What Happened to Goodbye

By: Sarah Dessen

Narrated by: Meredith Hagner

Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out. Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.

Critic reviews

"Dessen’s talent is creating just that comfortable space for young adults struggling with identity, relationships, and all that messy family stuff. Her quirky characters reach out to one another to forge genuine friendships and gentle first loves." — The Horn Book

"Dessen’s fans will be happy to devour this latest offering." — SLJ

"Readers can count on Dessen; she's a pro at creating characters caught at a nexus of change, who have broken relationships and who need to make decisions." — Kirkus Reviews

"Dessen once again offers a substantive, well-crafted exploration of a teen’s life that will deeply satisfy her legions of fans." — Booklist

"Dessen’s prose is clean and focused, the characters are developed and real, and the plot is believable. Mclean’s journey through the healing process after her parents’ divorce provides bibliotherapy for any teen dealing with family issues, and the secondary plot of tentative steps toward trust and friendship is beautiful. This is a must-have for any young adult collection." — VOYA

Not my fav Sarah Dessen

I love all of Sarah Dessen's books, but this one is probably my least favorite. I couldn't connect with the characters like I do with the others. Wished more had happened with McLean and Dave. I loved how Heidi and Isbee surfaced at Colby from the "Along for the Ride" novel... and also the "Last Chance" and "Clementines". Overall, I enjoyed it.... can't wait to read my next Sarah Dessen!

love the book ( wanted whisper)

Wonderful book but hard to listen to audio for sleep. Wish would of been great. I do recommend book

great book

great book I have read several of Sarah Dessen books and this was was a keeper. It did not disappoint and was very good.
It is about a girl whose family went through a public divorce. - She moves around with her dad and at each place she changes her name and her personality. But this time she is herself.
Read it -- it is worth a credit

Terrible Narrator

I love this story by Sarah Dessen, but the narrator almost ruins it completely. You can tell she doesn’t understand the main character by the way she uses inflection incorrectly and it takes you out of the story. She makes McLean sound like a valley girl...not even close.

Love, love love!

No matter how hard I try I cannot get enough Sarah Dessen! Each and every single one of her characters feel real. Each and every book has touched my heart.
Mclean is probably one of my favorite characters though. She is a girl whose parents are divorced, and she is living with her traveling father, staying in each city, and school, just a few months at a time. Each time they land somewhere new she changes her name and reinvents herself. I love the idea of the 'fresh start' she does with each move.