Lock and Key is a fantastic book from Sarah Dessen, goddess of YA literature. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I haven’t read everything she’s written, but what I have read, I’ve really loved. This Lullaby is one of my very favorite books! Anyway, knowing how awesome Sarah Dessen is, readers would be disappointed at anything short of marvelous with her name on it, but her latest effort will not let them down.
In Lock and Key, Ruby and her mother move around a lot, and their life is rather unpredictable. It’s not unusual for her mother to disappear for days at a time, but Ruby knows something is different when her mother doesn’t come back for months, leaving Ruby on her own. She tries to hide the fact that she’s underage and living by herself, but, eventually, her landlords find out, and the state sends Ruby to live with her older sister, Cora. Ruby and Cora haven’t seen each other since Cora left for college, years ago, escaping their mother and abandoning her younger sister (or so Ruby thinks).
Now, though Cora has built a life for herself: a successful career, a big house, a great husband. She’s living the American dream. Ruby has never lived a life anything like that, and she certainly doesn’t want to start now, being tied down like that and being a burden on a sister who doesn’t want her. Somehow, though she keeps meaning to escape, she ends up going to a fancy private school, staying with her sister and her husband, Jamie, finding a job, finding friends, maybe even something more in her neighbor, Nate.
Lock and Key is an amazing novel. Sarah Dessen tells a captivating story, demonstrating her considerable talent at really understanding people and their relationships. She’s a brilliant writer, and this story will draw in readers and leave them unable to put the book down until the very last page! This is a fresh, moving, honest book that will impress both fans of Sarah Dessen’s work and those new to reading it. The summary calls it “funny, perceptive, and touching,” which is exactly right and completely true.
February 21, 2008 at 6:24 pm
i can’t wait to read this book! great review it sounds awesome!
November 17, 2010 at 11:17 pm
this book is amazing i read it for a book report and it has led me to read more of sarah fessens books!
November 18, 2010 at 11:04 am
i was up too chapter 3 and still coulden’t get into it .. sould i keep reading ?!
November 25, 2010 at 7:05 pm
yyes! keep reading! i read this book in 2 days because i just couldn’t put it down. It picks up later on in the book, so just keep reading!
February 21, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I am unbelievably jealous that you got to read this already. I’m reading Someone Like You right now which is the last book by Sarah that I haven’t read.
Great review
February 21, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Great review!! So jealous that you have already gotten to read this! It looks just as great as all her others.
February 21, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Fantastic review! I love books by Sarah Dessen. Can’t wait to ready Lock and Key.
February 22, 2008 at 9:04 am
Excellent, this looks like it is just up my alley. Thanks, I’ll pick up a copy of Lock and Key this week.
February 23, 2008 at 11:50 am
!! You’re so lucky you got to read that.
*intense jealously*
I loved your review and now can’t wait to buy the book xD
March 2, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I just love Sarah Dessen and this book was no exception.
March 14, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I am SO excited for this book, and very jealous you have already read it. The release date is on my calendar!
March 26, 2008 at 5:03 pm
i really like your books they are so cool i hope you make more you are my fav/1/2 fav author your tied with stephenie meyer anyway i hope you make more books again
November 25, 2010 at 7:07 pm
i agree with you completley. i read this book and it just was amazing. one of the best books ever……twilight books were the best
April 27, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I love Sarah Dessen`s novels! I just can`t wait to read her new book. The review is great!
I`ll have to pick up a copy.
May 12, 2008 at 5:16 pm
this book sounds good just got it getting ready to read it
June 9, 2008 at 9:51 pm
This is the best book ever! I really hope Sarah makes a sequal! You wont be able to stop reading it! This is a story that will stick with you forever and I have never re read a book before, but Lock and Key might be the first! I totally reccomend reading this! espically if u like sarah dessen!
November 17, 2010 at 11:19 pm
me to i loved it soo much!
i would recomend this book to anyone
June 13, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I LUV Sarah Dessen books…I know her because i got her book THIS LULLABY and SOMEONE LIKE YOU on my B-day….and i consider that lucky!
I ordered it and was wondering what this was about and i find this!!! THNXS :> <3
July 13, 2008 at 7:35 pm
i love sarah dessen books… especially the truth about forever. & im dying cuz i cant get lock & key yet… hopefully ill get it soon (:
August 10, 2008 at 2:04 am
does nate come back to his house?
August 18, 2011 at 7:55 pm
no, but ruby and him applied to the same university so they will be together :’) i cried at the end, i couldn’t believe nate was actually leaving
September 18, 2008 at 7:20 pm
i love this book so fair and you are a good writer and love the book by.
