Well I am want to start off first by saying that I love Sarah Dessen's books but I wasn't a fan of this one. I liked it but I didn't love it like everyone else did. I did like all of the references to her other books in this one. I don't think everyone would know that especially if it is their 1st book by her read. I liked the over storyline and Sydney (sometimes) but there were other books that I liked more (I liked Along for the ride and Just Listen the best). Sometimes I wish she stuck up for herself more especially with Ames. He was so CREEPY! I'm glad that the parents were a big part of this book but I didn't really like Sydney's parents. Her mom was so neurotic and drove me nuts at times and dad just didn't speak up and pretty much let the mom act like a fool. I guess they both have the excuse to act the way they did because their son was in prison. I did however like and relate to Layla. She and I have a soft spot in our hearts for boys (or men) that we think we can "help". I did like Mac and I wasn't too surprised that Sydney and him had a thing going on. 
 The whole time when I was reading the book I was craving pizza, fries & YumYums. I'm glad that I didn't cave and buy some! 
 I will be interested to find out what other students think of this that have read a lot by her. People kept saying too that this was "dark" compared to her other books and I don't really see that but hey, I wasn't in the cool kids club by liking this one (please don't hate me people). 
 I still love Sarah Dessen and will continue to read books by her.