In Sarah Dessen's 1998 young adult novel Someone Like You, 16-year-old Halley supports her best friend, Scarlett, through an unexpected pregnancy after Scarlett's boyfriend dies in a motorcycle accident and begins a complicated relationship with Macon, grappling with new feelings and decisions. This leads to a strained relationship with her mother as Halley defines her identity through her choices and mistakes. The novel contains references to underage drinking, drug use, a vehicle accident, and abusive behaviors.

Sarah Dessen's Someone Like You is lauded for its realistic portrayal of teenage friendship and emotional depth. It offers relatable characters and tackles sensitive topics, resonating strongly with young adult readers. Some critics, however, find the plot predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a heartfelt narrative that balances moments of joy and sadness effectively.

Fans of relatable and heartfelt young adult fiction will enjoy Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. Ideal for readers who appreciate the emotional depth found in works like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and the coming-of-age themes in Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Perfect for those seeking stories of friendship, love, and personal growth.

Emotional / Romantic / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Nostalgic

- Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen was published in 1998 and won the School Library Journal Best Book award in the same year.
- The novel, alongside Dessen's book That Summer, served as inspiration for the 2003 film How to Deal, starring Mandy Moore.
- Sarah Dessen is known for writing young adult fiction that realistically portrays adolescent challenges and emotions, which has helped her works, including Someone Like You, resonate with a wide audience.

**Halley Cooke**  
A high school student who begins the story unsure of her identity and is influenced by her relationships, particularly with her best friend Scarlett and her first love, Macon. Throughout the narrative, she seeks personal growth and a sense of self-worth.

**Scarlett Thomas**  
Halley's best friend, who is self-assured and confident, navigating the challenges of teen pregnancy after the loss of her boyfriend, Michael. She plays a crucial role in Halley's journey, providing support and perspective.

**Macon Faulkner**  
Halley's charismatic yet troubled first love, known for his wild reputation at school. His relationship with Halley introduces her to new experiences but also complicates her connections with others.

**Julia Cooke**  
Halley’s mother, a therapist and author, who struggles to adapt as Halley seeks independence. Her attempts to guide Halley are met with resistance, leading to conflicts that mirror typical parent-child dynamics during adolescence.

Sarah Dessen

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Overview

Get ready to explore Someone Like You and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Someone Like You Summary

Background

Someone Like You Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, “The Grand Canyon”

Part 1 Someone Like You Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Someone Like You”

Part 2, Chapters 5-10

Someone Like You Part 2, Chapters 5-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 11-15

Someone Like You Part 2, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Someone Like You” - Part 3: “Grace”

Part 2, Chapter 16-Part 3

Someone Like You Part 2, Chapter 16-Part 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Someone Like You Character Analysis

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Themes

Someone Like You Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Someone Like You Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Someone Like You

Before You Read

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