October 16, 2008 at 7:17 pm
OMG! I just got the book 2 weeks ago and i am done it is the best book ever.
Your Fan
Megan,
p.s. keep write more books
November 6, 2008 at 5:50 pm
lock and key was a really good book! i read all of Sarah’s books. But what happened with nate? i love sarah dessens books, but she never tells us the ending.
November 13, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I love this book. It is my favorite book so far this year. I have all of her books and she is an awesome novelist.
p.s. WHAT HAPPENED TO NATE???
November 13, 2008 at 11:54 pm
the book was sweet and i totally loved it!! :)
November 14, 2008 at 1:35 pm
hi your awesome and i love your books i read them all!
December 2, 2008 at 2:04 pm
omg!cant wait to read great review!winkz!!
December 8, 2008 at 6:33 pm
i chose this book for a report a lil apprehensively. (its a lil pink 4 me. lol) but these reviews have totally made me eager to read it. im gonna start as soon as im done typing this. hope its as good as it sounds!! :)
June 29, 2011 at 7:44 pm
I also did this for a report at first I never heard of Sarah Dessen but now I really like her wrighting and can”t wait 2 read more. Defently alot 2 wright about!!!!
December 27, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I read this and Just Listen by Sarah. Both are uber cool. She is just amazing. Once I get her books I can’t put it down till the end. Then often I’ll read it over in the same day. She really enlightens me.
January 14, 2009 at 7:51 pm
I loved reading Lock and Key. I read this review while trying to write my book report lol. but anyway, this book was a great book to read, and I can’t wait to read all of her others.
January 23, 2009 at 12:25 am
This book is great!!! Right now I’m reading Someone Like You and That Summer. After this I’m going to read Just Listen
January 23, 2009 at 12:28 am
This book is great!!! Right now I’m reading Someone Like You and That Summer.
January 28, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I reading this book and it was awesome so far. I haven’t read Sarah Dessen books but once I’m finished with Lock and Key I’ll start reading more of her books.
February 11, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I love this book! Where does this take place? Which state or city?
February 15, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I absolutely adored this book. Once again, Sarah Dessen has kept me thirsty for more.
March 8, 2009 at 3:27 am
it takes place in North Carolina, I don’t know about the city.
May 6, 2009 at 10:09 am
i thought that Lock and Key was really good. I almost cried as i read it!!
May 23, 2009 at 1:15 pm
greaaaat! book, i love it! it was entrancing and captivating, i couldn’t put it down. i have read many sarah dessen books, this is one of the best, no lie. awesome book, must read. i promise!
<3,
Sarah Reader. READ IT! PLEASEEEE!
August 22, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I am currently reading lock and key :P
it took a bit to get into but its getting better
This is the first book i’ve read by sarah.. and i’m thinking i’ll read more :)
August 22, 2009 at 2:10 pm
i dunno whats wrong with you ppl!
Sarah’s books suck monkey butt..
She is an author that needs to come from a different angle when writing her books.. Her books never keep the interest of me or my friends.
on a scale on 1-10 this book is a -1…
~~disappointed reader
May 4, 2011 at 8:50 am
You don’t know what’s wrong? I’ll tell you what is. It has something to do with you people, and the rest of us with our own differences. Sure, you have friends who can’t appreciate her books, but this is a big world and who knows? The rest of the world might disagree with you guys. The thing is, I’m the one who doesn’t know what the hell is wrong with you–because, after all, we all have our differences, and not to mention our own opinions. So let me just tell you to BACK OFF and next time, don’t insult Sarah Dessen when you’re on a web page that pretty much praises her, because seriously? All of us here says otherwise.
September 10, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I liked it…
October 13, 2009 at 10:54 pm
WOW I’m still reading the book… But I’m barelyon chapter 4
November 3, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I love this book! It’s wonderful and i think every one should read it and learn the true meaning of a family… :)♥
November 7, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I love lock and key its the first book i read from sarah dessen.It kept me up all night. I wonder if she will do a sequal??
November 9, 2009 at 4:37 pm
i am reading lock and key right now and love it
November 10, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Are all of Sarah Dessen’s books romance? And does her books have happy endings? And are her endings clear and do they leave you hanging? Because i’m debating whether or not i should get them.
November 11, 2009 at 5:03 pm
i loved this book. read it all in 2 days becuzz i couldnt put the book down!! but i kind of want to know what happened to Nate when he comes back to go to U with Ruby.
