Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.Īutumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart their mothers are still best friends. Overall, the story moves slowly and subtly, creating a rich emotional landscape and letting small changes-Layla finds a boyfriend Sydney's mom and brother have a fight-ripple out gently.Ī many-layered story told with a light touch. This tension shows itself most unsettlingly when Sydney's parents go out of town for a weekend and leave Sydney in the care of Peyton's friend Ames, whose sinister interest in Sydney is clear to everyone who pays attention. Although Sydney's mother's character sometimes feels one-note, Sydney's frustration with her mother's willful denial and relative neglect of her is palpable and poignant. At home, Sydney's mother throws herself obsessively into 'supporting' Peyton and pressures Sydney to become as involved in visiting Peyton and talking to him on the phone as she has, without respect to either Sydney's or Peyton's wishes. Sydney is drawn into the warm world of their family and the pizza business, and crisp, unusual details bring each character and set of relationships to life. There, she meets siblings Mac and Layla, who quickly befriend her. Sarah has not written about this book on her website yet.After her ne'er-do-well older brother, Peyton, is sent to prison, demure, obedient Sydney leaves her sheltered private school for a new start.Īvoiding her family after her first day at Jackson High School, Sydney fortuitously stops for a snack at Seaside Pizza. Rogerson and his family from Dreamland are mentioned by Sydney's mom Rogerson has apparently been incarcerated in the same prison as Peyton since the events of Dreamland.Įland USA Things Sarah's Words from Sarahland

Where else did I read about that? Characters ĭave from What Happened to Goodbye? serves Sydney many complicated drinks at Frazier Bakery.

As she is drawn into their chaotic circle, Sydney is finally able to focus on what really matters: friendship, love, and most important, herself. Quiet, protective Mac, who makes Sydney feel safe and secure. Mysterious Rosie, who has secrets of her own.

There's Layla, who welcomes Sydney with open arms. Fortunately, Sydney finds solace with the Chathams―the family who owns the local pizza place. But then a terrible accident lands her brother in jail and thrusts her family into the public eye. Sydney has always lived her life in the shadows, content to avoid the spotlight and let others be the center of attention.

Saint anything by sarah dessen