Just Listen
Written By Sarah Dessen
Theme One: Appearance vs. Reality
Alone and friendless, Annabel finds interest in a misunderstood classmate named Owen. Just like her, he is judged from the start. He is a big bulky man with a history of attending anger management classes. Because of this, Annabel seldom gets the chance to speak to him. After a brief encounter with Sophie, one of Annabel's old friends, she finally gets the chance to talk to Owen. Too bad it's after he catches her throwing up in the bushes next to his usual study spot. From that moment on they slowly get to know each other and become friends. Both Owen and Annabel come to the realizations that first impressions and reputations aren't always the most accurate.
Theme Two: Facing conflicts instead avoiding them
Ever since the incident people have completely resented Annabel. She entered the school year with no friends and a fresh reputation. They dubbed her a backstabber, slut, and liar. Instead of facing this conflict, she ignored it without speaking up. This was until she was at one of her modeling photo shoots and overheard one of the new girls, Emily, on the phone with her mother. The same thing had happened to her by the same man. Finally, Owen convinced her to speak up. Emily and Annabel shared details and called the police. They set up a trial where other women came forward to speak against Will. After finally speaking up, Will Cash was charged with second degree rape, and Annabel had her version of a perfect life.