November 16, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Lock and Key was an amazing book! It’s very compelling! :)
November 24, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I’m a huge Sarah Dessen fan. im currently trying to collect all of her book. im down to 5 of her novels, read them all.
lock and key was a great book, i do agree that all sarah fans should deffenetly read it. also for those who have never read one of her books i think this one would be a great one to start with.
November 27, 2009 at 2:59 pm
[…] a bad situation. Ruby will probably quit her job, because Cora and Jamie threatened her with that. lock and key book review […]
November 29, 2009 at 1:50 pm
this book was terrible.
November 29, 2009 at 5:08 pm
In lock and key the main character,Ruby,has a rather sinical point of view of the world. However, Nate makes her see the glass half full not empty. I’d like to say, though the ending was a little bitter sweet, but it still brought much satisfction.
December 28, 2009 at 3:50 am
I love this book. I started it sitting in Targets floor. From that point on I couldn’t put it down. Hopefully though she will make a squeal. I would really like to read more about Nate and Ruby.
January 6, 2010 at 9:38 pm
OMG! I LOVE lock and key!!! I already read dreamland… too bad i cant get my hands on any other book yet…
January 6, 2010 at 9:39 pm
♥Nate & Ruby♥
February 4, 2010 at 6:27 am
I have read this book and it’s great if you like YA books
February 4, 2010 at 6:28 am
i find it funny when she tries to escape the first time
February 10, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Is it a romance book??
March 25, 2010 at 5:15 pm
I absaloutly loved this book!! It was, how do you say, un-put-down-able!! And to answer your question ?? it is kinda a romance and its kinda not, do you get me??
March 31, 2010 at 12:02 pm
writing a research paper on sarah dessen this review and others ive used are cited any suggestions for other reviews ?????
-payne-
April 16, 2010 at 3:06 pm
suck
April 16, 2010 at 3:17 pm
hi my name is miles, i live in a world that never makes sense.
i pick my nose daily. and some times flick it.
other times it taste like chicken.
in my mind using this method, you don’t only get a delious snack you also save tissue.
its not always a good thing to use as much cuz one day we are going to run out of the source then… everyone will be freaking out and i’ll be fine with my method, and not hungry.
my friend ali, thinks im crazy but me knowing that one day the soruce with run out she still thinks im crazy. and i laugh at her cuz her nose will be all stuffy.
so i will voulneer to help with the stuffiness,
July 15, 2010 at 4:09 am
this is silly! you are supposed to coment on the book review not picking your nose!
May 5, 2010 at 8:59 pm
omg i have to read LOCK N KEY buh i dont want too its for a stupid book report!! HAHAHA XD LOL
July 15, 2010 at 4:07 am
fantastic review! i am doing one for english on this book and i love sarah dessen! just wondering if anyone knew rubys last name?
August 28, 2010 at 9:30 am
Ruby’s last name is Cooper
August 5, 2010 at 4:55 pm
just got it from the library! cant wait to start!!!
August 5, 2010 at 4:56 pm
just got this book from the library! cant wait to get started
August 8, 2010 at 10:25 am
i’m a huge sarah dessen fan! good job with review! ^.^
August 23, 2010 at 3:19 pm
wow i LOVE this book. its amazing. EVERYONE should read it!
August 27, 2010 at 10:04 am
I have read this book and I think it is AWESOME! Then again all of Sarah Dessen’s books are awesome. This book is filled with romance friendship and learning how to trust people including yourself.
August 28, 2010 at 9:32 am
“I “<3" LOVE""LOVE" THIS BOOK!!!!! I <3 when Ruby and Nate Go into the pool and come closer together and stuff
October 2, 2010 at 11:32 am
I Juust absoultly loved this heart filled book. Ruby and Nate became friends instally like they were bound to meet. Ruby fell in love it was pretty ovias. When I read this book I thought of Ruby as me and Nate as my best guy friend Zach who I know would do anything for me even tho im not always thank ful enough to him. Ruby knows where to find nate in the end becuase she is in love and even though they never said it to each other I Just know deep down that Nate and Ruby were ment to be together. Sarah Dessen is truley and AMAZING writter she rights about every day life. Which includes swares and sex and true love. Though when i read Lock and Key I pictured Nate as some shorter guy and brown semi curly hair just the perfect dream guy who frankly has his own little secret.
October 21, 2010 at 8:21 pm
best book you could ever read
November 2, 2010 at 10:02 pm
This is the most amazing book you’ll EVER read.
its TWILIGHT good ;)
November 17, 2010 at 11:22 pm
no twilight sucks my big toe and i love this book it is no where close to twilight. this book is the best book ever!!! i love it :] <3
November 2, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Wow, amazing book.
