Review - Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

Lock and Key

by Sarah Dessen

Paperback, 422 pages

Published May 14th 2009 by Puffin (first published April 22nd 2008)

"Ruby, where is your mother?" Ruby knows that the game is up. For the past few months, she's been on her own in the yellow house, managing somehow, knowing that her mother will probably never return.That's how she comes to live with Cora, the sister she hasn't seen in ten years, and Cora's husband Jamie, whose down-to-earth demeanor makes it hard for Ruby to believe he founded the most popular networking Web site around. A luxurious house, fancy private school, a new wardrobe, the promise of college and a future—it's a dream come true. So why is Ruby such a reluctant Cinderella, wary and defensive? And why is Nate, the genial boy next door with some secrets of his own, unable to accept the help that Ruby is just learning to give?

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Review from Goodreads

This is the first Sarah Dessen book I've read. I have no idea how me putting into words will really explain how great this book is, but I will try.

This book grabbed my heart full force at the very beginning. I felt like I was reading Ruby's diary. Sarah Dessen's writing really makes you feel like you are in her character's world. This was such a fluid read that before I knew it I had read half the book in record time. I was so enthralled with the story, and at times I didn't think I could read anymore, only because my heart was breaking.

Yes, this book made me cry, but it was the entirety of the story that made it such a happy read. You really get the moral of the story and it links through out the whole book. One word sums up this book for me, as it says in the book, FAMILY.

I would recommend this book to ALL young adults, and even parents, Just EVERYONE. Not that this story hit home for me in all aspects, but it certainly did in a few.

I was a trouble maker when I was Ruby's age. I had loving parents that supported me 100%. I took advantage of that, ditched school, did drugs, and drank alcohol. I am not proud of it, but I don't regret it either. I think it made me the strong woman I am today. What I do regret is putting my parents through the worry. Reading this, I saw what Jaime and Cora went through, physically and emotionally with Ruby at the beginning of her living with them.

Ok, before I tell you all my life story in a review, I will just say that for my first read by Sarah Dessen, I LOVED IT! As a matter of fact, I went out and bought 4 more books by her. I am a fan!