the insecurity underneath her control.

Dexter works well as Remy’s opposite. He is spontaneous, persistent, and full of warmth, which makes him hard for Remy to ignore. Their relationship is awkward, tender, and sometimes frustrating, but that is part of what makes it believable. It does not feel like a perfect romance. It feels like two people slowly affecting each other in ways they did not expect.

What makes this novel stand out is that it is not only about romance. At its heart, it is about Remy learning how to open herself up, trust others, and step into a new stage of life. The summer before college is the perfect setting for that kind of story because it naturally carries change, uncertainty, and the feeling of leaving one life behind for another. Remy has to deal with her shifting relationships, her future, and the fear that comes with growing up. Those emotional transitions give the book real depth.

The writing is smooth and engaging, and Remy’s voice is strong from the very beginning. Sarah Dessen captures her personality so well that the novel pulls you in quickly. The emotional honesty of the story makes it easy to root for Remy, even when she is at her most guarded.

Overall, This Lullaby is a strong YA novel about growing up, learning to trust, and realizing that love is not always neat or predictable. It is a great choice for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with realistic emotions and a meaningful summer setting.