I admit I’d never heard of Sarah Dessen. I admit I’ve read only the first 50 pages or so of her novel What Happened to Goodbye (new in paperback from Speak, an imprint of Penguin). But already I can see why Dessen’s novels have sold in the millions, why they’ve been translated into more than two dozen languages, why her work regularly makes the list of the American Library Association’s best books for young adults, why two of her novels were adapted for a film (How To Deal, starring Mandy Moore), and why, for Dessen’s book signing at The Booksellers at Laurelwood on Thursday, April 18th, at 6 p.m., a line ticket is required. (Ticket available with the purchase of any Dessen title.) And based on 50 pages of What Happened to Goodbye, it’s a fact: Sarah Dessen has a sure way with the issues facing today’s teens. She’s just as sure on the issues facing parents. Her proven page-turning appeal: understandable, undeniable. So’s the appealing personality that goes with her website’s blog.
