Just Listen

By: Sarah Dessen

Lindsey Nygren

Sarah Dessen She was born in 1970 in Illinois, but grew up in

North Carolina. Her Parents were both professors at the

University of North Carolina. She liked to write stories by the age of 8. She attended college at University of North

Carolina. She graduated with a degree in English and

studied creative writing. She is a New York Times Best-Selling Author. She writes for young adults.

Protagonist

The protagonist is Annabell.She never communicates what she feels,

or the truth.She models and is well known for it.She looses a lot of friends, because her

lack of communication. She is the youngest in her family with two

older sisters.

Antagonist

The Antagonist is SophieShe gets under Annabell’s skin.Annabell is scared of any confrontation

with Sophie.Sophie is the reason why Annabell doesn’t

have any friends.

Favorite Character

My favorite Character is Owen.He only says the truth.He was a mystery to Annabell.He always is listening to his ipod and loves

music.He has his own radio show.He teaches Annabell to be honest with

everyone, including herself.

Least Favorite Character

My least favorite Character is Sophie.She is her old best friend.She thought that Annabell hooked up with

her boyfriend Will Cash. She’s a really bold and outspoken.

Exposition

The beginning of the book explains that Annabell and both her sister model.

Sophie is introduced and the tension between the two. Explains her two older sisters, Whitney and Kristen, and

her parents. Annabell seems to have the perfect life. Everyone at School shuns her, her two former best

friends Emily and Sophie no longer talk to her. She sits alone at school next to an outcast Owen. You find out that she has a secret that she’s not telling

anyone, not even her family.

Rising Action

She has a confrontation with Sophie where they are fighting and Owen breaks it up and takes Annabell home.

Her Sister Whitney moves away and becomes Bulimic.

Her family struggles and puts her in a hospital. Her and Owen become a couple. Owen introduces all kinds of new music to her. He also teaches her that she should be honest.

Climax

She goes to a model show and she hears rumors that Emily tried to hook up with Sophie’s boyfriend, but Annabell knows the truth.

She goes to a concert with Owen and runs out with no explenation.

Owen gets upset that she won’t tell him anything, they end up not talking for months.

Emily confronts Annabell and explains that she knows now what happened with Will Cash Emily is pressing charges and wants her to testify.

She finally tells Owen everything, he convinces her to tell.

Falling Action

She finally tells her family what happened.She goes to court and testifies.She makes new friends.She becomes closer with her family and

understands that everyone has trials.

Resolution

She tells her mom that she no longer wants to model.

Whitney recovers from her eating disorder.She helps Owen with his radio show.

Setting

This story takes place in a fictional town call Lakeview.

It doesn’t say the time setting.

Themes

Family- It’s important that you stay close to you’re family and be honest with them.

Friendship- It’s important to keep good friends and to have friends that will support you.

Honesty- You need to be honest with yourself so that you can be honest with the people around you.

Book Rating

I would rate this book a 9.I like her writing style and how it is directed

toward young adults.The only thing I didn’t like was how you

don’t find out what Annabell’s big secret is until almost the end of the book.

Social Issue

The social issue’s in this book are sexual abuse and Bulimia.

I chose to do Bulimia.Bulimia is when you binge on food and

then you force yourself to throw it up.It is also called Bulimia Nervosa.When you have Bulimia you exercise

excessively.

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWf2tECEm7U

Song

Courage By Superchickhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=hW9UHJVMbsY

Bulimiaby Tainted BeautyHolding in the tears,As I stare into my porcelain sanctuary,My fingers slide gently into my throat,This has all become routine to me,

The bathroom door is locked,So no one will catch this act of shame,My evil act of redemption,Fueled by my morbid distain,

The acid starts to burn my throat,A twisted kind of pleasure,Relying on the thrill of the purging,The delight that keeps my life together,

The taste of blood and vomit mix,Leaving a terrified feeling of disgrace,I spit out what is left,To rid myself of this horrid taste,

I struggle to my room,And allow myself to collapse on the bed,My shallow heart beats in my chest,As thoughts of dishonor run through my head,

I have become immune to this feeling,But disappointment dwells deep inside my heart,My delight of destroying myself,Is tearing my life apart.

Statistics

It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder – seven million women and one million men

One in 200 American women suffer from anorexia

Two to three in 100 American women suffer from bulimia.

Nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder

An estimated 10 – 15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are males.

Mortality Rates of people with Eating disorders. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any

mental illness. A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa

and Associated Disorders reported that 5 – 10% of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20% of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 – 40% ever fully recover.

The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 – 24 years old.

20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems.

Access to Treatment

Only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. About 80% of the girls/women who have accessed care for their

eating disorders do not get the intensity of treatment they need to stay in recovery – they are often sent home weeks earlier than the recommended stay.

Treatment of an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500 per day to $2,000 per day. The average cost for a month of inpatient treatment is $30,000. It is estimated that individuals with eating disorders need anywhere from 3 – 6 months of inpatient care. Health insurance companies for several reasons do not typically cover the cost of treating eating disorders

The cost of outpatient treatment, including therapy and medical monitoring, can extend to $100,000 or more.

Physical Effects of Bulimia

Damage to the teeth, gums and mouth Swollen salivary glands Frequent heartburn Constipation Dry and brittle hair, skin and nails Dehydration Scarred hands or knuckles Chronic kidney problems Low potassium levels in the body Irregular heartbeat and other cardio-problems

Emotions Effects of Bulimia

Depression Low self-esteem Low self-worth Anxiety Tension Irritability Stress Mental fatigue

Bulimia Symptoms

Binge eating followed immediately by trips to the bathroom.

Hoarding or hiding away food Constant exercising Preoccupied with weight or appearance A negative self-body image Misuse of laxatives, diet pills, diuretics or enemas Constant attempts at dieting The lack of control when eating Depression and/or anxiety