One-line summary:

“What Happened to Goodbye” is a coming-of-age novel that explores the themes of identity, forgiveness, and the power of self-discovery.

Rediscovering Identity

In “What Happened to Goodbye,” author Sarah Dessen takes readers on a journey of self-discovery through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Mclean Sweet. After her parents’ messy divorce, Mclean has been constantly on the move with her father, who works as a restaurant consultant. With each new town, Mclean reinvents herself, adopting a new name and persona. However, as she settles into the town of Lakeview, Mclean begins to question her own identity and longs to find her true self.

Mclean’s struggle with identity is a central theme throughout the novel. As she navigates her new life in Lakeview, she grapples with the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the fear of being judged for her past. Through her interactions with the diverse group of friends she makes at school, Mclean starts to realize that true identity is not about the masks we wear, but about embracing our authentic selves.

The Power of Forgiveness

Another significant theme in “What Happened to Goodbye” is forgiveness. Mclean’s parents’ divorce was not only messy but also public, as her mother left her father for the basketball coach of Mclean’s former high school. This betrayal has left Mclean harboring deep resentment towards her mother, and she struggles to forgive her for the pain she caused.

Throughout the novel, Mclean’s journey towards forgiveness is intertwined with her own self-discovery. As she learns to let go of her anger and resentment, she begins to understand that forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others, but about freeing oneself from the burden of holding onto grudges. Mclean’s journey serves as a reminder that forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

The Importance of Self-Discovery

“What Happened to Goodbye” emphasizes the significance of self-discovery in shaping one’s life. As Mclean explores her new surroundings in Lakeview, she becomes involved in a project at school where she helps restore an old restaurant called Luna Blu. Through her work at Luna Blu, Mclean discovers her passion for interior design and realizes that she has the power to create something beautiful out of the broken pieces of her own life.

Mclean’s journey of self-discovery is not without its challenges. She must confront her fears, face her past, and make difficult choices along the way. However, through her experiences, she learns that embracing her true self and following her passions can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Key Takeaways:

• Identity is not about the masks we wear, but about embracing our authentic selves.
• Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.
• Self-discovery is essential in shaping one’s life and finding fulfillment.

“Sometimes people think they know you. They know a few facts about you, and they piece you together in a way that makes sense to them. And if you don’t know yourself very well, you might even believe that they are right. But the truth is, that isn’t you. That isn’t you at all.”

In “What Happened to Goodbye,” Sarah Dessen skillfully explores the themes of identity, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through Mclean’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing one’s true self, the power of forgiveness in finding personal growth, and the significance of self-discovery in shaping one’s life. This coming-of-age novel serves as a poignant reminder that our past does not define us and that we have the power to create a brighter future.