This Lullaby

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.

This is my third Dessen book and it's the most relatable, so far.

It's a story about Remy, a girl who doesn't believe in love because she witnessed her mother getting divorced way too many times. Mum is planing to marry for the fifth time and Remy's had enough but she's still going to keep her mouth shut cause she's leaving for college in the fall. Dexter literally collides with Remy and he is ready to fight for her even though they just met. Soon they start casually dating but Remy knows there is no future for them.

Remy is one cool chick. She's 'the mother' of her family. Since she's a neat freak, she cleans the house, organizes her mother's every wedding and she even has a steady job junior year. Even though she doesn't believe in love she still hooks up with a lot of guys. She doesn't want a relationship. This all changes when she meets Remy who's clumsy, irresponsible, jokester and a musician. He has so many faults which would usually make Remy have 'the talk' with a guy but something is different with Dexter.

I did like Remy but I didn't like Dexter that much and that's the only bad thing I can say about this book. Dexter just wasn't unique enough for my taste. He was just like any other fictional boy. I was really surprised Dessen didn't do something more but with his character then again, maybe she wanted him to be more realistic, without too many embellishments.

Other than that, I would recommend reading this book to those who're for a perfect summer novel.

I like all of Sarahs books and this one is no exception.

Reader reviewed by Kelsey Eblen

While at a car dealorship looking at cars, Remy is just standing there. As she stands there, this guy named Dexter walks up to her. He starts to talk to her and says that Remy might like him. She goes on and she tells Dexter that she really does not like him. Remy and her friend Chloe just leave walking away. "He'll lose interest eventually." Remy said.
"Oh. ye of little faith," he said gladly. "I'm just getting started." Will Remy fall for Dexter and like him?

I would rate "This Luillaby" 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked this book becuase it talks and shows about real teenage drama between friends and dating. I would recommemed this book to anyone who likes to read about love and dating, and how friendships could be ruined because of it.

Reader reviewed by kelsey eblen

While at a car dealership looking at some cars, Remy is just standing there thinking. As she stands there, this guy named Dexter walks up to her. He starts to talk to her and says that Remy might like him. She goes on and she tells Dexter that she really does not like him. Remy and her friend Chloe just leave walking away from him. "He'll lose interest eventually." Remy said. "Oh, ye of little faith," he said gladly. "I'm just getting started." Will Remy fall for Dexter and like him or what will she turn out to do?

Reader reviewed by Kelsey Eblen

While at a car dealorship looking at cars, Remy is just standing there. As she stands there, this guy named Dexter walks up to her. He starts to talk to her and says that Remy might like him. She goes on and she tells Dexter that she really does not like him. Remy and her friend Chloe just leave walking away. "He'll lose interest eventually." Remy said.
"Oh. ye of little faith," he said gladly. "I'm just getting started." Will Remy fall for Dexter and like him?

I would rate "This Luillaby" 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked this book becuase it talks and shows about real teenage drama between friends and dating. I would recommemed this book to anyone who likes to read about love and dating, and how friendships could be ruined because of it.

Reader reviewed by Kelsey Eblen

While at a car dealorship looking at cars, Remy is just standing there. As she stands there, this guy named Dexter walks up to her. He starts to talk to her and says that Remy might like him. She goes on and she tells Dexter that she really does not like him. Remy and her friend Chloe just leave walking away. "He'll lose interest eventually." Remy said.
"Oh. ye of little faith," he said gladly. "I'm just getting started." Will Remy fall for Dexter and like him?

I would rate "This Luillaby" 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked this book becuase it talks and shows about real teenage drama between friends and dating. I would recommemed this book to anyone who likes to read about love and dating, and how friendships could be ruined because of it.

Reader reviewed by Kelsey Eblen

While at a car dealorship looking at cars, Remy is just standing there. As she stands there, this guy named Dexter walks up to her. He starts to talk to her and says that Remy might like him. She goes on and she tells Dexter that she really does not like him. Remy and her friend Chloe just leave walking away. "He'll lose interest eventually." Remy said.
"Oh. ye of little faith," he said gladly. "I'm just getting started." Will Remy fall for Dexter and like him?

I would rate "This Luillaby" 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked this book becuase it talks and shows about real teenage drama between friends and dating. I would recommemed this book to anyone who likes to read about love and dating, and how friendships could be ruined because of it.

Reader reviewed by bookmac

Remy doesn't believe in love... ah! She is hardly even phased when she finds out that her boyfriend cheated on her, the only reason she was even slightly upset was because she didn't want people feeling bad for her.

She has a big group of friends, all varying in personality. Over the summer she meets this guy who might actually prove her suspicions of love, wrong. It all started when she went to ask her mom's fiance (yes, the fifth one) a question at his auto/car shop. This guy, Dexter comes has been eyeing her the whole time shes standing there, until he finally approaches her. he says he feels that there was just a certain chemistry he felt between himself and Remy. Of course she didn't feel it... or did she? Is she just denying it to herself?Remy discovers a deep secret about herself.

I thought this book was very well written and explained. The characters' feelings were displayed well and realistoc (in my opinion) for the character's age. The difficult situations Remy finds herself in, are leaving her confused, and in the end she has to do what is best for herself and stop trying to please and help everyone else around her. she has to live her life.

Reader reviewed by Cassie

Remy is known as the tough girl.  Sure, she can plan her mother's 5th wedding easily.  But when it comes to commitment, not her forte.  Remy Starr's mother Barbara Starr, romance novel author, has been married oh, 4 or 5 times.  This makes Remy believe love is not real, but that doesn't stop her from dating every guy in the book and breaking up with them out of nowhere.  So, what makes Dexter so different?

This book demonstrates an excellent message.  This Lullaby talks about leaving before you are left, but then a nice twist with learning to let people in.  I would recommend this book for ages 13-16.  Thsi Lullaby is a one of a kind novel.  Sarah Dessen is an excellent author and I can't wait to read more!