Sing Sweet Baby

Sing Sweet Baby

• Jun 25, 2012

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Release Date: March 2004
Publisher: Penguin | Speak

Pages: 345 pages

Source & Format: Library; Hardcover

Amazon | Goodreads

Sum It Up (from Goodreads)

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

By Its Cover: One of the Better Dessen Covers

While I thought the cover for Along the Ride was super cheesy, I'm fine with this one. But I was really excited when I found out that all of her covers were getting redesigned. It's about time! I really like that the new cover for this book incorporates a guitar. Very fitting! You'll have to go look them up - after you finish reading this, of course!

Amen, Sister Friend: Cynical But Realistic

I probably wouldn't be close friends with Remy because I wasn't really a party girl in high school. However, that doesn't mean I didn't appreciate her as a character. I think my favorite thing about her was how realistic she was. She sounded like a real teenager - with moments of immaturity - but she was also really cynical. After her mother's many failed marriages, Remy doesn't want her heart on the line. She's famous for getting rid of guys before things get serious. That makes her seem a little harsh, but it was also understandable considering her family dynamics. She definitely wasn't the normal YA heroine!

I also really enjoyed the dynamics with Remy's group of friends - Lissa, Chloe and Jess. What I really appreciate about Sarah Dessen is that she writes very well-developed characters and that includes the secondary ones.

Literary Love: Lead Singer Love

I heard quite a bit about Dexter before I ever picked up This Lullaby. From what I've heard, a lot of people have some pretty hardcore love for this Dessen fella. Dexter is a musical guy. He's kind of awkward and nerdy at times, but he's also the lead singer. He's incredibly confident, but he also has that goofy charm.

While I liked Dexter, I wasn't totally crazy about him. The problem is that I can't put my finger on the reason why! I think it's because I didn't love Remy and that sort of just translated into me not being completely wrapped up in the love story.

Word Nerd: Classic Dessen

I say "Classic Dessen" like I've read more than one by her, but this was actually only my second Sarah Dessen book. I have heard quite a few people say that this is one of their favorite books by Sarah Dessen. Personally, I preferred Along for the Ride. I liked that main character better, and I enjoyed the love story and secondary characters more. In the end, I think it comes down to the fact that I had more a personal connection to the other book.

Both books had a similar formula, however, so I can see why people told me not to read them all in a row. I think it would definitely be better to read one every now and then rather than back-to-back. I think that may be partly why I was comparing it to my only other Sarah Dessen. They seemed really similar, and I ultimately liked the other book more.

Extra, Extra: Musical Man

If you're musical or have a thing for boys that can sing and/or play the guitar, you'll totally eat this book up. I'd be willing to bet that you'll be crazy about the love story. I'm not sure he was my kind of guy, but I know quite a few ladies that would be happy to have him all to themselves!

So Quotable

"No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain something greater."

"Some things don't last forever, but some things do. Like a good song, or a good book, or a good memory you can take out and unfold in your darkest times, pressing down on the corners and peering in close, hoping you still recognize the person you see there."

Bottom Line: Enjoyable But Not a Favorite

While I thought This Lullaby was good, I couldn't help but compare it to my only other Sarah Dessen experience! I had a stronger connection to that book, which is probably why I preferred it. I was glad I just got this one from the library - I enjoyed it, but it wouldn't be a book I'd read again and again.