Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Life for sixteen-year-old Annabel is complicated. After watching her parents struggle with her old sisters, Annabel is determined to keep them happy, especially her mother; even if it means doing things she doesn't really want to do. Life gets worse when Annabel suddenly finds herself friendless and isolated from her peers. She finds an ally in Owen, a fellow outcast, whose honesty and passion for music helps her face the trauma in her life and allows her to finally be honest with the people around her. In a way, this book reminded me a lot of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Sarah Dessen is great at creating complex, honest and fresh characters, and Annabel is no exception. Her story is compelling and difficult to put down. Fans of Sarah Dessen will certainly enjoy this novel.