I sat down, intending on reading a few chapters, and amazingly, i ended up reading like… half the book! I wish there was a sequal, because I was just taken away by this book..
<3<3<3
November 17, 2010 at 11:20 pm
this is the most amazing book ever i want there to be a sequle. i adore sarah for writing this book i have read it over five times and i never get tired of reading it!
November 25, 2010 at 7:09 pm
yyesess! your soo right! i agree completely! i have read it soo many times and it is just amazing! one of the best books i have ever read!
November 25, 2010 at 7:08 pm
this book is amazing! i loved it! i sosooooooooo wish there was a sequel to this book! i finished it in 2 days and now im going to like cry because its over!
January 6, 2011 at 6:56 pm
what are some themes in lock and key
January 6, 2011 at 8:27 pm
I am only on the first couple of chapters and I allready love this book. I am so glad there are so many good reviews on it.. All of my friends have been telling me that I will not like the end; Im not even to chapter 6 and they are allready talking about the end. I honestly dont want the book to end. I am reading it for a book report. I have read most of Sarah Dessen’s books and I love each one and how most of them all take place in the same area I love it.
February 24, 2011 at 5:19 pm
i loved this book
January 15, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Sooo A[h]mazing!!! if not the best of best. i love it! she has done it again (:
Great Review by the way
February 24, 2011 at 5:19 pm
i loved this book it was really good!
May 16, 2011 at 6:40 pm
I Haven’t Read This Book But It Sounds Really Good! But For A Fact I Know It’s A Really Long Book Too, I Hope I Can Finish It. But Most Of ALL . . . . I Hope I Like ” Lock And Key. “
May 24, 2011 at 5:09 pm
i luvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv this book and i hate reading
June 8, 2011 at 5:35 am
I LOVE the book
Brilliant review :D
x
September 11, 2011 at 5:40 pm
I loved this book so so much!!!!!!
I was up all night cause I couldnt finish it!
September 15, 2011 at 7:22 pm
When 17 year old Ruby is abonden by her mother, social services comes to the rescue. After much resistance Ruby is forced to live with her goody-two-shoes sister Cora and her husband Jamie. On the first night Ruby tries to sneak away when caught by Jamie. Next door neighbor Nate tells Jamie she came to tell him his music was to loud. The next day is Rubys’ first day at Perkins Day, a rich private school Cora and Jamie send her to. Ruby tries to avoid riding with Nate but misses her busses and has no choice………………………………………………………………
For more information, go to booksforyou00@webs.com
September 15, 2011 at 7:33 pm
Sorry, wrong email follow this one.
September 15, 2011 at 7:53 pm
junkedymail@gmail.com and email a request for any book reveiw.
September 17, 2011 at 9:19 am
Take this down.
September 26, 2011 at 10:39 am
Schlüsselnotdienst Duisburg…
[…]Review: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen « Teen Book Review[…]…
October 27, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Healthcare Administration…
[…]Review: Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen « Teen Book Review[…]…
December 26, 2011 at 8:13 pm
i really want to read these books!!!!!!
December 26, 2011 at 8:16 pm
this one girl i know has some of these books and i keep seeing them everywhere and know i want to read all of her books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 26, 2011 at 8:18 pm
i really want to read these books so bad!!!i see them everywhere!
December 26, 2011 at 8:20 pm
i know this one girl has some of Sarah dessen’s books and i see them everywhere!!!!i realllllllllllly want to read them allll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 29, 2011 at 11:13 am
I really want to read these books so bad!!!i see them everywhere!
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January 4, 2012 at 11:46 am
I like a lot of her books but I just couldn’t get into this one. It’s very slow moving for my taste
January 4, 2012 at 11:49 am
I like a lot of Dessen’s books but Lock and Key was not one I enjoyed. It was just a little too slow moving for my taste and didn’t really get me into it.
January 5, 2012 at 4:51 pm
OMG I don’t think there could ever be a better book in the world better than “Someone like you”, i was just so sad at the end when Macon didn’t come say some completely sappy forgiveness to Halley and win her back! ):
April 15, 2012 at 3:36 pm
I liked this book and i love Sarah Dressen, but her books are all the same. Something bad happens so the girl has to go somewhere she doesn’t want to go to. Then she meets a boy who she doesn’t like at first and then falls in love with. As the book progresses she finds her answers in ordanary places. In the end she solves all her problems. I like these books but i always know whats going to happen
March 26, 2013 at 12:23 am
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