Sarah Dessen and Self Esteem

One of my favorite authors is Sarah Dessen, who writes everyday stories about girls going through a hard time, finding their obstacle, and conquering it in many different ways. Each story is different in terms of the obstacle, which is usually self inflicted on the main character. After reading Just Listen last night, I noticed her characters always have deep and inspiring quotes about life and the obstacles you face. These coping skills create personalities for each character that almost seem 3 dimensional. Here are a few quotes from her characters.

"It's a lot easier to be lost than found. It's the reason we're always searching and rarely discovered--so many locks not enough keys." Ruby- Lock and Key

"I think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It's how life is." Wes- The Truth About Forever

"Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment. Which is pretty amazing, when you actually think about it." Owen- Just Listen

"And the bottom line is, what defines you isn't how many times you crash, but the number of times you get back on the bike. As long as it's one more, you're all good." Eli- Along for the Ride

"I don't believe in failure, because simply by saying you've failed, you've admitted you attempted. And anyone who attempts is not a failure. Those who truly fail in my eyes are the ones who never try at all. The ones who sit on the couch and whine and moan and wait for the world to change for them."- Keeping the Moon

"The fate of your heart is your choice and no one else gets a vote"- Remy- This Lullaby

And a random rare find on the net:

"Once a heart breaks, it also opens.
And when a heart opens, any number
of things can happen. And some of
them can be beautiful."